How to understand and best use the Right Vocabulary in the IELTS Speaking Test [2023]

Using the right vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test.

As per IDP’s official rubrics, vocabulary is one of the most important factors that contribute to your final band score in the Speaking section of the IELTS.

This thorough article will provide you with tips and strategies to improve your vocabulary and excel in the test.

1. Know the Test Format

To use the right vocabulary in the IELTS Speaking Test, you must first understand the test format. The test is divided into three parts:

Part 1: Introduction and interview, where you answer general questions about yourself and familiar topics.
Part 2: Long turn, where you speak for two minutes on a given topic.
Part 3: Discussion, where you engage in a conversation with the examiner on more abstract issues related to the Part 2 topic.

Each part requires a different vocabulary level and style. Familiarize yourself with the format and the type of vocabulary needed for each part.

2. Expand Your Vocabulary

Increase your vocabulary by learning new words, phrases, and expressions. Here are some tips to help you expand your vocabulary:

Read extensively: Read articles, books, and other materials on various topics to learn new words and phrases.
Listen to podcasts and watch videos: Engage with authentic English materials like podcasts, videos, and movies to learn vocabulary in context.
Use flashcards: Create flashcards with new words, their definitions, and example sentences to help you memorize and review them.
Learn collocations: Understand how words naturally combine with others (e.g., ‘make a decision’ or ‘commit a crime’) to sound more fluent and natural.

3. Learn Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Each part of the IELTS Speaking Test may require you to discuss different topics. To excel in the test, you should learn vocabulary related to common IELTS topics such as:

Education
Environment
Health
Technology
Work
Travel
Leisure activities
Culture

For example, when discussing the environment, you might need to know words like “sustainability,” “conservation,” “pollution,” and “ecosystem.”

4. Focus on Functional Vocabulary

Functional vocabulary is essential for expressing your thoughts, opinions, and ideas during the IELTS Speaking Test. Focus on learning:

Linking words and phrases: Connect your ideas using words and phrases like ‘however,’ ‘moreover,’ ‘in addition,’ and ‘on the other hand’ (linking words phrases tips).
Opinion language: Express your thoughts using phrases like ‘In my opinion,’ ‘I believe that,’ ‘I think that,’ and ‘I would argue that.’
Comparative language: Make comparisons using words and phrases like ‘more than,’ ‘less than,’ ‘similarly,’ ‘in contrast,’ and ‘on the other hand.’
Hedging language: Soften your statements with words like ‘might,’ ‘could,’ ‘possibly,’ and ‘it seems.’

5. Learn Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs

Using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs can make your speech sound more natural and fluent.

Learn common expressions and phrasal verbs related to IELTS topics (idiomatic expressions tips). For example, ‘breaking the ice’ means making people feel more comfortable in social situations, and ‘keep up with’ means staying informed about something.

6. Practice Using New Vocabulary

Incorporate new vocabulary into your Speaking practice to become more comfortable using it during the test. Here are some strategies:

Speak aloud: Practice speaking on IELTS topics, using newly learned vocabulary. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Join a conversation club or study group: Interact with other IELTS candidates, using new vocabulary, and receive feedback on your word usage.
Write essays: Practice writing essays on various IELTS topics, incorporating the new vocabulary you’ve learned.
Practice on your own: Use self-study techniques to practice using new vocabulary in different contexts.

7. Paraphrase and Synonyms

During the IELTS Speaking Test, you may need to paraphrase or restate information in a different way. To do this, you’ll need a good grasp of synonyms, or words with similar meanings. For example, ‘happy’ can be replaced with ‘joyful,’ ‘delighted,’ or ‘content.’

To improve your ability to paraphrase and use synonyms, follow these tips:

Read and listen to various sources: Expose yourself to different texts and audio materials to encounter synonyms and paraphrasing in context.
Practice substituting synonyms: When you come across a sentence or phrase, try to restate it using synonyms or alternative expressions.
Create a synonym list: Maintain a list of common synonyms for frequently used words, and review it regularly to reinforce your learning.
Test your synonym knowledge: Use quizzes, flashcards, or online resources to test your understanding and memory of synonyms.

8. Understand and Avoid Common Mistakes

Be aware of common mistakes in vocabulary usage and strive to avoid them. These may include:

Misusing words or phrases
Overusing certain words
Using informal language inappropriately
Using clichés or overgeneralizing

To minimize these errors, consider the following strategies:

Identify your weaknesses: Analyze your speaking and writing samples to identify recurring mistakes and areas for improvement.
Study word usage: Research proper usage of words and phrases, and practice incorporating them correctly into your speech.
Avoid overused phrases: Familiarize yourself with clichés and overgeneralizations, and work on replacing them with more original expressions.
Seek feedback: Share your speaking and writing samples with a tutor, teacher, or fellow IELTS candidate to receive constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.

9. Focus on Clarity and Precision

When using vocabulary during the IELTS Speaking Test, aim for clarity and precision. Avoid using overly complex or obscure words that you’re not comfortable with. Instead, choose words and expressions that accurately convey your thoughts and ideas.

To enhance your clarity and precision, follow these guidelines:

Keep it simple: Use clear and concise language to convey your message, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complicated expressions.
Be specific: Choose words that precisely describe your thoughts, feelings, or experiences, rather than relying on vague or ambiguous language.
Practice accurate word choice: Engage in speaking exercises that challenge you to select the most appropriate word or phrase for a given context.
Review and edit: Continually assess your speaking and writing samples, refining your language use to enhance clarity and precision.

10. Review and Revise

Regularly review and revise your vocabulary to reinforce learning and prevent forgetting. Use spaced repetition techniques, flashcards, or vocabulary notebooks to help you review and remember new words and phrases.

Here are some effective strategies for reviewing and revising your vocabulary:

Create a vocabulary journal: Write down new words and phrases, along with their definitions and example sentences, to reinforce learning.
Use flashcards: Create physical or digital flashcards to test your knowledge of new vocabulary and improve retention.
Employ spaced repetition: Review new vocabulary at gradually increasing intervals to optimize long-term retention.
Test your knowledge: Use quizzes, games, or online resources to assess your vocabulary knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

11. Utilize Online Resources and Mock Tests

Take advantage of the wealth of online resources available to practice and improve your vocabulary. Take plenty of mock tests to simulate the IELTS Speaking Test experience and identify your strengths and weaknesses in vocabulary usage.

Here are some ways to utilize online resources and mock tests effectively:

Join IELTS forums and discussion groups: Engage with fellow IELTS candidates to exchange ideas, resources, and tips related to vocabulary improvement.
Watch video lessons and tutorials: Access video resources that provide insights into vocabulary usage, common mistakes, and strategies for the IELTS Speaking Test.
Listen to podcasts and radio programs: Improve your listening skills and vocabulary by tuning into English-language podcasts and radio shows.
Take online quizzes and tests: Assess your vocabulary knowledge through quizzes and tests available on various websites and apps.

12. Surround Yourself with English

Immerse yourself in the English language as much as possible to accelerate your vocabulary development. This will enable you to naturally absorb new words and expressions and integrate them into your speech.

Here are some suggestions for surrounding yourself with English:

Watch movies, TV shows, and documentaries: Choose English-language content with subtitles to reinforce listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.
Read books, articles, and news: Read a variety of materials in English to expose yourself to new vocabulary and observe how words are used in context.
Listen to music: Listen to songs in English and analyze the lyrics to expand your vocabulary and understanding of idiomatic expressions.
Join conversation clubs or language exchange groups: Engage in regular conversations with native or advanced English speakers to practice using new vocabulary in a natural context.

By focusing on these tips and strategies, you can effectively improve your vocabulary usage for the IELTS Speaking Test. Remember, practice and consistency are key to achieving success in this crucial aspect of the test.