The “be keen on + gerund” structure is a valuable expression for IELTS candidates to convey enthusiasm or strong interest in activities or subjects. Mastering this phrase can significantly enhance your vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy, two crucial factors in achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to effectively use it in various parts of the IELTS test.
Understanding the “Be Keen On + Gerund” Structure
The phrase “be keen on” is commonly used to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. When combined with a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun), it creates a powerful structure to describe personal preferences or passions.
Basic Formula:
Subject + be + keen on + verb-ing (gerund)
Examples:
- I am keen on reading historical novels.
- She is keen on learning new languages.
- They are keen on exploring different cultures.
- He has always been keen on playing chess.
- We are keen on improving our IELTS scores.
In each of these examples, the gerund (reading, learning, exploring, playing, improving) represents an activity or interest that the subject feels strongly about.
Applying “Be Keen On + Gerund” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating this structure in your IELTS Writing tasks can demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and help you express your ideas more precisely.
Task 1 (Academic)
While “be keen on + gerund” is less common in Task 1 Academic, you might use it in your conclusion to express a personal observation:
“Based on the data, it appears that younger generations are keen on adopting new technologies more rapidly than their older counterparts.”
Task 1 (General)
In a letter for General Training Task 1, you could use this structure to express your interests:
“I am keen on volunteering at the local animal shelter and would appreciate any information about available opportunities.”
Task 2 (Both Academic and General)
This structure is particularly useful in Task 2 essays to express opinions or describe trends:
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“Many young people today are keen on pursuing careers in technology, reflecting the growing importance of digital skills in the job market.”
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“While some individuals are keen on preserving traditional ways of life, others argue that embracing change is essential for societal progress.”
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“Governments should be keen on implementing policies that promote sustainable development to address environmental concerns.”
Enhancing Your IELTS Speaking Performance
The “be keen on + gerund” structure can significantly improve your Speaking test performance by helping you express your interests and opinions more eloquently.
Part 1
Examiner: “What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?”
Candidate: “I am particularly keen on reading science fiction novels. They stimulate my imagination and often explore fascinating concepts about the future.”
Part 2
When describing a hobby or interest in the cue card section:
“I’d like to talk about photography, which is a hobby I’m very passionate about. I have been keen on taking pictures since I was a teenager…”
Part 3
Examiner: “How do you think education will change in the future?”
Candidate: “I believe future educational systems will be keen on incorporating more technology-based learning methods. Students might be more keen on developing practical skills rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using “to” instead of the gerund:
Incorrect: “I am keen on to learn new languages.”
Correct: “I am keen on learning new languages.” -
Using a noun instead of a gerund:
Incorrect: “She is keen on photography.”
Correct: “She is keen on taking photographs.”
(Note: While “She is keen on photography” is grammatically correct, it doesn’t follow the “be keen on + gerund” structure we’re focusing on.) -
Incorrect verb form:
Incorrect: “They are keen on travelled around the world.”
Correct: “They are keen on travelling around the world.” -
Misusing the tense of “be”:
Incorrect: “He were keen on studying abroad.”
Correct: “He was keen on studying abroad.” -
Forgetting to use “on”:
Incorrect: “We are keen learning about different cultures.”
Correct: “We are keen on learning about different cultures.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores with “Be Keen On + Gerund”
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider using more sophisticated variations of this structure:
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Use with modifiers:
“I am extremely keen on developing my public speaking skills.” -
Combine with other structures:
“Not only am I keen on improving my English, but I also enjoy learning about different cultures.” -
Use in complex sentences:
“Although I was initially hesitant, I soon became keen on participating in group discussions, which significantly improved my communication skills.” -
Employ in conditional sentences:
“If I were keen on pursuing a career in science, I would need to focus more on my research skills.” -
Use with perfect tenses:
“I have always been keen on exploring new cuisines, which has led me to develop a passion for cooking.”
By incorporating these more advanced uses, you can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency and potentially achieve a higher band score in both the Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS test.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be keen on + gerund” structure is an excellent way to enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express enthusiasm and interest in a grammatically sophisticated manner, which can contribute to higher scores across all sections of the test. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and with different subjects to ensure you can employ it naturally and accurately during your IELTS exam. As you prepare, challenge yourself to use this structure when discussing your hobbies, future plans, or opinions on different topics to fully internalize its usage.