Many IELTS candidates strive to elevate their writing by incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures. One area that often causes confusion is the use of impersonal language, particularly phrases like “it assesses that.” In this article, we will delve into the nuances of using such phrases, analyze their appropriateness in IELTS writing, and equip you with the knowledge to express your ideas with accuracy and finesse.
Let’s consider some examples:
- Incorrect: The report assesses that climate change is real.
- Correct: The report concludes that climate change is real.
- Incorrect: It assesses that the economy will grow by 2%.
- Correct: The report projects that the economy will grow by 2%.
As you can see from the above examples, the phrase “it assesses that” is often misused. Let’s explore why.
Understanding Impersonal Language and “It Assesses That”
Impersonal language is a style of writing where the writer avoids using personal pronouns like “I” or “we.” It is commonly used in academic and scientific writing to create an objective and formal tone. However, using the pronoun “it” to refer to a report or study and then attributing an assessment to it is grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward.
Reports, studies, and other forms of research do not possess the capacity to assess. They present findings, data, or analysis conducted by researchers. Therefore, instead of saying “it assesses that,” opt for verbs that accurately reflect the nature of the information presented:
Alternative Verbs and Phrases
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Alternatives | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It assesses that… | The report concludes that… | The report concludes that deforestation contributes to climate change. |
| It assesses that… | The study indicates that… | The study indicates a correlation between smoking and lung cancer. |
| It assesses that… | The data suggests that… | The data suggests that consumer confidence is rising. |
| It assesses that… | The authors argue that… | The authors argue that government intervention is necessary. |
| It assesses that… | According to the report,… | According to the report, unemployment rates have fallen. |
| It assesses that… | The findings demonstrate that… | The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the new drug. |
| It assesses that… | The research highlights the fact that… | The research highlights the fact that social media can be addictive. |
Formal Tone in IELTS Writing
Achieving Band 7+ in IELTS Writing: Utilizing Impersonal Language Effectively
To score highly in IELTS writing, especially in Task 1 (describing data) and Task 2 (essay writing), you need to demonstrate a strong command of grammatical range and accuracy. Here’s how to effectively use impersonal language:
1. Choose verbs carefully: Select verbs that accurately reflect the function of the information you are presenting.
2. Vary your language: Instead of repeating the same structure, utilize a variety of grammatical structures to present information.
Example:
Original: The graph shows that car sales increased dramatically in 2022. It also shows that sales of SUVs declined.
Improved: The graph illustrates a dramatic increase in car sales in 2022, while sales of SUVs experienced a decline.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Overusing “it is said that”: While this phrase is grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive.
- Using personal pronouns in inappropriate contexts: Avoid using “I” or “we” in objective writing tasks.
- Forcing impersonal language: Your writing should sound natural and not forced.
Conclusion
Mastering impersonal language, including understanding why phrases like “it assesses that” are incorrect, is crucial for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS writing exam. By using a variety of accurate verbs and structures, you can present information objectively, demonstrate your grammatical range, and enhance the overall quality of your writing.