Understanding and using the phrase “be equivalent to + noun” correctly can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This structure is particularly useful in Task 1 and Task 2 Writing, as well as in the Speaking test, when you need to express equivalence or comparison. Let’s delve into its usage and see how you can incorporate it into your IELTS responses.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
The phrase “be equivalent to + noun” is used to express that something is equal in value, amount, meaning, or importance to something else. It’s a formal way of saying “is the same as” or “is equal to.” This structure frequently appears in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, especially when describing data or comparing different elements in charts or graphs.
Examples:
- The number of students in 2020 is equivalent to the total population of a small town.
- The company’s annual revenue is equivalent to the GDP of a developing country.
- The energy produced by the wind farm is equivalent to the power consumption of 10,000 households.
Grammar and Structure
The basic structure of this phrase is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + equivalent to + [noun/noun phrase]
It’s important to note that “equivalent” is an adjective, and it’s always followed by “to.” The noun or noun phrase after “to” represents what the subject is being equated with.
Using in IELTS Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you might encounter situations where you need to compare data or express equivalence. Here’s how you can use this structure effectively:
- “The percentage of renewable energy usage in Country A is equivalent to 30% of its total energy consumption.”
- “The number of international students in 2019 was equivalent to twice the figure recorded in 2010.”
- “The revenue generated from exports is equivalent to half of the country’s GDP.”
These sentences demonstrate how you can use the structure to make precise comparisons, which is crucial for achieving a high band score in Task 1.
Applying in IELTS Writing Task 2
For Task 2 essays, this phrase can be useful when making comparisons or discussing equivalence in more abstract terms:
- “Some argue that the experience gained from traveling is equivalent to years of formal education.”
- “In many cultures, respect for elders is equivalent to a fundamental societal value.”
- “The impact of social media on modern communication is equivalent to the revolution brought about by the telephone in the 20th century.”
Using this structure in Task 2 can help you express complex ideas more clearly and concisely, which is essential for achieving a high score in Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion.
Speaking Test Application
In the IELTS Speaking test, using “be equivalent to” can demonstrate your command of advanced vocabulary and structures:
- “In my country, owning a car is equivalent to a symbol of success.”
- “The stress of final exams is equivalent to the pressure professional athletes face during major competitions.”
- “Learning a new language as an adult is equivalent to unlocking a new perspective on the world.”
Using this phrase in your speaking responses can help you achieve a higher band score in Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores (7 and above) in IELTS, it’s not just about using the structure correctly, but also about using it appropriately and with variation. Here are some tips:
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Use synonyms: Instead of always using “equivalent,” you can use similar terms like “comparable to,” “tantamount to,” or “on par with.”
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Vary your sentence structures:
- “The cost of living in New York is equivalent to that in London.”
- “When it comes to cost of living, New York and London are equivalent.”
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Combine with other advanced structures:
- “Despite the differences in culture, the challenges faced by immigrants are equivalent to those experienced by refugees, both of which require significant support and understanding.”
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Use in complex sentences:
- “While some may argue that online education is equivalent to traditional classroom learning, I believe that the face-to-face interaction in physical classrooms provides benefits that are equivalent to, if not greater than, the convenience of online platforms.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “be equivalent to,” learners often make these mistakes:
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Incorrect preposition: Using “with” instead of “to.”
Incorrect: The damage is equivalent with millions of dollars in losses.
Correct: The damage is equivalent to millions of dollars in losses. -
Using it with adjectives:
Incorrect: His performance was equivalent to excellent.
Correct: His performance was equivalent to that of a professional athlete. -
Forgetting the “be” verb:
Incorrect: This certificate equivalent to a degree in some countries.
Correct: This certificate is equivalent to a degree in some countries. -
Using it for exact numerical equivalence:
Incorrect: Five kilometers is equivalent to 5000 meters.
Better: Five kilometers is equal to 5000 meters.
Remember, “equivalent to” implies a more general equivalence, not always an exact match.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be equivalent to + noun” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. It allows for precise comparisons and demonstrations of equivalence, which are valuable skills in academic and professional English. Practice using this structure in various contexts, and remember to vary your language and combine it with other advanced structures for the best results. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to incorporate this phrase into your writing and speaking practice, always ensuring that you use it accurately and appropriately for the given context.
For further practice, try using “be equivalent to” in essays about topics like technological advancements, educational systems, or economic comparisons between countries. These subjects often require expressing equivalence and can help you become more comfortable with using this structure in your IELTS responses.