“As indicated by” is a formal phrase commonly used in academic writing and frequently appears in IELTS Reading passages. It’s a powerful tool for expressing evidence-based conclusions and can elevate your writing in essays for a higher band score. Let’s break down this phrase and explore how to use it effectively for IELTS success.
Here are some examples of how “as indicated by” might appear in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Reading: “… the increasing global temperature, as indicated by rising sea levels and melting glaciers…”
Listening: “The lecturer mentioned that student engagement had improved, as indicated by higher attendance rates.”
Writing Task 1: “The graph shows a significant increase in online sales between 2010 and 2020, as indicated by the steep upward trend.”
Writing Task 2: “Some argue that social media has a negative impact on society, as indicated by the rise in cyberbullying.”
In each of these examples, “as indicated by” introduces evidence that supports the statement preceding it.
Understanding “As Indicated By”
Meaning and Usage
“As indicated by” signifies “as shown by” or “as evidenced by.” It’s used to introduce a piece of information that supports or proves the statement made before it. This phrase demonstrates a clear understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, which is crucial for achieving a high IELTS score.
Frequency in IELTS
While “as indicated by” is not a high-frequency phrase in everyday speech, it frequently appears in academic texts and data analysis, making it essential for IELTS. You’ll encounter it in Reading passages and may find it useful in Writing Task 1 when describing data trends and Writing Task 2 when supporting your arguments.
Mastering “As Indicated By”
Formula and Grammatical Structure
The basic formula for using “as indicated by” is:
[Statement/Claim] + , + as indicated by + [Evidence/Supporting Information]
Example:
- Statement/Claim: The company’s profits have been steadily increasing.
- Evidence/Supporting Information: The company’s quarterly reports.
Sentence: The company’s profits have been steadily increasing, as indicated by their quarterly reports.
Applying “As Indicated By” in IELTS
Writing Task 1:
- Original: The graph shows a significant increase in the consumption of organic food.
- Improved: The graph shows a significant increase in the consumption of organic food, as indicated by the steep upward trend between 2015 and 2020.
Writing Task 2:
- Original: Many people believe that technology has made our lives more convenient.
- Improved: Many people believe that technology has made our lives more convenient, as indicated by the widespread use of smartphones and online services.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Graph
Elevating Your Language: Synonyms and Variations
While “as indicated by” is effective, using synonyms can demonstrate vocabulary range and avoid repetition. Here are some alternatives:
- As shown by: The study’s findings were inconclusive, as shown by the mixed results.
- As evidenced by: The city’s efforts to promote cycling have been successful, as evidenced by the increase in bike lanes and riders.
- As demonstrated by: The new teaching method has proven effective, as demonstrated by the students’ improved test scores.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect punctuation: Remember to use a comma before “as indicated by.”
- Vague evidence: The evidence following “as indicated by” should be specific and directly support the preceding statement.
Incorrect: The economy is improving, as indicated by recent developments.
Correct: The economy is improving, as indicated by the falling unemployment rate and rising consumer confidence.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as indicated by” and its synonyms is a valuable tool for achieving a higher IELTS band score. Remember to use it strategically to introduce evidence and support your claims in both writing tasks. By practicing this phrase and its variations, you can strengthen your academic writing style and impress the IELTS examiners.