“As verified by” is a phrase that adds an element of credibility and authority to your IELTS writing, especially in tasks requiring you to present evidence or support your claims. While not overly complex, understanding its nuances and applications can be the difference between a good and a great band score. This guide delves into the effective use of “as verified by” and its synonyms to boost your IELTS writing prowess.
Deconstructing “As Verified By”
“As verified by” signifies confirmation or substantiation from a reliable source. It implies that the information presented is not merely an opinion but is backed by credible evidence.
Let’s look at some examples across different IELTS sections:
Task 1 (Graph Description):
- “The sharp decline in unemployment rates in 2022, as verified by government statistics, indicates a recovering economy.”
Task 2 (Opinion Essay):
- “The benefits of renewable energy, as verified by numerous scientific studies, far outweigh the initial investment costs.”
Speaking Part 3 (Discussion):
- “Well, the impact of social media on mental health is undeniable, as verified by several psychological studies.”
In each example, “as verified by” strengthens the statement by highlighting that the information is not arbitrary but based on reliable data or research.
Understanding the Phrase and its Application
Meaning and Usage
“As verified by” functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing the source that validates the preceding information. It adds weight to your arguments by demonstrating you’ve considered verified sources, a crucial aspect of high-band IELTS writing.
Frequency in IELTS
While “as verified by” is not a high-frequency phrase in IELTS, its strategic use, particularly in Task 1 when describing trends with data, or in Task 2 when presenting supporting evidence, can significantly enhance your response.
Grammatical Structure and Variations
The standard structure is:
[Information/Claim] + , + as verified by + [Source]
Here are variations you can utilize:
- As confirmed by: “The effectiveness of the new vaccine, as confirmed by clinical trials, offers hope in the fight against the pandemic.”
- As evidenced by: “The growing concern about climate change, as evidenced by the global youth climate strikes, necessitates immediate action.”
- As demonstrated by: “The importance of early childhood education, as demonstrated by extensive research, cannot be overstated.”
Using “As Verified By” for a Higher Band Score
Incorporating into IELTS Writing
Let’s examine how “as verified by” can be integrated for greater impact:
Task 1:
- Before: “The graph shows a decrease in carbon emissions after 2015.”
- After: “The graph illustrates a significant decrease in carbon emissions after 2015, as verified by data from the Environmental Protection Agency.”
The inclusion of “as verified by” and a specific source strengthens the statement and demonstrates good data interpretation skills.
Task 2:
- Before: “Many believe that technology has made us less connected.”
- After: “Some argue that despite its communicative advantages, technology has paradoxically made us less connected on a personal level, as evidenced by rising rates of loneliness and social isolation documented in recent studies.”
Here, “as evidenced by” and the mention of specific studies provide robust support to the claim, showcasing a higher level of reasoning and evidence use.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Vague Sources: Avoid using generic phrases like “experts” or “studies” without specifics.
- Overuse: Using “as verified by” repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and mechanical. Vary your language.
Conclusion
“As verified by” is a valuable phrase to incorporate into your IELTS writing to lend credibility and authority to your statements. Understanding its correct usage and exploring its variations will undoubtedly bolster your vocabulary and overall writing proficiency, ultimately leading to a higher band score. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with this phrase in your IELTS writing practice to become comfortable and confident in its application.