Mastering ‘Point out’ for IELTS Success: Boost Your Speaking and Writing Skills

Understanding ‘Point out’: Definition and Usage

The phrasal verb ‘point out’ is a crucial linguistic tool for IELTS candidates. It means to draw attention to something or to make someone aware of a fact or detail. In academic contexts, it’s often used to highlight important information or observations.

Key Definitions:

1. To indicate or identify something specific
2. To bring attention to a particular fact or issue
3. To show or make known

Synonyms include: highlight, indicate, draw attention to, or emphasize.

Contextual Usage of ‘Point out’

‘Point out’ is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Here are some examples:

• Formal: “The researcher pointed out the correlation between diet and heart disease.”
• Informal: “My friend pointed out that I had food on my shirt.”

In writing, it’s particularly useful for introducing new ideas or emphasizing key points:

“This essay will point out the main causes of climate change.”

Grammar Analysis

‘Point out’ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can say:

• “He pointed out the mistake.” (Object after the phrasal verb)
• “He pointed the mistake out.” (Object between the verb and particle)

However, if using a pronoun, it must come between the verb and the particle:

• “He pointed it out.” (Correct)
• “He pointed out it.” (Incorrect)

Correct and incorrect usage of 'point out' in IELTS

Applying ‘Point out’ in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

‘Point out’ can enhance your responses in the speaking test. For example:

Question: “What are some environmental issues in your country?”
Sample Answer: “I’d like to point out that air pollution is a major concern in my country. Additionally, I can point out that deforestation is causing significant problems for our wildlife.”

In IELTS Writing

In essays, ‘point out’ helps to structure arguments and introduce evidence:

“This essay will point out the advantages and disadvantages of social media use among teenagers.”

“As several studies have pointed out, excessive screen time can lead to sleep disorders.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Bring up /brɪŋ ʌp/ – To mention or introduce a subject
   Example: “The interviewer brought up the topic of climate change.”

2. Highlight /ˈhaɪlaɪt/ – To emphasize or draw attention to something
   Example: “The report highlighted the need for urgent action on pollution.”

3. Single out /ˈsɪŋɡl aʊt/ – To choose or distinguish from a group
   Example: “The teacher singled out John for his exceptional performance.”

4. Spell out /spel aʊt/ – To explain something clearly and in detail
   Example: “The instructor spelled out the exam requirements for the students.”

5. Leave out /liːv aʊt/ – To omit or exclude
   Example: “Don’t leave out any important details in your essay.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The scientist __ __ that climate change is accelerating faster than predicted.
2. Can you __ __ the main differences between these two graphs?
3. The report __ __ several areas for improvement in the education system.
4. It’s important to __ __ both the advantages and disadvantages in your essay.
5. The lecturer __ __ that plagiarism would result in serious consequences.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: She emphasized the importance of regular exercise.
   Rewrite: She __ __ the importance of regular exercise.

2. Original: The article highlights several key issues.
   Rewrite: The article __ __ several key issues.

3. Original: The teacher drew attention to the student’s mistake.
   Rewrite: The teacher __ __ the student’s mistake.

4. Original: He made us aware of the potential risks.
   Rewrite: He __ __ the potential risks.

5. Original: The study indicates a strong correlation between diet and health.
   Rewrite: The study __ __ a strong correlation between diet and health.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. pointed out
2. point out
3. pointed out
4. point out
5. pointed out

Sentence Transformation:

1. She pointed out the importance of regular exercise.
2. The article points out several key issues.
3. The teacher pointed out the student’s mistake.
4. He pointed out the potential risks.
5. The study points out a strong correlation between diet and health.

Explanation: In each case, ‘point out’ is used to draw attention to or emphasize important information, which is the core meaning of this phrasal verb.

IELTS practice exercises using 'point out'

Memorization Tips

To remember ‘point out’, visualize someone literally pointing their finger at something to draw attention to it. This physical action aligns with the verb’s meaning of highlighting or indicating something.

Another technique is to create a memorable sentence:
“In IELTS, always point out key points to stand out.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘point out’ for personal opinions.
   Correct Usage: Reserve ‘point out’ for factual observations or established information.

2. Mistake: Overusing ‘point out’ in writing.
   Solution: Vary your language with synonyms like ‘highlight’, ‘indicate’, or ‘draw attention to’.

3. Mistake: Incorrect word order with pronouns.
   Remember: Always place pronouns between ‘point’ and ‘out’.

Conclusion

Mastering ‘point out’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It’s a versatile phrasal verb that helps you articulate ideas clearly in both speaking and writing tasks. Practice using it in various contexts, and remember to use it appropriately to highlight key information or observations. By incorporating ‘point out’ effectively, you’ll demonstrate a more sophisticated command of English, potentially boosting your IELTS score.

Remember, while ‘point out’ is valuable, it’s just one tool in your linguistic toolkit. Combine it with other phrasal verbs and advanced vocabulary to create a well-rounded, impressive language profile for your IELTS exam.