The phrase “as celebrated by” might seem simple at first glance, but mastering its nuances can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking scores. This phrase, along with its related synonyms and variations, frequently appears in IELTS, testing your ability to express cultural observations and historical contexts effectively.
Let’s look at a few examples of how “as celebrated by” can be used across different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 2: Describe a festival that is important in your country.
“One of the most significant festivals in my country is Lunar New Year, as celebrated by millions across the nation with vibrant decorations, traditional foods, and family gatherings.”
Here, “as celebrated by” introduces how the festival is observed, highlighting its cultural significance.
Writing Task 1: The graph shows the amount of money spent on traditional holiday foods in a European country.
“The period leading up to Christmas witnessed a dramatic surge in expenditure on traditional foods, as celebrated by a majority of the population.”
In this context, “as celebrated by” connects the data trend to the cultural practice, providing context for the observed increase.
Writing Task 2: Some people believe that traditional celebrations are outdated and irrelevant in modern society. Do you agree or disagree?
“Traditional celebrations, as celebrated by past and present generations, play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and transmitting cultural values.”
Here, “as celebrated by” emphasizes the continuity and shared heritage associated with traditions.
Understanding “As Celebrated By” and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrase “as celebrated by” functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a clause that describes how something, usually a tradition, event, or belief, is observed or commemorated by a specific group or community. It signifies the active participation and cultural expression associated with the subject being discussed.
Utilizing this phrase effectively demonstrates your grasp of:
- Contextual vocabulary: You can showcase your ability to employ precise language to describe cultural practices and events.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Using this structure accurately demonstrates your command over complex sentence structures.
- Coherence and Cohesion: “As celebrated by” helps create smooth transitions and logical flow in your writing and speaking.
Mastering the Structure and Usage of “As Celebrated By”
The basic formula for using this phrase is:
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + as celebrated by + [Noun/Pronoun] + [Optional Prepositional Phrase/Clause]
Breakdown:
- Subject: The tradition, event, belief, or practice being described.
- Verb: Usually a verb indicating observance, commemoration, or practice.
- Object: The specific aspect of the subject being celebrated.
- “as celebrated by”: The connecting phrase.
- Noun/Pronoun: The group or community performing the celebration.
- Optional Prepositional Phrase/Clause: Provides additional context or details about the celebration.
Implementing “As Celebrated By” in IELTS Writing and Speaking
Writing Task 1:
- Describing trends related to cultural events: “The sales of fireworks skyrocketed in the week leading up to Diwali, as celebrated by millions of Hindus worldwide.”
- Explaining variations in data based on cultural practices: “The consumption of certain food items, as celebrated by different religious groups, showed significant variation throughout the year.”
Writing Task 2:
- Discussing the importance of cultural heritage: “Traditional festivals, as celebrated by communities for generations, serve as vital links to their history and identity.”
- Analyzing the evolution of traditions: “While the core values remain intact, the way these festivals are celebrated by younger generations has undergone noticeable changes.”
Speaking Part 2:
- Describing a cultural event: “The Day of the Dead is a joyous occasion in Mexico, as celebrated by families remembering and honouring their deceased loved ones.”
- Explaining the significance of a tradition: “Gift-giving is an integral part of Christmas, as celebrated by Christians around the world, symbolizing the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men.”
Elevating Your Language: Synonyms and Variations
Using synonyms and variations of “as celebrated by” can help avoid repetition and showcase a wider vocabulary range:
- as observed by
- as commemorated by
- as practiced by
- in accordance with the traditions of
- following the customs of
Example:
- Original: “Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, as celebrated by many in North America.”
- Improved: “Thanksgiving, observed by numerous families across North America, provides an opportunity for reunion and shared meals.”
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect preposition: Using prepositions other than “by” after “celebrated” (“as celebrated in,” “as celebrated with”).
Correct: “Holi, as celebrated by Hindus, is a vibrant festival of colours.” - Misplaced modifier: Placing the phrase in a way that creates ambiguity about who is doing the celebrating.
Incorrect: “Diwali is a festival with fireworks as celebrated by Hindus.”
Correct: “Diwali, as celebrated by Hindus, is a festival characterized by dazzling firework displays.” - Redundancy: Using the phrase unnecessarily when the context is already clear.
Incorrect: “Christmas, as celebrated by Christians, is celebrated on December 25th.”
Correct: “Christmas is celebrated by Christians on December 25th.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as celebrated by” and its related vocabulary is a valuable asset for achieving a high IELTS score. By understanding its grammatical structure, practicing its application in various contexts, and exploring synonyms, you can effectively showcase your language proficiency and cultural awareness. Remember to pay close attention to prepositions, modifier placement, and avoid redundancy to convey your ideas accurately and effectively.
Keep practicing with sample IELTS questions and focus on incorporating this phrase naturally in your writing and speaking. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!