Mastering ‘Pull Through’ for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding ‘Pull Through’ and Its Importance in IELTS

The phrasal verb ‘pull through’ is a versatile and commonly used expression in English that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Understanding and effectively using this phrasal verb can demonstrate your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher score in both the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam.

Definition and Explanation

‘Pull through’ has several meanings depending on the context:

1. To recover from an illness or difficult situation
2. To succeed in a challenging task or period
3. To help someone or something survive a difficult time

Synonyms for ‘pull through’ include:

• Survive
• Overcome
• Recuperate
• Persevere

Usage in Context

Here are some examples of how ‘pull through’ can be used in different contexts:

• “Despite the severe illness, the patient managed to pull through.”
• “The company pulled through the economic crisis and is now thriving.”
• “With the support of her friends, she pulled through a difficult period in her life.”

Examples of 'Pull Through' usage in context

Grammatical Analysis

‘Pull through’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning that ‘pull’ and ‘through’ cannot be separated by an object. The structure typically follows:

Subject + pull through + (object)

For example:

• “She pulled through the ordeal.” (Correct)
• “She pulled the ordeal through.” (Incorrect)

Application in IELTS

Speaking Section

In the IELTS Speaking test, using ‘pull through’ can demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic language effectively. Here are some ways to incorporate it:

1. When discussing challenges:
   “During my university years, I had to pull through some tough exams, but the experience made me stronger.”

2. Talking about personal experiences:
   “My grandfather pulled through a serious illness last year, which was a relief for our entire family.”

3. Describing resilience:
   “The local businesses pulled through the economic downturn by adapting their services.”

Writing Section

In IELTS Writing, ‘pull through’ can be used to express ideas related to overcoming difficulties or surviving challenging situations. However, be mindful of the formality level required in your essay.

Example in Task 2 essay:
“Many small businesses have had to pull through economic hardships in recent years, demonstrating the resilience of entrepreneurs.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Pull up (pʊl ʌp) – To stop or to improve
   “The company needs to pull up its sales figures this quarter.”

2. Pull off (pʊl ɒf) – To succeed in doing something difficult
   “Despite the challenges, they pulled off an impressive event.”

3. Pull together (pʊl təˈɡeðər) – To unite or cooperate
   “The community pulled together to help flood victims.”

4. Pull out (pʊl aʊt) – To withdraw or remove oneself
   “She decided to pull out of the competition due to injury.”

5. Pull in (pʊl ɪn) – To attract or arrive
   “The new movie is pulling in large audiences.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. Despite the severe storm, the small coastal town managed to .
2. The team will need to if they want to win the championship.
3. With hard work and determination, she her financial difficulties.
4. The company is expected to its low sales figures this year.
5. We need to as a community to overcome these challenges.
6. The athlete of the race due to an injury.
7. His inspiring story of how he cancer touched many people.
8. The new attraction is tourists from all over the world.
9. It took months, but they finally the complex project.
10. The government implemented measures to help small businesses the recession.

Sentence Rewriting

1. Original: Despite the difficulties, the company survived the economic crisis.
   Rewrite: The company managed to the economic crisis.

2. Original: The patient recovered from the serious illness against all odds.
   Rewrite: Against all odds, the patient .

3. Original: We need to work together to overcome these challenges.
   Rewrite: We need to to overcome these challenges.

4. Original: She succeeded in completing the difficult project on time.
   Rewrite: She completing the difficult project on time.

5. Original: The team improved their performance significantly in the second half.
   Rewrite: The team their performance in the second half.

6. Original: He decided to withdraw from the competition at the last minute.
   Rewrite: He decided to of the competition at the last minute.

7. Original: The community united to help those affected by the natural disaster.
   Rewrite: The community to help those affected by the natural disaster.

8. Original: The new policy is attracting a lot of attention from international investors.
   Rewrite: The new policy is a lot of attention from international investors.

9. Original: Despite the challenges, they succeeded in organizing a fantastic event.
   Rewrite: Despite the challenges, they organizing a fantastic event.

10. Original: The small business survived the tough economic times through innovation.
    Rewrite: The small business the tough economic times through innovation.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. pull through
2. pull together
3. pulled through
4. pull up
5. pull together
6. pulled out
7. pulled through
8. pulling in
9. pulled off
10. pull through

Sentence Rewriting:

1. pull through
2. pulled through
3. pull together
4. pulled off
5. pulled up
6. pull out
7. pulled together
8. pulling in
9. pulled off
10. pulled through

Explanations:

• In sentences 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10, ‘pull through’ is used to express overcoming difficulties or surviving challenging situations.
• ‘Pull together’ in sentences 3 and 7 indicates unity and cooperation.
• ‘Pull off’ in sentences 4 and 9 means succeeding in a difficult task.
• ‘Pull up’ in sentence 5 is used to describe improvement.
• ‘Pull out’ in sentence 6 means to withdraw from something.
• ‘Pull in’ in sentence 8 is used to describe attracting or drawing in.

Memory Tips

To remember ‘pull through’ and its usage, visualize a person pulling themselves through a narrow tunnel, representing overcoming difficulties or surviving challenges. This mental image can help associate the phrasal verb with its meaning of perseverance and recovery.

Visual memory aid for 'Pull Through'

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb
   Incorrect: “She pulled the illness through.”
   Correct: “She pulled through the illness.”

2. Mistake: Using the wrong preposition
   Incorrect: “They pulled over the crisis.”
   Correct: “They pulled through the crisis.”

3. Mistake: Confusing with similar phrasal verbs
   Incorrect: “The business pulled off the recession.” (This means the business succeeded in causing the recession, which is likely not the intended meaning.)
   Correct: “The business pulled through the recession.”

To avoid these mistakes, practice using ‘pull through’ in various contexts and pay attention to its inseparable nature. Always use it with ‘through’ and remember that it typically refers to overcoming difficulties or surviving challenges.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘pull through’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance by demonstrating your ability to use idiomatic language effectively. By understanding its various meanings, practicing its usage in different contexts, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate this versatile phrasal verb into your IELTS Speaking and Writing responses. Remember to use it appropriately based on the formality level required, and continue practicing with related phrasal verbs to expand your vocabulary further. With consistent practice, you’ll be well-equipped to pull yourself together and excel in your IELTS exam.