Understanding ‘Embark on’ and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrasal verb ’embark on’ is a powerful linguistic tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. As an IELTS examiner, I’ve observed how effectively using such expressions can elevate a candidate’s score. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this versatile phrasal verb and explore how it can be your secret weapon in the IELTS exam.
Definition and Explanation
‘Embark on’ primarily means to start or begin a journey, project, or new course of action. It often implies the commencement of something significant or challenging. Synonyms include ‘commence’, ‘initiate’, or ‘set out on’.
Different contexts:
- Literal: To board a ship or aircraft.
- Figurative: To start a new venture or experience.
Embarking on a journey by ship
Usage in Context
- Formal: “The company is set to embark on an ambitious expansion project next year.”
- Informal: “We’re about to embark on a road trip across the country!”
- Written: “In this essay, I will embark on an analysis of climate change impacts.”
- Spoken: “After graduating, I decided to embark on a career in marketing.”
Grammar Analysis
‘Embark on’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning the object always comes after the entire phrase.
Correct: “She embarked on a new career.”
Incorrect: “She embarked a new career on.”
Application in IELTS
In IELTS Speaking:
‘Embark on’ can be effectively used to describe new beginnings or significant changes in your life. Here’s how you might use it in response to common IELTS Speaking questions:
Question: “Tell me about a significant decision you’ve made recently.”
Sample Answer: “Recently, I made the decision to embark on a career change. After working in finance for five years, I’ve decided to embark on a new journey in environmental science. This decision wasn’t easy, but I’m excited to embark on this new chapter in my life.”
In IELTS Writing:
In Writing Task 2, ’embark on’ can add sophistication to your essay:
“Many countries are embarking on ambitious renewable energy projects to combat climate change. While these initiatives are commendable, it is crucial to embark on comprehensive educational programs to ensure public understanding and support.”
IELTS Writing Task on Renewable Energy
Related Phrasal Verbs
Set out (on) /set aʊt/ – to start a journey or task
Example: “We set out on our hiking trip at dawn.”Take on /teɪk ɒn/ – to accept a challenge or responsibility
Example: “She took on the role of project manager.”Venture into /ˈventʃər ˈɪntuː/ – to start doing something new or risky
Example: “The company is venturing into the Asian market.”Plunge into /plʌndʒ ˈɪntuː/ – to start doing something with enthusiasm
Example: “After retirement, he plunged into learning photography.”Launch into /lɔːntʃ ˈɪntuː/ – to begin something energetically
Example: “Without hesitation, she launched into her presentation.”Delve into /delv ˈɪntuː/ – to examine or investigate something thoroughly
Example: “The researcher delved into the ancient texts for clues.”Engage in /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn/ – to become involved in an activity
Example: “Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities.”Set about /set əˈbaʊt/ – to begin doing something, often with determination
Example: “We need to set about solving this problem immediately.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- After graduation, many students ___ on their first job search.
- The government has decided to ___ on a new healthcare reform.
- Before ___ on a long journey, make sure you’re well-prepared.
- Scientists are ___ on a groundbreaking research project.
- It’s never too late to ___ on a new career path.
- The explorers ___ on their expedition to the Arctic.
- She’s about to ___ on her PhD studies next month.
- The company plans to ___ on an aggressive marketing campaign.
- Before ___ on any new project, it’s important to set clear goals.
- They’re ready to ___ on the challenge of climbing Mount Everest.
Sentence Transformation
Original: The team started a new project last week.
Rewrite: The team ___ a new project last week.Original: She began her journey to financial independence.
Rewrite: She ___ her journey to financial independence.Original: The country is initiating a series of economic reforms.
Rewrite: The country is ___ a series of economic reforms.Original: We’re about to start our world tour next month.
Rewrite: We’re about to ___ our world tour next month.Original: The author has begun writing her new novel.
Rewrite: The author has ___ writing her new novel.Original: The students are eager to start their internship.
Rewrite: The students are eager to ___ their internship.Original: The company is launching a new product line.
Rewrite: The company is ___ a new product line.Original: He’s decided to begin learning a new language.
Rewrite: He’s decided to ___ learning a new language.Original: They’re starting the construction of the new bridge tomorrow.
Rewrite: They’re ___ the construction of the new bridge tomorrow.Original: I’m ready to start my fitness journey.
Rewrite: I’m ready to ___ my fitness journey.
Answers and Explanations
Fill in the Blanks:
- embark
- embark
- embarking
- embarking
- embark
- embarked
- embark
- embark
- embarking
- embark
Sentence Transformation:
- The team embarked on a new project last week.
- She embarked on her journey to financial independence.
- The country is embarking on a series of economic reforms.
- We’re about to embark on our world tour next month.
- The author has embarked on writing her new novel.
- The students are eager to embark on their internship.
- The company is embarking on a new product line.
- He’s decided to embark on learning a new language.
- They’re embarking on the construction of the new bridge tomorrow.
- I’m ready to embark on my fitness journey.
Explanation: In each case, ’embark on’ is used to indicate the beginning or start of a journey, project, or new endeavor. This phrasal verb adds a sense of significance and commitment to the action, making it particularly effective in IELTS responses.
Memory Tips
To remember ’embark on’, visualize yourself stepping onto a ship (bark) to start a journey. The ’em-‘ prefix suggests entering or going into, while ‘bark’ can remind you of a ship’s structure.
Another memory aid is the acronym BEGIN:
B – Begin
E – Enterprising
G – Goals
I – Initiate
N – New journey
Each time you use ’embark on’, think of BEGIN to recall its meaning of starting something new and significant.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect preposition: Some learners mistakenly use ‘in’ or ‘to’ instead of ‘on’.
Incorrect: “She embarked in a new project.”
Correct: “She embarked on a new project.”Separating the phrasal verb: Remember, ’embark on’ is inseparable.
Incorrect: “They embarked the journey on last week.”
Correct: “They embarked on the journey last week.”Using it for minor activities: ‘Embark on’ implies something significant.
Less appropriate: “I’m embarking on making a sandwich.”
More appropriate: “I’m embarking on a new diet plan.”Overuse: While ’embark on’ is effective, using it too frequently can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like ‘begin’, ‘start’, or ‘initiate’ where appropriate.
Conclusion
Mastering ’embark on’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, adding sophistication and precision to your language use. Practice incorporating this phrasal verb into your speaking and writing, paying attention to its correct usage and appropriate contexts. Remember, the key to success in IELTS is not just knowing vocabulary, but using it effectively and naturally.
As you prepare for your IELTS journey, don’t forget to describe famous tourist attractions in your country or talk about places where you go to escape from the busy city. These topics provide excellent opportunities to use ’embark on’ and other sophisticated language structures.
By consistently practicing and applying these language skills, you’re embarking on a path to IELTS success. Good luck with your IELTS preparation, and may you embark on a rewarding journey of language mastery!