The ‘be hindered from + gerund’ structure is a valuable grammatical tool that can elevate your IELTS performance. This construction appears in various sections of the IELTS exam, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. Understanding its nuances and mastering its usage can significantly boost your language proficiency and test scores. Let’s delve into this structure and explore how to effectively employ it in your IELTS preparations and during the exam.
Understanding the ‘Be Hindered from + Gerund’ Structure
The ‘be hindered from + gerund’ structure is used to express that someone or something is prevented or obstructed from performing an action. It’s a passive construction that emphasizes the obstacle rather than the actor.
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + hindered + from + verb-ing
Examples:
- Students are hindered from concentrating by noisy classrooms.
- Economic growth is hindered from accelerating due to political instability.
- Researchers were hindered from conducting their experiments by lack of funding.
- The project has been hindered from progressing because of bureaucratic red tape.
- Environmental conservation efforts are often hindered from succeeding by conflicting economic interests.
Applying ‘Be Hindered from + Gerund’ in IELTS Writing
Task 2 Essay Writing
Incorporating this structure in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays can demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and vocabulary usage. Here’s an example paragraph using this structure:
“In many developing countries, economic progress is hindered from reaching its full potential due to various factors. Small businesses are often hindered from expanding by limited access to capital, while large corporations may be hindered from investing due to political uncertainties. Additionally, the workforce is frequently hindered from acquiring new skills because of inadequate education systems. These obstacles collectively hinder the nation from achieving sustainable economic growth.”
Task 1 Report Writing
While less common in Task 1, you can still use this structure effectively in certain contexts:
“The graph shows that renewable energy adoption was hindered from growing rapidly between 2000 and 2010. However, after 2010, technological advancements prevented the industry from being hindered from expanding, leading to a sharp increase in renewable energy usage.”
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with ‘Be Hindered from + Gerund’
Using this structure in your Speaking test can impress examiners with your range of grammatical structures. Here are some examples for different parts of the Speaking test:
Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):
“In my hometown, people are often hindered from using public transportation because it’s not very reliable.”
Part 2 (Cue Card):
“I remember a time when I was hindered from achieving my goal of running a marathon due to an unexpected injury.”
Part 3 (Discussion):
“Many young professionals are hindered from buying their first homes due to rising property prices and stagnant wages.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores with Advanced Structures
To aim for higher band scores (7 and above), it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and in combination with other complex grammatical forms. Compare these examples:
Band 6: “People can’t do exercise because they are busy.”
Band 7: “People are hindered from exercising regularly due to their busy schedules.”
Band 8: “The demands of modern life have increasingly hindered individuals from engaging in regular physical activity, despite its well-documented health benefits.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect verb form: “He was hindered from to study.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “He was hindered from studying.” -
Wrong preposition: “They were hindered in progressing.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “They were hindered from progressing.” -
Active voice misuse: “The regulations hindered from developing the project.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “The project was hindered from developing due to regulations.” -
Overuse: While it’s a useful structure, don’t force it into every sentence. Variety is key in IELTS.
Conclusion
Mastering the ‘be hindered from + gerund’ structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. By understanding its proper usage and practicing its application in various contexts, you can demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. Remember to use it judiciously alongside other complex structures to achieve a natural, sophisticated style of communication. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, incorporate this structure into your writing and speaking practice, always focusing on accuracy and appropriateness in context.
For further practice, consider exploring topics like environmental challenges, educational barriers, or technological advancements where this structure can be naturally applied. The more you practice with complex grammatical structures, the more confident and proficient you’ll become in your IELTS journey.