“As reflected by” is a phrase that often trips up IELTS test-takers, but mastering it can add a touch of sophistication to your writing and help you achieve a higher band score. In essence, it’s used to express how something is shown or demonstrated by something else. Let’s explore how this phrase can be effectively incorporated into your IELTS writing, along with its common synonyms and potential pitfalls to avoid.
Here are a few examples of how “as reflected by” can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:
- Task 1 (Describing trends): “The growing popularity of online shopping is reflected by the sharp increase in parcel deliveries.” Here, “as reflected by” connects the trend (popularity of online shopping) with the evidence (increase in deliveries).
- Task 2 (Supporting an argument): “The importance of early childhood education is reflected by the significant impact it has on future academic success.” This sentence uses “as reflected by” to link the claim (importance of early education) with the supporting evidence (impact on academic success).
- Speaking (Expressing an opinion): “My city has become much more multicultural, as reflected by the variety of restaurants and shops.” In this case, “as reflected by” illustrates the speaker’s point about multiculturalism with a tangible example.
Understanding “As Reflected By”
“As reflected by” is commonly used in both academic and everyday English to establish a clear link between an observation and the evidence that supports it. It signifies that one thing acts as a mirror, revealing the truth or nature of another.
Frequency in IELTS
While “as reflected by” isn’t a high-frequency phrase in IELTS, its strategic use, especially in Task 1 when describing trends or in Task 2 when presenting evidence, can demonstrate a strong command of grammatical structures and vocabulary, potentially boosting your score.
Using “As Reflected By” Correctly
Formula:
[Observation or Statement] + as reflected by + [Evidence or Supporting Information]
Explanation:
- [Observation or Statement]: This is the main idea or point you’re making.
- as reflected by: This phrase connects the observation to the evidence.
- [Evidence or Supporting Information]: This part provides the specific details that validate your observation.
Example:
The country’s economic growth is reflected by the significant rise in foreign investment.
In this example, “the country’s economic growth” is the observation, and “the significant rise in foreign investment” is the evidence that supports this observation.
Applying “As Reflected By” in IELTS
Here’s how you can effectively use “as reflected by” in different sections of the IELTS:
- Writing Task 1:
- Example: “The increasing use of renewable energy sources is clearly reflected by the declining reliance on fossil fuels, as shown in the graph.”
- Writing Task 2:
- Example: “The benefits of regular exercise are numerous, as reflected by its positive impact on both physical and mental health.”
- Speaking Part 3:
- Example: “I believe people are becoming more environmentally conscious, as reflected by the growing popularity of sustainable products.”
Elevating Your Language: Synonyms and Alternatives
To showcase a wider vocabulary range, consider these alternatives to “as reflected by”:
- As evidenced by
- As demonstrated by
- As shown by
- As indicated by
- This is clear from
- This is evident in
Example:
Instead of: “The success of the marketing campaign is reflected by the increase in sales.”
You could say: “The success of the marketing campaign is evidenced by the increase in sales.”
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect preposition: Using a preposition other than “by” after “reflected.” Remember, it’s always “reflected by.”
- Incorrect: “The company’s progress is reflected in the annual report.”
- Correct: “The company’s progress is reflected by the annual report.”
- Word order: Placing “as reflected by” in the wrong position within the sentence can make it grammatically incorrect or awkward.
- Incorrect: “As reflected by the survey results, people are becoming more health-conscious.”
- Correct: “People are becoming more health-conscious, as reflected by the survey results.”
Conclusion
While seemingly simple, “as reflected by” is a powerful phrase that can add sophistication and clarity to your IELTS writing and speaking. By understanding its proper usage, exploring synonyms, and being mindful of common errors, you can effectively incorporate this phrase to enhance your language and potentially achieve a higher band score. Remember to practice using “as reflected by” and its alternatives in various contexts to build your confidence for the exam.