“Compared to” is a common phrase used to highlight similarities or differences between two things. While seemingly simple, understanding its nuances is crucial for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS exam. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of using “compared to” effectively, explore its synonyms, and provide practical examples to boost your grammatical accuracy and overall language proficiency.
Understanding “Compared to” and Its Significance in IELTS
“Compared to” is often used to show how two things are similar or different. Its use signifies your ability to draw comparisons and analyze information, skills that are assessed across all sections of the IELTS exam, especially in the Writing Task 1 (describing graphs and charts) and Writing Task 2 (essay writing).
Here are some examples of how “compared to” might appear in IELTS questions:
- Writing Task 1: “The graph below shows the number of international tourists visiting two different countries compared to the previous year.”
- Writing Task 2: “Some people believe that life in the city is more stressful compared to life in the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- Speaking Part 3: “How has technology changed the way people communicate compared to the past?”
In each of these examples, “compared to” sets up a comparison that requires you to analyze data or present a reasoned argument.
Using “Compared to” Correctly
Structure and Usage
The general structure for using “compared to” is:
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Adjective/Adverb] + compared to + [Object]
Examples:
- Prices in the city are significantly higher compared to those in rural areas.
- In this sentence, “prices in the city” is the subject, “are” is the verb, “significantly higher” is the comparative adjective, and “those in rural areas” is the object of the comparison.
- The new model of the phone is lighter and more compact compared to its predecessor.
- Here, the subject is “the new model of the phone,” the verbs are “is,” “lighter,” and “more compact,” and the object of the comparison is “its predecessor.”
LSI Keywords and Synonyms
While “compared to” is widely used, diversifying your language is key to achieving a higher IELTS band score. Here are some LSI keywords and synonyms you can use interchangeably:
- in comparison to/with
- relative to
- vis-à-vis
- when compared with
- against
Examples:
- In comparison to last year’s figures, profits have increased by 15%.
- The cost of living in this city is relatively high when compared with other cities in the country.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is using “compared to” when “compared with” is more appropriate.
- “Compared to” is typically used for highlighting similarities, often poetic or metaphorical.
- “Compared with” is generally used for objective comparisons.
Incorrect: The taste of the new chocolate bar was surprisingly bland compared to the old one.
Correct: The taste of the new chocolate bar was surprisingly bland compared with the old one.
However, in many cases, “compared to” and “compared with” are interchangeable, especially in informal writing and speech.
Applying “Compared to” in IELTS
Writing Task 1
When describing data in Writing Task 1, “compared to” is particularly useful for highlighting trends and making comparisons between different data points.
Example:
“The chart shows that car sales in Europe experienced a slight dip in 2010 compared to the previous year, while sales in Asia showed a steady increase.”
In this example, “compared to” effectively illustrates the contrasting trends in car sales between the two regions.
Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, “compared to” can be used to structure arguments and present contrasting viewpoints.
Example:
“Some people argue that online learning is more flexible and affordable compared to traditional education. However, others maintain that the lack of face-to-face interaction in online learning can be detrimental to students’ social and academic development.”
Here, “compared to” effectively sets up a comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional education.
Speaking
You can use “compared to” in the IELTS Speaking test to demonstrate your fluency and ability to express comparisons naturally.
Example:
“I find that learning a language through immersion is much more effective compared to simply studying from textbooks. When you’re surrounded by the language, you’re forced to use it actively and pick it up more quickly.”
In this example, “compared to” helps create a clear contrast between two different language learning methods.
Online Learning vs. Traditional Education
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “compared to” and its synonyms is essential for achieving a high IELTS band score. By understanding its structure, recognizing its LSI keywords, and applying it correctly in various contexts, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your language proficiency and analytical skills throughout the exam.
Remember to practice using these phrases in your writing and speaking to enhance your fluency and accuracy. For further practice with comparison vocabulary and structures, you can explore resources like this article on how traveling has changed from IELTS.net. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!