“By virtue of” is a phrase that often trips up IELTS test-takers, even those aiming for a band 7 or higher. It signifies “because of” or “as a result of” but carries a more formal and academic tone. While not overly frequent in the IELTS exam, understanding its nuanced use can significantly enhance your writing and speaking, showcasing a broader vocabulary and grammatical dexterity.
Let’s illustrate with a few examples:
- Speaking (Part 3): “Many believe that society’s progress is driven by virtue of technological advancements.”
- Here, “by virtue of” highlights the direct causal relationship between technology and societal progress.
- Writing (Task 2): “Some argue that by virtue of globalization, cultural identities are being eroded.”
- In this context, the phrase emphasizes globalization as the direct cause of cultural homogenization.
Deconstructing “By Virtue Of” for IELTS Mastery
Meaning and Usage in IELTS
“By virtue of” signals a reason or justification for something and is particularly useful in formal writing and speaking situations, such as IELTS essays and discussions. It indicates a direct causal link, stronger than a simple “because of.”
Grammatical Structure and Application
The phrase typically functions as a prepositional phrase:
[Something happens/is true] by virtue of [reason/cause].
Example:
- “The painting gained value by virtue of its historical significance.”
Let’s break down its application across different IELTS sections:
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Writing Task 2: It’s invaluable for crafting complex sentences and illustrating cause-and-effect relationships in your essays. For example:
- “By virtue of its geographical location, the country enjoys a diverse climate.”
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Speaking Part 3: Using “by virtue of” elevates your language and demonstrates a strong grasp of complex grammatical structures:
- “I believe that leadership is effective by virtue of its ability to inspire, not intimidate.”
Mastering “By Virtue Of” for a Higher Band Score
- Formal Register: Use it in formal contexts like essays and discussions, avoiding it in informal writing or casual conversation.
- Cause-and-Effect: Ensure a clear and direct causal link between the two parts of the sentence connected by “by virtue of”.
- Variety and Sophistication: Don’t overuse it. Employ synonyms like “due to,” “owing to,” or “as a consequence of” to showcase lexical range.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Informal Use: Avoid using “by virtue of” in casual contexts.
- Incorrect Cause-and-Effect: Ensure the relationship between the cause and effect is logical and grammatically sound.
Example of Incorrect Use:
“He became a successful musician by virtue of his love for pizza.” (The love for pizza is not a direct cause of his musical success).
Conclusion
Mastering “by virtue of” can undoubtedly bolster your IELTS score. By understanding its meaning, grammatical function, and appropriate usage across different sections, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of the English language, ultimately contributing to a higher band score. Remember to practice using it in various contexts and familiarize yourself with its synonyms to further enhance your vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.