“As Represented By” is a sophisticated phrase commonly used in academic writing and occasionally appears in IELTS Reading passages. It indicates that something is shown or symbolized by something else. Mastering its usage can be valuable for achieving a higher band score in your IELTS exam.
Let’s explore some examples of how “as represented by” might appear in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Reading:
- “The growth in renewable energy sources, as represented by the increasing number of wind farms, indicates a global shift towards sustainable practices.” Analysis: Here, “as represented by” highlights the link between the growth in renewable energy and the rise of wind farms, providing tangible evidence for the claim.
Listening:
- “The professor argued that societal progress, as represented by factors like literacy rates and healthcare access, is crucial for economic development.” Analysis: This sentence implies that literacy rates and healthcare access are indicators of societal progress, which in turn impacts economic development.
Writing Task 1 (Describing a graph):
- “The graph illustrates a sharp decline in traditional energy consumption, as represented by the falling coal usage, contrasted by a steady rise in renewable energy sources.” Analysis: This statement effectively uses “as represented by” to directly link the trend in the graph (falling coal usage) to the broader concept of declining traditional energy consumption.
Understanding “As Represented By”
Meaning and Usage
This phrase essentially signifies “shown by” or “symbolized by.” It creates a relationship between an abstract concept and a concrete example that exemplifies it.
Frequency in IELTS
While not overly frequent, encountering “as represented by” in the Reading section is likely. It’s less common in Listening and Writing but can be employed strategically to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Grammatical Structure and Application
Formula:
[Concept/Trend] + as represented by + [Example/Evidence]
Breaking it down:
- [Concept/Trend]: This refers to the general idea or pattern you’re discussing.
- as represented by: This phrase connects the concept to the specific example.
- [Example/Evidence]: This provides a concrete illustration that supports or explains the concept.
IELTS Application:
- Reading: Understanding this phrase is crucial for identifying supporting evidence for claims made in the passages.
- Listening: Pay close attention when you hear this phrase as it connects key ideas presented by speakers.
- Writing Task 1: You can use “as represented by” to add sophistication and clarity when drawing relationships between data points and overall trends.
Illustrative Examples
Writing Task 1 (Graph Description)
Scenario: A graph shows an increase in online shopping and a decrease in physical store visits.
Sentence: “The rising popularity of e-commerce is evident, as represented by the surge in online purchases, while traditional retail struggles, evidenced by the dwindling in-store customer traffic.”
Speaking Part 3 (Discussion)
Question: How has technology impacted communication?
Answer: “Technology has revolutionized communication, as represented by the ubiquity of smartphones and social media platforms, enabling instant global connectivity.”
Technology Impact on Communication
Achieving a Higher Band Score
- Varied Language: Using “as represented by” demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, contributing to a higher Lexical Resource score.
- Cohesive Devices: It acts as a cohesive device, linking ideas and improving the coherence and cohesion of your writing and speaking, positively impacting your score.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Usage: Avoid using “as represented by” for simple comparisons. It’s meant to connect an abstract idea with tangible evidence.
Incorrect: The weather in London is milder than in Moscow, as represented by the average temperatures.
Correct: The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident, as represented by its extensive cycling infrastructure and green spaces.Redundancy: Don’t use synonyms of “represent” (e.g., “shown by,” “illustrated by”) interchangeably within the same sentence.
Redundant: The data, as represented by the chart, clearly shows the trend, as illustrated by the upward curve.
Improved: The data, as represented by the chart, clearly shows the trend through its upward curve.
Conclusion
Mastering phrases like “as represented by” can significantly enhance your ability to comprehend complex texts and express yourself with clarity and sophistication in the IELTS exam. Remember to use it strategically and accurately to showcase your language proficiency and achieve your desired band score. Keep practicing with diverse examples and soon you’ll be wielding this phrase like a pro!
