The phrase “be concentrated on + noun/gerund” is a valuable grammatical structure that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This construction is commonly used to express focus, dedication, or emphasis on a particular subject or action. Understanding its proper usage can help you articulate your ideas more precisely in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam.

IELTS Exam Preparation

Understanding the Structure and Its Importance in IELTS

The structure “be concentrated on + noun/gerund” consists of three main components:

1. A form of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, etc.)
2. The past participle “concentrated”
3. The preposition “on”
4. A noun or gerund (verb + -ing form used as a noun)

This structure appears frequently in IELTS tasks, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where candidates are expected to discuss complex ideas and trends.

Examples:

1. “The government’s efforts are concentrated on improving education.” (noun)
2. “Her research is concentrated on studying climate change.” (gerund)
3. “The company’s resources were concentrated on developing new technologies.” (gerund)

In each of these examples, the structure clearly indicates the focus or emphasis of the subject. This precision is crucial for achieving higher band scores in IELTS.

Grammar Rules and Usage

Formula:

[Subject] + [be verb] + concentrated + on + [noun/gerund]

Understanding this formula is essential for using the structure correctly in your IELTS responses.

Application in Different IELTS Sections

1. Writing Task 2:
   In essay writing, this structure can help you articulate main points clearly:

   “In many countries, government policies are concentrated on promoting economic growth at the expense of environmental protection.”

2. Speaking Part 3:
   When discussing abstract ideas or trends:

   “Nowadays, many young professionals are concentrated on building their careers rather than starting families early.”

3. Writing Task 1:
   While less common in Task 1, it can be used to describe focus areas in charts or graphs:

   “The pie chart shows that the majority of research funding is concentrated on medical sciences.”

Sample Passages and Analysis

Writing Task 2 Sample:

“In recent years, educational reforms have been concentrated on integrating technology into classrooms. While this focus has yielded some positive results, it is crucial to ensure that traditional learning methods are not entirely abandoned. A balanced approach, where digital tools complement rather than replace conventional teaching techniques, is likely to be most effective.”

Analysis: This passage uses the structure to highlight the main focus of educational reforms. It demonstrates a sophisticated use of language, which is essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing.

Speaking Part 3 Sample:

Examiner: “How has the focus of scientific research changed in recent years?”
Candidate: “Well, in my opinion, scientific research has shifted significantly. Previously, it was concentrated on fundamental theoretical discoveries. However, nowadays, research is more concentrated on practical applications and solving immediate global challenges. For instance, a lot of current research is concentrated on developing sustainable energy solutions and addressing climate change.”

Analysis: In this speaking sample, the candidate uses the structure three times, demonstrating variety and fluency. This repetition doesn’t feel forced because each instance serves a different purpose in the explanation.

Strategies for High Band Scores

To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, consider these strategies when using “be concentrated on”:

1. Variation: Alternate between noun and gerund usage.

   • “Research is concentrated on climate change.” (noun)
   • “Scientists are concentrated on reducing carbon emissions.” (gerund)

2. Complexity: Combine with other advanced structures.

   • “Despite limited funding, researchers have been concentrated on developing innovative solutions, which may ultimately lead to breakthrough discoveries.”

3. Precision: Use specific nouns or gerunds to show depth of knowledge.

   • Instead of “problems,” use “socio-economic disparities.”
   • Instead of “helping,” use “alleviating poverty.”

4. Cohesion: Use the structure to link ideas across paragraphs or responses.

   • “While previous efforts were concentrated on short-term solutions, current initiatives are concentrated on sustainable, long-term strategies.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect preposition:

   • Incorrect: “The study is concentrated in climate change.”
   • Correct: “The study is concentrated on climate change.”

2. Using an adjective instead of a gerund:

   • Incorrect: “They are concentrated on quick to solve the problem.”
   • Correct: “They are concentrated on quickly solving the problem.”

3. Forgetting the verb ‘be’:

   • Incorrect: “The company concentrated on expanding overseas.”
   • Correct: “The company is concentrated on expanding overseas.”

4. Using with intransitive verbs:

   • Incorrect: “She is concentrated on sleeping more.”
   • Better: “She is focused on getting more sleep.”

5. Overuse: While it’s a useful structure, overusing it can make your language repetitive. Vary your expressions for better fluency and coherence.

Conclusion

Mastering the “be concentrated on + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows for precise expression of focus and emphasis, which is crucial in both the writing and speaking sections. Remember to use it accurately, vary your language, and practice incorporating it into complex sentences. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try to identify opportunities to use this structure in your practice essays and speaking responses, always ensuring that it fits naturally within the context of your answer.