The phrase “be notorious for + noun/gerund” is a powerful expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance when used correctly. This structure is particularly useful in the Writing and Speaking sections, where it can help you express ideas about negative reputation or infamous characteristics with precision and sophistication.
Understanding the Phrase “Be Notorious for + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be notorious for” is used to describe a person, place, or thing that is well-known for a negative quality or action. It’s important to note that this phrase always carries a negative connotation.
Grammar Structure:
[Subject] + be/is/are/was/were + notorious for + [noun/gerund]
Let’s analyze some examples:
-
“The city is notorious for its high crime rate.”
- Subject: The city
- Verb: is
- Notorious for: its high crime rate (noun phrase)
-
“He was notorious for cheating on exams.”
- Subject: He
- Verb: was
- Notorious for: cheating (gerund)
-
“The company has been notorious for exploiting its workers.”
- Subject: The company
- Verb: has been
- Notorious for: exploiting (gerund)
Using “Be Notorious for” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, using this phrase can help you achieve a higher band score by demonstrating your ability to use complex structures and express ideas precisely.
Task 2 Essay Example:
Consider this example in a Task 2 essay about environmental issues:
“Many large corporations are notorious for disregarding environmental regulations in pursuit of profit. These companies often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to severe ecological consequences. For instance, some multinational oil companies have been notorious for oil spills that devastate marine ecosystems. Their negligence not only damages the environment but also affects local communities that depend on these natural resources.”
In this example, the phrase is used twice to emphasize the negative reputation of corporations regarding environmental issues. This usage demonstrates a high level of vocabulary control and grammatical accuracy, which are key factors in scoring well in IELTS Writing.
Incorporating “Be Notorious for” in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, using this phrase can help you express ideas more vividly and showcase your vocabulary range.
Part 2 Speaking Example:
Topic: Describe a place you have visited that had a bad reputation.
“I’d like to talk about Naples in Italy, a city that is notorious for its organized crime. Despite its rich history and beautiful coastline, Naples has long been notorious for the presence of the Camorra, a powerful criminal organization. This notoriety has unfortunately overshadowed many of the city’s positive aspects. However, during my visit, I found that while the city does face challenges, it’s also full of warm, friendly people and incredible cultural experiences that contradict its infamous reputation.”
Using “be notorious for” in this context allows you to discuss a negative aspect of a place while demonstrating sophisticated language use, which can contribute to a higher band score in the Speaking test.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
-
Using “notorious” for positive qualities:
- Incorrect: “The restaurant is notorious for its delicious food.”
- Correct: “The restaurant is renowned for its delicious food.”
-
Forgetting the preposition “for”:
- Incorrect: “The politician is notorious his corrupt practices.”
- Correct: “The politician is notorious for his corrupt practices.”
-
Using the wrong form after “for”:
- Incorrect: “The area is notorious for to have high unemployment rates.”
- Correct: “The area is notorious for having high unemployment rates.”
Alternative Expressions and Synonyms
To further enhance your IELTS performance, consider these alternatives:
- Be infamous for
- Be known for (can be used for both positive and negative contexts)
- Have a reputation for
- Be recognized for (usually positive)
Example: “The region is infamous for its frequent earthquakes, causing constant concern among residents.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be notorious for + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express negative reputations or characteristics with precision and sophistication. Remember to use it only in negative contexts and practice incorporating it into your writing and speaking to achieve a higher band score. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try to identify opportunities to use this phrase in various topics such as environmental issues, social problems, or historical events where negative reputations play a significant role.