How Can You Be Successful at IELTS Writing and Speaking?

The phrase “be successful at + noun/gerund” is a common structure used to express achievement or proficiency in a particular area. In the context of IELTS, this phrase can be particularly useful for discussing one’s goals and accomplishments. Let’s explore how to effectively use this structure and apply it to the IELTS exam.

Understanding the Structure

The structure “be successful at + noun/gerund” consists of:

• “Be” (conjugated appropriately)
• “Successful” (adjective)
• “At” (preposition)
• Noun or gerund (verb + -ing)

This structure is frequently used in IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks, especially when discussing personal achievements, career goals, or educational aspirations.

Examples:

1. I hope to be successful at learning English.
2. She has been successful at managing large teams.
3. Many students strive to be successful at IELTS.
4. The company aims to be successful at expanding into new markets.
5. He is determined to be successful at his studies.

IELTS success strategies

Using the Structure in IELTS Writing

Task 1 (Academic)

While “be successful at” might not be directly applicable to describing graphs or charts, you can use it in your introduction or conclusion to add a personal touch:

Example:
“This graph illustrates how different countries have been successful at reducing carbon emissions over the past decade.”

Task 2

This structure can be particularly useful in Task 2 essays, especially when discussing personal opinions or societal trends:

Example:
“In today’s competitive job market, many believe that to be successful at one’s career, it is essential to possess both academic qualifications and practical experience.”

Band 7-8 example:
“While some argue that innate talent is the key factor, I firmly believe that to be truly successful at any endeavor, one must combine natural abilities with dedicated practice and continuous learning.”

Applying the Structure in IELTS Speaking

Part 1

In this section, you can use the structure to discuss personal experiences:

Example:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy learning English?”
Candidate: “Absolutely! I’ve always wanted to be successful at mastering English, and I find the learning process both challenging and rewarding.”

Part 2

For the longer speaking task, you can incorporate this structure into your description:

Example:
“I’m going to talk about a person who has been successful at their job. My uncle, a software engineer, has been remarkably successful at developing innovative applications…”

Part 3

In the discussion section, you can use this structure to express more complex ideas:

Example:
Examiner: “What factors contribute to success in a career?”
Candidate: “I believe that to be successful at one’s career, it’s crucial to continuously update skills, adapt to changes in the industry, and maintain a strong professional network.”

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect preposition:

   • Incorrect: “She is successful in writing.”
   • Correct: “She is successful at writing.”

2. Using “to be” instead of gerund:

   • Incorrect: “He is successful at to manage the team.”
   • Correct: “He is successful at managing the team.”

3. Forgetting to conjugate “be”:

   • Incorrect: “They be successful at marketing.”
   • Correct: “They are successful at marketing.”

4. Using an adjective instead of a noun/gerund:

   • Incorrect: “I want to be successful at professional.”
   • Correct: “I want to be successful at my profession” or “I want to be successful professionally.”

5. Overusing the structure:
   While it’s a useful phrase, avoid overusing it. Vary your language to demonstrate a wider vocabulary range.

Enhancing Your IELTS Score

To boost your IELTS score when using this structure:

1. Use specific examples: Instead of “He is successful at business,” say “He has been remarkably successful at expanding his startup into international markets.”

2. Incorporate advanced vocabulary: “She has been incredibly successful at navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.”

3. Use it with other complex structures: “Had she not been so successful at managing her time efficiently, she might not have achieved such impressive results in her IELTS preparation.”

4. Apply it to abstract concepts: “To be successful at fostering innovation, companies must create an environment that encourages creative thinking and risk-taking.”

IELTS writing task success

Conclusion

Mastering the “be successful at + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 2 and 3. Remember to use it judiciously, combining it with a range of other advanced structures and vocabulary to showcase your language proficiency. Practice using this structure in various contexts related to education, career, personal development, and societal issues to be well-prepared for any IELTS topic.

For further improvement in your IELTS preparation, you might also want to explore how to be expert in various subjects or how to be competent in different skills. These structures can complement “be successful at” and provide you with a wider range of expressions to use in your IELTS tasks.