The phrase “as advised by” might seem like a simple grammatical structure, but mastering its use can significantly enhance the sophistication and clarity of your writing in the IELTS exam. This expression, along with its semantically related counterparts (e.g., “as recommended by,” “on the advice of,” “following the guidance of”), showcases your ability to express actions taken based on professional suggestions or expert opinions.
Let’s explore some examples of how “as advised by” can be seamlessly integrated into different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking Part 2: “To improve my pronunciation, I enrolled in an online course as advised by my tutor.” (This demonstrates you are proactive in seeking improvement.)
Writing Task 1 (describing a process): “The final stage of production involves quality control checks, carried out meticulously as advised by industry experts.” (This emphasizes adherence to standards.)
Writing Task 2 (opinion essay): “Governments should invest heavily in renewable energy sources, as recommended by leading scientists, to combat climate change effectively.” (This strengthens your argument by citing authoritative sources.)
Understanding “As Advised By”
“As advised by” signals that an action or decision is being undertaken based on the guidance or counsel of someone with more knowledge or authority on a subject. It’s particularly valuable in the IELTS exam to demonstrate:
- You can understand and respond to advice.
- You can integrate expert opinions into your arguments.
- You can write about processes that involve professional recommendations.
Grammar Structure and Application
“As advised by” typically functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the source of the advice influencing the action.
Formula:
[Action Verb] + as advised by + [Source of Advice]
Let’s break down the formula:
- [Action Verb]: This is the verb that describes the action being taken (e.g., implement, change, study, consult).
- as advised by: This fixed phrase connects the action to the source of the advice.
- [Source of Advice]: This noun or noun phrase specifies who provided the advice (e.g., the doctor, my teacher, financial advisors).
IELTS Writing Application:
Task 1: “The redesigned website, launched as advised by marketing consultants, led to a 200% increase in online traffic.” (Here, it highlights a key factor in the website’s success.)
Task 2: “While freedom of speech is paramount, individuals should exercise caution when expressing opinions online, as advised by cybersecurity experts, to mitigate the risks of online harassment.” (This shows you consider different perspectives and responsible online behavior.)
Mastering Usage for Higher Bands
To score highly in the grammatical range and accuracy criteria, consider these tips:
- Varied Vocabulary: Use synonyms like “as recommended by,” “on the advice of,” “following the guidance of” to avoid repetition.
- Formal Tone: “As advised by” is generally appropriate for both formal and neutral registers, making it suitable for most IELTS writing tasks.
- Active and Passive Voice: You can use “as advised by” with both active and passive voice constructions for sentence variety.
Example:
- Active: The team implemented the changes as advised by the project manager.
- Passive: The changes were implemented as advised by the project manager.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect Preposition: Ensure you use “by” after “advised” and not other prepositions like “to” or “from.”
- Incorrect: The company changed its logo as advised to the branding agency.
- Correct: The company changed its logo as advised by the branding agency.
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Word Order: Maintain the correct word order in the phrase. Do not place “by” before “advised.”
- Incorrect: The patient took the medication as by advised the doctor.
- Correct: The patient took the medication as advised by the doctor.
Conclusion
“As advised by” is a valuable phrase to incorporate into your IELTS writing to demonstrate your ability to comprehend and respond to advice. By using this structure accurately and strategically, you can enhance the clarity, sophistication, and overall quality of your responses, ultimately contributing to a higher band score. Remember to practice using this and similar structures in various contexts to improve your fluency and confidence.