How to Master the Use of “Be Infamous for + Noun/Gerund” in IELTS?

The phrase “Be Infamous For + Noun/gerund” is a powerful construction that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking responses. This structure is particularly useful when discussing negative attributes or actions associated with a person, place, or thing. Let’s delve into its usage and explore how you can effectively incorporate it into your IELTS preparation.

Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS

The phrase “be infamous for + noun/gerund” consists of three main parts:

1. The verb “be” (conjugated appropriately)
2. The adjective “infamous”
3. The preposition “for” followed by a noun or gerund

This structure is commonly used to describe negative reputations or well-known undesirable characteristics. Its proper use can demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, potentially boosting your IELTS score.

IELTS Exam Preparation

Examples in Context

1. “The city is infamous for its high crime rate.”
2. “That politician is infamous for making controversial statements.”
3. “The company became infamous for its unethical business practices.”
4. “The restaurant is infamous for its poor hygiene standards.”
5. “The actor is infamous for his public outbursts.”

In each of these examples, the structure highlights a negative aspect that the subject is well-known for. This usage adds depth and precision to your language, which is crucial for achieving higher band scores in IELTS.

Grammar Rules and Usage in IELTS

When using “be infamous for + noun/gerund,” keep these key points in mind:

1. Verb Conjugation: The verb “be” should agree with the subject in number and tense.
   Example: “He is infamous for…” (present, singular)
   “They were infamous for…” (past, plural)

2. Noun vs. Gerund: Both nouns and gerunds can follow “for,” but they convey slightly different meanings.

   • With a noun: Describes a characteristic or state
     Example: “The area is infamous for its pollution.”
   • With a gerund: Emphasizes an action or behavior
     Example: “The company is infamous for exploiting its workers.”

3. Negative Connotation: “Infamous” always carries a negative meaning, unlike “famous,” which is positive or neutral.

Applying the Structure in IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you can use this structure to discuss social issues, historical events, or cultural phenomena. For example:

“Some cities are infamous for their traffic congestion, which not only affects the quality of life but also contributes to environmental problems.”

This sentence demonstrates your ability to use complex structures while addressing a common IELTS topic.

Incorporating “Be Infamous for” in IELTS Speaking

In the Speaking test, you can use this phrase to add depth to your responses, especially when discussing negative aspects of a topic. For instance:

Examiner: “Tell me about a place you wouldn’t want to live in.”
You: “Well, I wouldn’t want to live in City X because it is infamous for its extremely high cost of living. Not only are housing prices exorbitant, but the city is also infamous for having some of the most expensive restaurants and shops in the country.”

Strategies for High Band Scores

To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, consider these strategies when using “be infamous for”:

1. Varied Vocabulary: Use synonyms of “infamous” to show lexical resource.
   Example: “The region is notorious for its unpredictable weather.”

2. Complex Sentences: Combine the structure with other clauses.
   Example: “Although the city is infamous for its high crime rate, it has recently implemented successful community policing programs.”

3. Idiomatic Usage: Incorporate idiomatic expressions related to reputation.
   Example: “The politician’s career took a nosedive after he became infamous for his involvement in the corruption scandal.”

4. Topic-Specific Application: Adapt the structure to various IELTS topics.

   • Environment: “This industrial area is infamous for polluting nearby water sources.”
   • Technology: “Some social media platforms are infamous for spreading misinformation.”
   • Education: “Certain universities are infamous for their extremely competitive admissions processes.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misusing “Famous”: Don’t use “famous” when you mean “infamous.”
   Incorrect: “The criminal is famous for his brutal crimes.”
   Correct: “The criminal is infamous for his brutal crimes.”

2. Incorrect Preposition: Always use “for” after “infamous.”
   Incorrect: “He is infamous of cheating in exams.”
   Correct: “He is infamous for cheating in exams.”

3. Wrong Word Form: Ensure you use a noun or gerund after “for.”
   Incorrect: “The place is infamous for dangerous.” (adjective)
   Correct: “The place is infamous for its danger.” (noun)
   or “The place is infamous for being dangerous.” (gerund phrase)

4. Overuse: While it’s a useful structure, don’t overuse it in your IELTS responses. Variety is key to achieving high scores.

Common IELTS Mistakes

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “be infamous for + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This structure allows you to discuss negative reputations or characteristics with precision and sophistication. Remember to practice using it in various contexts related to common IELTS topics such as environment, technology, education, and social issues. By incorporating this phrase effectively and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a higher band score in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam.

To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using this structure for different IELTS topics. Practice describing places, people, or situations that are known for negative qualities, and incorporate these descriptions into longer essays or speaking responses. With consistent practice, you’ll find that using “be infamous for” becomes second nature, helping you express complex ideas more effectively in your IELTS test.