The phrase “As Cherished By” might not be a frequent flyer in everyday conversation, but understanding its nuanced use can significantly elevate your IELTS writing and potentially boost your band score. This guide delves into the intricacies of this phrase, providing clear explanations, relevant examples, and practical tips to help you confidently incorporate it into your IELTS writing.
Let’s consider these examples:
- Writing Task 2: “Traditional medicine, as cherished by many indigenous cultures, offers a holistic approach to healthcare.”
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, family traditions are as cherished by my generation as they were by my grandparents’.”
In both examples, “as cherished by” highlights a strong sense of value and importance placed upon something by a specific group. It adds a layer of depth and sophistication to your language, demonstrating your ability to express complex ideas effectively.
Understanding “As Cherished By” in IELTS
Meaning and Usage
“As cherished by” signifies that something holds a special place in the hearts and minds of a particular group or individual. It emphasizes the deep respect, fondness, and value attributed to the subject. This phrase often precedes a noun or noun phrase, identifying the group or individual who hold the sentiment.
Frequency in IELTS
While not as common as simpler phrases, understanding and using “as cherished by” can be beneficial, particularly in tasks requiring you to:
- Describe cultural practices or beliefs: “The art of calligraphy, as cherished by many Asian cultures, demands patience and precision.”
- Discuss values and traditions: “Family meals, as cherished by many cultures, provide an opportunity for connection and bonding.”
- Analyze historical significance: “Ancient artifacts, as cherished by historians and archaeologists, offer valuable insights into the past.”
Grammar Structure and Application
The structure of “as cherished by” is straightforward:
As + Past Participle (cherished) + By + Noun/Noun Phrase
Let’s break down the grammatical components:
- “As”: Functions as a conjunction, connecting the main clause to a subordinate clause that provides additional information.
- “Cherished”: The past participle of the verb “to cherish,” implying a deep feeling of affection and value.
- “By”: A preposition indicating the agent or source of the cherishing.
- “Noun/Noun Phrase”: Identifies the specific group or individual who hold the cherished sentiment.
IELTS Writing: Utilizing “As Cherished By”
Task 1 (Describing Trends): While less common in Task 1, you might use it when describing data related to cultural practices or beliefs. For instance:
- “The graph illustrates the declining popularity of traditional handicrafts, as cherished by older generations.”
Task 2 (Opinion/Discussion Essay): This phrase shines in Task 2, where you can express nuanced perspectives on traditions, values, and cultural practices. Examples:
- “Some argue that globalization threatens cultural diversity, particularly traditions as cherished by indigenous communities.”
- “While progress is essential, it should not come at the expense of cultural heritage as cherished by previous generations.”
Elevating Your Language for a Higher Band Score
Using “as cherished by” demonstrates your command of sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures. It showcases your ability to:
- Express complex ideas with precision: The phrase conveys a specific nuance of deep respect and value, going beyond simpler terms like “important” or “valued.”
- Vary your language: Employing such phrases prevents repetition and demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary.
- Create a more formal and academic tone: This is particularly important for achieving a higher band score in IELTS writing.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
-
Incorrect Verb Form: Ensure you use the past participle “cherished,” not other forms like “cherish” or “cherishing.”
- Incorrect: “The festival is as cherish by the local community.”
- Correct: “The festival is as cherished by the local community.”
-
Misplaced Phrase: The phrase should be placed correctly within the sentence to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.
- Incorrect: “As cherished by many, traditional music, it faces challenges in the digital age.”
- Correct: “Traditional music, as cherished by many, faces challenges in the digital age.”
Conclusion
Mastering phrases like “as cherished by” allows you to express yourself with greater sophistication and clarity in the IELTS exam. By understanding its meaning, grammatical structure, and appropriate contexts, you can incorporate it effectively into your writing and speaking, ultimately enhancing your chances of achieving a desirable band score. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts to build your confidence and fluency.