The passive voice with reporting verbs, often structured as “It is said that…” or using variations like “It is believed…” or “He is thought to…”, is a sophisticated grammatical tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking scores. These structures are particularly useful in the Writing Task 2 essay and in Part 3 of the Speaking test where you need to express opinions and discuss more complex issues.
Let’s look at some examples of how this structure can be used across different sections of the IELTS:
Writing Task 2:
- Original: Many people believe that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity.
- Improved: It is widely believed that climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity. (More formal and academic tone)
Speaking Part 3:
- Original: Some people think that technology makes us lazy.
- Improved: It could be argued that technology contributes to laziness in modern society. (Presents a more balanced viewpoint)
Listening:
- You might hear a phrase like “The author is reported to have said…” in a lecture, indicating information from a secondary source.
Now, let’s delve deeper into how to use this grammatical structure effectively.
Understanding the Passive Voice with Reporting Verbs
This structure is especially useful when:
- The action is more important than the actor: You want to emphasize what was said or done, not who said or did it.
- You are unsure or it’s unnecessary to mention the source: For example, “It is said that eating chocolate can improve your mood.”
- Formality and Objectivity: This structure adds a formal tone to your writing and can make your statements seem more objective.
Constructing Sentences with “It is said that…”
Here’s the basic formula:
It + be verb (is/was/has been) + past participle (said/believed/thought/reported) + that + clause
Examples:
- It is said that laughter is the best medicine.
- It was reported that the economy grew by 2% last quarter.
- It has long been believed that early humans migrated from Africa.
Variations and Alternatives
You can replace “said” with other reporting verbs to express different levels of certainty or to add nuance to your writing:
- It is believed…
- It is thought…
- It is considered…
- It is assumed…
- It is alleged…
- It has been suggested…
- It is widely accepted…
You can also change the subject of the sentence:
- He is believed to be…
- The government is thought to be considering…
- The company is reported to have lost millions…
Applying the Structure in IELTS Writing
Task 2 Example:
Topic: Some people believe that the government should spend more money on public transportation, while others think that it should be the responsibility of private companies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Body Paragraph:
It is often argued that public transportation is a fundamental societal need, and therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure its affordability and accessibility. It is believed that relying solely on private companies could lead to higher fares and neglect of less profitable routes, disproportionately impacting low-income communities.
Achieving a Band 7+ Score
To score highly, it’s not enough to simply use this structure correctly. You need to demonstrate:
- Variety: Use a range of reporting verbs and sentence structures.
- Accuracy: Ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and your vocabulary is precise.
- Relevance: Use the structure to support your arguments and ideas effectively.
- Natural Language: Integrate the structure seamlessly into your writing and speaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect tense agreement: “It is said that the Earth was flat.” (Incorrect – should be “is”)
- Overuse: Using the structure too often can make your writing sound repetitive.
- Informality: Avoid using this structure in informal contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering the passive voice with reporting verbs like “It is said that…” is a valuable tool for achieving a high IELTS score. By understanding its construction, various forms, and strategic applications, you can express your ideas with greater sophistication, objectivity, and academic flair. Remember to practice using this structure in a variety of contexts, paying close attention to grammar and vocabulary, to maximize its impact on your overall performance.