The phrase “be concerned with + noun/gerund” is a common structure in English that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding its usage and mastering its application can significantly boost your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into this important grammatical construction and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation and exam.
Understanding “Be Concerned with + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be concerned with” is used to express involvement, interest, or focus on a particular subject or activity. It’s a versatile structure that can be followed by either a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing form), allowing for a wide range of expressions in both speaking and writing tasks.
Examples:
- The study is concerned with climate change impacts.
- Our company is concerned with improving customer satisfaction.
- The committee is concerned with allocating resources effectively.
- Scientists are concerned with finding a cure for cancer.
- This book is primarily concerned with ancient history.
In each of these examples, the phrase introduces the main focus or topic of interest. This structure is particularly useful in academic and professional contexts, making it valuable for IELTS candidates aiming for higher band scores.
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Syntax
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + concerned with + [noun/gerund]
It’s crucial to note that the verb “be” should agree with the subject in number and tense. For instance:
- Singular present: The research is concerned with developing new technologies.
- Plural present: The scientists are concerned with analyzing data.
- Singular past: The study was concerned with understanding consumer behavior.
- Plural past: The experts were concerned with predicting market trends.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you can use this structure to describe the focus of graphs, charts, or processes:
- “This graph is concerned with showing the trends in global temperatures over the past century.”
- “The pie chart is concerned with illustrating the distribution of household expenditure.”
For Writing Task 2, it’s an excellent way to introduce your essay topic or main arguments:
- “This essay is concerned with discussing the pros and cons of renewable energy sources.”
- “Environmentalists are concerned with preserving natural habitats for endangered species.”
Using in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, you can employ this phrase to articulate your interests or the focus of your studies or work:
- “My research is concerned with exploring the effects of social media on mental health.”
- “In my job, I am concerned with managing customer relationships and improving satisfaction rates.”
Sample Responses for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s essential to use this structure accurately and in context. Here are some sample responses that demonstrate its effective use:
Writing Task 2 Sample (Band 8-9)
Topic: The role of government in environmental protection
“This essay is concerned with examining the extent to which governments should be involved in environmental protection. While some argue that environmental issues should be left to individuals and businesses, I believe that government intervention is crucial. Governments are concerned with creating and enforcing regulations that can have a widespread impact on reducing pollution and preserving natural resources. Moreover, they are concerned with allocating substantial funds for research and development of green technologies, which private entities might find too risky or unprofitable.”
Speaking Part 3 Sample (Band 7-8)
Question: What environmental issues is your country currently facing?
“My country is primarily concerned with addressing air pollution in major cities. The government is concerned with implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles and industrial plants. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on renewable energy – policymakers are concerned with developing solar and wind power infrastructure to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. However, these efforts are also concerned with balancing economic growth with environmental protection, which is a challenging task.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb agreement:
- Incorrect: “The data is concerned with show the results.”
- Correct: “The data are concerned with showing the results.”
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Using ‘with’ twice:
- Incorrect: “They are concerned with with the rising costs.”
- Correct: “They are concerned with the rising costs.”
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Confusing with similar phrases:
- Incorrect: “I am concerned about finishing the project.” (This expresses worry)
- Correct: “I am concerned with finishing the project.” (This expresses focus or involvement)
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Forgetting the gerund:
- Incorrect: “The research is concerned with to develop new methods.”
- Correct: “The research is concerned with developing new methods.”
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Misusing in personal situations:
- Less appropriate: “I am concerned with my health.” (Sounds too formal)
- More natural: “I am concerned about my health.” (For personal worries, ‘about’ is more common)
Conclusion
Mastering the “be concerned with + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express focus, involvement, and academic interest precisely – a key skill for achieving higher band scores. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts, ensuring correct verb agreement and appropriate usage in formal and academic settings. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, incorporate this structure into your writing and speaking practice, and be on the lookout for it in reading and listening tasks. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using this phrase naturally and effectively, contributing to a more sophisticated and accurate use of English in your IELTS test.