Is “As Appreciated By” Holding Back Your IELTS Writing Score?

“As appreciated by” is a phrase that crops up in English, but is it doing your IELTS writing any favours? The truth is, this phrase is often overused or misused, and there are stronger, more sophisticated ways to express your ideas in an exam setting. Let’s delve into why you might want to reconsider “as appreciated by” and explore some powerful alternatives to boost your writing score.

Here are a few examples of how “as appreciated by” might be used, and why they might not be the best choices for IELTS writing:

1. Instead of: “The impact of pollution on wildlife, as appreciated by scientists, is alarming.”
   Consider: “Scientists are increasingly alarmed by the impact of pollution on wildlife.”

   Analysis: The original sentence feels clunky and indirect. By making “scientists” the subject, the revised sentence is more direct and impactful.

2. Instead of: “The benefits of exercise are numerous, as appreciated by health professionals.”
   Consider: “Health professionals widely acknowledge the numerous benefits of exercise.”

   Analysis: “Widely acknowledge” is a stronger, more academic phrase than “as appreciated by”. It demonstrates a good grasp of vocabulary, which is important for a high IELTS score.

3. Instead of: “The importance of education, as appreciated by governments worldwide, cannot be overstated.”
   Consider: “Governments worldwide recognize that education is of paramount importance.”

   Analysis: Using “paramount importance” creates a more sophisticated and impactful sentence compared to the more casual “cannot be overstated”.

Understanding “As Appreciated By” in IELTS Writing

“As appreciated by” is used to introduce a perspective or viewpoint. However, it often creates passive and wordy sentences. To achieve a higher IELTS band score, it’s crucial to write with clarity, conciseness, and active voice.

Alternatives and Techniques for IELTS Success

Let’s explore alternatives to “as appreciated by” and how to use them effectively in your writing:

1. Directly Attribute the Source:

• Structure: [Source/Group of People] + [Verb indicating opinion] + [that] + [Statement]
• Examples:
  • Scientists agree that climate change is a pressing global issue.
  • Historians argue that the invention of the printing press revolutionized communication.
  • Economists emphasize the importance of sustainable development.

2. Use Stronger Verbs:

• Instead of “appreciate,” consider verbs like:
  • acknowledge
  • recognize
  • emphasize
  • highlight
  • underscore

3. Focus on Active Voice:

• Passive: The significance of recycling is appreciated by environmentalists.
• Active: Environmentalists champion the significance of recycling.

IELTS Writing Tips

Example in an IELTS Essay

Topic: Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transportation. Others think that it is better to invest in improving roads. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Body Paragraph:

Proponents of increased investment in public transportation, such as urban planners and environmental activists, argue that it is crucial for creating sustainable cities. They maintain that efficient public transport systems can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels.

Analysis: This paragraph demonstrates the effective use of direct attribution (“Proponents… argue that…”) and a strong verb (“maintain”) to convey viewpoints clearly and concisely.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overuse: Avoid using “as appreciated by” repeatedly. Vary your language for a better score.
• Wordiness: Aim for concise sentences. For instance, instead of “As appreciated by many,” write “Many believe.”
• Passive Voice: Opt for active voice to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Conclusion

While “as appreciated by” might seem like a useful phrase, it can hinder your IELTS writing by creating wordy and less impactful sentences. By employing the alternatives and techniques discussed, you can express your ideas more effectively, demonstrate a wider vocabulary, and ultimately achieve a higher band score. Remember, clarity, conciseness, and active voice are key to IELTS writing success.