The phrase “be conducive to” is a valuable expression that can elevate your IELTS score by demonstrating sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures. This phrase is particularly useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where you’re expected to discuss abstract concepts and their impacts. Let’s explore how to use this phrase effectively and avoid common mistakes.
Understanding “Be Conducive to + Noun/Gerund”
“Be conducive to” means to create favorable conditions for something to happen or exist. It’s often used to describe environments, situations, or actions that promote or facilitate a particular outcome.
Grammar Structure
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + be + conducive + to + [noun/gerund]
Examples:
- A quiet environment is conducive to studying.
- Regular exercise is conducive to maintaining good health.
- The company’s open-plan office is conducive to collaboration.
In these examples, the subjects (environment, exercise, office) create favorable conditions for the outcomes (studying, maintaining health, collaboration).
Using “Be Conducive to” in IELTS Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “be conducive to” can help you express complex ideas about cause and effect, particularly when discussing social issues, education, or workplace environments.
Example Essay Introduction
Consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
“Some people believe that a noisy environment can boost creativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
You could start your essay with:
“While some argue that a bustling atmosphere can stimulate innovative thinking, I believe that a calm environment is generally more conducive to fostering creativity. This essay will explore how different settings affect creative output and why tranquility often provides better conditions for imaginative work.”
Body Paragraph Example
“Research has shown that a quiet workspace is conducive to deep concentration, which is essential for creative problem-solving. When individuals are free from auditory distractions, they can more easily enter a state of ‘flow’, where ideas flow freely and innovation thrives. For instance, many renowned authors and artists seek out secluded retreats to produce their best work, demonstrating that peaceful surroundings are conducive to artistic expression.”
Applying “Be Conducive to” in IELTS Speaking Part 3
In Speaking Part 3, you might be asked to discuss abstract concepts related to society, education, or personal development. Using “be conducive to” can help you articulate your ideas more eloquently.
Sample Question and Response
Question: “What kind of environment do you think is best for learning?”
Response: “I believe that a supportive and well-equipped environment is most conducive to effective learning. This means having access to necessary resources, such as books and technology, as well as a atmosphere that encourages curiosity and questioning. Additionally, a setting that is free from excessive noise and distractions is conducive to maintaining focus, which is crucial for absorbing new information. For example, libraries are often designed to be conducive to studying, with their quiet spaces and abundance of learning materials.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for band 7 and above, consider these more sophisticated applications:
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Use with abstract nouns:
“A culture of open communication is conducive to innovation in the workplace.” -
Incorporate into complex sentences:
“While a competitive environment may drive short-term results, a collaborative atmosphere is more conducive to long-term success and employee satisfaction.” -
Combine with other advanced structures:
“Not only is a diverse workforce conducive to creativity, but it also enhances problem-solving capabilities by bringing multiple perspectives to the table.” -
Use in passive constructions:
“It has been argued that a more flexible work schedule is conducive to achieving a better work-life balance.” -
Employ in conditional sentences:
“If the government were to invest more in public spaces, it would create an environment conducive to community building and social cohesion.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect preposition:
Incorrect: “conducive for learning”
Correct: “conducive to learning“ -
Using an adjective instead of a noun/gerund:
Incorrect: “conducive to creative”
Correct: “conducive to creativity” or “conducive to being creative“ -
Forgetting the “be” verb:
Incorrect: “This environment conducive to productivity”
Correct: “This environment is conducive to productivity“ -
Using with negative concepts:
While grammatically correct, it’s uncommon and can sound awkward:
Awkward: “This policy is conducive to increasing unemployment”
Better: “This policy may lead to increased unemployment” -
Overuse in a single paragraph or essay:
Using this phrase too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Aim to use it once or twice in an essay, varying your language elsewhere.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be conducive to + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. Remember to use it to discuss how certain conditions or actions promote positive outcomes. Practice incorporating this phrase into your responses to various IELTS topics such as education, work environments, social policies, and personal development. By using this structure correctly and in context, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, potentially boosting your language and coherence scores.