How to Use “Be Hindered by + Noun” in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

In IELTS, using advanced grammatical structures like “be hindered by + noun” can significantly enhance your score. This structure is particularly useful in Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3, where you need to discuss problems and their causes. Let’s explore how to use this phrase effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Understanding “Be Hindered by + Noun”

The phrase “be hindered by + noun” means to be obstructed, impeded, or held back by something. It’s a passive structure that emphasizes the obstacle rather than the subject being hindered. This construction is frequently used in academic and formal contexts, making it ideal for IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

Examples:

1. Progress was hindered by a lack of funding.
2. The project is being hindered by bureaucratic red tape.
3. Economic growth has been hindered by political instability.
4. Students’ learning can be hindered by inadequate resources.
5. Scientific research is often hindered by ethical considerations.

Hindered Progress Concept

Grammar and Usage in IELTS

Formula and Tense Variations

The basic formula is:

[Subject] + [be verb] + hindered + by + [noun/noun phrase]

Tense variations:

• Present Simple: is/are hindered by
• Present Continuous: is/are being hindered by
• Past Simple: was/were hindered by
• Present Perfect: has/have been hindered by
• Past Perfect: had been hindered by
• Future: will be hindered by

Application in IELTS Writing Task 2

In Task 2 essays, “be hindered by + noun” can be used to discuss obstacles to progress or development. Here’s an example paragraph:

“In many developing countries, economic growth is hindered by a lack of infrastructure. Roads, ports, and telecommunications systems are often inadequate, which can be hindered by insufficient government investment. Moreover, educational progress is frequently hindered by a shortage of qualified teachers and modern learning resources. These challenges are further hindered by corruption and mismanagement of public funds.”

Using in IELTS Speaking Part 3

In Speaking Part 3, you might be asked about challenges in various fields. Here’s how you could use the structure:

Question: What are some obstacles to environmental protection in your country?

Answer: “I believe environmental protection in my country is significantly hindered by a lack of public awareness. Many people simply don’t understand the long-term consequences of their actions. Additionally, sustainable practices are often hindered by short-term economic interests. Companies may prioritize profits over environmental concerns. Lastly, effective policy implementation can be hindered by inadequate enforcement mechanisms, making it difficult to penalize those who violate environmental regulations.”

Achieving Higher Bands with “Be Hindered by + Noun”

To achieve a higher band score, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and in conjunction with other advanced grammatical forms. Here’s a comparison:

Band 6 example: “There are many problems that stop economic growth in developing countries.”

Band 8 example: “Economic growth in developing nations is often hindered by a myriad of interconnected factors, including inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and a lack of skilled labor. These challenges are further exacerbated by global economic fluctuations, which can be hindered by the countries’ limited capacity to adapt to rapid changes in international markets.”

The Band 8 example demonstrates more sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and appropriate use of “be hindered by + noun”.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect verb form: “The project is hinder by budget cuts.” (Correct: is hindered by)

2. Using the active voice instead of passive: “Budget cuts hinder by the project.” (Correct: The project is hindered by budget cuts.)

3. Forgetting “by”: “Progress was hindered lack of resources.” (Correct: was hindered by lack of resources)

4. Using with uncountable nouns without an article: “Development is hindered by lack of education.” (Correct: … by a lack of education)

5. Overuse: While it’s a useful structure, overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like “impeded by,” “obstructed by,” or “hampered by.”

Conclusion

Mastering the “be hindered by + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. Practice using it in various contexts, such as discussing societal issues, environmental challenges, or personal development obstacles. Remember to use it alongside other advanced structures and varied vocabulary to achieve a higher band score.

For further practice, consider applying this structure to topics like technological advancement, cultural preservation, or global cooperation. These themes often appear in IELTS tasks and provide excellent opportunities to showcase your grasp of this sophisticated grammatical construction.

To learn more about advanced language structures for IELTS, you might find these articles helpful:

• The Role of Innovation in Solving Global Challenges
• How Technology is Changing the Way We Communicate

These resources can provide additional context and examples for using complex structures like “be hindered by + noun” in your IELTS preparation.