When to Use “It Spells Out That” in IELTS Writing

The phrase “it spells out that” might seem informal, but it can be a powerful tool in your IELTS Writing to demonstrate a strong grasp of vocabulary and express cause-and-effect relationships effectively. It’s not overly formal or informal, making it suitable for both Task 1 and Task 2 essays.

Here are some examples of how “it spells out that” can be used in different sections of the IELTS writing exam:

Task 1:

• Original: The increasing reliance on technology has led to a decrease in physical activity among young people. This has negative consequences for their health.
• Improved: The increasing reliance on technology, which inherently promotes sedentary behavior, spells out that physical activity among young people is likely to decline, with detrimental consequences for their health.

Task 2:

• Original: Many developing nations face a significant challenge: rapid population growth strains limited resources and infrastructure.
• Improved: Many developing nations face the stark reality that rapid population growth spells out an inevitable strain on their limited resources and infrastructure.

Population Growth Strain Resources

Understanding “It Spells Out That”

“It spells out that” is used to show that something clearly leads to a particular result or conclusion. “It” refers to the situation or fact mentioned earlier, while “spells out” emphasizes the clarity and certainty of the outcome. Think of it as saying “it makes it very obvious that” or “it clearly indicates that.”

Using “It Spells Out That” Effectively

Here’s the formula for using “it spells out that”:

[Situation or Fact] + , which [optional explanation] + spells out that + [Result or Conclusion].

Let’s break it down:

1. [Situation or Fact]: This is the event, trend, or information you are discussing.
2. [Optional Explanation]: You can add a brief phrase to further explain the situation if needed. This adds clarity and shows a deeper understanding.
3. Spells out that: This phrase links the situation to its clear consequence.
4. [Result or Conclusion]: This is the inevitable outcome or consequence of the situation.

IELTS Writing Applications:

Task 1 (Describing Trends): Use it to highlight the implications of a trend shown in a graph, chart, or diagram.

• Example: The sharp decline in newspaper readership, coupled with the rise of online news platforms, spells out that traditional print media must adapt to survive.

Task 2 (Presenting Arguments): Use it to strengthen your arguments by drawing clear connections between causes and effects.

• Example: The government’s failure to address income inequality spells out that social unrest and economic instability are likely to increase.

Achieving a Higher Band Score

Using “it spells out that” demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and an understanding of complex sentence structures. It also showcases your ability to present arguments logically and persuasively. However, avoid overusing it! Use it strategically in one or two key points in your essay.

Alternatives to “It Spells Out That”

• It clearly indicates that…
• It inevitably leads to…
• It underscores the fact that…
• The implication is clear: …
• This clearly demonstrates that…

Common Errors to Avoid

• Incorrect Pronoun Use: Ensure that “it” clearly refers to the preceding situation.
  • Incorrect: The company increased profits, but it spells out that employee morale is low.
  • Correct: Although the company increased profits, this success does not negate the fact that it spells out that employee morale is low, suggesting a need for internal improvements.
• Overuse: Using the phrase repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive.
• Informal Context: While suitable for IELTS, avoid using “it spells out that” in very formal academic writing.

Conclusion

“It spells out that” is a valuable phrase to add to your IELTS writing arsenal. By using it correctly and strategically, you can enhance your vocabulary score and craft more persuasive and sophisticated arguments, ultimately boosting your overall band score. Remember to practice using it in various contexts to gain confidence and fluency!