The “be expected to + verb” structure is a crucial grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and effectively using this structure can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and application in IELTS.
Understanding the “Be Expected to + Verb” Structure
The “be expected to + verb” structure is used to express expectations, obligations, or responsibilities that are placed upon someone or something. It’s a passive form that indicates what others anticipate or require from the subject.
Formula and Grammar Rules
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be] + expected + to + [base form of verb]
Examples:
- Students are expected to submit their assignments on time.
- The new employee is expected to start work next Monday.
- You’re expected to dress formally for the interview.
- The project was expected to be completed by last month.
- They will be expected to provide detailed reports weekly.
In these examples, the structure remains consistent, with only the subject and the base form of the verb changing to fit the context.
Application in IELTS Writing
Task 1 (Academic)
In IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic), you might use this structure to describe trends or make predictions based on data.
Example:
“Based on the graph, unemployment rates are expected to decrease by 2% over the next five years.”
Task 1 (General)
For General Training, this structure can be useful in formal letters.
Example:
“I am expected to attend a conference in New York next month and would like to request some information about accommodation options.”
Task 2 (Both Academic and General)
In Task 2 essays, this structure can help express societal expectations or future predictions.
Example:
“In the future, employees are expected to be more technologically savvy as businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms.”
Application in IELTS Speaking
The “be expected to + verb” structure can be particularly useful in Part 3 of the Speaking test, where you’re asked to discuss more abstract topics.
Example:
Examiner: “What responsibilities do you think young people have in society?”
Candidate: “Well, young people are generally expected to contribute fresh ideas and energy to their communities. They are also expected to be more adaptable to technological changes and to help bridge the generational gap in terms of digital literacy.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and in varied contexts. Here’s how you can elevate your usage:
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Use with different subjects and tenses:
- “The government is expected to announce new policies soon.” (Present)
- “Scientists were expected to make a breakthrough, but the results were inconclusive.” (Past)
- “By 2030, renewable energy will be expected to provide 50% of our power needs.” (Future)
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Combine with other complex structures:
- “Despite the challenges, the team is not only expected to complete the project on time but also to exceed quality standards.”
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Use in different types of sentences:
- Question: “What are you expected to achieve in your new role?”
- Negative: “Employees are not expected to work overtime without compensation.”
- Conditional: “If the weather improves, tourists will be expected to flock to the beaches.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong form of the main verb:
- Incorrect: “She is expected to attending the meeting.”
- Correct: “She is expected to attend the meeting.”
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Forgetting ‘to’:
- Incorrect: “They are expected work late tonight.”
- Correct: “They are expected to work late tonight.”
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Using active voice instead of passive:
- Incorrect: “The manager expects the report to be on his desk by noon.”
- Correct: “The report is expected to be on the manager’s desk by noon.”
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Misusing with certain verbs:
- Incorrect: “The weather is expected to be raining tomorrow.”
- Correct: “It is expected to rain tomorrow.” or “The weather is expected to be rainy tomorrow.”
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Overusing the structure:
- While it’s important to demonstrate your ability to use this structure, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonymous expressions like “is anticipated to,” “is supposed to,” or “is likely to.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be expected to + verb” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express expectations and obligations clearly and formally, which is particularly valuable in academic and professional contexts. Practice using this structure in various tenses and with different subjects to become more comfortable with it. Remember to use it alongside other complex structures to demonstrate your language proficiency fully.
For further practice, try incorporating this structure into essays on topics like unexpected good news or facing unexpected problems. These scenarios provide excellent opportunities to discuss expectations and their outcomes, allowing you to showcase your command of this grammatical pattern in context.