The phrase “be in favor of + gerund” is a crucial grammatical structure that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and effectively using this construction can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and application in IELTS.
Understanding “Be in Favor of + Gerund”
“Be in favor of + gerund” is an expression used to indicate support or approval for an action or idea. It’s commonly used in formal discussions, debates, and academic writing, making it particularly relevant for IELTS.
Formula: Subject + be + in favor of + verb-ing
Examples:
- The government is in favor of increasing taxes on sugary drinks.
- Many citizens are in favor of implementing stricter environmental regulations.
- The committee was in favor of expanding the public transportation system.
IELTS exam preparation
Usage in IELTS Writing and Speaking
IELTS Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, using “be in favor of + gerund” can help you express your opinion clearly and formally. It’s particularly useful for essays discussing government policies, social changes, or environmental issues.
Example paragraph:
“While some argue against stricter regulations, I am strongly in favor of implementing more rigorous environmental protection laws. This approach would not only help preserve our natural resources but also encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Furthermore, I am in favor of promoting public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of environmental conservation.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3
In Speaking Part 3, where you’re expected to discuss abstract ideas and give opinions, this structure can help you articulate your views more sophisticatedly.
Example response:
Examiner: “What’s your opinion on the use of social media in education?”
Candidate: “I am generally in favor of integrating social media into educational practices. I believe it can enhance student engagement and facilitate collaborative learning. However, I’m also in favor of implementing strict guidelines to ensure that social media use in schools remains focused on educational purposes.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb form:
Incorrect: “I am in favor of to increase taxes.”
Correct: “I am in favor of increasing taxes.” -
Misusing prepositions:
Incorrect: “They are in favor for reducing plastic waste.”
Correct: “They are in favor of reducing plastic waste.” -
Forgetting the “be” verb:
Incorrect: “The company in favor of expanding operations.”
Correct: “The company is in favor of expanding operations.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider these advanced applications:
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Combine with other structures:
“Not only am I in favor of promoting renewable energy, but I also believe in incentivizing businesses that adopt green technologies.” -
Use in complex sentences:
“While being in favor of increasing public spending on healthcare, I acknowledge the need for fiscal responsibility in other sectors.” -
Incorporate idiomatic expressions:
“The public is overwhelmingly in favor of overhauling the education system, seeing it as a matter of sink or swim for future generations.”
Alternative Expressions
To demonstrate lexical resource, consider these alternatives:
- “Support” + noun/gerund: “I support implementing stricter regulations.”
- “Advocate for” + noun/gerund: “She advocates for reducing carbon emissions.”
- “Endorse” + noun/gerund: “The committee endorses expanding the program.”
Practice Exercises
- Write a paragraph expressing your opinion on remote work, using “be in favor of + gerund” at least twice.
- Prepare a 1-minute speech on environmental conservation, incorporating this structure and its alternatives.
- Rewrite these sentences using “be in favor of + gerund”:
- “I think we should increase funding for public schools.”
- “The mayor supports building more affordable housing.”
Conclusion
Mastering “be in favor of + gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and combine it with other advanced grammatical forms to achieve higher band scores. As you prepare, consider how this phrase can be applied to common IELTS topics such as education, environment, technology, and social issues.
For further improvement, you might want to explore related grammatical structures such as being conducive to a noun or gerund or how to use ‘regret’ with gerunds or noun phrases. These additional resources can help you expand your grammatical repertoire and achieve even better results in your IELTS preparation.
