Vocabulary is a Very Important Part of IELTS Writing

Vocabulary is a very important part of IELTS Writing, but students generally do not understand what constitutes good vocabulary. Precise vocabulary, rather than the use of rarely used words, is good vocabulary. Good vocabulary use occurs when students express ideas precisely and in a standard way (similar to an educated native speaker), which means using standard phrases and collocations (words that are used together, e.g., “wise choices,” “unreasonable demands,” “alcohol consumption,” etc.). By using standard vocabulary, students’ essays can be more easily understood by the reader, show that they understand how language is used correctly, and allow the writer’s meaning to be communicated effectively. Vocabulary is assessed based on how words are used rather than what words are used.

However, excellent vocabulary use is often incorrectly understood by students to mean writing essays that have many complex words. Very often, students attempt to impress examiners by using complex words, and the result is almost always that instead of using a simple correct word, they use a complex word incorrectly. They show the examiner that they do not fully understand the words they are using. Furthermore, no two words in any language have exactly the same meaning (if they did, one of the words would quickly fall into disuse), and changing a choice of vocabulary always means that the meaning of the sentence has also been changed.

Tip: Be clear; not complicated.

Learn more about how to improve your use of language in our IELTS Writing Task 2 Course.

Use Natural Language

An additional problem with attempting to use more complex language is that incorrect usage often confuses the examiner. When an incorrect choice of word is combined with other grammar or vocabulary mistakes, the writing becomes very difficult to understand. It is a failure on the part of the student to communicate well, and if this occurs, students will receive a very heavy penalty, which will usually exclude them from achieving a score of Band 7 in Writing.

A further problem with attempting to use more complex vocabulary than is necessary is that the chosen word will not be consistent with the usual writing style of the student and will lead to cohesion problems. Furthermore, native speakers do not aim to impress people with their vocabulary, so any attempt to use complex language will lead to non-standard usage. Students should always aim to use language that is familiar to them.

Students should be reminded that there are many examples of great literature (such as George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”) that use very simple vocabulary. It is the quality of ideas and the effectiveness of the communication that create very good pieces of writing. Native speakers use very complex vocabulary only when they are seeking to achieve a very exact meaning, and this only occurs when they are writing complex arguments or detailed descriptions. When words are rarely used, it is because they have very precise meanings and therefore should only be used in very specific circumstances. This makes them very difficult to use correctly, and it is typically only highly educated native speakers who use complex vocabulary.

Tip: Use vocabulary that is natural. Do not “upgrade.”

B) Do Not Learn Word Lists

Merely memorizing lists of words may seem like a tempting shortcut for IELTS Writing, but it falls short of providing the necessary skills to excel in this task. Writing effectively requires a deeper understanding of vocabulary, including collocations, idiomatic expressions, and the ability to use words in context. Language is not merely a collection of individual words but a dynamic system of interconnected meanings and structures.

By solely relying on word lists, learners miss out on the subtleties and nuances that make language rich and meaningful. Developing a broader vocabulary repertoire, coupled with a solid grasp of grammar and sentence structures, allows writers to express their ideas with precision, coherence, and fluency. It is through regular practice and exposure to authentic materials that learners can truly internalize vocabulary and employ it naturally in their writing. So, rather than focusing solely on word lists, it is essential to embrace a comprehensive approach that encompasses reading, listening, speaking, and writing to enhance overall language proficiency.

Tip: Increase your band score in Writing by improving your communication abilities.

C) The Danger of Synonyms

Sometimes, synonyms can have almost the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. For example, ‘huge’ and ‘enormous’ can be used to describe something that’s very big:

They live in a huge/enormous house in the country. (correct)

The directors awarded themselves a great/vast pay rise. (incorrect)

However, you need to be careful when using synonyms. Often, two words or expressions that have a similar meaning cannot be used in the same contexts. Sometimes, words have different ‘connotations’ or subtle meanings, which, if used incorrectly, can give the wrong impression. For example, ‘single-minded’ and ‘stubborn’ have a similar meaning. However, the former can be used in a positive context to describe someone who is focused and determined to achieve something. ‘Stubborn,’ on the other hand, tends to be used with a negative connotation.

In addition to this, one word might ‘collocate’ or go with another word to describe something specific. For example, ‘vacant’ and ‘uninhabited’ have a similar meaning but are used to describe different things:

There are several uninhabited islands off the coast. (correct)

We had to stand on the train as there were no uninhabited seats. (incorrect)

You need to say:

We had to stand on the train as there were no vacant seats.

In a similar way, some words appear as part of a set expression, and so using a synonym just wouldn’t work. For example, although ‘blow,’ ‘hit,’ and ‘punch’ have a similar meaning, only one of them works here:

The argument got so heated I thought they were going to come to blows. (correct)

The argument got so heated I thought they were going to come to punches. (incorrect)

Synonyms can also be more or less formal. For example, the nouns ‘help’ and ‘assistance’ have a very similar meaning. Imagine you’re with a friend who’s carrying some heavy shopping bags. You’d be far more likely to say, ‘Do you need any help with those bags?’ because ‘assistance’ would be rather too formal. On the other hand, ‘If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.’ would be perfectly okay if it was said in a more formal situation.

So, as a learning strategy, try categorizing any new synonyms you come across. For example:

Generally Interchangeable:

The company has a goal/target/aim of increasing sales by 20%.

Contextual:

The group trekked through the forest.

I generally walk to the station every morning.

Formal vs. Informal:

The show commences at 7.30.

I think I’ll start preparing dinner.

And finally, if you also make a point of learning set expressions, you’ll hopefully avoid using a synonym when one isn’t appropriate.

Tip: Instead of using synonyms, just choose the best word you can to communicate what you want to say in IELTS Writing Task 2. Even if that means repeating the same word.

D) Words Must Collocate

Ineffective collocation use is one of the most common reasons for low marks in the IELTS exam. Below are some common examples of collocations from IELTS Writing Task 2. It’s important to check your writing with a teacher so you can make sure that your collocation use is accurate.

1. Play a crucial role

2. Have a significant impact

3. A wide range of

4. Tackle the issue

5. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks

6. Pose a challenge

7. Take measures

8. In conclusion

9. It is widely believed that

10. A growing concern

11. Draw conclusions

12. Strive for

13. In terms of

14. Curb the problem

15. Promote awareness

16. A controversial issue

17. Emphasize the importance

18. Advocate for

Tip: When learning words, it’s important to also learn the collocations.

E) Most Candidates Should Avoid Idiomatic Language

Caution should be exercised when using idioms in the exam. It is important to select idioms that are commonly used and appropriate for the context, as the IELTS exam assesses clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Overusing or misusing idioms can lead to confusion or unintended meanings. Therefore, it is advisable to practice and familiarize yourself with a range of idiomatic expressions that are relevant to the topics covered in the exam, ensuring that you use them appropriately and effectively to enhance the overall quality of your writing. In my experience, idioms used effectively for communication are something that you only see deployed effectively at Band 8 and above, so if you are not at this level, do not try to use idioms.

Bad Example:

Climate change is a hot potato in today’s world. It’s a Pandora’s box that we can’t sweep under the rug anymore. The ball is in our court, and we need to think outside the box to tackle this issue head-on.

Good Example:

The rapid growth of the tourism industry in developing countries has become a double-edged sword. It has brought great wealth to some impoverished nations but has also led to severe environmental pollution at many popular tourist spots.

Tip: In general, only Band 8 and 9 candidates can use idiomatic language effectively to communicate in their writing.

F) Commonly Misused Words

There are many words that are commonly misused. A few of the most common are listed below:

Efficiency/Effectiveness:

Efficiency is a much-overused word in essays and should usually be replaced with “effectiveness.” Efficiency is how quickly or smoothly an event occurs, and effectiveness refers to how good the final result is.

For example:

John completed his work in a highly efficient manner; however, he would be more effective if he paid more attention to detail.

Knowledge/Learning/Thinking/Skills:

“Knowledge” is also a commonly overused word. In this case, there is a key cultural difference between developing and developed countries, which causes the overuse of “knowledge.” In developing countries, education is focused on obtaining knowledge, so students will choose this word correctly based on their understanding. However, in the West, the education system is based on idea and skills development, resulting in native speakers rarely talking about knowledge. Students should generally seek to replace “developing knowledge” with words such as “thinking,” “skills,” or “learning.”

Enhance/Improve:

“Enhance” is arguably the most misused word in essays and should always be avoided. Enhance is most commonly used in advertising; it is emotive rather than objective, which makes it unsuitable for use in academic writing and is most correctly used to describe additional features (not making things better). It should never be used as a synonym for improvement.

Improvement is simply to make things better. It is a very common word and can be repeated a number of times in an essay.

Convenient:

When it comes to Mandarin speakers using the word “convenient” in English, it is quite common to observe incorrect usage. Due to linguistic differences, Mandarin speakers often mistakenly employ “convenient” in situations where a more suitable term would be “easy” or “simple.” This misinterpretation stems from the fact that the Mandarin word for “convenient” (“方便,” pronounced “fangbian”) encompasses a broader range of meanings, including both convenience and simplicity. As a result, Mandarin speakers may unintentionally overuse “convenient” in English conversations, using it to describe tasks or actions that merely require minimal effort or are straightforward. It is important to note these linguistic distinctions to ensure accurate communication and avoid any potential confusion.

Common Mandarin Translation Mistakes:

1. “In the modern society” (在现代社会): While “在现代社会” (zài xiàn dài shè huì) is a common phrase in Mandarin, in English essay writing, it is more appropriate to use “In modern society” or “In contemporary society” to introduce discussions about the current era.

2. “With the development of science and technology” (随着科技的发展): This phrase is frequently used in Mandarin to indicate the progress of science and technology. In English, it is better to say “With the advancement of science and technology” or “As technology continues to advance” to convey the same meaning in a more natural way.

3. “According to the investigation” (根据调查): In Mandarin, “根据调查” (gēn jù diào chá) is often used to introduce findings or statistics. In English, it is more common to say “According to a survey” or “Based on an investigation” to introduce