The expression “Be Frightened Of + Noun/gerund” is a common structure used to express fear or anxiety towards something. In IELTS, using this phrase correctly can demonstrate your ability to express emotions and concerns accurately. Let’s explore how to use this structure effectively in your IELTS exam.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Understanding “Be frightened of + noun/gerund”
The structure “be frightened of + noun/gerund” is used to describe a fear or strong concern about something. It can be followed by either a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing). This phrase is particularly useful in IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks when discussing personal fears, societal concerns, or potential risks.
Examples:
- “Many people are frightened of public speaking.”
- “Children are often frightened of the dark.”
- “Some travelers are frightened of flying.”
- “Investors are frightened of market volatility.”
- “Elderly people may be frightened of falling.”
In each of these examples, the structure clearly expresses a fear or concern. The use of a noun or gerund after “of” allows for flexibility in describing various fears.
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Structure
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + frightened of + [noun/gerund]
It’s important to note that the be verb should agree with the subject in tense and number. For instance:
- I am frightened of…
- He/She/It is frightened of…
- We/You/They are frightened of…
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might use this structure when discussing social issues, personal experiences, or global concerns. For example:
“Many young people are frightened of entering the job market due to economic uncertainties. This fear can lead to increased stress and anxiety among recent graduates.”
Here, the structure is used to introduce a topic that can be further developed in your essay.
Usage in IELTS Speaking
For the Speaking test, this phrase can be particularly useful in Part 2 (long turn) and Part 3 (discussion) when describing personal experiences or discussing broader issues.
Example for Part 2:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I was scared. I’ve always been frightened of heights, and last year, I had to face this fear when…”
Example for Part 3:
Examiner: “What are some common fears people have in your country?”
Candidate: “Well, in my country, many people are frightened of economic instability. This fear often stems from…”
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and to expand on it with more complex language. Here are some ways to elevate your use of “be frightened of”:
Use synonyms: “be terrified of”, “be petrified of”, “be apprehensive about”
Example: “Many individuals are not just frightened of change, but are truly terrified of it.”Add intensity adverbs:
Example: “Children are often extremely frightened of the dark.”Combine with other structures:
Example: “Despite being frightened of public speaking, she decided to challenge herself by giving a presentation.”Use in complex sentences:
Example: “The fact that so many people are frightened of artificial intelligence suggests that we need better education about its potential benefits and risks.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect preposition:
Incorrect: “She is frightened from spiders.”
Correct: “She is frightened of spiders.”Using the wrong form after “of”:
Incorrect: “They are frightened of to fail.”
Correct: “They are frightened of failing.”Mixing up with similar phrases:
Incorrect: “I am frightened of by loud noises.”
Correct: “I am frightened of loud noises.” or “I am frightened by loud noises.”Overusing the phrase:
Weak: “I am frightened of exams. I am frightened of interviews. I am frightened of my future.”
Better: “I have various fears related to my career prospects, including exams, interviews, and my overall future.”Not expanding on the idea:
Basic: “Many people are frightened of climate change.”
Improved: “Many people are frightened of climate change, particularly its potential impact on food security and natural disasters.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be frightened of + noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your ability to express fears and concerns in the IELTS exam. Remember to use it accurately, vary your vocabulary, and expand on your ideas to achieve higher band scores. Practice using this structure in different contexts and combine it with other advanced grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency.
For further practice, try using this structure to discuss topics like technological advancements, global health issues, or personal challenges. This will help you become more comfortable with the phrase and prepared for various potential IELTS questions.
