The phrase “be convicted of + noun” is a crucial grammatical structure that frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks related to crime, law, and social issues. Understanding its proper usage can significantly enhance your performance in these sections. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to effectively employ it in your IELTS responses.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
The structure “be convicted of + noun” is used to express that someone has been found guilty of a crime or offense in a court of law. It’s a passive construction that emphasizes the result of a legal process rather than the action itself.
Examples:
- He was convicted of murder after a lengthy trial.
- The CEO was convicted of fraud and sentenced to five years in prison.
- Several politicians were convicted of corruption in a high-profile case.
- The activist was wrongfully convicted of treason and later exonerated.
- Despite the evidence, she was not convicted of any wrongdoing.
In each of these examples, the subject (he, the CEO, several politicians, the activist, she) is the recipient of the action (conviction), highlighting the passive nature of this structure.
Grammar Formula and IELTS Application
The grammatical formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be] (in appropriate tense) + convicted of + [crime/offense]
This structure is particularly useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where discussions about crime, punishment, and social issues are common.
Writing Task 2 Example:
In an essay about criminal justice reform, you might write:
“Many argue that rehabilitation programs are more effective than punitive measures for those convicted of non-violent offenses. While individuals convicted of serious crimes may require incarceration, those convicted of minor infractions could benefit more from community service and education programs.”
Speaking Part 3 Example:
Question: “Do you think the justice system in your country is fair?”
Answer: “While our justice system strives for fairness, there are certainly areas for improvement. For instance, sometimes people are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit due to flawed evidence or biased investigations. On the other hand, powerful individuals might avoid being convicted of serious offenses due to their influence or resources. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring true justice for all.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s essential to use this structure with precision and sophistication. Here are some advanced techniques:
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Use with specific crimes:
- “The businessman was convicted of embezzlement after a thorough financial audit.”
- “Several gang members were convicted of racketeering in a landmark case.”
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Incorporate passive voice variations:
- “Having been convicted of perjury, the witness lost all credibility.”
- “Once convicted of tax evasion, many find it challenging to rebuild their careers.”
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Combine with other complex structures:
- “Despite the circumstantial nature of the evidence, he was convicted of manslaughter, a decision that many legal experts believe warrants an appeal.”
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Use in conditional sentences:
- “If he were to be convicted of insider trading, it would have far-reaching consequences for the entire financial sector.”
These advanced uses demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, which is crucial for scoring in the higher bands (7-9) in IELTS.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect preposition:
- Incorrect: “He was convicted for theft.”
- Correct: “He was convicted of theft.”
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Using active voice instead of passive:
- Incorrect: “The court convicted him of assault.”
- Correct: “He was convicted of assault by the court.”
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Confusion with similar phrases:
- Incorrect: “She was accused of fraud.” (This means she was charged but not necessarily found guilty)
- Correct: “She was convicted of fraud.” (This confirms she was found guilty)
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Incorrect noun usage:
- Incorrect: “They were convicted of criminality.”
- Correct: “They were convicted of various criminal activities.”
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Tense inconsistency:
- Incorrect: “After he was convicted of bribery, he loses his job.”
- Correct: “After he was convicted of bribery, he lost his job.”
To avoid these mistakes, practice using the structure in various contexts and always double-check your sentence structure, especially in the Writing section where you have time to review your work.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be convicted of + noun” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in tasks related to law, crime, and social issues. Remember to use it accurately in passive constructions, pair it with specific crimes or offenses, and incorporate it into more complex sentence structures for higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, practice using this phrase in various contexts, such as discussing criminal justice reform, analyzing social problems, or debating the effectiveness of different punishment systems. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar and vocabulary, crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS.
For further practice, consider exploring topics like white-collar crime, juvenile delinquency, or international law enforcement cooperation, where this structure is likely to be particularly relevant. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering this and other important grammatical structures for IELTS success.