The “be scared of + noun/gerund” structure is a common expression used to convey fear or apprehension in English. Understanding and effectively using this phrase can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into its usage, common pitfalls, and how to incorporate it skillfully in your IELTS responses.
Understanding the “Be Scared of + Noun/Gerund” Structure
The structure “be scared of + noun/gerund” is used to express fear or anxiety about something or someone. It’s a versatile phrase that appears frequently in both spoken and written English, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates.
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + scared of + noun/gerund
Examples:
- I am scared of heights. (noun)
- She is scared of flying. (gerund)
- They were scared of making mistakes during the presentation. (gerund phrase)
- The child was scared of the dark. (noun)
- We are scared of failing the exam. (gerund)
In these examples, the structure clearly conveys the subject’s fear or anxiety about specific things or actions. The versatility of this phrase allows it to be used with both nouns and gerunds, providing flexibility in expression.
Fear of Heights
Applications in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using the “be scared of” structure can help you express emotions and personal experiences more vividly. This can be particularly useful in Part 2 (Long Turn) and Part 3 (Discussion) of the speaking test.
Example in Part 2:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt scared. It was during my first skydiving experience. I was scared of heights, so the idea of jumping out of a plane was terrifying. As we ascended, I became increasingly scared of the impending jump. However, once I took the leap, my fear transformed into exhilaration.”
Analysis: In this example, the candidate uses the structure twice, demonstrating variety in tense (was scared, became scared) and combining it with both a noun (heights) and a gerund phrase (impending jump).
Example in Part 3:
Examiner: “Do you think children today are less afraid of things than in the past?”
Candidate: “I believe children today might be less scared of certain things due to increased exposure through media and technology. However, they might be more scared of new challenges like cyberbullying or climate change. It’s interesting to note how fears evolve with society.”
Analysis: Here, the candidate uses comparative forms with the structure, showcasing advanced language use and addressing the question thoughtfully.
Incorporating “Be Scared of” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, particularly in Task 2 essays, the “be scared of” structure can be used to discuss societal issues, personal opinions, or hypothetical situations.
Example paragraph for an essay on technology and society:
“Many older adults are scared of adopting new technologies, which can lead to a digital divide in society. This fear often stems from being scared of making mistakes or feeling overwhelmed by rapid technological advancements. To address this, communities could offer workshops specifically designed for seniors who are scared of using smartphones or computers, helping them overcome their apprehensions and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.”
Analysis: This paragraph incorporates the structure three times, each with a different subject (older adults, [they], seniors) and object (adopting new technologies, making mistakes, using smartphones or computers). This variety demonstrates a good command of the language and helps to maintain the reader’s interest.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores in IELTS, consider these advanced applications of the “be scared of” structure:
Use with modifiers:
- “I’m absolutely terrified of public speaking.”
- “She’s slightly scared of commitment.”
Incorporate into complex sentences:
- “Despite being scared of heights, he decided to face his fear by going bungee jumping.”
Use in passive constructions:
- “Spiders are often feared by people, even though most are harmless.”
Combine with idiomatic expressions:
- “He’s scared to death of losing his job in this unstable economy.”
Utilize in conditional sentences:
- “If I weren’t so scared of flying, I would travel more frequently.”
These advanced uses demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, which is crucial for achieving higher band scores in IELTS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect preposition:
- Incorrect: “I’m scared from spiders.”
- Correct: “I’m scared of spiders.”
Confusing “scared” with “scary”:
- Incorrect: “The movie was scared.”
- Correct: “The movie was scary.” or “I was scared by the movie.”
Misusing the gerund:
- Incorrect: “She’s scared of to fly.”
- Correct: “She’s scared of flying.”
Forgetting the “be” verb:
- Incorrect: “They scared of the dark.”
- Correct: “They are scared of the dark.”
Using the wrong tense:
- Incorrect: “I am scared of went to the dentist.”
- Correct: “I am scared of going to the dentist.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be scared of + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows for nuanced expression of fears and anxieties, which is valuable across all sections of the test. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, incorporating it into complex sentences and combining it with other advanced language features. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, potentially boosting your band score.
For further practice, consider using this structure in essays about societal fears, personal anecdotes about overcoming fears, or discussions about phobias and their impact on daily life. The more you integrate this phrase naturally into your language use, the more confident and proficient you’ll become in expressing complex ideas in English.
For related grammatical structures, you might also want to explore be afraid of + noun/gerund and be frightened of + noun/gerund, which can be used interchangeably in many contexts and will further enrich your vocabulary for expressing fear and apprehension.