“As Corroborated By” is a sophisticated linking phrase that can significantly elevate your IELTS writing, particularly in tasks requiring you to present evidence or support your arguments. While not as frequent as simpler transitions, its strategic use can demonstrate a strong command of English and impress examiners.
Let’s consider some examples of how “as corroborated by” might appear in an IELTS context:
Example 1 (Task 1 – Describing Trends):
“The graph illustrates a steady decline in newspaper readership between 2010 and 2020, as corroborated by the sharp decrease from 70% to 35%.”
Example 2 (Task 2 – Argumentative Essay):
“Some argue that social media hinders genuine human connection. This viewpoint is corroborated by studies revealing a correlation between heavy social media use and increased feelings of loneliness.”
Example 3 (Task 2 – Discussion Essay):
“While technology offers educational advantages, it’s debatable whether it surpasses traditional methods. As corroborated by recent research, students in technology-rich classrooms showed no significant improvement in critical thinking skills.”
Understanding “As Corroborated By”
This phrase signifies that a piece of information, a statement, or an argument is strengthened by external evidence or proof. Essentially, it means “as confirmed by” or “as supported by.” Using “as corroborated by” indicates to the examiner that you are not just making claims but backing them up with credible sources or data.
Structure and Grammatical Considerations
“As corroborated by” + Noun Phrase
The phrase usually precedes a noun phrase that highlights the source or type of evidence.
Example:
“The benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular health are well-documented, as corroborated by numerous scientific studies.”
Here, “numerous scientific studies” acts as the noun phrase that validates the preceding statement.
Corroborated Evidence
Applying “As Corroborated By” in IELTS Writing
1. Task 1 (Report Writing)
When describing trends, graphs, or charts, you can use “as corroborated by” to connect observations with specific data points.
Example:
“As corroborated by the data in Table 1, the most significant increase in tourism occurred in 2018, with a 15% rise in visitor arrivals.”
2. Task 2 (Essay Writing)
This phrase is invaluable for building strong arguments by referencing studies, expert opinions, or historical events.
Example:
“The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. As corroborated by research from Harvard University, children who attend preschool exhibit better social skills and academic performance later in life.”
Advanced Usage for a Higher Band Score
To achieve a higher band score, consider these strategies:
Vary Your Language: Instead of overusing “as corroborated by,” explore synonyms like “as evidenced by,” “as substantiated by,” “as confirmed by,” or “as demonstrated by.”
Integrate Seamlessly: Ensure the phrase fits naturally within your sentence structure and maintains a coherent flow of ideas.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Incorrect Prepositional Use: Be careful not to use prepositions other than “by” after “corroborated.”
Incorrect: “As corroborated with the survey results…”
Correct: “As corroborated by the survey results…”
- Overuse: While impactful, using “as corroborated by” repeatedly can sound repetitive. Aim for variety in your language.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of sophisticated linking phrases like “as corroborated by” can significantly enhance the quality of your IELTS writing. By understanding its meaning, grammatical structure, and application in different writing tasks, you can present your ideas with greater clarity, coherence, and credibility, ultimately boosting your chances of achieving a higher band score. Remember to practice incorporating this phrase and its synonyms into your writing to build fluency and confidence.
