How to Effectively Use “Be Exposed to + Noun” in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

The phrase “be exposed to + noun” is a commonly used structure in English that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance when used correctly. This expression is particularly useful in discussing experiences, influences, or encounters with various elements or situations. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and how you can incorporate it effectively in your IELTS exam.

Understanding “Be Exposed to + Noun”

The structure “be exposed to + noun” means to come into contact with or be subjected to something, often without choice or protection. It’s frequently used to describe experiences with ideas, cultures, environments, or potentially harmful elements.

Examples:

1. Children are often exposed to violence on television.
2. During my travels, I was exposed to various cultures.
3. Workers in certain industries may be exposed to harmful chemicals.
4. Students are exposed to new ideas at university.
5. Tourists visiting coastal areas are often exposed to strong UV rays.

In these examples, the subjects (children, I, workers, students, tourists) encounter or experience the nouns (violence, cultures, chemicals, ideas, UV rays) without necessarily choosing to do so.

Exposure Concept

Grammar and Structure

The basic structure of this phrase is:

[Subject] + [be verb] + exposed to + [noun/noun phrase]

It’s important to note:

• The verb “be” changes according to the subject and tense (am, is, are, was, were, have been, etc.)
• The noun or noun phrase following “to” can be singular, plural, or uncountable
• This structure is often used in passive voice

Examples in different tenses:

1. Present Simple: She is exposed to loud noise at work daily.
2. Past Simple: During the experiment, participants were exposed to various stimuli.
3. Present Perfect: I have been exposed to English since childhood.
4. Future: Astronauts will be exposed to cosmic radiation during their mission.
5. Present Continuous: Farmers are being exposed to new agricultural technologies.

Using “Be Exposed to” in IELTS Writing

Incorporating this structure in your IELTS Writing can demonstrate your ability to discuss complex topics and use varied sentence structures. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

Task 1 (Academic)

While less common in Task 1, you might use it to describe data trends:

“Over the period, consumers were exposed to increasing prices for basic goods.”

Task 2

This structure is particularly useful in Task 2 essays:

1. Education: “In today’s interconnected world, students are exposed to diverse perspectives through online learning platforms.”

2. Technology: “With the rise of social media, children are increasingly exposed to unrealistic beauty standards.”

3. Environment: “People living in urban areas are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution.”

4. Culture: “Through international travel, individuals are exposed to different customs and ways of life.”

5. Health: “Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to infectious diseases in their line of work.”

IELTS Writing Task

Enhancing IELTS Speaking Responses

In the IELTS Speaking test, using “be exposed to” can help you express ideas more sophisticatedly:

1. Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):
   Q: “Do you like watching TV?”
   A: “Yes, I do enjoy watching TV, especially documentaries, as they allow me to be exposed to new information and different cultures from around the world.”

2. Part 2 (Cue Card):
   Topic: Describe a significant change in your life
   “When I moved to a big city for university, I was exposed to a much more diverse environment than my small hometown. This exposure to different lifestyles and cultures significantly broadened my perspective.”

3. Part 3 (Discussion):
   Q: “How does travel impact a person’s worldview?”
   A: “Travel significantly impacts a person’s worldview by allowing them to be exposed to different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life. This exposure often leads to greater empathy and understanding of global issues.”

Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores

To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider these advanced applications:

1. Combine with other structures:
   “Having been exposed to various teaching methods, I believe that interactive learning is most effective.”

2. Use with abstract nouns:
   “In literature classes, students are exposed to complex themes and philosophical ideas.”

3. Employ in cause-effect relationships:
   “Being exposed to diverse opinions in debates has made me more open-minded and critical in my thinking.”

4. Utilize in hypothetical situations:
   “If children were exposed to more positive role models in media, it could potentially reduce negative behaviors.”

5. Incorporate into complex sentences:
   “While being exposed to new cultures can be challenging, it ultimately leads to personal growth and a broader understanding of the world.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect preposition: “exposed of” instead of “exposed to”
   Incorrect: “They were exposed of high levels of stress.”
   Correct: “They were exposed to high levels of stress.”

2. Using active voice incorrectly:
   Incorrect: “The company exposed the workers to dangerous conditions.”
   Correct: “The workers were exposed to dangerous conditions by the company.”

3. Forgetting the “be” verb:
   Incorrect: “Children exposed to violence on TV.”
   Correct: “Children are exposed to violence on TV.”

4. Using with inappropriate nouns:
   Incorrect: “She was exposed to happiness.”
   Better: “She was exposed to situations that brought her happiness.”

5. Overuse in writing:
   Avoid using this phrase too frequently in your essays. Variation is key to achieving a high band score.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “be exposed to + noun” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to discuss experiences and influences in a sophisticated manner, suitable for various topics in both the Writing and Speaking sections. Remember to practice using this structure in different contexts and tenses to become more comfortable with it. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to incorporate this phrase naturally in your responses, always ensuring it fits the context appropriately.

For further practice, consider using this structure in essays about environmental issues, cultural experiences, or educational reforms. These topics often lend themselves well to discussions about exposure to different elements or ideas.

To continue improving your IELTS skills, you might also want to explore other useful grammatical structures and vocabulary. For instance, learning about describing sudden events or discussing childhood education can further enhance your language proficiency and help you tackle a wider range of IELTS topics effectively.