USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS: COLLOCATION TYPES FOR IELTS WRITING
Collocations are combinations of words that frequently appear together in English. They can significantly enhance your writing by making it sound more natural and fluent, which is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Writing section. Here are five essential types of collocations to consider incorporating into your essays.
1. Adjective + Noun Collocations
Adjective + noun collocations are among the most common forms. They help to convey precise meanings and add depth to your writing. For instance, instead of saying “very big problem,” using “significant issue” sounds more formal and academic.
USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS
Examples:
Serious issue: “Climate change is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.”
Key factor: “Education is a key factor in reducing poverty.”
Using these collocations can enhance your vocabulary range and demonstrate your ability to use language effectively. Aim to include a few in your essays to boost their quality.
2. Verb + Noun Collocations
These collocations show how actions relate to specific subjects, making your writing more impactful. They often reflect common phrases used in academic contexts, which can help you sound more knowledgeable.
Examples:
Conduct research: “To find effective solutions, researchers must conduct extensive research.”
Make a decision: “It is crucial for policymakers to make informed decisions based on data.”
Using verb + noun collocations helps you articulate your ideas more clearly and showcases your command of the language.
USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS
3. Noun + Noun Collocations
Noun + noun collocations are particularly useful in academic writing as they allow you to create compound nouns that convey specific concepts. These combinations can help you sound more professional and precise.
Examples:
Economic growth: “Sustainable practices are essential for long-term economic growth.”
Social media: “Social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion.”
Incorporating noun + noun collocations can enhance the coherence of your arguments and add variety to your vocabulary.
USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS
4. Adverb + Verb Collocations
Adverb + verb collocations add depth to your writing by describing how actions are performed. This type of collocation can help emphasize the manner in which something is done, making your writing more engaging.
Examples:
Strongly advocate: “Many scientists strongly advocate for renewable energy sources.”
Quickly adapt: “Businesses must quickly adapt to changing market conditions.”
Using adverb + verb collocations not only enriches your language but also adds a layer of nuance to your statements.
5. Preposition + Noun Collocations
Preposition + noun collocations are useful for expressing relationships between concepts. They can help clarify your ideas and make connections between different parts of your argument.
USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS
Examples:
In favor of: “Many individuals are in favor of implementing stricter environmental regulations.”
At risk of: “Wildlife is often at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction.”
Incorporating these collocations can help you articulate your ideas more effectively, demonstrating your proficiency in English.
Using collocations in your IELTS Writing can elevate your essays from average to exceptional. By incorporating a variety of collocation types—adjective + noun, verb + noun, noun + noun, adverb + verb, and preposition + noun—you can improve the naturalness and coherence of your writing.
To effectively use collocations, practice is key. Read academic articles, listen to native speakers, and make a list of useful collocations to integrate into your writing. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your vocabulary but also increase your chances of achieving a higher score in the IELTS exam. Remember, fluency in writing is as much about the words you choose as it is about how you combine them, so embrace the power of collocations!
USING COLLOCATIONS IN IELTS