“In the estimation of…” is a sophisticated phrase that can elevate your academic writing and potentially boost your IELTS score. While it might not be as common as other phrases, understanding its nuances and applications can give you an edge, particularly in Writing Task 2 where demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary is crucial.
Let’s examine how this phrase works in various contexts:
- Original sentence: Many believe that social media has a negative impact on young people.
- Using “in the estimation of”: In the estimation of many psychologists, social media can have a detrimental effect on the mental well-being of adolescents.
By incorporating “in the estimation of” we’ve made the sentence more formal, academic, and introduced a credible source (psychologists) to support the claim.
Understanding “In the estimation of…”
This phrase signifies “according to the judgment or opinion of.” It’s a formal way of attributing a viewpoint to a specific person or group of people. In IELTS writing, particularly Task 2 essays, this phrase can be employed to:
- Introduce expert opinions: “In the estimation of leading economists, global warming poses a significant threat to economic stability.”
- Present general beliefs: “In the estimation of many, access to education is a fundamental human right.”
Structure and Grammar
The typical structure is as follows:
In the estimation of + [person/group of people] + [comma] + [rest of the sentence]
Examples:
- In the estimation of the committee, further research is required.
- In the estimation of some historians, the treaty was a pivotal moment in the 20th century.
Important Notes:
- The phrase is always followed by “of” (not “by” or any other preposition).
- A comma usually follows the person or group to whom the opinion is attributed.
IELTS Writing Application
Let’s see how “in the estimation of…” can be used effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2:
Topic: Some people believe that the government should invest more money in public transportation, while others think that it is better to invest in roads. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Body Paragraph: “In the estimation of environmental activists, prioritizing public transport over private vehicles is essential for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. They argue that investing in efficient and affordable public transport options, such as trains and buses, would encourage people to leave their cars at home, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution.”
Analysis: Here, the phrase effectively introduces the perspective of environmental activists, lending credibility and weight to the argument presented.
Public Transportation vs. Cars
Boosting Your Score: Synonyms and Variations
To further demonstrate your lexical resource (vocabulary range), consider these alternatives to “in the estimation of”:
- According to: This is a more common synonym suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- In the view of: Similar in formality to “in the estimation of.”
- From the perspective of: This option emphasizes a particular point of view.
Examples:
- According to recent studies, bilingualism has cognitive benefits.
- In the view of many educators, standardized testing is not an accurate measure of learning.
- From the perspective of employers, practical skills are often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Incorrect preposition: Using “by” or “for” instead of “of” (“In the estimation by the public” – Incorrect).
- Missing comma: Forgetting the comma after the person or group (“In the estimation of scientists climate change is real” – Incorrect).
- Overuse: Using the phrase repeatedly in a short span of text can seem repetitive. Vary your language!
Conclusion
Mastering sophisticated phrases like “in the estimation of” along with its synonyms, demonstrates a strong command of academic English. Remember to use this phrase strategically and accurately in your IELTS writing to present ideas convincingly and achieve a higher band score. By focusing on clarity, accuracy, and variety in your language, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiners and reach your IELTS goals.
