In the world of IELTS preparation, mastering complex grammatical structures is crucial for achieving a high band score. One such structure that often appears in both the writing and speaking sections is “Be Resistant To + Noun/gerund”. Let’s delve into this construction and explore how you can effectively use it to enhance your IELTS performance.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Understanding “Be Resistant to + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be resistant to” is commonly used to describe a person, thing, or situation that opposes or withstands the effects of something. It’s a versatile structure that can be followed by either a noun or a gerund, allowing for nuanced expression in various contexts.
Grammatical Structure
The basic formula for this construction is:
[Subject] + [be] + resistant to + [noun/gerund]
It’s important to note that the verb “be” should agree with the subject in tense and number. For example:
- “The new fabric is resistant to water.” (present tense, singular subject)
- “These plants are resistant to drought.” (present tense, plural subject)
- “The company has been resistant to changing its policies.” (present perfect, singular subject)
Applications in IELTS Writing
In the IELTS Writing test, using “be resistant to” can demonstrate your ability to express complex ideas and relationships. Here are some examples of how you might incorporate this structure into your essays:
Task 2 Essay Example
Prompt: Some people believe that technological advancements are making society less human. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample paragraph:
While technology has undoubtedly transformed our lives, I believe that human nature is resistant to fundamental change. Despite the prevalence of digital communication, people still crave face-to-face interactions and meaningful relationships. Moreover, many individuals are becoming increasingly resistant to constant digital engagement, seeking “digital detoxes” and mindful tech use. This suggests that society is resistant to losing its essential human qualities, even as it adapts to new technologies.
In this paragraph, we’ve used the structure three times to express different ideas:
- “human nature is resistant to fundamental change” (noun)
- “individuals are becoming increasingly resistant to constant digital engagement” (gerund)
- “society is resistant to losing its essential human qualities” (gerund)
Enhancing IELTS Speaking Responses
In the Speaking test, using “be resistant to” can help you express opinions and ideas more sophisticatedly. Consider these example responses:
Question: Do you think people in your country are open to new ideas?
“Well, it depends on the idea and the demographic. Generally speaking, younger generations tend to be more open-minded, while older people might be more resistant to change. For instance, when it comes to technology adoption, I’ve noticed that many elderly individuals are resistant to using smartphones or social media platforms.”
Question: How do you think education systems should adapt to the changing job market?
“I believe education systems need to evolve, but it’s a complex issue. Many traditional institutions are resistant to overhauling their curricula, perhaps because they are resistant to admitting that their current methods may be outdated. However, to prepare students for future careers, schools must overcome this resistance and integrate more practical, tech-focused skills into their programs.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When using “be resistant to”, IELTS candidates often make the following mistakes:
Incorrect preposition: Using “of” instead of “to”.
- Incorrect: “The material is resistant of heat.”
- Correct: “The material is resistant to heat.”
Confusion with “resistant” as an adjective: Omitting “be” when it’s needed.
- Incorrect: “The bacteria resistant to antibiotics.”
- Correct: “The bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.”
Wrong form after “to”: Using an infinitive instead of a gerund or noun.
- Incorrect: “They are resistant to change their minds.”
- Correct: “They are resistant to changing their minds.”
Overuse: While it’s a useful structure, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive. Vary your expressions for a more natural flow.
Achieving Higher Band Scores with “Be Resistant to”
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s not just about using the structure correctly, but also about using it appropriately and with sophistication. Here’s how you can elevate your usage:
Band 6-7:
At this level, you should be able to use the structure correctly in simple contexts:
“Many people are resistant to change in their daily routines.”
Band 7-8:
Here, you should demonstrate more flexible use and combine it with other complex structures:
“Despite the clear benefits, some organizations remain stubbornly resistant to adopting new technologies, often citing concerns about cost and disruption to established processes.”
Band 8-9:
At the highest levels, you should be able to use the structure in nuanced ways, possibly with idiomatic expressions:
“In the face of mounting evidence, the company’s continued resistance to acknowledging its environmental impact not only demonstrates a concerning level of corporate inflexibility but also highlights how deeply entrenched some industries are in resisting necessary paradigm shifts.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be resistant to + noun/gerund” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, allowing you to express complex ideas with precision and sophistication. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and always aim to use it naturally and appropriately in your responses. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider incorporating this structure into your essays and speaking practice, particularly when discussing topics related to change, adaptation, or opposition to ideas or processes.
To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using this structure for different IELTS topics such as technology, education, environment, and social change. The more you practice, the more naturally you’ll be able to incorporate this sophisticated grammatical structure into your IELTS responses, helping you to achieve the band score you’re aiming for.
