The phrase “take advantage of” is a commonly used expression in English that can significantly enhance your IELTS score when used correctly. This versatile phrase appears frequently in IELTS exams, making it essential for test-takers to master its usage. Let’s explore how to effectively incorporate this phrase into your IELTS preparation and exam performance.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
The phrase “take advantage of” generally means to make good use of an opportunity or situation. It’s often followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing form). Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
- “Students should take advantage of the library’s resources to improve their research skills.”
- “Many companies are taking advantage of new technologies to increase productivity.”
- “She decided to take advantage of the sunny weather by going for a picnic.”
- “Travelers can take advantage of early booking discounts to save money on their holidays.”
- “It’s important to take advantage of networking opportunities to advance your career.”
In each of these sentences, the phrase is followed by a noun phrase or gerund, emphasizing the opportunity being utilized.
Grammar Formula and Structure
The basic structure of this phrase is:
Take Advantage Of + Noun/gerund
It’s important to note that “take advantage of” is always followed by “of,” and the object can be either a noun or a gerund. This structure is versatile and can be used in various tenses and forms. For example:
- Present Simple: I take advantage of every opportunity to practice English.
- Present Continuous: He is taking advantage of the free online courses.
- Past Simple: They took advantage of the sales to buy new furniture.
- Present Perfect: We have taken advantage of the good weather to paint the house.
- Future: They will take advantage of the holiday to visit their relatives.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, using “take advantage of” can demonstrate your ability to use complex structures and idiomatic expressions. Here’s an example of how you might use it in a Task 2 essay:
Topic: The advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad
“Studying in a foreign country offers numerous benefits for students who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. By taking advantage of the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, students can significantly improve their language skills and broaden their worldview. Moreover, those who take advantage of internship programs or part-time work opportunities can gain valuable international work experience, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.”
In this example, the phrase is used three times, each time followed by a different noun or gerund. This showcases variety in usage and helps to create a more sophisticated writing style.
Application in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, using “take advantage of” can help you express ideas more fluently and naturally. Here’s an example of how you might use it in Part 2, where you’re asked to describe a time when you received good advice:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I received excellent advice from my college professor. She told me to take advantage of every opportunity to gain practical experience in my field. Following her advice, I started taking advantage of internship programs offered by local companies. I also took advantage of networking events organized by our university. By taking advantage of these opportunities, I was able to build a strong resume and secure a great job right after graduation.”
Using this phrase multiple times in your response demonstrates your ability to use advanced vocabulary and structures consistently and appropriately.
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use phrases like “take advantage of” accurately and in context. Here’s a comparison of how this phrase might be used at different band levels:
- Band 5-6: “I want to take advantage of this chance to study abroad.”
- Band 7: “I’m eager to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad and immerse myself in a new culture.”
- Band 8-9: “I’m determined to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to study abroad, not only to enhance my academic knowledge but also to broaden my cultural horizons and develop a global perspective.”
As you can see, higher band scores are achieved by using the phrase in more complex sentences and elaborating on the ideas presented.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “take advantage of,” be careful to avoid these common errors:
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Omitting “of”: Incorrect: “She took advantage the situation.” Correct: “She took advantage of the situation.”
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Using it with a negative connotation: In some contexts, “take advantage of” can mean to exploit or use unfairly. Be careful with usage like “He took advantage of her kindness,” which has a negative implication.
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Following it with an infinitive: Incorrect: “They took advantage of to go on vacation.” Correct: “They took advantage of the long weekend to go on vacation.”
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Using the wrong form of the verb: Remember, it’s always “take advantage,” not “take advantages” or “takes advantage” (unless used with he/she/it in present simple).
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Overusing the phrase: While it’s a useful expression, using it too frequently in a single essay or speaking response can make your language repetitive.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “take advantage of + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. By incorporating this phrase correctly in your writing and speaking, you demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency. Remember to practice using it in various contexts and tenses to become more comfortable with its application. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to use this phrase in practice essays and speaking exercises, always ensuring that you’re using it naturally and appropriately within the context of your response.
For more advanced grammar structures that can boost your IELTS score, you might also want to explore the usage of “in spite of + noun/gerund” and “be interested in + noun/gerund”. These phrases can add variety and sophistication to your language use in the exam.