The “be committed to + gerund” structure is a powerful expression that frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. This phrase demonstrates a strong dedication or determination towards an action or goal, making it an excellent tool for expressing opinions and intentions in a formal context. Let’s explore how to effectively use this structure to enhance your IELTS performance.
Understanding the “Be Committed to + Gerund” Structure
The phrase “be committed to + gerund” consists of three main components:
- The verb “be” (conjugated according to the subject and tense)
- The adjective “committed”
- The preposition “to”
- A gerund (verb + -ing form)
This structure expresses a firm dedication or resolve towards an ongoing action or long-term goal. It’s particularly useful in IELTS essays and speaking tasks when discussing personal or professional objectives, societal issues, or policy commitments.
Examples in IELTS Context
- “The government is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 30% over the next decade.”
- “As a teacher, I am committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all students.”
- “Many companies are committed to implementing sustainable practices in their operations.”
- “Scientists are committed to finding a cure for this rare disease.”
- “The organization is committed to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.”
In each of these examples, the structure emphasizes a strong, ongoing commitment to an action or goal, which is ideal for expressing opinions and plans in IELTS tasks.
Grammar Formula and Usage
The formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be (conjugated)] + committed + to + [verb-ing]
It’s crucial to remember that the verb following “to” must always be in the gerund form (-ing). This structure can be used in various tenses by conjugating the “be” verb appropriately:
- Present: I am / He/She/It is / We/You/They are committed to…
- Past: I/He/She/It was / We/You/They were committed to…
- Future: I/We/You/They will be committed to…
- Present Perfect: I/We/You/They have been / He/She/It has been committed to…
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this structure can be particularly effective in your thesis statement, topic sentences, or conclusion. For example:
“In my opinion, governments should be committed to investing in renewable energy sources to combat climate change.”
This sentence could serve as a strong thesis statement for an essay on environmental policies.
Usage in IELTS Speaking
For the Speaking test, you can use this structure to express personal goals or societal trends:
“In my field, many professionals are committed to continuous learning to stay updated with the latest technologies.”
Sample Paragraphs and Sentences
Writing Task 2 Sample Paragraph
“Education plays a crucial role in societal development, and I believe that governments should be committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all citizens. By being committed to improving access to quality education, nations can ensure a more skilled workforce and reduce social inequalities. For instance, countries that are committed to investing in comprehensive education systems often see higher levels of innovation and economic growth. Moreover, when a society is committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, it becomes more adaptable to global challenges.”
Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer
“I’d like to talk about a personal goal I have. I am committed to learning a new language, specifically Mandarin Chinese. I’ve always been committed to expanding my cultural understanding, and I believe that language learning is an excellent way to achieve this. Over the next year, I am committed to studying for at least an hour every day and am committed to practicing with native speakers whenever possible. I am also committed to immersing myself in Chinese culture through movies, music, and literature. By being committed to this goal, I hope to not only improve my language skills but also enhance my career prospects in the global market.”
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s important to use this structure accurately and in context. Here’s how you can elevate your language use:
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Vary your vocabulary: Instead of always using “committed,” consider synonyms like “dedicated,” “devoted,” or “determined” in appropriate contexts.
Example: “The team is dedicated to achieving their targets by the end of the quarter.”
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Use more complex sentence structures:
Example: “Despite facing numerous challenges, the organization remains committed to providing essential services to the community, while also being devoted to improving its operational efficiency.”
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Combine with other advanced structures:
Example: “Having been committed to promoting sustainable practices for years, the company is now recognized as an industry leader in environmental responsibility.”
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Use in different tenses and forms:
Example: “If elected, the candidate promises to be committed to reforming the healthcare system.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect verb form after “to”:
- Incorrect: “They are committed to improve their skills.”
- Correct: “They are committed to improving their skills.”
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Omitting “to”:
- Incorrect: “We are committed helping the community.”
- Correct: “We are committed to helping the community.”
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Using a noun instead of a gerund:
- Incorrect: “The company is committed to environment protection.”
- Correct: “The company is committed to protecting the environment.”
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Incorrect subject-verb agreement:
- Incorrect: “The team are committed to winning the championship.”
- Correct: “The team is committed to winning the championship.”
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Misusing the tense:
- Incorrect: “They were committed to finishing the project next month.”
- Correct: “They are committed to finishing the project next month.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be committed to + gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. This phrase allows you to express strong dedication and long-term goals effectively, which is crucial when discussing personal objectives, societal issues, or professional aspirations. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and combine it with other advanced grammatical forms to achieve higher band scores. By being committed to improving your language skills and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to IELTS success.
For further practice, try incorporating this structure into essays on topics such as environmental protection, educational reform, or technological advancements. These themes often require expressing commitment to long-term goals and are frequently encountered in IELTS exams.
To enhance your overall IELTS preparation, you might also want to explore other important grammatical structures. For instance, learning about parallel structures in lists can help you create more coherent and sophisticated sentences in your writing tasks.