To score high in the IELTS test, it’s crucial to use precise and varied vocabulary. Avoiding common, overused words and opting for more sophisticated alternatives can greatly improve your responses. Here are some common words to avoid, along with suitable alternatives and examples to illustrate their use.
1. Very
Avoid: very good, very bad, very interesting
Use: excellent, terrible, fascinating
Example: “The movie was excellent, with a compelling storyline and outstanding performances.”
Additional Examples:
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“The weather was terrible yesterday, with strong winds and heavy rain.”
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“The book was fascinating, keeping me engaged until the last page.”
2. A Lot Of
Avoid: a lot of people, a lot of money
Use: numerous people, a significant amount of money
Example: “Numerous people attended the concert, making it a huge success.”
Additional Examples:
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“The project required a significant amount of money to complete.”
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“There were numerous complaints about the new policy.”
3. Things
Avoid: many things, good things
Use: many aspects, positive attributes
Example: “She admired many aspects of his personality, especially his kindness and honesty.”
Additional Examples:
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“The report covers many aspects of climate change.”
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“He has several positive attributes, including honesty and diligence.”
4. Get
Avoid: get better, get worse, get a job
Use: improve, deteriorate, obtain employment
Example: “His health began to improve after he started the new treatment.”
Additional Examples:
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“The situation deteriorated rapidly after the storm.”
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“She managed to obtain employment at a reputable firm.”
5. Big
Avoid: big problem, big difference
Use: significant problem, substantial difference
Example: “Climate change is a significant problem that requires immediate action.”
Additional Examples:
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“There is a substantial difference between the two proposals.”
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“The new regulations address several significant issues in the industry.”
6. Good
Avoid: good effect, good result
Use: beneficial effect, positive result
Example: “Regular exercise has a beneficial effect on mental and physical health.”
Additional Examples:
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“The new policy had a positive result on employee productivity.”
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“Eating a balanced diet can have numerous beneficial effects on your health.”
7. Important
Avoid: very important
Use: crucial, essential, pivotal
Example: “Education is crucial for personal and professional development.”
Additional Examples:
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“It is essential to follow the guidelines to ensure safety.”
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“The role of technology in education is pivotal in modern society.”
How to Implement These Alternatives in Your Writing and Speaking
Using varied vocabulary not only makes your communication more interesting but also demonstrates your command of the English language. Here are a few tips on how to effectively incorporate these alternatives into your IELTS test responses:
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Practice Regularly: Regularly write essays or responses using these alternative words. This will help you become more comfortable with them and ensure they come to mind easily during the test.
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Read Widely: Read a variety of English materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Pay attention to how authors use different words and phrases to express similar ideas.
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Use a Thesaurus: When you find yourself repeatedly using the same word, look it up in a thesaurus to find alternatives. However, make sure you understand the nuances of the new words to use them correctly.
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Expand Your Vocabulary: Make a list of common words you use frequently and find at least three alternatives for each. Practice using these alternatives in sentences.
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Get Feedback: Have someone proficient in English review your writing and provide feedback on your use of vocabulary. This can help you identify areas for improvement and expand your word choices.
Practice Questions and Model Answers
Question 1: Describe a significant problem in your country.
Model Answer:
“One significant problem in my country is air pollution. The increasing number of vehicles and industrial activities has led to a substantial rise in pollution levels. This not only affects the environment but also poses serious health risks to the population.”
Question 2: How do you stay healthy?
Model Answer:
“To stay healthy, I engage in regular physical activities such as jogging and yoga. Additionally, I follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which has a beneficial effect on my overall well-being. These habits have helped me maintain a positive and active lifestyle.”
By avoiding overused words and using more precise alternatives, you can improve the quality of your responses and potentially increase your IELTS score. Remember to practice consistently and seek feedback to continuously enhance your vocabulary skills.
