HOW TO INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY AND BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
Vocabulary, also known as “lexical resource,” is one of the four key marking criteria in the Speaking test. Expanding your vocabulary not only helps you express your thoughts more clearly and precisely but also makes your speaking sound more natural and fluent. Below are practical strategies to enhance your vocabulary and improve your IELTS Speaking performance.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
1. Learn Topic-Specific Vocabulary
IELTS Speaking questions often cover familiar topics such as work, study, hobbies, travel, technology, environment, and culture. To prepare effectively, build a bank of vocabulary around these common themes. For example, if the topic is “travel,” useful words and phrases might include “off the beaten path,” “scenic route,” “cultural immersion,” or “travel on a shoestring budget.”
Make it a habit to learn at least 5–10 new words or phrases per topic. Learn how they’re used in full sentences, not just as isolated terms. This will help you use them naturally during your responses.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
2. Practice Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions
To sound more fluent and natural, focus on learning collocations (words that commonly go together) and idiomatic expressions. These not only show a higher level of English but also boost your lexical resource score.
Examples:
– “Make a decision” (collocation)
– “Hit the books” (idiom for studying hard)
– “Once in a blue moon” (idiom for something rare)
Be careful not to overuse idioms or use them inappropriately. It’s better to use simple vocabulary correctly than to misuse complex phrases.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
3. Use Vocabulary Actively in Speaking Practice
It’s not enough to just recognize new words—you need to use them. Practice speaking about IELTS topics using the new vocabulary you’ve learned. Record yourself answering sample Speaking Part 1, 2, or 3 questions, and review the recording to identify areas for improvement.
Try to use one or two new words in each answer. For instance, if you’re talking about your hobbies, instead of saying “I like reading,” say “I’m an avid reader of historical fiction.” This adds depth and precision to your speech.
4. Describe in Detail Using a Variety of Words
One of the best ways to impress the examiner is to extend your answers with descriptive vocabulary. Instead of giving short, basic answers, try to explain your ideas, give examples, and express opinions using a range of vocabulary.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
For example:
– Basic: “I like food.”
– Better: “I’m really passionate about cooking, especially experimenting with international cuisines like Thai and Mediterranean dishes.”
This not only boosts your vocabulary score but also improves fluency and coherence.
5. Paraphrase and Rephrase Ideas
During the IELTS Speaking test, being able to say the same thing in different ways is very useful, especially if you are asked to explain something or if you forget a particular word. Learning synonyms and paraphrasing skills helps avoid repetition and shows flexibility in language use.
For example, instead of repeating “I think,” you could say “In my opinion,” “I believe,” or “As far as I’m concerned.” This variety helps demonstrate a broader vocabulary range.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
6. Get Feedback and Correct Mistakes
Sometimes we think we are using a word correctly, but native speakers or teachers might notice errors. Practicing with a tutor or language partner who can provide feedback on your vocabulary usage is extremely helpful. They can correct misused words, suggest better alternatives, and help you sound more natural.
You can also use language learning apps with AI speech analysis to get instant feedback on pronunciation and vocabulary usage.
Improving your vocabulary is essential for boosting your IELTS Speaking score. By focusing on topic-specific words, using collocations and idioms correctly, practicing actively, and getting feedback, you can significantly enhance your speaking performance. Remember, fluency and vocabulary go hand in hand—when you have the words, you can express yourself confidently and naturally. With consistent effort and smart practice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE
BOOST YOUR IELTS SPEAKING SCORE