The phrase “be good at + noun/gerund” is a common structure in English that expresses skill or proficiency in a particular activity or subject. This construction is frequently used in the IELTS exam, particularly in Speaking and Writing tasks. Mastering this phrase can significantly enhance your ability to describe abilities and strengths effectively.
Let’s explore some examples of how this structure can be applied in IELTS contexts:
- “I am good at problem-solving.”
- “She is good at playing the piano.”
- “They are good at organizing events.”
- “The company is good at marketing its products.”
- “He is good at public speaking.”
In each of these examples, the structure “be good at” is followed by either a noun (problem-solving, marketing) or a gerund (playing, organizing, speaking). This versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing a wide range of skills and competencies.
Understanding the Meaning and Frequency in IELTS
The phrase “be good at” is used to express competence or skill in a particular area. It’s a positive way to describe abilities and is often used when discussing personal strengths, hobbies, or professional skills. In IELTS, this structure frequently appears in:
- Speaking Part 1: When discussing hobbies or personal skills
- Speaking Part 2: In task cards that ask about abilities or experiences
- Speaking Part 3: When discussing broader topics related to skills or education
- Writing Task 1: To describe data related to skills or performance
- Writing Task 2: In essays about education, work, or personal development
Understanding and using this structure correctly can help you express ideas more precisely and improve your overall language proficiency score.
Grammar Formula and Analysis
The basic structure is:
Subject + be (am/is/are) + good at + noun/gerund
This formula is versatile and can be used with different subjects and tenses. For example:
- “I am good at cooking.” (Present Simple)
- “She was good at solving puzzles.” (Past Simple)
- “They have been good at managing their time.” (Present Perfect)
In IELTS Speaking, you can use this structure to talk about your own skills or those of others. For Writing tasks, it can be used to describe trends or make comparisons.
Application in IELTS Speaking
In Speaking Part 1, you might be asked about your hobbies or skills:
Q: What are you good at?
A: “I’m good at playing chess. I’ve been practicing since I was a child, and I find it really helps me develop my strategic thinking skills.”
In Speaking Part 2, you might need to describe a person with a particular skill:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah. She’s good at photography. Her ability to capture moments is truly remarkable. She’s particularly good at taking landscape photos, and her work has even been featured in local exhibitions.”
Application in IELTS Writing
In Writing Task 1, you might use this structure to describe data:
“The graph shows that employees in Company A are good at meeting deadlines, with 85% of projects completed on time.”
In Writing Task 2, you could use it in an essay about education:
“While traditional education focuses on academic subjects, many argue that schools should also teach skills that students will need in their future careers. For instance, being good at communication and good at problem-solving are crucial in most professions.”
Sample Passages and Band Score Analysis
Here’s a sample Speaking Part 3 response using “be good at”:
Examiner: Do you think being good at sports is important for children?
Candidate: “Yes, I believe being good at sports is quite important for children’s overall development. When children are good at physical activities, it not only improves their health but also boosts their confidence. Moreover, being good at team sports can help them develop crucial social skills like cooperation and leadership. However, it’s equally important to recognize that not all children will be good at traditional sports, and we should encourage them to find physical activities they enjoy and excel in.”
This response would likely score well (Band 7-8) because it:
- Uses the target structure “be good at” multiple times correctly
- Provides a balanced view with supporting points
- Uses a range of vocabulary related to the topic
- Demonstrates good control of grammar and coherence
For a higher band score (8-9), the candidate could:
- Use more complex structures alongside “be good at”
- Provide more specific examples
- Use less common collocations with “good at”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect use of preposition:
Incorrect: “He is good in mathematics.”
Correct: “He is good at mathematics.” -
Using “to” instead of gerund:
Incorrect: “She is good at to sing.”
Correct: “She is good at singing.” -
Confusing “good at” with “good for”:
Incorrect: “Exercise is good at your health.”
Correct: “Exercise is good for your health.” (Note: This is a different structure) -
Overusing the structure:
While “be good at” is useful, overusing it can make your language repetitive. Mix it with other structures like “excel in,” “have a talent for,” or “be skilled at” for variety. -
Forgetting to use it in negative forms:
Remember you can also use “not be good at” to describe lack of skill:
“I’m not good at public speaking, but I’m working on improving.”
To avoid these mistakes, practice using the structure in various contexts and review your use of it in your writing and speaking practice.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be good at + noun/gerund” structure is crucial for IELTS success. It allows you to express skills and abilities effectively across various topics and task types. Remember to use it accurately, vary it with synonymous expressions, and practice incorporating it into your responses. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to use this structure in describing personal skills, discussing education and work-related topics, and analyzing data trends. With consistent practice, you’ll find that being good at using “be good at” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance!
For further improvement in your IELTS preparation, you might also want to explore related grammatical structures such as being centered on a topic or activity or being accountable for actions or results. These additional structures can help you express ideas more precisely and diversely in your IELTS responses.