“It shows that” is a common phrase in English, often used to express evidence or support for a claim. Mastering its usage can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking performance, allowing you to present arguments more convincingly and demonstrate a higher level of grammatical accuracy.
Let’s look at a few examples of how “it shows that” can be used across different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking Part 3:
- “The increasing popularity of online courses shows that people are seeking more flexible learning options.”
- Here, “it shows that” connects the trend of online courses’ popularity with the reason behind it.
Writing Task 1 (describing a graph):
- “The sharp decline in sales in the second quarter shows that the new marketing campaign was ineffective.”
- This sentence effectively illustrates how the phrase can be used to highlight a trend from the graph and its implication.
Writing Task 2 (essay):
- “The fact that many students are choosing to study abroad shows that globalization has had a profound impact on education.”
- In this example, “it shows that” is used to emphasize the connection between the trend (students studying abroad) and its broader implication (globalization’s impact on education).
Understanding “It Shows That”
Essentially, “it shows that” acts as a cohesive device that connects evidence or an observation to its implication or conclusion. It helps to create a logical flow in your writing and speaking, making your arguments more persuasive.
The Grammar Behind “It Shows That”
Structure:
[Evidence/Observation] + shows that + [Implication/Conclusion]
Breakdown:
- “It”: This pronoun refers back to the evidence or observation mentioned previously.
- “Shows”: This verb signifies the act of revealing or demonstrating something.
- “That”: This conjunction connects the evidence to its implication.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Graph
Using “It Shows That” Effectively in IELTS
Writing Task 1:
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Describing trends: When analyzing charts, graphs, or tables, use “it shows that” to link a specific trend to its interpretation.
- Example: “The graph shows that the unemployment rate has steadily declined since 2010, indicating an improving economy.”
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Highlighting significant changes: Draw attention to major shifts in data using this phrase.
- Example: “The sudden drop in website traffic in November shows that the website redesign had a negative impact.”
Writing Task 2:
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Supporting your arguments: When presenting reasons or evidence for your viewpoint, use “it shows that” to strengthen the connection.
- Example: “Furthermore, the increasing number of people adopting vegetarian diets shows that there is a growing awareness of animal welfare issues.”
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Analyzing opposing views: Use it to present a counter-argument and then refute it.
- Example: “Some argue that technology leads to social isolation. However, the popularity of social media shows that technology can actually facilitate connection.”
Speaking:
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Providing explanations: When answering questions in Part 3, use “it shows that” to explain your reasoning.
- Example: “I believe online education is becoming increasingly important. It shows that people are looking for more flexible and accessible learning opportunities.”
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Supporting your opinions with examples: This phrase can help you effectively illustrate your points with relevant examples.
- Example: “The success of companies like Apple, which prioritizes innovation, shows that creativity is crucial in today’s business world.”
Elevating Your Language: Alternatives to “It Shows That”
While “it shows that” is grammatically correct and useful, diversifying your language can earn you higher marks in IELTS. Here are some alternatives:
- This suggests that…
- This indicates that…
- This demonstrates that…
- This implies that…
- This highlights the fact that…
- This underscores the importance of…
Remember to choose the alternative that best suits the context and maintains the original meaning of the sentence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Vague pronoun reference: Ensure “it” clearly refers to the evidence mentioned earlier.
- Incorrect: Crime rates are decreasing. It shows that stricter laws are effective.
- Correct: The decreasing crime rates show that stricter laws are effective.
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Overuse: Using “it shows that” repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive. Use it strategically and vary your language.
Conclusion
“It shows that” is a powerful phrase that can elevate your IELTS writing and speaking. By understanding its usage, exploring alternatives, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of your arguments, ultimately boosting your band score. Keep practicing its application in various contexts to master this valuable language tool for your IELTS success.
