The “be interested in + gerund” structure is a common and essential grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this structure correctly can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to apply it effectively in various sections of the IELTS test.
Understanding the “Be Interested in + Gerund” Structure
The “be interested in + gerund” structure is used to express interest or enthusiasm about an activity or subject. It consists of three main components:
- A form of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were)
- The adjective “interested”
- The preposition “in”
- A gerund (verb + -ing form)
Formula: [Subject] + [be] + interested in + [gerund]
This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written English, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates aiming to demonstrate their language proficiency.
Examples and Analysis
Let’s look at some examples of how this structure can be used in different contexts:
“I am interested in learning new languages.”
- Subject: I
- Be verb: am
- Gerund: learning
“She is interested in traveling to exotic destinations.”
- Subject: She
- Be verb: is
- Gerund: traveling
“They were interested in exploring the ancient ruins.”
- Subject: They
- Be verb: were
- Gerund: exploring
“The scientists are interested in studying climate change.”
- Subject: The scientists
- Be verb: are
- Gerund: studying
“He has been interested in collecting rare stamps since childhood.”
- Subject: He
- Be verb: has been (present perfect continuous)
- Gerund: collecting
Person expressing interest in various activities
Applying the Structure in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using the “be interested in + gerund” structure can help you express your interests and hobbies more fluently and accurately. Here are some examples of how you might use this structure in different parts of the Speaking test:
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiner: “What are your hobbies?”
Candidate: “I am interested in reading historical novels and exploring different cuisines. I find that being interested in cooking has really expanded my cultural knowledge.”
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
When describing a topic, you can use this structure to elaborate on your interests:
“I’d like to talk about my favorite teacher. She was incredibly passionate about literature and was interested in introducing us to a wide range of authors. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon I found myself being interested in analyzing classic novels in depth.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think people’s interests change as they get older?”
Candidate: “I believe that as people mature, they often become more interested in pursuing activities that align with their values and long-term goals. For instance, young adults might be interested in traveling for leisure, while older individuals might be more interested in volunteering or giving back to their communities.”
Incorporating the Structure in IELTS Writing
The “be interested in + gerund” structure can be effectively used in both Task 1 and Task 2 of the IELTS Writing test to add variety to your language and demonstrate your grammatical range.
Task 1: Data Description
While describing trends or data, you can use this structure to add depth to your analysis:
“The graph shows that over the past decade, consumers have become increasingly interested in purchasing organic products. This trend suggests that people are more interested in supporting sustainable farming practices and improving their health through diet.”
Task 2: Essay Writing
In essay writing, this structure can help you express opinions and discuss trends:
“In recent years, young people have become more interested in starting their own businesses rather than pursuing traditional career paths. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the desire for flexibility and the increased opportunities provided by technology. However, it’s important to note that while many are interested in becoming entrepreneurs, not all possess the necessary skills or resources to succeed.”
Advanced Usage and Band 9 Examples
To achieve a higher band score, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and with some complexity. Here are some advanced examples that demonstrate Band 9 level usage:
“Despite the economic downturn, investors remain keenly interested in identifying emerging market opportunities, particularly in the tech sector.”
“The research team has long been interested in unraveling the mysteries of dark matter, a pursuit that has led to groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics.”
“As climate change becomes more pressing, policymakers are increasingly interested in implementing sustainable urban planning strategies that can mitigate environmental impact.”
“While many students are primarily interested in securing high-paying jobs after graduation, a growing number are becoming interested in pursuing careers that offer a sense of purpose and social impact.”
“The company’s board members expressed interest in exploring innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating a commitment to corporate social responsibility.”
These examples showcase a more sophisticated use of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, which are characteristic of higher band scores in IELTS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the “be interested in + gerund” structure, IELTS candidates often make the following mistakes:
Using an infinitive instead of a gerund:
- Incorrect: “I am interested in to learn new languages.”
- Correct: “I am interested in learning new languages.”
Omitting the preposition “in”:
- Incorrect: “She is interested studying marine biology.”
- Correct: “She is interested in studying marine biology.”
Using the wrong form of “be”:
- Incorrect: “They interesting in traveling.”
- Correct: “They are interested in traveling.”
Confusing “interested” with “interesting”:
- Incorrect: “I am interesting in photography.”
- Correct: “I am interested in photography.” or “Photography is interesting to me.”
Using a noun instead of a gerund:
- Incorrect: “He is interested in music.” (This is grammatically correct but doesn’t use the gerund structure)
- Correct: “He is interested in playing music.”
By avoiding these common errors, you can ensure that your use of the “be interested in + gerund” structure is accurate and effective in your IELTS responses.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be interested in + gerund” structure is an excellent way to enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. By incorporating this versatile structure into your speaking and writing, you can express your interests and opinions more fluently and accurately. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and with different subjects to fully internalize its usage. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider creating your own examples and integrating them into practice essays and speaking exercises to build confidence and proficiency.
For further practice, try using this structure to discuss topics such as environmental issues, technological advancements, cultural differences, or personal development. The more you use it in diverse contexts, the more natural and sophisticated your English expression will become, ultimately leading to a higher band score in your IELTS exam.
To expand your grammatical range even further, you might also want to explore related structures such as “be fascinated by + noun/gerund” or “be engrossed in + noun/gerund”, which can add variety to your expression of interest and engagement with different topics.