The phrase “be known for + noun/gerund” is a common and useful expression in English, particularly valuable for IELTS candidates. This structure allows you to describe what someone or something is famous or recognized for, making it an excellent tool for expressing ideas in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS test.
Understanding the Structure and Its Importance in IELTS
The structure “be known for + noun/gerund” is composed of:
- “Be” (conjugated appropriately)
- “Known”
- “For”
- A noun or gerund (verb + -ing)
This phrase appears frequently in IELTS tasks, especially in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 2 and 3, where you might need to describe people, places, or things and their notable characteristics or actions.
Examples:
- Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere. (noun)
- Einstein was known for developing the theory of relativity. (gerund)
- The company is known for producing high-quality electronics. (gerund)
- The region is known for its spicy cuisine. (noun)
- She is known for her philanthropic work. (noun)
In each of these examples, the structure clearly identifies what the subject is famous or recognized for, providing a concise way to convey information.
Grammar and Usage in IELTS Context
Formula and Grammatical Analysis
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + known + for + [noun/gerund]
- The subject can be a person, place, thing, or concept.
- The “be” verb should agree with the subject and be in the appropriate tense.
- “Known” is the past participle of “know” and remains unchanged.
- “For” is always used as the preposition in this structure.
- The noun or gerund describes what the subject is recognized for.
Application in Different IELTS Sections
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IELTS Writing Task 2:
In essays, this structure can help you introduce examples or support arguments.Example: “Many developing countries are known for having rich natural resources, yet they struggle with poverty.”
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IELTS Speaking Part 2:
When describing a person, place, or thing, this phrase can succinctly convey key information.Example: “My hometown is known for its beautiful beaches and friendly locals.”
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IELTS Speaking Part 3:
Use this structure to discuss general trends or characteristics.Example: “In recent years, Sweden has become known for its innovative approach to recycling and waste management.”
Sample Passages and Analysis
Writing Task 2 Sample:
Topic: The impact of tourism on local cultures
“While tourism can bring economic benefits, it often comes at a cost to local traditions. Many popular destinations are known for sacrificing their cultural authenticity to cater to tourists’ expectations. For instance, Venice, once known for its quiet canals and local craftsmanship, is now primarily known for being overcrowded with tourists. Similarly, Bali, originally known for its spiritual retreats and unique Hindu culture, has become increasingly known for its party scene, potentially eroding its traditional values.”
Analysis: In this passage, “be known for” is used multiple times to contrast the original characteristics of places with how they’ve changed due to tourism. This structure allows for clear, concise comparisons and helps to build a strong argument.
Speaking Part 2 Sample:
Cue Card: Describe a skill you would like to learn
“I’d like to talk about learning to play the guitar. You see, my hometown, Nashville, is known for its vibrant music scene, especially country music. Growing up there, I’ve always been surrounded by music, but I’ve never learned to play an instrument myself. The guitar, in particular, is known for being versatile and relatively easy to start learning. Many famous musicians are known for starting their careers by learning guitar basics and then developing their skills over time. I believe learning the guitar would not only be enjoyable but could also connect me more deeply to my city’s cultural heritage.”
Analysis: Here, “be known for” is used to provide context about the speaker’s hometown, the instrument they want to learn, and to give a general statement about musicians’ journeys. This structure helps the speaker efficiently convey multiple pieces of information within the time constraint of the speaking task.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores in IELTS, consider these advanced applications of “be known for”:
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Use with modifiers:
- “The region is widely known for its exquisite wines.”
- “The artist is internationally known for her unique style of abstract expressionism.”
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Combine with other structures:
- “Despite being known for its conservative values, the country has recently implemented progressive environmental policies.”
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Use in complex sentences:
- “While Rome is primarily known for its ancient ruins, it should also be recognized for its significant contributions to modern art and fashion.”
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Employ in comparisons:
- “Unlike its neighbors, which are known for their industrial output, this country is known for its commitment to preserving natural habitats.”
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Use with idiomatic expressions:
- “The company has long been known for thinking outside the box when it comes to product design.”
These advanced uses demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, potentially boosting your score in the Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect preposition:
- Incorrect: “The city is known of its beaches.”
- Correct: “The city is known for its beaches.”
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Using the wrong form of the verb:
- Incorrect: “They are know for their hospitality.”
- Correct: “They are known for their hospitality.”
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Forgetting to use a gerund or noun:
- Incorrect: “She is known for paint beautiful landscapes.”
- Correct: “She is known for painting beautiful landscapes.”
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Misusing tenses:
- Incorrect: “The company was known for produces high-quality goods.”
- Correct: “The company was known for producing high-quality goods.”
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Overuse in writing or speaking:
While “be known for” is useful, overusing it can make your language repetitive. Vary your expressions with synonyms like “renowned for,” “famous for,” or “recognized for.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be known for + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test. It provides a clear, concise way to describe notable characteristics or actions associated with people, places, or things. Remember to use it appropriately in different contexts, vary it with synonymous expressions, and practice incorporating it into complex sentences for higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS test, look for opportunities to use this structure in your practice essays and speaking exercises, always ensuring that it fits naturally within your overall communication.
For further practice, try using this structure to describe famous landmarks, historical figures, or even your own country or city. This will help you become more comfortable with the expression and ready to use it effectively in your IELTS test.