The phrase “it’s about time” is a common idiomatic expression in English that IELTS candidates should be familiar with. Understanding its usage and incorporating it effectively in your IELTS exam can significantly enhance your language proficiency and boost your score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to use it effectively in the IELTS test.
Understanding the “It’s About Time” Structure
The expression “it’s about time” is used to express that something is happening or should happen later than expected or desired. It often conveys a sense of impatience or mild frustration. This phrase frequently appears in both IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks, making it crucial for test-takers to master its usage.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Grammatical Structure and Usage
The basic structure of sentences using “it’s about time” is:
It’s about time + subject + past tense verb
Examples:
- It’s about time you started studying for your IELTS exam.
- It’s about time the government took action on climate change.
- It’s about time we left for the airport.
In these examples, note that the verb following the subject is in the past tense, even though we’re often referring to present or future actions. This is because the structure implies that the action should have happened earlier.
Incorporating “It’s About Time” in IELTS Speaking
Using this phrase effectively in the IELTS Speaking test can demonstrate your command of idiomatic expressions and complex structures. Here are some ways to incorporate it:
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Answering questions about changes or improvements:
“Do you think your city needs any improvements?”
Response: “Absolutely. It’s about time our local government invested in better public transportation. The current system is outdated and inefficient.” -
Discussing personal goals or plans:
“What’s a goal you’d like to achieve soon?”
Response: “Well, I’ve been putting off learning a new language for years. It’s about time I committed to studying Spanish seriously.” -
Expressing opinions on global issues:
“What are your thoughts on environmental protection?”
Response: “I believe it’s about time world leaders took concrete steps to combat climate change. We’ve been talking about it for decades, but action has been limited.”
Utilizing “It’s About Time” in IELTS Writing
In the Writing section, this phrase can add sophistication to your essays and help you express complex ideas more effectively.
Task 2 Essay Example:
Topic: Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of the environment, while others think it is the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Partial response:
“While individual actions are important, it’s about time governments worldwide took a more proactive role in environmental protection. For years, the onus has been placed on citizens to reduce their carbon footprint, but without systemic change led by policymakers, these efforts can only go so far. It’s about time strict regulations were implemented to curb industrial pollution and promote sustainable practices across all sectors.”
In this example, the phrase is used twice to emphasize the urgency of government action, demonstrating a good command of the structure and its appropriate context.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider using variations of the phrase or combining it with other complex structures:
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“It’s high time”: A more formal and emphatic version.
Example: “It’s high time educational institutions adapted their curricula to meet the demands of the modern job market.” -
Combining with conditionals:
Example: “If we had addressed climate change earlier, it wouldn’t be about time for drastic measures now.” -
Using in reported speech:
Example: “Many experts have been saying for years that it’s about time we revolutionized our approach to renewable energy.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect verb tense:
Incorrect: “It’s about time he starts working harder.”
Correct: “It’s about time he started working harder.” -
Using “to” after the phrase:
Incorrect: “It’s about time to go home.”
Correct: “It’s about time we went home.” -
Overuse in formal writing:
While effective, this phrase is somewhat informal. Use it sparingly in Task 2 essays, and avoid it entirely in Task 1 reports.
Conclusion
Mastering the “it’s about time” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Speaking and Writing tasks. Remember to use it appropriately to express urgency or mild frustration about delayed actions. Practice incorporating this phrase into your language, but be mindful not to overuse it. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, it’s about time you started integrating more complex structures like this into your English usage!
