“By means of” is a versatile phrase that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking performance. This expression is commonly used to describe methods or instruments used to achieve something. Let’s explore how to effectively incorporate this structure into your IELTS responses.
By Means of Diagram
Understanding “By Means of + Noun”
“By means of” is a prepositional phrase that means “through the use of” or “with the help of.” It’s followed by a noun or noun phrase that describes the method, tool, or instrument used to accomplish something. This structure is particularly useful in IELTS essays and speaking tasks when discussing processes, methods, or solutions.
Grammatical Structure
The basic structure is:
By means of + [noun/noun phrase]
Examples:
- Scientists study distant galaxies by means of powerful telescopes.
- Many countries are reducing carbon emissions by means of renewable energy sources.
- Students can improve their vocabulary by means of regular reading and writing exercises.
In each of these examples, the noun or noun phrase following “by means of” represents the tool or method used to achieve the action in the main clause.
Using “By Means of” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating “by means of” in your IELTS Writing tasks can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English and help you express ideas more precisely. Here’s how you can use it effectively in different parts of the IELTS Writing test:
Task 1 (Academic): Graph Description
When describing processes or methods in charts and graphs, “by means of” can be particularly useful.
Example:
“The diagram illustrates how water is purified by means of a multi-stage filtration process.”
Analysis: This sentence succinctly introduces the main topic of the graph while using “by means of” to highlight the method of purification.
Task 2: Essay Writing
In argumentative or discussion essays, “by means of” can help you articulate methods or solutions clearly.
Example:
“Governments can combat climate change by means of stricter regulations on industrial emissions and incentives for green technologies.”
Analysis: Here, “by means of” introduces specific policy measures, adding clarity and sophistication to the argument.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “By Means of”
Using “by means of” in your speaking responses can showcase your vocabulary range and ability to express complex ideas.
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic: Describe a piece of technology that you find useful.
Sample response:
“One piece of technology I find incredibly useful is my smartphone. It allows me to stay connected with friends and family by means of various social media apps and messaging platforms. Moreover, I can access a wealth of information instantly by means of its internet connectivity…”
Analysis: The phrase is used twice here to highlight different functionalities of the smartphone, demonstrating varied sentence structure and vocabulary use.
Part 3: Discussion
Question: How has technology changed the way people communicate?
Sample answer:
“Technology has revolutionized communication by means of instant messaging and video call applications. These tools have made it possible for people to connect across vast distances in real-time. Furthermore, social media platforms have transformed information sharing by means of user-generated content and viral posts…”
Analysis: The use of “by means of” in this response helps to clearly articulate the methods through which technology has impacted communication.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When using “by means of,” be aware of these common errors:
Incorrect preposition: Don’t say “by means with” or “by means for.” The correct form is always “by means of.”
Incorrect: The company increased productivity by means with new software.
Correct: The company increased productivity by means of new software.Using it with verbs: “By means of” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a verb.
Incorrect: They solved the problem by means of discussing it.
Correct: They solved the problem by means of a group discussion.Overuse: While it’s a useful phrase, don’t overuse it in your IELTS responses. Vary your language with synonymous expressions like “through,” “using,” or “with the help of.”
Alternative Expressions for Variety
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s crucial to demonstrate a range of vocabulary. Here are some alternatives to “by means of” that you can use:
- Through: “They achieved success through hard work and determination.”
- Via: “The message was sent via email.”
- Using: “The experiment was conducted using state-of-the-art equipment.”
- With the aid of: “The rescue operation was carried out with the aid of helicopters.”
- By way of: “He explained the concept by way of a simple diagram.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “by means of” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express methods and tools with precision and sophistication. Remember to use it appropriately in both writing and speaking tasks, and practice incorporating it into your responses on various IELTS topics such as technology, education, environment, and social issues. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency and increase your chances of achieving a better score.
To further improve your skills, try rewriting sample IELTS essays or speaking responses, incorporating “by means of” where appropriate. This practice will help you become more comfortable with the phrase and use it naturally in your IELTS test.
Use of “It means that”
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