The “be terrified of + noun/gerund” structure is a powerful expression that frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in Speaking and Writing tasks. Understanding and using this phrase effectively can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to employ it masterfully in your IELTS preparation and exam.
Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrase “be terrified of” is used to express an intense fear or dread of something. It’s more emphatic than simply saying “afraid of” or “scared of.” In IELTS, using such nuanced expressions can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, potentially boosting your vocabulary and grammar scores.
Examples:
- “I am terrified of public speaking.” (noun)
- “Many people are terrified of flying.” (gerund)
- “She is terrified of losing her job in this economic climate.” (gerund phrase)
In these examples, the structure clearly conveys a strong emotional response, which is particularly useful in descriptive or opinion-based tasks in IELTS.
IELTS Exam Scenario
Grammar and Usage: Mastering the Formula
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be] + terrified of + [noun/gerund]
It’s crucial to note that “terrified” is an adjective, and it’s always followed by “of” when connecting to the object of fear. The object can be either a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing form functioning as a noun).
Application in IELTS Speaking
In IELTS Speaking, this structure can be particularly effective when discussing topics related to fears, challenges, or personal experiences.
Example responses:
- “I’m terrified of heights. Even standing on a balcony makes me feel dizzy.”
- “Many students are terrified of failing their exams, which often leads to increased stress levels.”
Enhancing IELTS Writing
For IELTS Writing, especially in Task 2 essays, this structure can add depth to your arguments and examples.
Sample paragraph:
“In today’s competitive job market, many fresh graduates are terrified of unemployment. This fear can drive them to accept positions that are far below their qualifications or to pursue further education, even when it may not be necessary.”
Advanced Usage and Band Score Improvement
To aim for higher band scores (7 and above), consider these advanced applications:
Combining with other structures:
“Having always been terrified of public speaking, I decided to join a debate club to overcome my fear.”Using in conditional sentences:
“If I hadn’t been terrified of flying, I would have traveled much more in my youth.”Incorporating idiomatic expressions:
“The thought of skydiving makes my blood run cold; I’m absolutely terrified of taking the plunge.”
These complex structures demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, potentially boosting your IELTS score.
Fear Visualization
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect preposition:
- Incorrect: “I am terrified from spiders.”
- Correct: “I am terrified of spiders.”
Using the wrong form of the verb:
- Incorrect: “She is terrified of to fail.”
- Correct: “She is terrified of failing.”
Confusing “terrified” with “terrifying”:
- Incorrect: “The movie was terrified.”
- Correct: “The movie was terrifying.” or “I was terrified by the movie.”
Overuse in formal writing:
While effective, overusing this structure in IELTS Writing Task 2 can make your essay sound too informal or emotional. Use it judiciously and balance it with other expressions.
Expanding Your Vocabulary: Synonyms and Related Phrases
To further enhance your IELTS performance, consider using these synonyms and related phrases:
- Petrified of
- Horrified by
- Dread (verb)
- Have a phobia of
Example:
“While some people are merely afraid of spiders, I am absolutely petrified of them. The mere sight of an arachnid fills me with dread.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be terrified of + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. By understanding its proper usage, avoiding common mistakes, and incorporating it effectively into your speaking and writing, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and combine it with other advanced grammatical forms to aim for those higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider exploring related topics such as expressing emotions, discussing personal challenges, or describing intense experiences to further utilize this powerful phrase.