The phrase “as praised by” might not be the most common phrase in the English language, but understanding its nuances and usage can certainly elevate your IELTS writing. This article will delve into the various facets of “as praised by” and its semantically related keywords, providing you with the tools to use it confidently and accurately in your IELTS exam.
Let’s examine a few examples of how “as praised by” can be incorporated into different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking (Part 3):
Examiner: “Do you think technology has impacted the way we consume art?”
You: “Absolutely. Take virtual museums, for example, as praised by many art enthusiasts, they provide access to masterpieces from around the world, regardless of geographical location.”
Writing (Task 2):
“Some believe that traditional art forms will become obsolete with the rise of digital art. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“While digital art offers unprecedented avenues for creativity, traditional forms, as praised by renowned critics, continue to hold immense cultural and historical significance.”
Understanding “As Praised By”
“As praised by” is a phrase that introduces a source of praise or positive evaluation. It’s used to lend credibility to a statement by highlighting the positive opinion of a respected individual or group.
This structure is more likely to appear in IELTS Writing Task 2 when you are presenting viewpoints or supporting arguments. While not overly common, understanding its use can demonstrate a broader vocabulary and sophisticated understanding of grammatical structures.
Structure and Grammatical Insights
The structure of “as praised by” is straightforward:
As + past participle (praised) + by + agent of praise (person or group)
- As: This conjunction establishes the connection between the praise and the subject being praised.
- Past Participle (praised): This verb form indicates a passive voice construction, emphasizing the action of being praised.
- By: This preposition identifies the source or agent of the praise.
- Agent of Praise: This could be a single person (e.g., a renowned scientist), a group (e.g., environmental activists), or a larger entity (e.g., the United Nations).
Applying “As Praised By” in IELTS Writing
Let’s look at how to integrate “as praised by” effectively into your IELTS writing, along with sample sentences and analysis:
Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essay):
- Topic: “The use of renewable energy should be mandated by governments globally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- Sample sentence: “Solar energy, as praised by numerous environmental scientists, offers a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, mitigating the harmful effects of climate change.”
- Analysis: Here, “as praised by numerous environmental scientists” adds weight to the claim about solar energy, boosting the argument’s credibility by citing experts in the field.
Writing Task 1 (Describing a Process):
- Topic: “The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.”
- Sample sentence: “The final stage involves using the recycled material to create new products, a practice as praised by environmental organizations for its contribution to reducing plastic waste.”
- Analysis: In this instance, “as praised by environmental organizations” provides context and highlights the positive environmental impact of the recycling process.
IELTS Writing Example
Elevating Your Writing for a Higher Band Score
To achieve a band score of 7 or higher, your writing should exhibit a range of grammatical structures and sophisticated vocabulary. Here’s how you can utilize “as praised by” and similar structures effectively:
- Vary your language: Instead of repeating “as praised by,” consider using synonyms like “as lauded by,” “as commended by,” or “as acclaimed by.”
- Combine with other structures: Integrate it into more complex sentences to showcase grammatical range. For example: “Despite initial skepticism, the project, as praised by leading architects, has become a model for sustainable urban development.”
- Context is key: Ensure that the source of praise you choose is relevant to the topic and adds value to your argument.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While “as praised by” can be an effective tool, misuse can negatively impact your score. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Irrelevant praise: Ensure the source of praise is directly relevant to the subject. For instance, citing a celebrity chef’s opinion on climate change wouldn’t be as credible as a climate scientist’s view.
- Overuse: Using “as praised by” too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Employ synonyms and vary your sentence structure.
Conclusion
Mastering phrases like “as praised by” and understanding their nuances can significantly enhance the quality of your IELTS writing. Remember to use it strategically, vary your language, and avoid common errors. By practicing these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high band score in your IELTS exam.