“As Mentioned By” is a useful phrase to demonstrate your understanding of referencing and paraphrasing in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. While it might not be as common as other cohesive devices, using it effectively can showcase your ability to integrate information and present it in a sophisticated manner.
Here are some examples of how “as mentioned by” can be used:
- Writing Task 2: “As mentioned by Professor Smith, the increasing reliance on technology has both positive and negative implications for education.”
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, as mentioned by several experts we discussed earlier, the future of renewable energy largely depends on government policies and public acceptance.”
In each of these examples, “as mentioned by” helps to attribute an idea or opinion to a specific source, adding credibility to your argument and showcasing your ability to synthesize information.
Understanding “As Mentioned By”
This phrase signals to the examiner that you’re referring back to a point previously made by someone else. This “someone” can be:
- An expert: “As mentioned by leading economist, Dr. Jones…”
- A study/report: “As mentioned in the recent UN report…”
- A group of people: “As mentioned by several residents…”
Using “as mentioned by” not only adds variety to your language but also demonstrates your ability to:
- Paraphrase: You’re summarizing someone else’s point without directly quoting them.
- Reference: You’re acknowledging the source of the information.
- Structure your argument: You’re connecting different parts of your response in a coherent way.
Mastering “As Mentioned By” for IELTS
Formula and Grammatical Considerations
The typical structure for using “as mentioned by” is straightforward:
As mentioned by [Source], [Statement/Information].
- “As mentioned by” – This phrase introduces the reference.
- [Source] – This is where you mention the person, group, or source of information.
- [Statement/Information] – You present the paraphrased information from the source.
Application in Different IELTS Sections
Here’s how you can use “as mentioned by” effectively:
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IELTS Writing Task 2:
- Example: “While some argue that globalization leads to cultural homogenization, as mentioned by Dr. Nguyen, it can also foster cultural exchange and understanding.”
- Analysis: This sentence effectively uses “as mentioned by” to introduce a contrasting viewpoint from an expert, strengthening the argument.
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IELTS Speaking Part 3:
- Example: “It’s a complex issue. As mentioned by the sociologist we discussed, social media can be both a tool for connection and a source of isolation.”
- Analysis: Here, the speaker refers back to an earlier point in the conversation, demonstrating their ability to follow the flow of discussion and integrate previous information.
Achieving Higher Band Scores
To truly impress the examiner, consider these tips:
- Vary your language: Use synonyms for “mentioned,” like “stated,” “highlighted,” or “emphasized.”
- Provide context: Briefly remind the examiner who the source is before using “as mentioned by.”
- Don’t overuse it: While useful, don’t rely solely on “as mentioned by.” Use a variety of referencing and paraphrasing techniques.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect referencing: Ensure the information you attribute to a source is accurate and relevant.
- Incorrect: “As mentioned by the study, climate change is not real.”
- Correct: “As mentioned by the study, climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities.”
- Overuse of direct quotes: “As mentioned by” is most effective when paraphrasing, not directly quoting.
- Avoid: “As mentioned by the author, ‘Technology is a double-edged sword.'”
- Instead: “As mentioned by the author, technology can have both positive and negative consequences.”
Conclusion
Mastering phrases like “as mentioned by” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It showcases your ability to handle complex language, reference information accurately, and present your ideas in a clear, cohesive manner. By understanding its nuances and practicing its application, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your desired IELTS band score. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep incorporating this and other sophisticated language into your IELTS preparation.