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Vocabulary Development

Vocabulary is not just the vocabulary you know, but also the ability to use it well.

I’ve examined the marking descriptors for IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 and IELTS Speaking and LEXICAL RESOURCE is a feature of both parts.

One criteria for a higher band is ‘skillfully uses uncommon lexical items’ and another is ‘sufficient range of vocabulary to allow flexibility and precision’.

It’s possible to impress the examiner and increase your IELTS Band in IELTS Writing by using synonyms and attempting to paraphrase you ideas.

In IELTS Speaking you can do something similar, and in addition you can rephrase your own remarks.

However, it’s probably not a good idea to just to repeat every question the examiner gives.

This would probably just annoy the examiner!

Higher Level Language

Consider the examples below and see how they second example is a paraphrase, uses synonyms effectively , or rephrases the first example.

Astute class submarines can dive to over 1,000 feet. ( can swim to depths of over 300 metres)
The American car industry has suffered because of cheaper foreign imports. ( imports by foreign manufacturers)

Answers

Leaner Training

Can you rephrase the following sentences so the meaning is virtually the same and the sentence is coherent?

The woman was wearing beautiful pearl earrings. ( can you think of your own suggestions?)
Rabbits are abundant in the countryside in England. ( are numerous)
It’s traditional to eat raw oysters in Mersea. (shellfish)
I’m finding my new job rather taxing. I have to work such long hours. ( rather hard-work)
In the winter you have to scrape the ice off your car windscreen before you can drive anywhere.
The new sofa wouldn’t fit through the door so we had to haul it through the upstairs window with a rope.
The harbour was crowded with fishing boats.

Suggested Answers

Astute class submarines can dive to over 1,000 feet. ( can swim to depths of over 300 metres)

The American car industry has suffered because of cheaper foreign imports. ( imports by foreign manufacturers)

The woman was wearing beautiful pearl earrings. ( can you think of your own suggestions?)

Rabbits are abundant in the countryside in England. ( are numerous)

It’s traditional to eat raw oysters in Mersea. (shellfish)

I’m finding my new job rather taxing. I have to work such long hours. ( rather hard-work)

In the winter you have to scrape the ice off your car windscreen before you can drive anywhere.

The new sofa wouldn’t fit through the door so we had to haul it through the upstairs window with a rope.

The harbour was crowded with fishing boats.

I hope that you found this information useful and you have taken on board some of the tips.

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I’m Jonathan

I’ve taught IELTS and University English in more than a dozen universities and schools around the world.

I’m a parent, traveller and passionate about language teaching and helping students achieve their dreams.

Whilst living in Austria or working in Asia, I run IELTS courses to help students get to where they want to be.

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