Understanding and using the phrase “be motivated to + verb” correctly can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This structure is commonly used to express motivation or inspiration to perform an action, making it particularly useful in the Speaking and Writing sections of the test. Let’s explore how to master this phrase and apply it effectively in your IELTS exam.
The Meaning and Frequency in IELTS
The phrase “be motivated to + verb” is used to express a person’s drive or inspiration to perform a specific action. It’s a versatile structure that appears frequently in IELTS, especially in Task 2 Writing and Parts 2 and 3 of the Speaking test. This phrase allows candidates to articulate their thoughts on personal motivation, goals, and aspirations – topics that are common in the IELTS exam.
Examples:
- “I am motivated to learn English because it opens up new career opportunities.”
- “Many students are motivated to study abroad for a better education.”
- “Employees are often motivated to work harder when they feel appreciated.”
- “She was motivated to start her own business after experiencing workplace discrimination.”
- “Children can be motivated to read more by introducing them to exciting stories.”
Motivation in action
Grammar Formula and Analysis
The structure follows this pattern:
[Subject] + [be] + motivated + to + [base form of verb]
- The subject can be a person, group, or even an abstract concept.
- The ‘be’ verb changes according to the subject and tense (am, is, are, was, were, etc.).
- ‘Motivated’ remains unchanged.
- ‘To’ is always followed by the base form of the verb.
Let’s analyze how to apply this structure in different parts of the IELTS test:
Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you can use this phrase to discuss reasons for actions or behaviors, which is particularly useful for opinion and argument essays.
Example paragraph:
“In today’s competitive job market, many individuals are motivated to pursue higher education. They are motivated to gain additional qualifications not only to enhance their knowledge but also to improve their career prospects. Moreover, some are motivated to study specific fields that align with emerging industries, as they are motivated to secure stable and well-paying positions in the future.”
Speaking Part 2
For the long-turn speaking task, this structure can help you explain personal experiences and motivations.
Sample answer snippet:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I was motivated to learn a new skill. Last year, I was motivated to take up photography because I was motivated to capture the beauty of my hometown. I was motivated to improve my techniques by watching online tutorials and practicing regularly.”
Speaking Part 3
In the discussion part of the speaking test, you can use this phrase to give opinions on broader topics.
Example response:
“I believe that young people today are motivated to start their own businesses for several reasons. Firstly, they are motivated to be their own boss and have more control over their work-life balance. Additionally, many are motivated to create innovative solutions to societal problems, which can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.”
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To score higher in IELTS, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and to expand on it. Here’s how you can elevate your use of “be motivated to + verb”:
- Use adverbs for emphasis: “She was highly motivated to succeed in her studies.”
- Combine with other structures: “Being motivated to excel in her field, she spent countless hours practicing.”
- Use in complex sentences: “Although she was initially motivated to pursue a career in finance, she later discovered her true passion lay in environmental science.”
Compare these band score examples:
Band 6: “I am motivated to learn English because it’s important for my job.”
Band 7: “I am strongly motivated to master English as it’s crucial for advancing my career in the international business sector.”
Band 8: “The prospect of engaging with a global clientele has motivated me to not only improve my English proficiency but also to delve into cross-cultural communication strategies.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “be motivated to + verb,” be careful to avoid these common errors:
- Incorrect verb form: “She is motivated to learning” (Incorrect) → “She is motivated to learn” (Correct)
- Omitting ‘to’: “They are motivated work hard” (Incorrect) → “They are motivated to work hard” (Correct)
- Using ‘for’ instead of ‘to’: “We are motivated for achieve our goals” (Incorrect) → “We are motivated to achieve our goals” (Correct)
- Passive voice confusion: “The project is motivated to be completed by the team” (Incorrect) → “The team is motivated to complete the project” (Correct)
- Tense inconsistency: “She was motivated to improves her skills” (Incorrect) → “She was motivated to improve her skills” (Correct)
Conclusion
Mastering the “be motivated to + verb” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express your thoughts on motivation and goals clearly and effectively. Practice using this phrase in various contexts, and remember to combine it with other advanced structures to showcase your language proficiency. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how you can incorporate this phrase into responses about personal experiences, career aspirations, or societal trends. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using this structure naturally and confidently in both the Speaking and Writing sections of the test.
For more insights on motivation-related topics in IELTS, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a person who inspires you to stay motivated
- Describe a time when you had to motivate others to achieve a goal
- Describe a person who has motivated you to pursue excellence
Remember, the key to success in IELTS is not just knowing the structures, but applying them effectively and naturally in your responses. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in your ability to express complex ideas about motivation and personal drive.