The structure “be encouraged by + noun” is a valuable grammatical tool that can enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. This passive voice construction allows you to express motivation or inspiration derived from various sources, adding depth and sophistication to your language use. Let’s explore how to master this structure and apply it effectively in your IELTS exam.
Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrase “be encouraged by + noun” follows this formula:
[Subject] + [be] + encouraged + by + [noun]
This passive construction is particularly useful in IELTS as it allows you to:
- Demonstrate a range of grammatical structures
- Express ideas about motivation and influence
- Discuss causes and effects in a more formal manner
For example:
- “Students are encouraged by their teachers’ support.”
- “I was encouraged by the positive feedback on my presentation.”
- “Many people are encouraged by success stories of entrepreneurs.”
Applying “Be Encouraged by + Noun” in IELTS Writing
Task 2 Essays
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using this structure can help you express ideas about motivation and influence in society, education, or personal development.
Example paragraph:
“In the modern workplace, employees are often encouraged by flexible working arrangements. This motivation leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Moreover, companies are encouraged by the positive results to implement more employee-friendly policies.”
Analysis:
- The first use shows how a policy affects employees.
- The second use demonstrates a cause-effect relationship in business decisions.
Task 1 Reports
While less common in Task 1, this structure can be used in certain graph descriptions or process explanations.
Example:
“The graph shows that consumers were encouraged by lower prices, leading to a sharp increase in sales between 2018 and 2019.”
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “Be Encouraged by + Noun”
Part 2 Monologue
This structure is particularly useful in Speaking Part 2, especially for topics related to influences or motivations.
Example cue card response:
“I’d like to talk about a person who has greatly influenced my career choices. I was encouraged by my high school science teacher’s passion for environmental issues. Her enthusiasm was encouraged by real-world problems, and she always linked our lessons to current events. This approach was encouraged by the school’s focus on practical education.”
Part 3 Discussion
In Part 3, you can use this structure to discuss broader themes and societal trends.
Example:
“I believe young people today are encouraged by social media influencers more than traditional role models. This shift is encouraged by the accessibility and relatability of online content creators.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb form:
- Incorrect: “He be encouraged by the results.”
- Correct: “He is/was encouraged by the results.”
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Using ‘from’ instead of ‘by’:
- Incorrect: “She was encouraged from her parents.”
- Correct: “She was encouraged by her parents.”
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Forgetting to change the verb when using past tense:
- Incorrect: “Last year, I am encouraged by my coach.”
- Correct: “Last year, I was encouraged by my coach.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores with Advanced Usage
To aim for Band 7 and above, consider these advanced applications:
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Combining with other structures:
“Having been encouraged by the initial success, the team decided to expand their project.” -
Using in complex sentences:
“While some were encouraged by the new policies, others felt that more comprehensive changes were necessary.” -
Incorporating idiomatic expressions:
“The startup was encouraged by the light at the end of the tunnel when they secured their first major investor.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be encouraged by + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Practice incorporating this phrase into your Writing and Speaking tasks, focusing on accuracy and contextual relevance. Remember to use it alongside a variety of other grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency fully.
For further practice, consider how you might use this structure in topics like technological advancements, environmental conservation, or personal achievement stories. These themes often appear in IELTS tasks and provide excellent opportunities to showcase your grasp of this grammatical form.
To continue improving your IELTS grammar skills, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as how to effectively use ‘be proud of + gerund/noun’ or learn about describing a person who has encouraged you to achieve your goals. These resources can provide additional context and practice for using encouragement-related structures in your IELTS preparation.