Passive forms with modal verbs are a crucial grammatical structure that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and effectively using these constructions can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this grammar point and explore how to apply it in various IELTS contexts.
Understanding Passive Forms with Modal Verbs
Passive forms with modal verbs combine the passive voice structure with modal auxiliaries, allowing us to express possibility, necessity, or ability in a passive context. This grammatical construction is particularly useful when the focus is on the action rather than the doer.
Formula and Grammatical Structure
The basic structure for passive forms with modal verbs is:
Modal Verb + Be + Past Participle
Examples:
- The report must be submitted by Friday. (necessity)
- The building can be seen from miles away. (possibility)
- This problem should be solved immediately. (recommendation)
- The concert might be canceled due to bad weather. (possibility)
- Your application will be processed within 14 days. (future passive)
In each of these examples, the modal verb precedes the passive construction, altering the meaning and implication of the sentence.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, using passive forms with modal verbs can demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and sophistication. Here’s how you can incorporate them effectively:
Task 1 (Academic)
When describing processes or changes in graphs and charts:
“Based on the graph, it can be observed that CO2 emissions will be reduced significantly by 2030 if current environmental policies are maintained.”
This sentence showcases the use of ‘can be observed’ to discuss the data objectively and ‘will be reduced’ to describe future projections passively.
Task 2
In argumentative or discursive essays:
“While some argue that traditional teaching methods should be preserved, it cannot be denied that technology must be integrated into modern education systems.”
This complex sentence utilizes three passive forms with modal verbs, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking Performance
Incorporating passive forms with modal verbs in your speaking can significantly boost your grammatical range and accuracy score. Consider these examples:
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Part 1 (Interview):
“In my city, new buildings can be seen going up almost every month.” -
Part 2 (Long Turn):
“The event I’m describing had to be postponed due to unexpected circumstances.” -
Part 3 (Discussion):
“Environmental issues should be addressed more seriously by governments worldwide.”
Improving IELTS Listening and Reading Skills
Recognizing passive forms with modal verbs is crucial for IELTS Listening and Reading sections:
Listening example:
“Passengers are reminded that all electronic devices must be switched off during takeoff and landing.”
Reading example:
“According to the study, renewable energy sources could be implemented more widely to reduce carbon emissions.”
Understanding these structures will help you quickly grasp the meaning and implications in both spoken and written contexts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect word order:
Incorrect: “The project must finished be by next week.”
Correct: “The project must be finished by next week.” -
Forgetting to change the main verb to past participle:
Incorrect: “The decision can be make tomorrow.”
Correct: “The decision can be made tomorrow.” -
Using the wrong form of ‘be’:
Incorrect: “The results will been published soon.”
Correct: “The results will be published soon.” -
Overusing passive constructions:
While passive forms with modal verbs are useful, overusing them can make your writing or speaking seem unnatural. Balance is key.
Strategies for Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores (7+) in IELTS, consider these strategies:
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Vary your use of modal verbs: Instead of always using ‘can’ or ‘should’, incorporate less common modals like ‘ought to’, ‘might’, or ‘could’.
Example: “The issue ought to be addressed in the next meeting.”
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Combine with other complex structures:
“Not only should the policy be reviewed, but it must also be updated to reflect current market conditions.” -
Use in different tenses:
“By next year, the new system will have been implemented in all departments.” -
Incorporate into conditional sentences:
“If the budget had been approved, the project could have been completed on time.”
Conclusion
Mastering passive forms with modal verbs is essential for IELTS success. By understanding their structure, practicing their use in various contexts, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the IELTS exam. Remember to use these constructions naturally and appropriately, and always aim to balance them with other grammatical structures to showcase your full range of English language skills.
For further practice, try incorporating passive forms with modal verbs in essays on topics like technological advancements, environmental policies, or educational reforms. These subjects often require discussions of possibilities, necessities, and recommendations, making them ideal for employing this grammatical structure.
To learn more about other important grammatical structures for IELTS, you might find our articles on passive and causative constructions and using ‘be liable for’ with nouns and gerunds helpful in expanding your grammatical range.