“As outlined by” is a formal academic phrase frequently appearing in IELTS tasks, particularly useful for expressing references and citing information from external sources. Understanding its proper usage can significantly enhance your IELTS performance.
Similar to Sum up, this expression helps create cohesive and well-structured responses in both writing and speaking sections.
Proper usage of 'as outlined by' in IELTS context
Basic Structure and Usage
The basic formula for using “as outlined by” is:
As outlined by + authority/source + main point/argument
Examples:
- As outlined by the graph, global temperatures have risen steadily since 1950.
- As outlined by the research team, urbanization has three major impacts on society.
- As outlined by experts in the field, renewable energy adoption faces several challenges.
Application in IELTS Writing Task 1
Comparisons with “by far” can enhance your analysis, but as outlined by is particularly effective for describing trends and patterns.
Example paragraph:
“As outlined by the line graph, coffee consumption in European countries showed significant variations between 2000 and 2020. As outlined by the data, Finland maintained the highest consumption rate throughout the period.”
Advanced Usage in IELTS Writing Task 2
Were I to organize, it would be different shows formal conditional structures, while “as outlined by” helps present evidence effectively.
Example academic paragraph:
“As outlined by numerous environmental studies, climate change poses an immediate threat to coastal communities. As outlined by the United Nations report, sea levels could rise by up to one meter by 2100.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Incorrect source attribution
- ❌ “As outlined by nowadays…” (incorrect)
- ✓ “As outlined by recent studies…” (correct)
-
Incomplete structures
- ❌ “As outlined the graph shows…” (incorrect)
- ✓ “As outlined by the graph, the data shows…” (correct)
On no condition will I agree to this demonstrates strong negative expressions, whereas “as outlined by” should maintain neutral, analytical tone.
Tips for Higher Band Scores
To achieve Band 7+:
- Combine with other academic phrases
- Vary your sentence structures
- Use precise sources and references
Use of ‘so long as’ can complement your writing, but ensure balanced usage with “as outlined by” for professional academic style.
Example high-scoring response:
“As outlined by leading economists, sustainable development requires balanced approach. Supporting this view, research from Oxford University demonstrates that green technologies, as outlined by recent market analyses, show promising growth potential.”
High band score examples using 'as outlined by'
Remember to practice these structures regularly and incorporate them naturally into your IELTS responses for maximum effectiveness.
