The “be faced with + noun” structure is a common expression in English that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this phrase correctly can significantly enhance your language proficiency and boost your IELTS score. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, usage, and application of this structure in various IELTS contexts.
Understanding the “Be Faced With + Noun” Structure
The phrase “be faced with + noun” is used to describe a situation where someone encounters or has to deal with a challenging problem, decision, or circumstance. It implies that the person or entity must confront or address the issue at hand.
Meaning and Usage
The structure consists of three main components:
- Be: A form of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were)
- Faced: The past participle of the verb “face”
- With: A preposition connecting “faced” to the noun
- Noun: The challenge, problem, or situation being confronted
Formula: Subject + be + faced with + noun
For example:
- The company is faced with a financial crisis.
- Students are often faced with difficult choices about their future.
- He was faced with a moral dilemma.
Applying “Be Faced With + Noun” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, using this structure can help you express complex ideas and demonstrate your grasp of advanced English constructions. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your essays:
Task 2 Essay Introduction
When introducing a problem or challenge in your essay, you can use this structure to set the stage:
“In today’s rapidly changing world, governments are faced with the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.”
Body Paragraphs
Use the structure to discuss specific issues or problems:
“Many developing countries are faced with the dilemma of industrialization versus preserving natural resources.”
“Urban planners are often faced with the task of accommodating growing populations while maintaining quality of life.”
Conclusion
Summarize the main challenges discussed in your essay:
“In conclusion, it is clear that modern societies are faced with numerous complex issues that require innovative solutions and global cooperation.”
“Be Faced With + Noun” in IELTS Speaking
Incorporating this structure in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your ability to discuss complex topics fluently. Here are some examples:
Part 1: Personal Questions
Examiner: “What challenges do students in your country face?”
Response: “Well, students in my country are often faced with intense academic pressure and competition for university places.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic: Describe a difficult decision you had to make.
“A few years ago, I was faced with a tough choice between pursuing further education and accepting a job offer…”
Part 3: Discussion
Examiner: “What are some environmental issues in your region?”
Response: “Our region is faced with several environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution. Local authorities are faced with the task of implementing effective policies to address these issues.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores in IELTS, consider using more sophisticated variations of the structure:
-
Passive voice with modifiers:
“Companies are increasingly being faced with the need to adapt to rapid technological changes.” -
Combining with other structures:
“Having been faced with numerous setbacks, the team was determined to succeed.” -
Using synonyms:
Instead of “faced with,” you can use phrases like “confronted with,” “challenged by,” or “presented with” to add variety to your language:
“The healthcare system is confronted with an aging population and rising costs.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the “be faced with + noun” structure, be careful to avoid these common errors:
-
Incorrect preposition:
Incorrect: “They are faced by a shortage of resources.”
Correct: “They are faced with a shortage of resources.” -
Using the wrong form of “face”:
Incorrect: “The country is face with economic instability.”
Correct: “The country is faced with economic instability.” -
Forgetting the “be” verb:
Incorrect: “Managers faced with difficult decisions every day.”
Correct: “Managers are faced with difficult decisions every day.” -
Using a verb instead of a noun:
Incorrect: “They are faced with decide quickly.”
Correct: “They are faced with the need to decide quickly.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be faced with + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across both Writing and Speaking tasks. By understanding its correct usage and practicing with various examples, you can effectively convey complex ideas about challenges and problems. Remember to use this structure naturally and vary it with synonyms to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge.
To further improve your IELTS preparation, consider practicing with past exam questions that involve discussing challenges or problems. This will help you become more comfortable using the “be faced with + noun” structure in context and boost your overall language proficiency.
For more advanced grammar structures that can help you in your IELTS journey, you might also want to explore how to use “be baffled by + noun” or learn about the “be motivated by + noun/gerund” construction.