In the IELTS Writing and Speaking test, you should show a range of vocabulary. To do this, try to use less common vocabulary accurately.
Students sometimes have problems with this so I thought I'd share some tips on how to include more vocabulary in your writing and speaking.
Continue reading for tips and explanation...
1.SYNONYMS
Look through your writing. Check for common NOUNS (PEOPLE / THING / CHILDREN) and VERBS (MAKE / DO / GET).
Can you use MORE ACCURATE SYNONYMS?
For example:
TOO GENERAL - TOO EASY - LESS COMMON
PEOPLE = TEACHERS = EDUCATORS / EDUCATION SPECIALISTS / ACADEMICS
DO =TEACH = INSTRUCT / FACILITATE / ASSIST / ADVISE / ENABLE
Using a Thesaurus can be a great way to increase your vocabulary by learning SYNONYMS and ANTONYMS. Just be careful that the words are not old-fashioned or obscure. try this Online Thesaurus with games and quizzes HERE
2. ADJECTIVES and ADVERBS
If you must use an easy NOUN (don't spend 5 minutes trying to think of a SYNONYM in the real test!), at least add an ADJECTIVE to make your meaning more accurate and to boost your vocabulary score.
3. ADJECTIVES AS NOUNS
Often to replace the word PEOPLE, we can use an ADJECTIVE with THE to describe what KIND of people:
Another trick is to make simple NOUNS into more interesting COMPOUND NOUNS.
Teachers in school should use technology. =
Teachers in the EDUCATION SYSTEM should use INTERNET TECHNOLOGY.
Here it is important to remember that the first NOUN is acting like an ADJ. Therefore you cannot make it plural:
4. Phrasal Verbs
Another way to BOOST your vocabulary is by learning (and using!) PHRASAL VERBS.
PHRASAL VERBS are made of a VERB and another word, usually a PREPOSITION (in / on / out / etc.).
Sometimes Phrasal verbs have an IDIOMATIC meaning.
5. IDIOMS
Idioms are hard to learn because they cannot be looked up in a dictionary and it is often impossible to understand the meaning by yourself.
There are lots of resources and books for learning IDIOMS but a good place to start is HERE
Summary
These are all some good ways to achieve a higher vocabulary score in the tests.
Don't forget, every time you write or say AN EASY WORD IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY to impress the examiner with vocabulary!
When you practice Speaking and Writing, try to use more challenging vocabulary. Then it will be easier to use less common vocabulary in the real test.
Try to push yourself to use a RANGE OF VOCABULARY to make your meaning more specific.
Students sometimes have problems with this so I thought I'd share some tips on how to include more vocabulary in your writing and speaking.
Continue reading for tips and explanation...
1.SYNONYMS
Look through your writing. Check for common NOUNS (PEOPLE / THING / CHILDREN) and VERBS (MAKE / DO / GET).
Can you use MORE ACCURATE SYNONYMS?
For example:
TOO GENERAL - TOO EASY - LESS COMMON
PEOPLE = TEACHERS = EDUCATORS / EDUCATION SPECIALISTS / ACADEMICS
DO =TEACH = INSTRUCT / FACILITATE / ASSIST / ADVISE / ENABLE
Using a Thesaurus can be a great way to increase your vocabulary by learning SYNONYMS and ANTONYMS. Just be careful that the words are not old-fashioned or obscure. try this Online Thesaurus with games and quizzes HERE
2. ADJECTIVES and ADVERBS
If you must use an easy NOUN (don't spend 5 minutes trying to think of a SYNONYM in the real test!), at least add an ADJECTIVE to make your meaning more accurate and to boost your vocabulary score.
- Cities are full of people. =
- LARGER cities are often OVERCROWDED with LOCAL residents.
- There was a rise in sales.=
- There was a DRAMATIC rise in sales.
- Most people think about choices they make. =
- The vast majority of people think CAREFULLY about difficult decisions and make their choice ACCORDINGLY.
- The number of sales went up.=
- The number or sales rose DRAMATICALLY.
3. ADJECTIVES AS NOUNS
Often to replace the word PEOPLE, we can use an ADJECTIVE with THE to describe what KIND of people:
People with a lot of money should give some to people with less money because those people need money. =
The RICH should DONATE to the POOR and the NEEDY.
(In this case the adjective cannot take a plural so DON'T ADD -S)
The riches should donate to the poors and the needys.
3. COMPOUND NOUNS
Another trick is to make simple NOUNS into more interesting COMPOUND NOUNS.
Teachers in school should use technology. =
Teachers in the EDUCATION SYSTEM should use INTERNET TECHNOLOGY.
Here it is important to remember that the first NOUN is acting like an ADJ. Therefore you cannot make it plural:
I buy SHOES at a SHOE STORE.For more on COMPOUND NOUNS click HERE
I visit a lot of SHOE STORES.
I enjoy looking around SHOESSTORES.
4. Phrasal Verbs
Another way to BOOST your vocabulary is by learning (and using!) PHRASAL VERBS.
PHRASAL VERBS are made of a VERB and another word, usually a PREPOSITION (in / on / out / etc.).
- The train was full. We couldn't get on.
- She was late so she jumped into her car and drove off.
Sometimes Phrasal verbs have an IDIOMATIC meaning.
A more detailed explanation of PHRASAL VERBS is HERE
- It is important to have a good education if you want to get on in life. (have success)
- I bumped into my friend last week. (met unexpectedly or by accident)
5. IDIOMS
Idioms are hard to learn because they cannot be looked up in a dictionary and it is often impossible to understand the meaning by yourself.
I went out last week and painted the town red. (had a wild and crazy night out with friends)If you can use some idiomatic expressions accurately in your speaking it will significantly improve your score.
My cousin drives me up the wall. (makes me feel very angry)
I like to put my feet up and take it easy after work. (relax)
There are lots of resources and books for learning IDIOMS but a good place to start is HERE
Summary
These are all some good ways to achieve a higher vocabulary score in the tests.
Don't forget, every time you write or say AN EASY WORD IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY to impress the examiner with vocabulary!
When you practice Speaking and Writing, try to use more challenging vocabulary. Then it will be easier to use less common vocabulary in the real test.
Try to push yourself to use a RANGE OF VOCABULARY to make your meaning more specific.
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