The phrase “be obsessed with + noun/gerund” is a powerful expression that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. This structure allows you to convey intense interest or preoccupation with a subject, activity, or idea. Let’s delve into how mastering this phrase can boost your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score in IELTS.
Understanding “Be Obsessed With + Noun/Gerund”
The structure “be obsessed with” is typically followed by either a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing used as a noun). It expresses an intense, often excessive interest or preoccupation with something. This phrase appears frequently in IELTS speaking and writing tasks, particularly when discussing hobbies, interests, or societal trends.
Examples:
- “He is obsessed with collecting rare stamps.” (+ gerund)
- “Many teenagers are obsessed with social media.” (+ noun)
- “The scientist was obsessed with finding a cure for cancer.” (+ gerund)
- “She is obsessed with the idea of travelling the world.” (+ noun phrase)
- “The company seems to be obsessed with increasing profits at any cost.” (+ gerund phrase)
Obsessed person
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Structure
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + obsessed + with + [noun/gerund]
It’s crucial to use the correct form of “be” depending on the subject and tense:
- I am / He/She/It is / We/You/They are obsessed with…
- I was / He/She/It was / We/You/They were obsessed with…
- I have been / He/She/It has been / We/You/They have been obsessed with…
Application in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, using this phrase can demonstrate your ability to express intense interests or describe societal trends accurately. It’s particularly useful in Part 2 (Long Turn) and Part 3 (Discussion) of the test.
Example for Part 2:
“I’d like to talk about my hobby of photography. I am obsessed with capturing unique moments in nature. This obsession began when I was a teenager…”
Example for Part 3:
“In my country, young people are obsessed with staying connected through social media. This obsession has both positive and negative impacts on their lives…”
Application in IELTS Writing
For Writing Task 2, this phrase can be used to discuss societal trends, personal habits, or global issues.
Sample paragraph:
“In recent years, society has become obsessed with achieving the perfect work-life balance. This obsession is evident in the growing number of companies offering flexible working hours and the increasing popularity of self-help books on the subject. While being obsessed with maintaining a healthy lifestyle is generally positive, it can also lead to stress if taken to extremes.”
Enhancing Your IELTS Score
To achieve a higher band score, it’s essential to use this phrase accurately and in context. Here’s how you can elevate your usage:
Band 6-7: Use the basic structure correctly.
“Many people are obsessed with losing weight.”Band 7-8: Incorporate more complex sentence structures.
“The extent to which some individuals are obsessed with achieving fame has led to a concerning rise in risky behavior on social media platforms.”Band 8-9: Use the phrase in idiomatic expressions or with advanced vocabulary.
“The relentless pursuit of perfection has led to a society obsessed with curating an immaculate online persona, often at the expense of genuine human connections.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect preposition: “He is obsessed of sports.” (Correct: “He is obsessed with sports.”)
- Using “to” instead of “with”: “She is obsessed to collecting stamps.” (Correct: “She is obsessed with collecting stamps.”)
- Forgetting the gerund form: “They are obsessed with travel the world.” (Correct: “They are obsessed with travelling the world.”)
- Incorrect verb form: “He obsessed with reading novels.” (Correct: “He is obsessed with reading novels.”)
- Misusing the passive voice: “Reading novels is obsessed by him.” (Correct: “He is obsessed with reading novels.”)
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase “be obsessed with + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express intense interests and describe trends with precision. Remember to use it in context, vary your sentence structures, and combine it with advanced vocabulary to achieve higher band scores. Practice using this phrase in different tenses and with various subjects to fully incorporate it into your language skills for the IELTS exam.
For further practice, try using this phrase to describe:
- A hobby you’re passionate about
- A global trend you’ve observed
- A character trait that’s both positive and negative
- A technological advancement and its impact on society
- An environmental issue that requires urgent attention
By effectively incorporating “be obsessed with” into your IELTS responses, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, helping you to achieve your desired score.