The phrase “Be Equipped With + Noun” is a valuable expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This structure is commonly used to describe something or someone having or being provided with a particular tool, feature, or capability. Let’s explore how to use this phrase effectively in the IELTS exam.
Understanding “Be Equipped With + Noun”
The structure “be equipped with + noun” is frequently used in both IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks. It’s particularly useful when discussing technology, facilities, or personal skills.
Formula:
Subject + be (conjugated) + equipped with + noun/noun phrase
Examples:
- The new laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art microscopes.
- Modern smartphones are equipped with high-resolution cameras.
- Successful managers are often equipped with excellent communication skills.
- The fire station was equipped with the latest firefighting technology.
- By the end of the training, all participants will be equipped with the necessary survival skills.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Application in IELTS Writing
Task 1 (Academic)
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you might need to describe equipment or features of a place or object. Using “be equipped with” can help you articulate these descriptions more precisely.
Example:
“The diagram shows a modern classroom equipped with various technological devices. The room is equipped with an interactive whiteboard at the front, while each student desk is equipped with a tablet computer.”
Task 2 (Academic and General Training)
For Task 2 essays, this phrase can be useful when discussing technological advancements, educational facilities, or workplace environments.
Example:
“In today’s competitive job market, it is crucial for graduates to be equipped with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills. Universities should ensure that their programs are equipped with hands-on training opportunities to better prepare students for their future careers.”
Enhancing IELTS Speaking Responses
Using “be equipped with” in your speaking responses can demonstrate a high level of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. It’s particularly useful in Part 2 (long turn) and Part 3 (discussion) of the speaking test.
Example for Speaking Part 2 (Describing a piece of technology):
“I’d like to talk about my smartphone. It’s a latest model equipped with a powerful processor and an advanced camera system. The phone is also equipped with facial recognition technology for enhanced security.”
Example for Speaking Part 3 (Discussing technology in education):
“I believe modern classrooms should be equipped with interactive learning tools. When schools are equipped with such technology, students can engage more actively in the learning process.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
-
Incorrect verb form:
- Incorrect: “The car equipped with GPS.”
- Correct: “The car is equipped with GPS.”
-
Using “with” twice:
- Incorrect: “The room is equipped with with comfortable furniture.”
- Correct: “The room is equipped with comfortable furniture.”
-
Using a verb instead of a noun:
- Incorrect: “Scientists are equipped with research.”
- Correct: “Scientists are equipped with research skills.”
-
Forgetting to conjugate “be”:
- Incorrect: “The soldiers be equipped with advanced weapons.”
- Correct: “The soldiers are equipped with advanced weapons.”
-
Using in passive voice incorrectly:
- Incorrect: “The latest features have been equipped the smartphone with.”
- Correct: “The smartphone has been equipped with the latest features.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), try to use this phrase in more complex sentence structures:
Band 6 example:
“The new office is equipped with modern computers.”
Band 7 example:
“Having recently undergone renovation, the office is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhancing productivity.”
Band 8-9 example:
“In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, the company has ensured that its newly refurbished office space is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ranging from AI-powered workstations to virtual reality meeting rooms, thereby fostering innovation and efficiency.”
IELTS Writing Task
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be equipped with + noun” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts, and always ensure you’re using it grammatically correctly. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try incorporating this structure into your practice essays and speaking responses to become more comfortable with its usage.
For further improvement of your IELTS skills, you might also want to explore other useful structures such as “would prefer + noun clause” or “be devoted to + noun/gerund”. These structures can help you express preferences and dedication, further enriching your language use in the IELTS exam.
