The structure “be composed of + noun” is a useful grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. It’s particularly valuable for describing the components or elements that make up something. Understanding and using this structure correctly can significantly enhance your performance in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS test.
Let’s explore this structure in depth and see how you can incorporate it into your IELTS responses:
- “The human body is composed of billions of cells.”
- “Our solar system is composed of eight planets and numerous smaller bodies.”
- “A well-balanced diet is composed of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.”
- “The United Nations is composed of 193 member states.”
- “Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.”
In each of these examples, “be composed of” is followed by a noun or noun phrase that describes the components or elements making up the subject.
Understanding “Be Composed of + Noun”
The phrase “be composed of” is used to describe what something consists of or is made up of. It’s a formal way to express the composition or constituent parts of something. This structure is particularly useful in academic and scientific contexts, making it highly relevant for IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 writing, as well as for more advanced responses in the speaking test.
Grammar Formula:
[Subject] + [be verb] + composed of + [noun/noun phrase]
The subject is typically a singular or plural noun, followed by the appropriate form of “be” (is, are, was, were), then “composed of,” and finally the noun or noun phrase describing the components.
Application in IELTS Writing
Task 1 (Academic)
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you might need to describe the composition of something in a graph, chart, or diagram. For example:
“According to the pie chart, the university’s student body is composed of undergraduate and graduate students. The largest segment is composed of full-time undergraduates, accounting for 60% of the total.”
Task 2
In Task 2 essays, you can use this structure to provide specific details or examples:
“Many argue that a successful society is composed of diverse individuals with varying skills and perspectives. This diversity is composed of people from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, and professional fields.”
Enhancing Your IELTS Speaking Responses
In the speaking test, using “be composed of” can demonstrate your command of more advanced grammatical structures:
Examiner: “Can you describe the education system in your country?”
Candidate: “Certainly. The education system in my country is composed of three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is composed of six years of schooling, typically starting at age 6. Secondary education is composed of two stages: lower secondary, which lasts three years, and upper secondary, which is an additional three years. Finally, tertiary education is composed of undergraduate and postgraduate programs at universities and colleges.”
Advanced Usage and Variations
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, consider using variations and more complex structures:
- Passive voice: “The committee was composed of experts from various fields.”
- Perfect tenses: “The team has been composed of the same members for over a decade.”
- Modifiers: “The solution is primarily composed of water and dissolved minerals.”
- Quantifiers: “The forest is largely composed of deciduous trees.”
Compare these sentences to see how they can elevate your writing:
Band 6: “The group has five people.”
Band 7: “The group is composed of five individuals.”
Band 8: “The diverse group is primarily composed of experienced professionals from various industries.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect preposition: “The team is composed by five players.” (Correct: The team is composed of five players.)
- Using with uncountable nouns: “The air is composed of oxygen.” (Better: The air consists of or is made up of oxygen and other gases.)
- Confusing with “compose”: “Five players compose the team.” (While grammatically correct, this is less common and may sound unnatural.)
- Overuse: Vary your language by using synonyms like “consist of,” “comprise,” or “be made up of.”
Remember, while “be composed of” is a useful structure, it’s important to use it appropriately and in moderation. Overusing any single phrase can make your writing or speaking seem repetitive and less sophisticated.
In conclusion, mastering the “be composed of + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Practice incorporating this phrase into your responses, but also remember to use it alongside a variety of other structures to demonstrate the full range of your English language skills. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try creating sentences and paragraphs using this structure to describe various topics, from scientific concepts to social issues, to become more comfortable with its application in different contexts.