Vocabulary for IELTS: Top Tips to Boost Your Score

The Importance of Vocabulary in IELTS

Words are the building blocks of language. They help us express our thoughts and ideas. They also help us understand others and obtain information. A wide range of vocabulary allows us to communicate clearly and accurately, which is essential for achieving a high score in IELTS, or any English proficiency test for that matter.

In the context of the IELTS test, vocabulary proficiency is not just about knowing many words. In the Writing and Speaking sections, where Examiners rate your vocabulary (known as lexical resource in IELTS), the words you use should be accurate and appropriate to the requirements of the tasks you are given. It’s also important that errors are limited and don’t cause miscommunication. 

Impact on Writing and Speaking Scores

In IELTS Writing Task 1, a broad range of vocabulary can help you summarise information or write a letter in a clear, simple way. In Task 2, it will allow you to present a well-developed position in response to your question, supported by evidence and examples. Without the right vocabulary, your writing is likely to be wordy, repetitive and unclear. On the other hand, the ability to use diverse and advanced vocabulary accurately is sure to impress the Examiner, as it indicates a higher level of language proficiency.

Likewise, in the Speaking section too, a rich vocabulary helps you to communicate more fluently and accurately. According to the IELTS band descriptors, test takers who use a wide range of vocabulary to discuss a variety of topics tend to score higher on vocabulary, thereby boosting their Speaking score.

Improving Listening and Reading Comprehension

While your ability to understand and use words effectively has a direct impact on your Writing and Speaking scores, it also influences your performance in the Listening and Reading sections. A strong vocabulary helps you better understand audio recordings and texts, so you’re much more likely to answer questions correctly than someone with a limited vocabulary. For example, knowing synonyms and related terms can help you quickly identify parts of the recording or text that contain the answer(s).

While vocabulary directly affects your Writing and Speaking scores, it also plays an important role in the Reading and Listening sections. A strong vocabulary helps you understand the texts and audio recordings more easily, allowing you to answer questions more accurately. For example, knowing synonyms and related terms can help you identify the correct answers in reading passages and listening tasks.

Also, a well-developed vocabulary helps in understanding the context of the texts and recordings, which is essential for achieving high scores in these sections. As you come across new words, your ability to guess meaning from context (i.e. working out what a word means by considering the words around it and the topic) improves. Lastly, building vocabulary for IELTS and improving spelling go hand in hand, which is good news because spelling errors can cost you marks in IELTS Listening and Reading.

Common Vocabulary Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS

When preparing for the IELTS test, it's important to not only expand your vocabulary but also be aware of common mistakes that can bring down your score. Understanding these common mistakes and learning how to avoid them will help you use vocabulary more effectively and confidently during the test.

Overusing Complex Words

While it might be tempting to use complex words to impress the Examiner, overusing them can backfire—you might end up making too many mistakes. Using sophisticated vocabulary incorrectly can lead to confusion, or worse, miscommunication. It's essential to strike a balance between using advanced vocabulary and speaking clearly. For example, if you’re unsure how to use the word ‘endeavour’, you can simply say ‘try’ or ‘attempt’. Always prioritise clarity over complexity. Don't forget that the IELTS Speaking test is designed to be as close to a real-life situation as possible, so just be yourself! Your answers shouldn’t sound forced or rehearsed.

Incorrect Collocations

Collocations are words that are commonly found together in language. Here's an example: you can 'make a mistake' or 'commit a mistake', but you can't 'do a mistake'. Accurate use of collocation makes your speech and writing sound natural and fluent. It is also a reliable indicator of general English proficiency. So, spend enough time learning common collocations in English. Your Examiner is sure to take notice and reward you for your efforts.

Misusing Synonyms

Synonyms can enrich your language, but using them incorrectly can lead to errors. Not all synonyms are interchangeable in every context. For example, ‘commute’ and ‘travel’ are similar in meaning, but they can’t always replace each other. ‘Commute’ means to travel some distance regularly between your home and place of work, whereas ‘travel’ can mean any type of movement from one place to another. Practise using synonyms in different contexts to get a better understanding of how to use them appropriately.

Ignoring Word Forms

Many words have different forms, such as noun, verb, adjective, and adverb. Using the wrong form of a word can lead to grammatical errors. For example, let’s consider the words ‘sharp’ and ‘sharply’. We say, for instance, ‘a sharp (adjective) drop (noun) in prices’ or ‘prices drop (verb) sharply (adverb)’, not the other way round. Make sure you know the correct form of the word you want to use. This will help you make grammatically correct sentences.

Effective Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS

Improving your vocabulary for IELTS requires consistent effort and the use of effective strategies. Here are our top tips to start you off.

Read a Lot

Reading a wide range of materials, such as newspapers, books and academic journals, can significantly develop your vocabulary. 

To make it fun and engaging, focus on topics that interest you. Reading articles from reputable sources—for instance, the BBC News or The Guardian —can help you learn advanced vocabulary used in different contexts. As you read, highlight new words and look up their meanings. Apart from improving your vocabulary, it’ll also strengthen your comprehension skills. 

Finally, try to use these new words in everyday communication so they become part of your active vocabulary.

Use Flashcards 

Flashcards (small note cards) are a fun way to learn and practise new vocabulary. Create flashcards with the word on one side and its definition, synonyms and an example sentence on the other. Review these flashcards regularly to refresh your memory.

Practise with Word Lists

Word lists are a great way to learn new vocabulary. Focus on learning a few words each day and try to use them when you practise writing and speaking. Start with common IELTS topics like education, environment, and technology. 

Learn words related to these themes and practise using them in sentences. This method helps you build topic-based vocabulary, which will come in handy in the IELTS test, especially in the Writing and Speaking sections. 

Engage in Conversations

Having conversations with native English speakers or other IELTS test takers can help you practise using new vocabulary in context. Join language exchange groups or participate in online forums where you can discuss various topics in English. Social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit have dedicated IELTS communities for test takers looking to improve their English skills.

Write Regularly

Writing essays, journal entries or even social media posts in English can help you practise and retain new vocabulary. Set aside time each day to write on different topics, and make an effort to use the new words you've learned. 

Consider joining writing forums or groups where you can get feedback on your writing. Websites like Writing.com offer communities where you can share your work and receive feedback, helping you improve your vocabulary and writing skills.

Final Thoughts

Remember, consistency is key. Regular practice and exposure to new words will help you build a robust vocabulary for IELTS, boosting your confidence and performance in the test. Now is the time to act, so dive right in! Start implementing these strategies and practising vocabulary straightaway to see significant improvement in your vocabulary skills.

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out our other resources on IELTS preparation. Your journey to IELTS success starts with a single step, so make it count!

Ready for your IELTS test? Book with the British Council now.