As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who struggle with specific phrases in the listening section. One such phrase that causes confusion is “has been dubbed”. Understanding this phrase, and similar ones, can be crucial to achieving a high score in IELTS Listening. This article aims to demystify the meaning and usage of “has been dubbed”, provide examples from IELTS listening tests, and offer tips on how to handle such phrases effectively during the exam.
Understanding “Has Been Dubbed”
“To dub” in this context means “to give something or someone a particular name, often describing what it is, what it does, or what people think of it”. It’s commonly used when a person, place, or thing is given a descriptive nickname or label due to its characteristics or actions.
Here’s how it works grammatically:
- Structure: Subject + has/have been dubbed + Noun/Noun Phrase
- Tense: Present Perfect Tense (Passive Voice)
- Example: The city has been dubbed “The City of Love”.
Therefore, “has been dubbed” implies that the name or label is not official but rather something that has become commonly used over time.
Applying “Has Been Dubbed” to IELTS Listening
In the IELTS Listening test, you might encounter “has been dubbed” in various scenarios:
- Describing a person: “The scientist, known for his groundbreaking research, has been dubbed the ‘Father of Modern Physics’.”
- Referring to a place: “The region, famous for its wine production, has been dubbed ‘The Napa Valley of the East’.”
- Characterizing an object or concept: “This new technology, with its potential to revolutionize communication, has been dubbed ‘The Next Big Thing’.”
Example from IELTS Listening
Let’s look at a potential IELTS Listening scenario:
Speaker 1: And what about this new art installation? Have you seen it?
Speaker 2: You mean the one in the city park?
Speaker 1: Yes! It’s so controversial!
Speaker 2: I know! It’s been dubbed “The Giant Paperclip” by the local newspaper.
Giant Paperclip Art
In this example, you can understand that the art installation doesn’t officially have the name “The Giant Paperclip,” but that’s the nickname given to it, likely due to its appearance or some other related factor.
Tips for Handling Similar Phrases
“Has been dubbed” is just one example. You may encounter other phrases with similar meanings in the IELTS Listening test. Here are some tips:
- Focus on context: Pay close attention to the words and phrases surrounding the target phrase. This will help you understand the meaning even if you’re unfamiliar with the specific phrase.
- Don’t panic: If you hear a phrase you don’t recognize, don’t let it throw you off. Keep listening and try to grasp the overall meaning of the conversation or lecture.
- Practice makes perfect: Familiarize yourself with a variety of phrases and vocabulary used in different contexts. Regularly practice listening to English materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and documentaries, to improve your comprehension.
Conclusion
Understanding phrases like “has been dubbed” is crucial for success in the IELTS Listening test. By focusing on context, building your vocabulary, and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to comprehend such phrases and boost your overall listening score. Remember, consistent effort and a strategic approach will equip you with the necessary skills to excel in the IELTS exam.