“It Is Important To Mention…” is a phrase many IELTS students overuse in their essays. While this phrase isn’t grammatically incorrect, it can often be replaced with more sophisticated and concise language, which is essential for achieving a higher band score.
Here are some examples of how “It is important to mention…” is often used in IELTS writing, along with alternative ways to express the same idea:
Example 1:
- Original: It is important to mention that pollution has a devastating impact on wildlife.
- Improved: Pollution has a devastating impact on wildlife.
Analysis: The original sentence is unnecessarily wordy. The improved sentence is more direct and impactful.
Example 2:
- Original: It is important to mention that technology has revolutionized communication.
- Improved: Technology has revolutionized communication.
Analysis: Again, the phrase “It is important to mention” adds no new information and can be omitted.
Example 3:
- Original: It is important to mention that there are both pros and cons to globalization.
- Improved: Globalization has both advantages and disadvantages.
Analysis: The improved sentence uses more formal vocabulary (“advantages” and “disadvantages”) and is more concise.
Understanding the Issue with “It is important to mention”
The phrase “It is important to mention…” is often used as a filler phrase, signaling to the reader that the writer thinks something is important but isn’t sure how to integrate it smoothly. This can make your writing sound:
- Repetitive: Using the same phrase repeatedly makes your writing predictable and dull.
- Indirect: Strong writing makes its point directly, without unnecessary hedging.
- Unsophisticated: Higher band scores require demonstrating a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Alternatives to “It is important to mention”
Here are some more effective ways to highlight important points in your IELTS writing:
1. Adverbs and Adverbial Phrases:
- Significantly,
- Crucially,
- It is worth noting that…
- It is essential to consider…
- A key point to remember is…
Example:
- Original: It is important to mention that education plays a vital role in economic development.
- Improved: Significantly, education plays a vital role in economic development.
2. Fronting Information:
This technique involves placing the most important information at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
Example:
- Original: It is important to mention that the government should invest more in renewable energy.
- Improved: Investing in renewable energy should be a government priority.
3. Using Stronger Verbs:
Replace weak verbs like “is” and “are” with stronger, more specific verbs.
Example:
- Original: It is important to mention that climate change is a serious threat.
- Improved: Climate change poses a serious threat to the planet.
Applying These Techniques in IELTS Writing
Let’s look at how to apply these techniques to different sections of the IELTS exam:
Task 1 (Writing a Report):
- Original: It is important to mention that the consumption of fast food increased dramatically between 2000 and 2010.
- Improved: The graph illustrates a dramatic increase in fast food consumption between 2000 and 2010.
Task 2 (Writing an Essay):
- Original: It is important to mention that social media has both positive and negative effects on young people.
- Improved: While social media offers some benefits to young people, it also presents significant risks.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overusing Intensifiers: Be careful not to overuse words like “very” or “extremely.” This can make your writing sound exaggerated and less credible.
- Incorrect Grammar: When using complex structures, ensure your grammar is accurate to avoid losing marks.
Conclusion
Avoiding overused phrases like “It is important to mention…” is essential for achieving a higher IELTS band score. By using a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary, you can present your ideas in a clear, concise, and sophisticated manner, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of your writing.
