The phrase “be about to” is a useful grammatical structure for expressing immediate future actions or events in English. It’s particularly valuable for IELTS candidates as it allows them to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of time expressions. Let’s explore how to effectively use this structure and its relevance in the IELTS exam.
Understanding “Be About To” in IELTS Context
“Be about to” is commonly used to describe actions or events that are going to happen very soon or imminently. This structure appears frequently in IELTS listening and reading tests, and can be effectively employed in speaking and writing tasks to express immediacy.
Examples:
- The lecture is about to begin. (Listening context)
- The train is about to depart from platform 3. (Reading context)
- I’m about to start my presentation. (Speaking context)
- The government is about to announce new environmental policies. (Writing context)
In each of these examples, the action is on the verge of happening, showcasing the immediate future aspect of “be about to”.
Grammar and Usage: Mastering “Be About To”
Formula and Structure
The basic structure of “be about to” is:
Subject + [am/is/are] + about to + base form of verb
It’s crucial to remember that the verb following “about to” is always in its base form.
Examples:
- She is about to leave for work.
- They are about to announce the winner.
- I am about to finish my IELTS preparation.
- The movie is about to start.
- We are about to begin our experiment.
Application in IELTS Sections
IELTS Listening
In listening tests, “be about to” often appears in announcements or dialogues indicating imminent actions.
Example:
“Attention passengers, Flight BA237 to London is about to board at Gate 12.”
IELTS Reading
You might encounter this structure in various text types, from news articles to academic passages.
Example:
“Scientists believe the volcano is about to erupt, based on recent seismic activity.”
IELTS Speaking
Using “be about to” can help you express immediacy in your responses, particularly in Part 2 and 3.
Example:
“In my hometown, they are about to construct a new shopping center, which will significantly change the local economy.”
IELTS Writing
Incorporating this structure in your essays can add sophistication to your writing.
Example:
“As technology continues to advance rapidly, we are about to enter an era where artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in our daily lives.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s important to use “be about to” accurately and in conjunction with other tenses and structures.
-
Combining with past tense:
“I was about to leave when my phone rang.” (Shows interrupted action) -
Using with continuous forms:
“We are about to be experiencing a major shift in climate patterns.” (Emphasizes ongoing nature) -
In conditional sentences:
“If you arrive at 3 PM, we will be about to start the meeting.” (Future conditional) -
With modal verbs:
“The project might be about to face some unexpected challenges.” (Adds uncertainty) -
In reported speech:
“She told me that they were about to launch a new product.” (Backshifting in reported speech)
These advanced uses demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency, which is crucial for achieving band 7 and above in IELTS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong verb form:
Incorrect: “She is about to starting her new job.”
Correct: “She is about to start her new job.” -
Confusing with “going to”:
While both express future, “be about to” is for more immediate actions.
Less immediate: “I’m going to visit Paris next year.”
More immediate: “I’m about to board the plane to Paris.” -
Using with distant future events:
Incorrect: “I’m about to graduate in two years.”
Correct: “I’m about to submit my final thesis.” (Imminent action) -
Overusing in formal writing:
While it’s useful, overuse can make writing seem informal. Balance it with other future expressions in academic writing. -
Misusing tenses in reported speech:
Incorrect: “He said he is about to leave.”
Correct: “He said he was about to leave.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be about to” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It allows you to express immediacy with precision, adding depth to your language use. Practice incorporating this structure in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more complex academic discussions. Remember to balance it with other future expressions and tenses to showcase your full range of English language skills. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider creating practice scenarios where you can naturally integrate “be about to” into your speaking and writing, always focusing on immediacy and relevance to the context.