Lesson 13: Understanding Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary and are frequently used in both spoken and written language. They consist of a verb combined with a preposition or an adverb, creating a new meaning that is often different from the original verb. Understanding and using phrasal verbs correctly can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. This lesson will explain what phrasal verbs are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively.
1. What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning. For example:
- Look after (to take care of)
- Give up (to stop doing something)
- Take off (to remove or to leave the ground, as in an airplane)
Phrasal verbs can be:
- Intransitive: They do not require an object.
Example: The plane took off. - Transitive: They require an object.
Example: She gave up smoking.
2. Why Are Phrasal Verbs Important for IELTS?
- Lexical Resource: Using phrasal verbs demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary, which is essential for a high band score.
- Natural Tone: Phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday English, making your speech and writing sound more natural.
- Precision: They allow you to express ideas more accurately and concisely.
- Fluency: Using phrasal verbs correctly can improve your fluency and coherence in speaking and writing.
3. Common Phrasal Verbs for IELTS
a. Phrasal Verbs for Speaking
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Look after | Take care of | I look after my younger brother when my parents are away. |
| Give up | Stop doing something | She gave up smoking to improve her health. |
| Take up | Start a new hobby | I took up painting during the lockdown. |
| Get along | Have a good relationship | I get along well with my colleagues. |
| Bring up | Mention or raise a topic | He brought up an interesting point during the meeting. |
b. Phrasal Verbs for Writing
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Carry out | Perform or conduct | The government carried out a survey to assess public opinion. |
| Point out | Highlight or indicate | The report points out the need for better infrastructure. |
| Set up | Establish or arrange | The company set up a new branch in the city. |
| Look into | Investigate | The authorities are looking into the matter. |
| Deal with | Handle or manage | We need to deal with the issue of climate change. |
4. How to Use Phrasal Verbs in IELTS
a. Speaking
Use phrasal verbs to answer questions fluently and naturally.
Example:
- I took up gardening last year, and it has become my favorite hobby.
- I get along well with my classmates, and we often study together.
b. Writing
Incorporate phrasal verbs to develop arguments and provide examples.
Example:
- The government needs to carry out more research to address this issue.
- The report points out the importance of education in reducing poverty.
5. Practice Activities
Activity 1: Match the Phrasal Verbs
Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their meanings on the right:
- Look after a. Stop doing something
- Give up b. Take care of
- Take up c. Start a new hobby
Answer Key:
- b, 2. a, 3. c
Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verbs:
- I need to __________ my younger sister while my parents are away.
- She decided to __________ smoking to improve her health.
- The government is __________ the issue of unemployment.
Answer Key:
- Look after
- Give up
- Looking into
Activity 3: Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate phrasal verbs:
- He stopped playing football after the injury.
- The company established a new branch in the city.
- We need to handle the issue of climate change.
Possible Answers:
- He gave up playing football after the injury.
- The company set up a new branch in the city.
- We need to deal with the issue of climate change.
Activity 4: Speaking Practice
Choose a common IELTS Speaking topic (e.g., work, travel, hobbies) and practice answering questions using phrasal verbs. For example:
- Question: What do you do in your free time?
- Answer: I took up gardening last year, and it has become my favorite hobby.
6. Tips for Using Phrasal Verbs Effectively
- Learn in Context: Study phrasal verbs in sentences or conversations to understand their usage.
- Practice Regularly: Incorporate phrasal verbs into your daily writing and speaking practice.
- Use a Phrasal Verb Dictionary: Refer to resources like the Cambridge Phrasal Verbs Dictionary for accurate usage.
- Listen to Native Speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers use phrasal verbs in conversations, podcasts, and videos.
- Get Feedback: Ask a teacher or native speaker to review your writing and speaking.
By mastering phrasal verbs, you can enhance your vocabulary, improve your fluency, and achieve a higher band score in the IELTS exam. Practice these verbs regularly and use them confidently in your writing and speaking tasks!