Hello, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, IELTS Writing examiner and academic English trainer.
A well-organised essay is essential, but vocabulary is what truly separates a Band 6 from a Band 8 script.
In this lesson on Vocabulary for Academic Writing, I’ll show you how to expand your lexical range, use words naturally, and avoid the repetition and informality that often lower candidates’ scores.
Under the Lexical Resource band descriptor, examiners assess:
To reach Band 7 or higher, you must demonstrate flexibility — using precise words that fit the topic, not memorised lists.
Band | Description |
9 | Uses a wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control; rare minor errors. |
8 | Produces precise and varied lexical items; occasional inaccuracies. |
7 | Shows flexibility and some awareness of style; occasional repetition. |
6 or below | Limited vocabulary range; frequent repetition or incorrect word form. |
Band 8 Tip: You don’t need advanced or obscure words — just the right words used correctly.
IELTS Writing Task 2 and Academic Task 1 require a formal style.
Avoid conversational or slang expressions.
Informal Word | Formal Alternative |
kids | children / youngsters |
a lot of | numerous / a significant number of |
get | obtain / receive / achieve |
big | major / considerable / substantial |
good job | effective approach / successful measure |
Band 8 Tip: If you can’t think of a perfect synonym, keep it simple but accurate — never risk a wrong collocation.
Topic-Specific Academic Vocabulary
IELTS topics often repeat across themes like environment, technology, health, and education.
Here’s a quick collection of academic collocations that impress examiners.
1️⃣ Education
Example: Improving literacy rates requires sustained investment in teacher training.
2️⃣ Technology
Example: Automation and efficiency have reshaped the manufacturing sector.
3️⃣ Environment
Example: Investing in renewable energy sources is essential for climate change mitigation.
4️⃣ Health
Example: Preventive medicine can reduce pressure on national healthcare systems.
5️⃣ Economy and Society
Example: Government expenditure on education encourages long-term economic growth.
A collocation is a pair or group of words that frequently appear together.
Examiners love accurate collocations because they sound authentic.
Weak Phrase | Better Collocation |
do a mistake | make a mistake |
strong rain | heavy rain |
give a contribution | make a contribution |
do research | conduct research |
big influence | significant influence |
Practice Tip: Note collocations when you read academic articles or reports. Add them to a vocabulary notebook.
Varying word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) shows range and control.
Root Word | Forms in Use |
analyse | analysis (n), analytical (adj), analytically (adv) |
decide | decision (n), decisive (adj), decisively (adv) |
develop | development (n), developer (n), developing (adj) |
effective | effectiveness (n), effectively (adv) |
Band 8 Tip: Always check if the derived form fits grammatically: a significant increase not an increasing in value.
Repeated vocabulary makes essays sound mechanical. Use pronouns, synonyms, and paraphrasing.
Example:
Many students study abroad. Studying abroad helps students gain global experience. ❌
Better:
Many students choose to study overseas, which allows them to gain valuable international experience. ✅
For Task 1 (Reports and Charts)
For Task 2 (Essays)
Band 8 Tip: Avoid overused templates like “Nowadays people are living in a modern world” — it wastes words and sounds rehearsed.
Mistake | Why It Hurts | Correction |
Using informal phrasal verbs (put up with) | Too casual for academic tone | Replace with formal equivalent (tolerate) |
Overusing general words (thing, good, bad) | Lacks precision | Use specific terms (factor, benefit, drawback) |
Wrong collocation (strong economic increasing) | Sounds unnatural | Strong economic growth |
Inventing words (educationality) | Penalised under accuracy | Use existing noun (education system) |
Task: Rewrite this sentence using more formal and varied vocabulary.
A lot of people think that technology is a good thing for society.
✅ Answer: Many individuals believe that technological advancements are beneficial for modern society.
See how each replacement improves tone, precision, and cohesion.
Before submitting your writing, ask:
If you can say yes to all four, your lexical resource score will shine.
Your vocabulary shows the examiner how well you can express complex ideas. Focus on precision, range, and appropriacy — not just rare words.
Next, move on to Time Management for the Test to learn how to divide your 60 minutes efficiently between Task 1 and Task 2.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills page for a complete preparation plan.
For reliable reference materials, visit IELTS.org.
Get the latest IELTS writing tips and practice materials directly to your inbox.
Your dedicated path to Band 7+ IELTS success. Master every skill with expert guidance and tailored…
