Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and looking to enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills? One phrase that can significantly improve your language proficiency is “be hooked on + noun/gerund.” This versatile expression is not only common in everyday English but also appears frequently in IELTS reading passages and can be effectively used in speaking and writing tasks. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this phrase and explore how you can leverage it to boost your IELTS score.
Understanding “Be Hooked on + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be hooked on” is an idiomatic expression that means to be addicted to or extremely enthusiastic about something. It’s often used to describe a strong interest or dependency, whether positive or negative. In IELTS, understanding and using this phrase correctly can demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
Formula: Subject + to be (conjugated) + hooked on + noun/gerund
Examples:
- She is hooked on social media.
- They were hooked on watching reality TV shows.
- I am hooked on learning new languages.
- Many teenagers are hooked on playing video games.
- He has been hooked on coffee since college.
Usage in Different IELTS Sections
IELTS Reading
In reading passages, you might encounter this phrase in contexts related to habits, addictions, or popular trends. For example:
“Recent studies show that an increasing number of young adults are hooked on their smartphones, spending an average of 5 hours per day on their devices.”
Understanding this phrase can help you quickly grasp the main idea of a paragraph or answer detail-oriented questions accurately.
IELTS Listening
In listening tasks, the phrase might appear in conversations or monologues discussing personal interests or societal issues. For instance:
Speaker A: “What do you think about John’s new hobby?”
Speaker B: “Oh, he’s completely hooked on photography now. He spends all his free time taking pictures.”
Recognizing this phrase can be crucial for answering questions about people’s preferences or habits.
IELTS Speaking
Using “be hooked on” in your speaking responses can showcase your vocabulary range. It’s particularly useful when discussing hobbies, interests, or current trends.
Example response to “Tell me about a hobby you enjoy”:
“Well, I’d say I’m absolutely hooked on cooking. I spend hours experimenting with new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. It’s become more than just a hobby; it’s a real passion of mine.”
IELTS Writing
Incorporating this phrase in your writing can add sophistication to your essays, especially when discussing topics related to technology, entertainment, or social issues.
Sample sentence for Task 2 essay on technology addiction:
“It’s evident that many young people today are hooked on social media platforms, which can have both positive and negative impacts on their personal and professional lives.”
Advanced Usage and Variations
To score higher in IELTS, it’s important to not only use the phrase correctly but also to demonstrate flexibility in its application. Here are some advanced uses and variations:
- Passive voice: “Social media is often hooked on by teenagers.”
- Questions: “How long have you been hooked on playing the guitar?”
- Negative form: “Despite trying it several times, I’ve never been hooked on coffee.”
- With modifiers: “She’s completely hooked on organic gardening.”
- In comparisons: “He’s more hooked on exercise than he is on junk food.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “be hooked on,” be careful to avoid these common errors:
- Incorrect preposition: “He is hooked to video games.” (Correct: He is hooked on video games.)
- Wrong verb form: “They hooked on watching movies.” (Correct: They are hooked on watching movies.)
- Misusing with uncountable nouns: “She’s hooked on a music.” (Correct: She’s hooked on music.)
- Confusing with similar phrases: “I’m addicted on reading.” (Correct: I’m addicted to reading / I’m hooked on reading.)
- Overuse: Using the phrase too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your expressions for a more natural flow.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be hooked on + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It’s a versatile phrase that can be applied across various topics and test sections. Remember to practice using it in different contexts and sentence structures to become more comfortable with its application.
To further improve your skills, try incorporating this phrase into your daily English practice. Write sample essays, engage in conversations, or create sentences using “be hooked on” with different subjects and tenses. The more you use it, the more natural it will become in your English expression.
By effectively using phrases like “be hooked on,” you’ll demonstrate a strong command of English idioms and expressions, potentially boosting your IELTS score across all sections of the test. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself hooked on using advanced English phrases with confidence!