Nominalization, the process of turning verbs and adjectives into nouns, is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking, propelling you towards a Band 7+ score. By transforming actions and descriptions into noun phrases, you add sophistication and formality to your language, demonstrating a mastery of complex grammatical structures highly sought after by IELTS examiners.
Let’s illustrate this with a few examples:
- Verb to Noun: “The government decided to invest in renewable energy.” → “The government’s decision to invest in renewable energy was welcomed.”
- Adjective to Noun: “The public transportation system is efficient.” → “The efficiency of the public transportation system is commendable.”
In both examples, nominalization allows us to condense information and present it more concisely and formally.
Understanding Nominalization in IELTS
Nominalization is particularly valuable in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays and IELTS Speaking Part 3, where you’re expected to articulate complex ideas and arguments in a sophisticated manner. It helps you achieve this by:
- Increasing Lexical Resource: Using a variety of grammatical structures, including nominalization, demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge.
- Improving Cohesion and Coherence: Nominalization enables you to create links between sentences by referring back to previously mentioned actions or qualities as nouns, thereby improving the flow and clarity of your writing.
- Enhancing Formality and Objectivity: By focusing on concepts rather than actions, nominalization lends a formal and objective tone to your writing, which is crucial for academic writing tasks.
Mastering Nominalization: Techniques and Applications
Common Nominalization Forms
Here are some common ways to create nominalizations:
1. Using Suffixes:
| Suffix | Example Verb | Example Noun |
|---|---|---|
| -tion/-sion | to decide | decision |
| -ment | to develop | development |
| -ance/-ence | to appear | appearance |
| -ity | flexible | flexibility |
| -ness | happy | happiness |
| -al | to arrive | arrival |
2. Using Gerunds:
Gerunds are verbs ending in “-ing” that act as nouns. For example:
- “Swimming is my favorite sport.”
- “I enjoy reading books.”
3. Using Noun Phrases:
Nominalization often involves creating noun phrases using articles, adjectives, and other modifiers. For example:
- “The rapid advancement in technology.”
- “The government’s decision to implement the new policy.”
Applying Nominalization in IELTS Writing Task 2
Consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
“Some people believe that economic growth is the most important factor for a country’s success. Others believe that other factors are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Example without Nominalization:
“Many people argue that a country’s economy must grow for it to be successful. They think that when businesses make more money, everyone benefits.”
Example with Nominalization:
“Proponents of economic growth posit that it is the cornerstone of national success. They argue that increased business profitability ultimately translates into societal well-being.“
The second example, using nominalization, sounds more academic and sophisticated.
Applying Nominalization in IELTS Speaking Part 3
Imagine the following IELTS Speaking Part 3 question:
“How do you think technology has changed the way people communicate?”
Example without Nominalization:
“Well, people don’t really write letters anymore. Now everyone uses social media to talk to each other instantly.”
Example with Nominalization:
“Technology has led to a significant decline in traditional letter writing. The rise of social media platforms has enabled instantaneous communication, transforming how people connect and interact.”
By using nominalization, the second response sounds more fluent and reflects a greater command of English.
Nominalization Examples in IELTS
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Overusing Nominalization: While beneficial, excessive nominalization can make your writing sound dense and difficult to understand. Aim for a balance between nominalized phrases and verb constructions.
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Incorrect Noun Formation: Ensure you use the correct suffixes and articles when creating noun forms. Refer to dictionaries and grammar resources if unsure.
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Lack of Clarity: While nominalization can make your writing concise, it should not come at the expense of clarity. Make sure your ideas are still easily understandable.
Conclusion
Mastering nominalization is a valuable asset for achieving a high IELTS score. By understanding its principles and practicing its application, you can significantly enhance the sophistication, clarity, and overall quality of your language, impressing examiners and boosting your confidence. Remember to use this technique judiciously, ensuring a balance between noun phrases and verb constructions for maximum impact.
