IELTS vocabulary: how to use words naturally

Why rare words don't raise your band, and how words that go together, the right tone and paraphrasing do.

Page 2 of the IELTS vocabulary guide PDF

Page 3 of the IELTS vocabulary guide PDF

The first page of the IELTS vocabulary guide PDF

What's in the guide

5 pages in 5 parts. Find the part you need, then turn to its page.

What IELTS marks
Range, precise words, words that go together, paraphrasing and tone.
Page 2
Collocations
Words that go together, and how to learn them from what you read and hear.
Page 2
When advanced words hurt
Three ways a fancy word can cost you marks.
Page 3
Paraphrasing
Saying the same idea with new words and a new structure.
Page 4
A vocabulary routine
Five steps to learn words you can use in the test.
Page 4

Tips from the guide

Don't judge a word by how impressive it looks. An unusual word isn't a shortcut to a higher band.
When you find a useful phrase in an article, podcast or lecture, write down the whole phrase, not one word.
Practise paraphrasing ideas, not single words. Saying one idea in different ways helps well beyond IELTS.

When advanced words hurt

Swapping basic words for fancy ones can make your English sound strange, or wrong for the task.

From page 3 of the guide.

Choosing a word because it's hard
Too complex
“Children should commence physical activities.”
More natural
“Children should exercise regularly.”
Learning phrases you don't understand
A phrase like “a double-edged sword” works in the right place. It shouldn't come out every time you talk about pros and cons.
Using the wrong tone
Conversational
“Lots of people get really stressed out because of work.”
More formal
“Many employees experience considerable stress as a result of workplace demands.”
The formal one suits an essay. The first can be fine in speaking, where a formal tone can make you sound like a robot.

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Common questions

Do I need advanced vocabulary for a high IELTS band?

No. Longer or rarer words don't earn a higher score on their own. The examiner checks how well you use words: the right word for your meaning, words that go together and the right tone for the task.

What are collocations?

Words that often go together, such as “make a decision” and “pose a challenge”. Using them makes your English sound natural in writing and in speaking.

Is the PDF free?

Yes. Enter your email and it downloads at once. Your email also opens a free Leap English Pathways account, where you can practise IELTS and get a band for every reading and listening test. Every PDF on this site is open to that account. Pro adds feedback on every speaking and writing answer.