When aiming for a band 7 or higher in IELTS writing, using less common and more formal phrases can significantly enhance your score. “As asserted by,” along with its synonyms, falls perfectly into this category. This article explores the nuances of using “as asserted by” and similar phrases effectively in your IELTS writing, providing you with the tools to express yourself with sophistication and precision.
Understanding “As Asserted By” and Its Significance
“As asserted by” is a formal phrase used to introduce a statement, opinion, or finding attributed to a specific person or source. It’s particularly valuable in academic writing, where acknowledging sources and presenting evidence are crucial.
Here are examples showcasing its use across different IELTS writing sections:
Task 1:
- “As asserted by the graph, there was a sharp decline in unemployment rates between 2010 and 2015.” (Analyzing data from a graph)
Task 2:
- “Some argue that technology hinders creativity. However, as asserted by leading psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the opposite might be true…” (Presenting a contrasting viewpoint)
Using “As Asserted By” Effectively
Meaning and Usage
- Meaning: It means “as stated by” or “according to.”
- Usage: Use it to introduce information from a specific source, particularly in contexts requiring formal tone and source attribution.
Grammatical Structure
Subject + Verb + “as asserted by” + Source
- Example: “The benefits of bilingualism are numerous, as asserted by numerous linguistic studies.”
Synonyms and Variations
Here are some synonyms and variations of “as asserted by,” each offering a slightly different shade of meaning:
- As stated by: “As stated by the World Health Organization, mental well-being is integral to overall health.”
- According to: “According to recent research, the human brain continues to develop well into adulthood.”
- As maintained by: “As maintained by Professor Smith, social media can have both positive and negative impacts on youth.”
- As argued by: “As argued by renowned economist Thomas Piketty, income inequality is a pressing issue.”
Applying “As Asserted By” in IELTS Writing
Task 1 (Report Writing)
When analyzing data, use “as asserted by” or its synonyms to present information directly derived from the provided visuals:
- Example: “As depicted by the chart, the sales of electric vehicles experienced a steady increase from 2018 onwards.”
Task 2 (Essay Writing)
Utilize these phrases to:
- Introduce expert opinions: “As argued by Noam Chomsky, language is an innate human faculty.”
- Present research findings: “According to a study published in ‘Nature,’ climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate.”
- Provide support for your arguments: “As maintained by many historians, the Renaissance was a period of significant cultural and intellectual transformation.”
Elevating Your Writing: Tips and Strategies
- Paraphrase: Avoid directly copying information from the question prompt. Use synonyms and rephrase ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.
- Context is Key: Ensure the source you cite is relevant to the point you’re making. Don’t just insert quotations or references randomly.
- Formal Tone: Maintain a formal register throughout your writing, especially when using phrases like “as asserted by.”
Common Errors to Avoid
- Incorrect Prepositions: Pay close attention to the prepositions used with these phrases. It’s “as asserted by,” not “as asserted from” or “as asserted with.”
- Overuse: While useful, avoid overusing these phrases. Vary your language and sentence structure to keep your writing engaging.
- Informal Alternatives: Avoid informal phrases like “like they said” or “as someone said” in formal writing.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of phrases like “as asserted by” can be a game-changer for your IELTS writing score. By understanding their meaning, grammatical structure, and appropriate contexts, you can confidently integrate them into your responses, demonstrating a strong command of academic language and boosting your chances of achieving your desired band score. Remember to practice using these phrases in various writing tasks to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.