Master “Think over” to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

Understanding “Think over” and Its Importance in IELTS

The phrasal verb “think over” is a valuable addition to your IELTS vocabulary arsenal. It’s not only commonly used in everyday English but can also elevate your language proficiency in the IELTS speaking and writing sections. Let’s dive deep into this versatile phrasal verb and explore how you can effectively incorporate it into your IELTS preparation.

Definition and Explanation

“Think over” means to consider something carefully before making a decision. It implies a process of reflection and deliberation. Synonyms include “contemplate,” “ponder,” or “mull over.”

Key meanings:

1. To consider all aspects of a situation or problem
2. To reflect on something before reaching a conclusion
3. To carefully evaluate options before deciding

Usage in Context

“Think over” is versatile and can be used in various situations:

• “I need to think over your proposal before giving you an answer.”
• “She’s thinking over her career options after graduation.”
• “We should think this over carefully before making any commitments.”

Person thinking over a decision

Grammar Analysis

“Think over” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object between “think” and “over” or after “over.”

• “I’ll think it over.” (Correct)
• “I’ll think over it.” (Also correct)

When using pronouns, always place them between “think” and “over”:

• “I’ll think it over.” (Correct)
• “I’ll think over it.” (Incorrect with pronouns)

Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

Incorporating “think over” can demonstrate your range of vocabulary and ability to use idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:

1. When discussing decision-making:
   “Before making any major life decisions, I always take time to think them over carefully.”

2. Talking about past experiences:
   “I thought over my options for a long time before deciding to study abroad.”

3. Answering questions about future plans:
   “I’m currently thinking over my career options after I complete my degree.”

In IELTS Writing

While “think over” is more commonly used in spoken English, it can be appropriately used in less formal writing tasks:

• Task 1 (General): “I would appreciate it if you could think over my request and get back to me at your earliest convenience.”
• Task 2 (Academic or General): “It is crucial for policymakers to think over the long-term implications of their decisions on climate change.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Mull over /mʌl ˈəʊvə(r)/: To think about a problem or situation for a long time
   Example: “I’ve been mulling over your suggestion all week.”

2. Ponder on /ˈpɒndə(r) ɒn/: To think carefully about something
   Example: “She pondered on the question for a moment before answering.”

3. Reflect on /rɪˈflekt ɒn/: To think deeply about something
   Example: “It’s important to reflect on our past experiences to learn from them.”

4. Chew over /tʃuː ˈəʊvə(r)/: To think about something carefully for a long time
   Example: “Let’s chew over these ideas and discuss them again tomorrow.”

5. Sleep on /sliːp ɒn/: To delay making a decision until the following day
   Example: “I’ll sleep on it and give you my answer in the morning.”

Mind map of phrasal verbs related to thinking

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. Before accepting the job offer, I need to __ __ the pros and cons.
2. She asked for some time to __ __ our proposal.
3. It’s a big decision. Why don’t you __ __ it for a few days?
4. After __ __ the situation, we decided to postpone the project.
5. I’ve been __ __ what you said, and I think you’re right.
6. The committee will __ __ your application and get back to you next week.
7. He likes to __ __ important decisions before making them.
8. We should __ __ all possible outcomes before taking action.
9. Can you give me some time to __ __ your suggestion?
10. After __ __ the matter carefully, I’ve decided to accept the offer.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: Consider the consequences carefully before you act.
   Rewrite: __ __ the consequences carefully before you act.

2. Original: She’s taking time to contemplate her next career move.
   Rewrite: She’s taking time to __ __ her next career move.

3. Original: We need to reflect on this proposal before making a decision.
   Rewrite: We need to __ __ this proposal before making a decision.

4. Original: The team is carefully evaluating all options.
   Rewrite: The team is __ __ all options.

5. Original: I’ll ponder on your advice and let you know my thoughts.
   Rewrite: I’ll __ __ your advice and let you know my thoughts.

6. Original: Take some time to mull over the idea before responding.
   Rewrite: Take some time to __ __ the idea before responding.

7. Original: They’re considering the long-term implications of the policy.
   Rewrite: They’re __ __ the long-term implications of the policy.

8. Original: Let’s sleep on it and discuss it again tomorrow.
   Rewrite: Let’s __ __ it and discuss it again tomorrow.

9. Original: He’s carefully deliberating on the best course of action.
   Rewrite: He’s __ __ the best course of action.

10. Original: We should reflect on our mistakes to avoid repeating them.
    Rewrite: We should __ __ our mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. think over
2. think over
3. think over
4. thinking over
5. thinking over
6. think over
7. think over
8. think over
9. think over
10. thinking over

Sentence Transformation:

1. Think over
2. think over
3. think over
4. thinking over
5. think over
6. think over
7. thinking over
8. think over
9. thinking over
10. think over

Explanations:

• In all these sentences, “think over” is used to replace synonymous phrases that involve careful consideration or contemplation.
• The tense changes (e.g., “thinking over” vs. “think over”) depend on the context and the original sentence structure.
• Remember that “think over” is separable, so in some cases, you could also place the object between “think” and “over” (e.g., “think it over”).

Memory Tips

1. Visualize: Picture yourself looking over a landscape, representing the ‘overview’ of thoughts you’re considering.

2. Action association: Pair the phrase with the physical action of tapping your temple, reinforcing the idea of deep thought.

3. Mnemonic device: T.H.I.N.K. O.V.E.R.

   • Take
   • Heed
   • In
   • Notable
   • Knowledge
   • Of
   • Various
   • Existing
   • Realities

4. Context connection: Associate “think over” with situations where you need time to make important decisions, like choosing a place to study.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect separation:
   Incorrect: “I’ll think it carefully over.”
   Correct: “I’ll think it over carefully.” or “I’ll think over it carefully.”

2. Confusion with “think about”:
   While “think about” can often be used interchangeably, “think over” implies more careful consideration, especially before making a decision.

3. Overuse in formal writing:
   While appropriate for speaking and less formal writing, be cautious about overusing “think over” in highly formal academic writing. Consider alternatives like “consider,” “contemplate,” or “deliberate” in these contexts.

4. Incorrect preposition:
   Incorrect: “I need to think on it.”
   Correct: “I need to think it over.” or “I need to think about it.”

5. Using with continuous tenses:
   While “thinking over” is correct, avoid constructions like “I am thinking over it” in favor of “I am thinking about it” or “I’m considering it.”

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “think over” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English and can help you express complex ideas more naturally. Remember to practice using “think over” in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your IELTS responses when appropriate.

As you continue to prepare for your IELTS test, take time to think over your study strategies and how you can best incorporate new vocabulary into your language use. With consistent practice and thoughtful application, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score.