“In Terms Of” is a common phrase in English, frequently appearing in academic writing and spoken discourse. For IELTS test-takers, a strong command of this phrase and its synonyms can significantly enhance your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, especially in the Writing and Speaking sections. This article will delve into the nuances of using “in terms of” correctly, providing a comprehensive guide to boost your IELTS score.
Let’s look at a few examples of how “in terms of” can be used across different sections of the IELTS:
- Writing Task 1: “In terms of overall sales, the company experienced a significant increase in the second quarter.” (This sentence describes a specific aspect of the data presented.)
- Writing Task 2: “Some argue that globalization has primarily benefited developed countries in terms of economic growth.” (This sentence introduces a viewpoint on the impacts of globalization.)
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, in terms of career prospects, studying engineering definitely opens up a lot of doors.” (This sentence expresses an opinion about the benefits of studying engineering.)
As you can see, “in terms of” helps to organize and present information in a clear, coherent manner, which is crucial for achieving a high IELTS band score.
Understanding “In Terms Of”
Essentially, “in terms of” functions as a prepositional phrase, meaning “with regard to,” “concerning,” or “from the standpoint of.” It allows you to focus on a specific aspect or feature of something.
For instance, instead of saying “The company improved its marketing strategies, which led to increased profits,” you can say “The company made significant progress in terms of its marketing strategies, resulting in higher profits.” The latter sentence is more concise and emphasizes the specific area of improvement.
Using “In Terms Of” Effectively
Here’s the formula for using “in terms of” correctly:
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + “in terms of” + [Specific Aspect/Feature].
Let’s break it down:
- Subject: The person, place, or thing performing the action.
- Verb: The action being performed.
- Object: The thing being acted upon.
- Specific Aspect/Feature: The particular area or characteristic you want to highlight.
Application in IELTS
“In terms of” proves particularly valuable in the Writing section, especially when:
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Comparing and contrasting data (Writing Task 1):
- “The two graphs illustrate the differences in energy consumption between urban and rural areas in terms of kilowatt-hours used per capita.”
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Developing arguments and supporting your viewpoints (Writing Task 2):
- “In terms of environmental impact, electric cars offer a significant advantage over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.”
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Expressing opinions and providing reasons (Speaking Part 3):
- “I believe that online education is transforming the way we learn, particularly in terms of accessibility and flexibility.”
IELTS score improvement
Alternatives to “In Terms Of”
While “in terms of” is a highly useful phrase, varying your language is key to achieving a higher IELTS score. Here are some synonyms you can use interchangeably:
- Regarding: “Regarding the upcoming election, there are several key issues that voters are concerned about.”
- Concerning: “The committee expressed concerns concerning the project’s escalating costs.”
- With respect to: “With respect to climate change, the government has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 20%.”
- From the standpoint of: “From the standpoint of public health, smoking bans in public places have been largely successful.”
- When it comes to: “When it comes to choosing a university, academic reputation is a primary consideration for many students.”
You can find more examples of how to use “in terms of” and its synonyms effectively in various contexts on websites like ielts.net.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is using “in terms of” when a simpler preposition would suffice. For example:
Incorrect: The students struggled in terms of understanding the complex mathematical concepts.
Correct: The students struggled to understand the complex mathematical concepts.
Incorrect: The company experienced a decline in terms of its profits.
Correct: The company experienced a decline in profits.
Another common error is using “in terms of” redundantly.
Incorrect: The city’s infrastructure is outdated, especially in terms of its public transportation system.
Correct: The city’s infrastructure is outdated, especially its public transportation system.
By being mindful of these errors, you can ensure that your use of “in terms of” is accurate and enhances the clarity of your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in terms of” and its synonyms is an essential step towards achieving your desired IELTS score. Remember to practice implementing these phrases in your writing and speaking to enhance your fluency and precision. With dedicated effort and a focus on refining your grammatical accuracy, you’ll be well on your way to IELTS success.
