IELTS Vocabulary Guide: Use Words Naturally and Accurately (Band 7–9)

Learn how to choose the right words, avoid repetition, and use academic English that examiners reward. Master collocations, paraphrasing, and tone control to express ideas clearly and confidently.

How Vocabulary Is Assessed in IELTS

In IELTS, vocabulary is assessed under the criterion called Lexical Resource. This applies directly to Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2, and Speaking.

Lexical Resource measures more than how many words you know. It focuses on how effectively you use them.

Examiners consider four main elements. In official band descriptors, higher scores are associated with “flexible and precise use” rather than simply “less common vocabulary”.

Range
 Your ability to use a variety of words and expressions appropriately.

Accuracy
 How often you choose the correct word form, meaning, and structure.

Natural Usage
 Whether your language sounds normal and fluent, rather than translated or memorised.

Contextual Control
 How well your vocabulary fits the topic, purpose, and tone.

In Writing, examiners assess vocabulary across the entire script, not just isolated sentences. A candidate who occasionally uses advanced terminology but frequently misuses collocations will score lower than someone who maintains consistent, natural phrasing. In Speaking, lexical control is evaluated under time pressure, meaning memorised phrases often collapse when follow-up questions require flexibility.

This is why natural usage and collocation awareness consistently outperform forced sophistication.

In IELTS, context matters more than rarity. Using common words correctly is far more valuable than forcing uncommon vocabulary into unstable sentences.

Another key factor is collocation. Native speakers do not combine words randomly. They use predictable word partnerships such as make a decision, play a role, and pose a threat. Incorrect combinations reduce naturalness and clarity.

Many candidates damage their score by using “advanced” words incorrectly. These mistakes are easy for examiners to notice and difficult to ignore.

Learn why this happens in Why “Advanced Vocabulary” Hurts IELTS Scores.

When you focus on natural usage instead of impressing the examiner, your Lexical Resource score becomes much more reliable.

Vocabulary control is particularly important in Writing Task 2, where argument development depends heavily on precise noun phrases and logical collocations. For structural guidance, see our complete IELTS Writing Task 2 guide.

Why Many Candidates Misuse Vocabulary

Vocabulary problems rarely come from “not knowing enough words.” Most Band 6–6.5 candidates already know thousands of English words.

The real problem is selection.

Common causes include:

Forced synonyms
Replacing simple words with unnatural alternatives.

Wrong register
Using informal language in academic writing.

Direct translation
Copying structures from your first language.

Over-paraphrasing
Changing every word until meaning becomes unclear.

Repetition panic
Replacing correct words with risky ones to avoid repetition.

Inappropriate tone
Sounding emotional, casual, or dramatic in formal essays.

Vocabulary problems are rarely about “not knowing enough words”. They are about choosing the right words for the right context.

Many students believe more difficult vocabulary automatically leads to higher scores. In reality, misuse often lowers accuracy and coherence.

See common examples in Word Choice Mistakes.

Without guidance, learners repeat these errors in every essay.

How Can I Improve Vocabulary for IELTS Writing?

To improve vocabulary effectively for IELTS Writing:

  1. Learn collocations rather than isolated words.
  2. Track repeated vocabulary mistakes across multiple essays.
  3. Replace vague nouns with precise alternatives.
  4. Practise paraphrasing topic sentences.
  5. Build topic-based word groups instead of memorising long lists.

Improvement comes from controlled usage and revision, not from memorising hundreds of rare words.

‍

How High-Band Candidates Choose Words

High-band candidates use vocabulary with precision and control. They aim for clarity first and sophistication second.

They follow five core principles.

1. Prioritise Natural Collocations

Strong candidates learn words in combinations, not isolation.

They practise:

  • Verb–noun pairs
  • Adjective–noun patterns
  • Preposition phrases

This improves fluency and accuracy. You’ll find practical examples in the Collocations for IELTS Writing lesson.

2. Paraphrase Intelligently

High-band writers paraphrase without distorting meaning.

They change:

  • Sentence structure
  • Word forms
  • Phrase patterns

while preserving the original idea.

Learn this skill in Paraphrasing for IELTS Writing.

3. Control Register

Strong candidates adjust vocabulary to match academic expectations.

They avoid:

  • Slang
  • Emotional language
  • Over-personal expressions

Tone control is explored in more detail in our Formal vs Informal Language guide.

4. Reduce Repetition Strategically

Band 7+ candidates reduce repetition without sacrificing accuracy.

They use:

  • Controlled synonyms
  • Reference words
  • Grammatical variation

rather than random replacements.

Learn how in Avoiding Repetition.

5. Protect Accuracy

High scorers never sacrifice correctness for complexity.

They reject unstable vocabulary and prefer reliable expressions.

Understand this in Why Advanced Vocabulary Hurts.

Together, these habits create examiner-friendly language.

What Band 6 Vocabulary Looks Like vs Band 7

Understanding vocabulary improvement is easier when you compare real writing.

Band 6 Example

Many people think technology is very good for society because it has many advantages and helps people in many ways.

Why this remains at Band 6:

  • Repetitive wording (“many” repeated)
  • Vague nouns (“advantages”, “ways”)
  • No precise collocations
  • Limited lexical range

Upgraded Band 7 Version

Many people argue that technological advancement brings significant social benefits, particularly by improving communication efficiency and expanding access to information.

Why this reaches Band 7+:

  • More precise noun phrases (“technological advancement”, “social benefits”)
  • Stronger collocations (“expand access”, “improving communication efficiency”)
  • Reduced repetition
  • Clear academic tone

The difference between Band 6 and Band 7 vocabulary is rarely about using rare words. It is about precision, collocation control, and clarity.

‍

Collocations & Word Partnerships

Rather than studying vocabulary as disconnected word lists, the following areas represent practical language control skills that appear repeatedly in Writing and Speaking tasks. Mastery of these clusters leads to measurable improvement in Lexical Resource scores.

Collocations form the foundation of natural English.

High-scoring candidates focus on learning:

  • High-frequency combinations
  • Topic-based patterns
  • Academic expressions

This prevents awkward phrasing.

Study:

Paraphrasing & Rewording

Paraphrasing is essential in both Task 1 and Task 2.

Effective paraphrasing:

  • Preserves meaning
  • Improves clarity
  • Shows flexibility

Develop this skill with:

‍

Register & Tone Control

IELTS Writing requires controlled academic style.

Strong candidates:

  • Avoid contractions
  • Limit personal language
  • Use neutral phrasing

Improve tone through:

‍

Accuracy & Word Selection

Choosing safe, strong vocabulary protects your score.

High-band candidates evaluate:

  • Meaning precision
  • Collocation fit
  • Grammatical compatibility

Improve this in:

‍

Lexical Range Development

Expanding vocabulary must be systematic.

Effective learners:

  • Build topic clusters
  • Track collocations
  • Practise paraphrasing
  • Review usage errors

Focus on:

‍

IELTS Vocabulary Training Plan

Phase 1: Stabilise

  • Fix misused words
  • Learn core collocations
  • Reduce risky vocabulary

Phase 2: Expand

  • Practise paraphrasing
  • Improve register control
  • Build topic-based sets

Phase 3: Polish

  • Reduce repetition
  • Improve precision
  • Practise timed writing

This system prevents memorisation-based learning and builds real control.

Quick Vocabulary Self-Assessment: Is Your Lexical Resource Holding You Back?

Before submitting an essay or completing a speaking mock test, ask yourself:

  • Do I repeat the same key word multiple times in one paragraph?
  • Do I rely heavily on vague words such as “thing”, “many”, “very”, or “good”?
  • Do I sometimes choose synonyms that feel unnatural?
  • Are my noun phrases precise and specific?
  • Do I understand the collocations of the words I use?
  • Would a native speaker find any expression slightly awkward?

If several answers are “yes”, your vocabulary is likely limiting your score.

Band improvement in Lexical Resource begins with control, not memorisation.

‍

Vocabulary FAQs for IELTS

How many words do I need for Band 7?

‍Quality matters more than quantity.

Should I memorise word lists?

‍Only with usage practice.

Is academic vocabulary necessary?

‍Yes, but in moderation.

Can simple words get high scores?

‍Yes, if used well.

Are idioms useful?

‍Rarely in Writing. Sometimes in Speaking.

Should I learn topic lists?

‍Only if you practise them in context.

‍

Vocabulary Flashcards: Study Smarter, Not Harder

IELTS 7.5 Vocabulary Flashcard Pack — Your Learning Booster

Most IELTS learners know they need vocabulary. But many don’t study it in a systematic, spaced-practice way that actually improves recall and usage.

That’s why we created the IELTS 7.5 Bilingual Flashcard Pack.

The vocabulary included reflects patterns frequently seen in high-scoring scripts, including precise noun phrases, controlled collocations, and topic-relevant academic expressions. Each entry is designed to reinforce both meaning and usage, not just translation. This study tool is designed to help you:

✅ Memorise high-impact vocabulary
✅ See English + Traditional Chinese side by side
✅ Understand meaning, example, and usage
✅ Practise in bite-sized sessions
✅ Build confidence before the exam

Download it here