The phrase “be renowned for + noun/gerund” is a powerful structure that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This expression is commonly used to describe what someone or something is famous for, and it’s particularly useful in both the Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS exam. Let’s delve into its usage, significance, and how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS responses.
Understanding the Structure and Its Importance in IELTS
The structure “be renowned for + noun/gerund” is composed of three main parts:
- “Be” verb (is/are/was/were)
- “Renowned” (adjective)
- “For” (preposition)
- Noun or gerund (verb + -ing)
This structure is highly valued in IELTS as it demonstrates advanced vocabulary usage and the ability to construct complex sentences. It’s particularly useful when discussing famous people, places, or things in Task 2 essays or Part 2 and 3 of the Speaking test.
Examples:
- Paris is renowned for its romantic atmosphere and iconic landmarks.
- Marie Curie was renowned for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity.
- The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unique wildlife and biodiversity.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Grammar Formula and Usage in IELTS
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + renowned + for + [noun/gerund]
In IELTS Writing Task 2 or Speaking Part 3, you can use this structure to:
- Introduce a topic: “Japan is renowned for its technological advancements.”
- Support an argument: “Oxford University is renowned for producing world leaders, which demonstrates the importance of quality education.”
- Provide examples: “New York City is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering cuisines from all over the world.”
Sample Answers and Applications in IELTS
Writing Task 2 Example:
Topic: Some people believe that hosting international sports events is beneficial for a country, while others think it’s a waste of resources. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample paragraph:
“Countries that host international sports events often gain significant benefits. For instance, Brazil is renowned for its passion for football, and hosting the 2014 World Cup enhanced this reputation globally. Similarly, Japan is renowned for its efficiency and technological prowess, qualities that were showcased during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These events not only boost tourism but also provide an opportunity for countries to demonstrate their organizational capabilities on a world stage.”
Speaking Part 2 Example:
Question: Describe a famous person you admire.
“I’d like to talk about Marie Curie, a scientist who is renowned for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity. She was renowned for being the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields. Curie is also renowned for her dedication to science, often working in challenging conditions. Her discoveries are renowned for their significant impact on medical treatments, particularly in the field of cancer therapy.”
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, consider these strategies when using “be renowned for”:
Use synonyms: Instead of always using “renowned,” try synonyms like “celebrated,” “acclaimed,” or “distinguished.”
Example: “The Louvre is celebrated for its extensive art collection.”Combine with other complex structures:
Example: “Despite facing numerous challenges, Tesla has become renowned for revolutionizing the electric car industry.”Use in different tenses:
Example: “By 2030, renewable energy sources will be renowned for their crucial role in combating climate change.”Incorporate into conditional sentences:
Example: “If the government invests more in education, our country could become renowned for producing innovative thinkers.”Use with passive voice:
Example: “The company has long been renowned for manufacturing high-quality electronics.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect preposition: Don’t use “of” instead of “for.”
Incorrect: “Paris is renowned of its cuisine.”
Correct: “Paris is renowned for its cuisine.”Using the wrong form after “for”:
Incorrect: “The university is renowned for produce excellent graduates.”
Correct: “The university is renowned for producing excellent graduates.”Overusing the phrase:
While it’s a useful structure, don’t use it excessively in your responses. Aim for variety in your language use.Forgetting to change the verb form:
Incorrect: “They were renowned for be kind to animals.”
Correct: “They were renowned for being kind to animals.”Using with intransitive verbs:
Incorrect: “The athlete is renowned for run fast.”
Correct: “The athlete is renowned for running fast.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be renowned for + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express ideas about fame and reputation with sophistication and precision. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and combine it with other advanced grammatical forms to showcase your language proficiency. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to incorporate this phrase into your writing and speaking practice, always ensuring that you use it naturally and appropriately within the context of your responses.
To further improve your IELTS performance, you might also want to explore related structures such as “be known for + noun/gerund” and “be famous for + noun/gerund”. Additionally, understanding tips for effective communication in relationships can enhance your overall language skills and help you express ideas more clearly in the IELTS Speaking test.