The IELTS test comprises four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. All sections focus on vocabulary in some capacity and play a significant role in the Speaking and Writing sections. One’s ability to use words correctly can let them convey thoughts clearly when speaking with an examiner or writing in response to a task. Should one feel running out of vocabulary while speaking or writing, they must aim to express their ideas as fluently as possible. Further, they must try to use more accessible vocabulary in IELTS sections to finish sentences with confidence.
Why is Vocabulary Important for IELTS?
The IELTS exam emphasizes vocabulary and tests the ability to use it for responses. Vocabulary is a large component of the reading and listening components of the exam. If an individual has a firm grasp of vocabulary, they will have a better chance of answering questions correctly in these sections. Further, skills in this area can also help one better understand the questions due to the use of synonyms or contextual clues.
How Much Vocabulary in IELTS is Enough?
A well-stocked vocabulary of around 10,000 words is ideal for the IELTS test. This can be attained efficiently through memorization techniques. Further, some of the vocabulary lists might not deliver favourable results due to the following reasons –
- The English language is more than just the basic thousand words.
- The human brain cannot learn all the meanings and usages of words.
- The vocabulary section does not test one’s memory.
Further, individuals can face marks deduction in the IELTS Test if –
- Use of wrong words.
- The writer uses the word “adjective” when he should have used the noun “noun.”
- Synonyms are missing.
Do Complex Words Represent IELTS Vocabulary?
In the Writing sections of IELTS tests, students might try to impress the examiner by using complicated words. However, misusing these words can make a person sound artificial and lose points on the test. A better strategy is to have a good vocabulary and use it wisely and appropriately.
How to Improve IELTS Vocabulary?
To improve vocabulary, individuals must practice vocabulary on a daily basis and churn out ways for the same. Below mentioned are some ways that can help you out –
- Listen to or Watch English Audio or Video Everyday
Some people might think this is a crazy idea, but spend some time thinking about it. How did you learn your native language as a child? After two weeks, kids tend to remember 20 percent more of what they hear than what they read. So listening to audio or watching English videos is a better option to improve vocabulary. Watch a movie or listen to the TED talks or audiobooks that interest you.
- Invest Time in Reading a Book Every Day
If you’re serious about sharpening your vocabulary, reading will improve your spelling and help you remember new words and their contexts. By reading a book or article of your choice in English, you’ll enrich your vocabulary and have the pleasure of immersing yourself in an exciting story or news item every day.
- Context is Important
To remember new words long-term, learn the meaning of a word when you encounter it. Plus, it is best to look up a word you’re not familiar with in the dictionary to solidify the word in your memory.
- Make a Few Mnemonics of Your Own
A mnemonic is a word or phrase formed to aid memory. Learning vocabulary using mnemonics can help you remember more than a thousand words. Use Google to find the word’s meaning and create your mnemonic. This trick can help you score good marks on the IELTS test.
- Use Online Resources
Several online sources can help you develop your vocabulary. In this regard, some sites provide downloadable vocabulary sheets to help you benchmark your current vocabulary level and check your progress as you work to improve it. You can also find websites that offer quizzes or tests of various types, such as matching definitions to dictionary entries, identifying synonyms, completing sentences using definitions from the dictionary, and other activities.
- Vocabulary Games
Games that focus on building vocabulary skills are available for download or purchase. Hangman, Word Chain, and Wordscapes are examples of such games. Players can play these games by themselves or with others, and these games provide opportunities to improve vocabulary skills.
- Regular Vocabulary Test
You will find a PDF of sample words from the previous years’ vocabulary lists used in the IELTS test.
- Recheck the Used Words
A variety of online tools such as websites and applications are available to help you learn new things.
IELTS candidates need to have a wide range of vocabulary to do well on the IELTS test. To excel on the IELTS, you must be familiar with words and understand them in context enough to use them fluently.