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How to Master IELTS Vocabulary!

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In the IELTS exam, there is no specific task based on vocabulary. However, candidates may need this skill to complete all four sections. This is because taking up speaking, reading, writing and listening tests requires the usage of different types of words with proper spelling, pronunciation and knowledge of their meaning. 

Also, the struggle increases when individuals have to refer to visual information and then write an essay about it in Task 1. There it helps when applicants have a strong vocabulary. Thus, those who are still not there can refer to this IELTS pie chart task 1 vocabulary and follow the below tips to master their IELTS vocabulary. 

Effective Tips to Improve IELTS Vocabulary

It will not be enough to learn lists of vocabulary. Candidates will also have to know the perfect places to incorporate it. Moreover, it will only be possible when candidates make an effort first to know its meaning, practice how to use it properly and learn about the common places of using it. It is discussed in depth below:

1. Find New Words

The best way to learn new words is by reading magazines and books, watching shows, and looking up academic words simultaneously. Here a common thought strikes the mind of almost all candidates that probably such a difficult word won’t come in the exam. But one must remember here our main focus is to improve our vocabulary. So, instead of ignoring it, individuals must make an effort to know its meaning, proper pronunciation, correct spelling and usage in a sentence. 

2. Use Dictionaries

Reading dictionaries is the first and primary step to learning new words. There are tons of words that applicants may find in the dictionary that they have never even heard before. However, one must refer to two dictionaries at a time. One that informs about the meaning of the word and an example of it in English, while the other should give out the meaning of the word in the reader’s native language. (1)

3. Learn Collocations

Collocations are a set of words that compliments each other. For example, it is correct to use ‘heavily populated’, but one cannot use ‘strongly populated.’ Learning more about such fixed academic words will help candidates write and speak more fluently without finding the right word. 

4. Install Vocabulary Building Apps

There are tons of apps available to improve people’s vocabulary, and it is now easy to download, too, as most of us have smartphones now. First, however, candidates must check if the builder app they choose to download gives out the proper meaning, synonym and exercises to use it. 

It benefits candidates to download these apps as they can access them from anywhere and at any time, like when they are free. 

5. Keep a Notebook for Vocabulary

Though it may seem old-fashioned, applicants need to keep a notebook for writing down IELTS vocabulary words with their meanings. This enables students to revise them repeatedly to remember them during the exam. The notebook’s content will contain words along with their meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and examples. One can also check out this updated list of vocabulary words for IELTS to get started. It can help strengthen the skill. (2)

6. Practice

Now that candidates have a proper notebook and an app to find new words, the only requirement they need to fulfil now is to practice them regularly. To clear the IELTS speaking section task, individuals must pick any topic from the previous year’s exam and then try to speak on it for 1 or 2 minutes. This will help polish the vocabulary they have just learnt. 

Next, candidates must practice not exaggerating a sentence but using single, sophisticated words to express themselves. It is a challenge that many students fail to overcome. 

7. Find Someone Who Can Test Progress

Individuals need an accountability partner to know how much progress one has made in polishing their vocabulary skill. It will be best if candidates can find someone who is also aspiring to clear this exam. So, he or she will have the same amount of motivation. However, if unable to find it can also be someone happy to help. As a result, learning will be more fun, engaging and memorable. 

8. Take the Help of YouTube

YouTube is not only for entertainment purposes. One can also use it to improve their communication skill in English. For this, candidates can surf through different channels that talk about different academic words and explain correct pronunciation clearly. 

Applicants need to learn at least 2000 rich words to clear the IELTS writing exam. However, just memorising it will not help. One must also properly utilise it. So, for this, candidates must first start collecting 100 to 200 new words. Then they must search them online to get proper sentences and examples. It will help them understand how to use them. 

9. Use Learned Words in Conversation

To make sure one does not forget the meaning or usage of the learned words, he or she must try to use them in their conversation with their partner. However, sometimes individuals feel uncomfortable conversing with someone else. In such cases, candidates can also make scenarios and talk to themselves using the new words. Afterward, individuals must take this habit to the next level by writing on new topics using these words. 

10. Learn Connectives and Idioms

Candidates must also make an effort to learn idiom language and search for sentence connectors. Moreover, they must use them while they speak. Usage of connectives is very important while performing IELTS task 1. However, one can ignore idioms as they are an informal way of writing. Also, individuals must practise using it in the right places. Unnecessary or excessive usage of such phrases usually gives out a negative impact on the examiners. 

So, by the above points, it might be clear that candidates will have to make a lot of effort to improve their vocabulary. Just writing down a list of new words won’t do. It is also important to clear the IELTS exam since this exam aims to check how much grip a candidate has over this foreign language. Also, it tells if he or she would be able to keep up with the English language at an academic level. 

Reference Links:

https://ieltsninja.com/content/improve-vocabulary-for-ielts/

https://magoosh.com/ielts/how-to-learn-ielts-vocabulary/

https://ieltsetc.com/2019/05/28-ways-improve-ielts-vocab/

https://ted-ielts.com/how-to-learn-ielts-vocabulary/