As an IELTS teacher, I often encounter students struggling with advanced grammatical structures. One such structure that frequently appears in IELTS exams is “be committed to + noun/gerund.” This phrase is crucial for expressing dedication and commitment, which can significantly enhance your writing and speaking scores. Let’s dive into its usage and how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS preparation.
Understanding “Be Committed to + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be committed to” is used to express a strong dedication or obligation to something. It’s followed by either a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing form). This structure is particularly useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where you need to express opinions and discuss abstract ideas.
Formula:
Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + committed to + noun/gerund
Examples:
- The government is committed to reducing carbon emissions.
- As a teacher, I am committed to my students’ success.
- The company was committed to implementing new safety measures.
Using “Be Committed to” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using this structure can demonstrate your ability to discuss complex ideas and show commitment to various causes. Here’s an example paragraph:
Topic: Environmental Protection
“Many countries are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, but individual actions are equally important. Citizens who are committed to making small changes in their daily lives, such as using public transport or reducing plastic consumption, can collectively make a significant impact. Moreover, businesses that are committed to adopting eco-friendly practices not only contribute to environmental protection but also often see long-term economic benefits.”
In this paragraph, we’ve used the structure three times, each time followed by a gerund. This shows variety in sentence structure and a strong grasp of the concept.
Incorporating “Be Committed to” in IELTS Speaking
For the Speaking test, particularly in Part 3 where you discuss abstract ideas, this phrase can help you express your opinions more eloquently.
Example response to “How can governments encourage environmental protection?”
“I believe governments should be committed to implementing stricter regulations on industries. They need to be committed to educating the public about environmental issues from an early age. Additionally, governments should be committed to investing in renewable energy sources. By being committed to these actions, they can set an example for citizens and businesses to follow.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb form:
- Incorrect: “They are committed to reduces pollution.”
- Correct: “They are committed to reducing pollution.”
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Using ‘to’ twice:
- Incorrect: “We are committed to to protect the environment.”
- Correct: “We are committed to protecting the environment.”
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Confusing with similar phrases:
- Be careful not to confuse “be committed to” with phrases like “be dedicated to” or “be devoted to.” While these have similar meanings, “be committed to” often implies a stronger sense of obligation or promise.
Enhancing Your IELTS Score with “Be Committed to”
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s crucial to use a variety of complex structures accurately. Here’s how you can use “be committed to” to target different band scores:
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Band 6: Basic use of the structure
“The company is committed to helping the environment.” -
Band 7: More complex use with additional details
“The multinational corporation is firmly committed to implementing eco-friendly policies across all its branches.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated use with idiomatic language
“Despite facing economic challenges, the government remains unwaveringly committed to fostering innovation in renewable energy technologies.”
Practice Exercises
- Write a paragraph about personal development using “be committed to” at least twice.
- Prepare a one-minute speech on the importance of education, incorporating this structure.
- Transform these simple sentences using “be committed to”:
- “I want to learn a new language.”
- “The team tries to win every game.”
- “Scientists work hard to find a cure.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be committed to + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express dedication and commitment effectively, which is crucial in many IELTS topics. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and always be mindful of the grammar rules associated with it. By incorporating this phrase naturally into your writing and speaking, you’ll demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.
For further practice, consider exploring related structures such as “be devoted to + noun/gerund” and “be accused of + noun/gerund” to expand your grammatical repertoire.