The phrase “be indifferent to + noun/gerund” is a crucial grammatical structure that often appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this expression effectively can significantly enhance your language proficiency and boost your IELTS score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to apply it in various IELTS contexts.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
The phrase “be indifferent to + noun/gerund” expresses a lack of interest, concern, or preference for something or someone. It implies a neutral or apathetic attitude towards a particular subject or action. This structure is commonly used in both academic and everyday English, making it valuable for IELTS candidates across all sections of the test.
Grammar Formula and Structure
The basic structure of this phrase is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + indifferent + to + [noun/gerund]
It’s important to note that the verb “be” should be conjugated according to the subject and tense of the sentence. The noun or gerund following “to” represents the thing or action towards which indifference is shown.
Examples:
- She is indifferent to politics. (noun)
- They were indifferent to winning the competition. (gerund)
- The company has been indifferent to environmental concerns. (noun phrase)
- Students seem indifferent to studying for exams. (gerund)
- He will be indifferent to the outcome of the vote. (noun)
Applying “Be Indifferent to” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using this structure can help you express complex ideas and attitudes effectively. It’s particularly useful when discussing social issues, personal opinions, or describing trends.
Sample Paragraph for IELTS Writing Task 2
Topic: The impact of technology on interpersonal relationships
Many people argue that modern technology has made us indifferent to face-to-face interactions. While it’s true that social media and messaging apps have changed how we communicate, I believe that being indifferent to personal connections is a choice rather than an inevitable consequence of technology. Some individuals may be indifferent to building deep relationships in person, preferring the convenience of digital communication. However, others use technology to enhance their existing relationships without being indifferent to the value of in-person meetings. The key is to find a balance and not be indifferent to the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on our social skills.
Analysis: In this paragraph, the phrase “be indifferent to” is used multiple times to discuss various aspects of the topic. It helps to convey nuanced ideas about attitudes towards technology and relationships, demonstrating a sophisticated use of language that would contribute to a high band score in IELTS Writing.
Utilizing “Be Indifferent to” in IELTS Speaking
Incorporating this phrase in your IELTS Speaking responses can showcase your advanced vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. It’s particularly useful in Part 3 of the Speaking test, where you’re expected to discuss abstract ideas and give opinions on complex topics.
Sample IELTS Speaking Responses
Question: Do you think young people today are less interested in politics than previous generations?
Answer: It’s a complex issue, but I believe that many young people today are indifferent to traditional politics. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care about social issues; rather, they might be indifferent to the conventional ways of political engagement. Instead of joining political parties or attending rallies, they often prefer to express their views through social media or grassroots movements. However, it would be an oversimplification to say that all young people are indifferent to politics. Many are passionate about specific causes, even if they seem indifferent to the broader political landscape.
Analysis: This response effectively uses the “be indifferent to” structure multiple times, demonstrating a range of applications. It shows the ability to discuss complex ideas with nuanced language, which is crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect preposition:
- Incorrect: He is indifferent of the consequences.
- Correct: He is indifferent to the consequences.
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Using an adjective instead of a gerund:
- Incorrect: They are indifferent to successful.
- Correct: They are indifferent to succeeding.
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Forgetting to conjugate the verb “be”:
- Incorrect: The company be indifferent to customer feedback.
- Correct: The company is indifferent to customer feedback.
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Using “indifferent” without “be” as a main verb:
- Incorrect: She indifferent to the new policies.
- Correct: She is indifferent to the new policies.
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Confusing “indifferent to” with “different from”:
- Incorrect: His opinion is indifferent to mine.
- Correct: His opinion is different from mine. (Or: He is indifferent to my opinion.)
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve a high band score in IELTS, it’s essential to use “be indifferent to” accurately and in context. Here are some strategies:
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Use it to express complex attitudes: “Governments often seem indifferent to long-term environmental consequences in favor of short-term economic gains.”
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Combine it with other advanced structures: “Despite being warned about the risks, many people remain indifferent to the dangers of climate change, having grown accustomed to hearing such warnings.”
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Use it in different tenses: “Historically, societies have been indifferent to the rights of minority groups, but this is gradually changing as awareness increases.”
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Incorporate it into conditional sentences: “If people continue to be indifferent to the plight of refugees, the global humanitarian crisis will likely worsen.”
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Use it with modifiers for emphasis: “Some individuals are completely indifferent to the suffering of others, which can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be indifferent to + noun/gerund” structure is a valuable asset for IELTS success. It allows you to express sophisticated ideas about attitudes and preferences, which is crucial across all sections of the IELTS test. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts and tenses to ensure you can apply it confidently during the exam. As you prepare, consider incorporating this structure into your essays, speaking responses, and even in understanding complex reading passages. With consistent practice, you’ll find that using “be indifferent to” becomes second nature, helping you to articulate your thoughts more precisely and achieve that higher band score you’re aiming for.