“According to” is a phrase you’ll encounter frequently in academic texts and conversations. In the context of IELTS, understanding its proper usage can significantly enhance your reading comprehension and writing skills, ultimately boosting your band score. Let’s explore how this phrase functions grammatically and how it can be strategically employed in different sections of the IELTS exam.
Understanding “According to”
Meaning and Usage
“According to” is used to attribute a statement, opinion, or piece of information to a specific source. It indicates that you are referencing someone else’s words or ideas, not your own.
Example:
Speaking (Part 3):
“According to recent research, climate change is leading to more frequent extreme weather events.”
Writing (Task 2):
“Some argue that social media has a detrimental effect on young people. According to a 2022 study, excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety and depression among teenagers.”
Importance in IELTS
In IELTS, accurately understanding and employing “according to” demonstrates:
- Reading Comprehension: You can identify and interpret information presented from different sources.
- Writing Skills (Task 1 & 2): You can effectively report data, cite sources, and present different perspectives, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Grammatical Structure and Application
Form and Syntax
“According to” is typically followed by:
- A noun phrase: “According to the study,…”
- A pronoun: “According to them,…”
Note: It is not usually followed directly by a verb.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect: According to scientists say…
Correct: According to scientists,…
Incorrect: According to me, I think… (Redundant)
Correct: In my opinion,… / I believe…
Applying “According to” in IELTS
Listening
You might hear “according to” in lectures, interviews, or news reports in the IELTS Listening test. Pay attention to who or what the information is attributed to, as this can be crucial for answering questions accurately.
Example:
- Speaker 1: “The new traffic regulations have been effective in reducing congestion.”
- Speaker 2: “According to residents, however, the changes have led to longer commute times.”
Question: What is one criticism of the new traffic regulations?
Answer: Residents have reported longer commute times.
Reading
In IELTS Reading passages, “according to” often introduces evidence, statistics, or expert opinions.
Example:
“The impact of social media on mental health is a subject of ongoing debate. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Question: What did the study in the Journal of Adolescent Health find?
Answer: The study found a correlation between excessive social media use and increased anxiety and depression in teenagers.
Writing
Task 1 (Reporting Data):
“According to the graph, there was a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting the country between 2010 and 2018.”
Task 2 (Presenting Different Views):
“Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier. According to this view, technology has automated many tasks, giving us more free time.”
LSI Keywords and Phrases
To further enhance your vocabulary and demonstrate a wider range of language in the IELTS exam, consider using these LSI keywords and phrases that convey similar meanings to “according to”:
- As stated by
- In the view of
- As reported by
- Based on the findings of
- Data from [source] indicates that…
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “according to” is essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS. By understanding its meaning, grammatical function, and application in different sections of the test, you can confidently demonstrate your ability to comprehend complex texts and articulate your ideas effectively. Remember to practice using this phrase along with its LSI counterparts to enrich your vocabulary and impress the examiners.