The phrase “As Recommended By” frequently pops up in various contexts, from academic papers to everyday conversations. For IELTS test-takers, understanding how to use it correctly is crucial for achieving a higher band score, particularly in writing tasks and speaking assessments. This article delves into the intricacies of “as recommended by”, provides clear examples, and offers valuable tips to help you confidently incorporate it into your IELTS responses.
Let’s start by looking at how “as recommended by” might appear in different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 2: “Describe a book you read that was recommended to you. You should say: who recommended it, what the book was about, and why you did or did not enjoy it.”
Writing Task 1: “The graph below shows the percentage of people using public transportation in a city, as recommended by the local council to reduce pollution.”
Writing Task 2: “Some people believe that strict government regulations are the best way to improve public health, as recommended by many health organizations. Others argue that individuals should have more freedom to make their own choices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
As you can see, this phrase can be used to introduce evidence, cite sources, and present arguments within different IELTS contexts.
Understanding “As Recommended By”
“As recommended by” is a prepositional phrase that signifies a suggestion or advice given by a specific source. It’s often used to lend credibility to a statement or action by highlighting that it aligns with expert opinion or established guidelines.
Meaning and Usage
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Attributing Recommendations: This phrase is primarily used to attribute recommendations or advice to a particular person, organization, or entity.
Example: “The government implemented stricter emissions standards for vehicles, as recommended by the environmental protection agency.”
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Indicating Compliance: It can also imply that an action or decision aligns with the given recommendations.
Example: “The company updated its safety protocols as recommended by the independent audit.”
Frequency in IELTS
While not overly frequent, understanding how to use “as recommended by” appropriately showcases your grasp of advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary, contributing to a higher lexical resource score.
Structure and Grammar
Formula:
[Action/Statement] + as recommended by + [Recommending Authority]
Breakdown:
- [Action/Statement]: This refers to the specific action taken or the statement being made.
- as recommended by: This fixed phrase connects the action/statement to its source.
- [Recommending Authority]: This identifies the person, group, or entity providing the recommendation.
IELTS Writing Task Example
Applying “As Recommended By” in IELTS
Writing Task 1 (Describing Trends)
You can use this phrase to highlight trends influenced by recommendations.
Example:
“Although the initial uptake of electric cars was slow, the graph shows a sharp increase in sales from 2020 onwards, as recommended by the government’s initiative to promote eco-friendly vehicles.”
Analysis: Here, you link the trend (increase in electric car sales) to the recommendation made by the government.
Writing Task 2 (Supporting Arguments)
“As recommended by” can effectively support your arguments with external recommendations.
Example:
“Furthermore, imposing stricter regulations on junk food advertising could help combat childhood obesity, as recommended by numerous health organizations worldwide.”
Analysis: You strengthen your argument for stricter regulations by mentioning that health organizations worldwide support this approach.
Speaking Part 3 (Expressing Opinions)
You can demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary by using “as recommended by” when giving your opinions.
Example:
“Well, I believe that promoting sustainable tourism is crucial for protecting fragile ecosystems, especially as recommended by environmental experts in recent studies.”
Analysis: You express your opinion and make it more credible by referencing recommendations from environmental experts.
Achieving a Higher Band Score
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Diverse Vocabulary: Avoid repetition by using synonyms for “recommend” such as “advise,” “suggest,” “propose,” or “advocate.”
Example: “The city council implemented bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, as advocated by urban planners focused on sustainable transportation.”
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Passive Voice: Use the passive voice to shift the focus to the action rather than the recommending authority.
Example: “It is widely recommended by financial advisors that individuals start saving for retirement early.”
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Formal Register: Maintain a formal tone when using “as recommended by,” particularly in Writing tasks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect Preposition: Using prepositions other than “by” after “recommended.”
Incorrect: “As recommended for the doctor.”
Correct: “As recommended by the doctor.” -
Informal Language: Using casual alternatives to “as recommended by” in formal writing.
Informal: “Like the experts said…”
Formal: “As suggested by leading experts…”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as recommended by” provides you with a valuable tool to enhance your IELTS performance. By understanding its meaning, structure, and applications, you can effectively incorporate it into your writing and speaking, demonstrating a stronger command of the English language and potentially achieving a higher band score. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts and pay close attention to the nuances of grammar and style to use it accurately and confidently.
