The “It’s not worth + gerund” structure is a valuable grammatical tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This construction is frequently used to express that an action is not valuable or beneficial enough to justify the effort or consequences involved. Let’s delve into its usage and how you can leverage it to boost your IELTS scores.
Understanding “It’s Not Worth + Gerund”
The phrase “It’s not worth + gerund” is a common idiomatic expression in English used to convey that an action is not worthwhile or valuable enough to justify the effort, time, or resources required. This structure appears in various IELTS tasks, particularly in Writing and Speaking sections, where candidates need to express opinions or make evaluations.
Examples:
- It’s not worth spending money on expensive gadgets that become outdated quickly.
- It’s not worth risking your health for a temporary job.
- It’s not worth arguing over minor issues in a relationship.
It's not worth + gerund structure
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Structure
The basic structure is:
It + is + not + worth + gerund (verb+ing) + [object/complement]
It’s crucial to remember that the gerund form (verb+ing) is always used after “worth,” never the infinitive.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this structure can be effectively used to express opinions or evaluate situations. For example:
“Many people believe it’s not worth investing in space exploration when there are pressing issues on Earth. However, I would argue that the technological advancements gained from such endeavors are invaluable for solving terrestrial problems.”
Here, the structure helps to present a counterargument concisely and effectively.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking Responses
In the Speaking test, using this structure can demonstrate your ability to express complex ideas fluently:
Examiner: “Do you think people should spend a lot of money on brand-name products?”
Candidate: “In my opinion, it’s not worth spending exorbitant amounts on brand-name items merely for status. It’s far more worthwhile investing in quality products that offer good value for money, regardless of the brand name.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider these advanced applications:
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Combining with conditionals:
“If the project deadline is too tight, it’s not worth compromising on quality just to meet it.” -
Using in reported speech:
“The expert advised that it wasn’t worth risking our financial stability for such a speculative investment.” -
Incorporating into complex sentences:
“While some argue that any form of exercise is beneficial, it’s not worth pushing yourself to the point of injury, as the long-term consequences can outweigh the short-term gains.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using infinitive instead of gerund:
Incorrect: It’s not worth to spend money on unnecessary items.
Correct: It’s not worth spending money on unnecessary items. -
Omitting “it”:
Incorrect: Is not worth worrying about things you can’t control.
Correct: It’s not worth worrying about things you can’t control. -
Using in affirmative sentences without changing the meaning:
Incorrect: It’s worth not going to the party.
Correct: It’s not worth going to the party.
Conclusion
Mastering the “It’s not worth + gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. By incorporating this phrase into your Writing and Speaking responses, you demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar and idiomatic expressions. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts to ensure fluency and accuracy in your IELTS exam.
For further practice, try using this structure in essays about time management, financial decisions, or lifestyle choices – all common themes in IELTS tasks. The more you integrate such advanced structures into your language repertoire, the more natural and proficient your English will become, leading to higher band scores in your IELTS exam.
