Essential vocabulary and phrases for IELTS success. Includes contextual usage, collocations, and practice exercises.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will be looking in-depth at lexical resources for IELTS Exams, Marking Criteria, Synonym, Antonym, Paraphrasing and Collocations. Also, check the list of Lexical resources for the IELTS Test.
What is a Lexical resource?
The lexical resource is the criteria that measure the capability of language knowledge of the candidate based on the use of the various aspects of contextual vocabulary in particular.
In IELTS lexical resources are measured in the Speaking and Writing section where the idea is to be presented by the candidate as a task.
Marking Criteria:
While you are preparing for your IELTS Speaking Test it is important that you understand the marking criteria.
Lexical resources count for around 20-25% of your speaking test score, therefore it is vital that you understand what the examiner wants.
You will be able to achieve a higher score if you can demonstrate your ability to paraphrase and use synonyms. Knowing how to say something in a different way.
Using varied vocabulary and common word combinations is important in order to get a band score 7 or above.
How can we improve lexical resources in IELTS?
To get better at Lexical resources in IELTS you need to focus on following elements of English Grammar:
Synonym
Antonym
Paraphrasing
Collocations
Synonyms
What is a synonym?
Synonym, in general, is a word or phrase that offers the same or similar meaning to the word or phrase provided. Example: synonym of amazing is incredible, awesome Use of synonyms is a good way to show your vocabulary knowledge, as long as they are appropriate choices.
To be successful in all areas of the IELTS test you need to be able to recognise and use synonyms appropriately.
One way to do this when you are practising is by looking up for synonyms of common words in a thesaurus. This can help you to find synonyms but also to learn to select the right synonym to fit into your sentence.
Use of synonym: Example;
Last year we visited Corfu in Greece and it was amazing.
Can you think of another word to use other than ‘amazing’?
How about incredible, marvellous, awesome, stunning or wonderful?
Last year we visited Corfu in Greece and it was incredible.
Antonyms
What is an Antonym?
Antonyms, in general, is a word or phrase that offers the opposite or different meaning to the word or phrase provided. Example: antonym of early is late. You can use antonyms, to show your vocabulary/lexical ability as long as they are appropriate choices.
For example:
My language lesson was really early today. My language lesson was really late today.
Other examples of antonyms:
Happy and sad
Young and old
Risky and safe
Rich and poor
Cool and hot
Excited and bored.
Paraphrasing
What is an Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is an activity of presenting the sentence or phrase using alternate words(usually synonym and antonym) to attend better clarity.
It is a skill that is needed in all parts of the test. When the examiner asks you a question, you should not repeat the question back to them as part of your answer.
Instead, you should paraphrase it and this means restructuring.
For example, if the examiner asks you:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of young people using social media?
Your answer could include the words benefits and drawbacks, instead of repeating the words, advantages and disadvantages.
Question example:
Examiner: What kind of holiday do you like?
Answer 1
The holidays I like tend to be anywhere that is hot with a beach! I like to go and spend time with my friends.
Answer 2
When I travel, I really enjoy visiting places with a warmer climate, where I can relax on a beach. Last year I visited Corfu in Greece and I had the most wonderful time, exploring small unspoilt beaches by hiring a boat to tour the island.
Which one do you think is the better answer?
Answer 2 is better because it answers the question with more specific information. It also does not repeat words that are in the question.
Collocations
What is an Collocations?
A collocation is made up of two or more words that are commonly used together in English. Think of collocations as words that usually go together.
The more you use collocations, the more you will sound like a native speaker.
There are different kinds of collocations in English. Strong collocations are word pairings that are expected to work together.
For example;
make the bed: I need to make the bed every morning.
do the homework: My niece does her homework after dinner.
take a risk: Some people don’t take enough risks in life.
give someone advice: The teacher gave us some advice on taking tests.
Common verb collocations are often followed by particular nouns or adjectives.
For example;
make a phone call: I have to go and make a phone call.
get wet: It rained today and I got wet.
keep a record: I keep a record of all of my bank statements.
break down: I was on the way to work this morning and my car broke down.
Collocations are often used as short expressions to describe how someone feels about a situation. In this case, collocations can be used in the adjective form, or also as emphatic expressions using an intensifier and a verb.
For example;
positively encourage someone to do something: I’d like to positively encourage you to apply for the position.
deeply regret the loss of someone/something: I deeply regret saying no to that job offer.
to be in an utter fury over something: I am in an utter fury over missing out on getting those gig tickets.
to go to great lengths to do something: She went to great lengths to be able to move to another country.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will be looking in-depth at fluency and coherence.
While you are preparing for your IELTS Speaking Test it is important that you understand the marking criteria. Fluency and coherence count for 25% of your speaking score, therefore it is vital that you understand what the examiner wants.
Fluent >> Able to express oneself easily and articulately / smoothly graceful and effortless.
Coherent >> Logical and consistent.
When you are speaking, you want to show the examiner that you can talk about topics easily, without long pauses and repetition. You also want to show them that you can organise your ideas in a logical way.
Fluent Speech
When you are fluently able to speak you can talk at a normal pace, pause occasionally for emphasis and self-correct.
Some students find themselves speaking too fast or repeating words and phrases, which is something you should avoid doing.
You should aim to practice speaking in English as often as possible and for those of you already living in the UK (or another English speaking country) take the opportunity to talk to friends or colleagues. You can ask them to ask you questions to help you practice and they can also give you some feedback!
Some questions they could ask you >>
What did you do last night? / or at the weekend?
Did you see the latest episode of …. (insert TV show name) what did you think of it?
When was the last time you went to the cinema?
Are you going on holiday this year? Where are you going?
Have you read any good books recently?
Did you see/read about… (insert news story) what did you think about that?
You should answer with full sentences and avoid repeating the question back to them.
Speaking Coherently
When you are answering questions you should organise the information logically, starting at the beginning, describing /explaining and concluding.
For example, read the text below >>
I read a good book the other day about this woman who gets on the same train every day. It starts with this woman getting fired from her job, then getting the train home. Actually, it starts with her on the train then explaining that she got fired. There are blanks in her memory. She likes to look at a house when the train passes and the woman that lives there. She can’t remember things. She drinks a lot. My friend told me to read this book. The book was fast paced and interesting. I enjoyed it. I read it on the plane last month when I went on holiday.
Here it is again but organised in a more logical way >>
I read a really good book when I went on holiday last month after my friend had recommended it to me. It was a thriller, with a woman who had an abusive relationship and a drinking problem, that had been fired from her job. She rides the tube every day pretending to go to work and she is intrigued by a house she sees. She envies the woman who lives there and the story develops from there. Then, she gets involved with the woman’s story putting together the gaps in her own memory and begins to see how her own life is connected. This book was fast paced and interesting!
Do you think the second paragraph is more logical?
Can you see the difference?
The events in the book/movie etc should be explained in logical order.
Using Cohesive Devices
Your ideas should be in logical order but also connected by cohesive devices.
For example, if you were telling a story about your educational background it could look like this >>
I started school at 5 years old. I went to secondary school when I was 12. I left that school at 18. I went to university for three years. I graduated with honours. I had training. I work in my chosen field.
Introducing cohesive devices will make it sound more natural and explain the order of events in a logical sounding way >>
Firstly, I started school at 5 years old, then I went to secondary school when I was 12. However, I left that school at 18. After that, I went to university for three years, where I graduated with honours. In addition to that, I had further training. Now, I finally work in my chosen field.
Take a look at the cohesive devices below, the words and phrases here will help you to organise your ideas >>
Sequencing
You can also use sequencing to express your ideas in a logical way, take a look at the words and phrases below >>
Practice
Practice answering these questions below using cohesive devices and sequencing >>
What do you think are the main reasons that students in recent years like to take a gap year?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of young people using social media?
Do you agree or disagree with the idea that technology is developing faster than the public think?
Is it a good idea to try out new restaurants recommended by friends?
What did you do last weekend
Can you use any of the following words or phrases in your answers?
Firstly / secondly……
Then
After that
Overall
However
In addition
Therefore
For example
For instance
On the one hand
On the other hand
Finally
Now
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
The IELTS Speaking Test lasts 11-14 minutes.
The test has three parts, where you are interviewed by a trained examiner. You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test. IELTS Academic and IELTS General students take the same test and it is marked in the same way.
The three parts of the test are as follows;
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Duration: 4-5 minutes
You will be asked questions on familiar topics, like your hobbies, family, where you are from, what your hometown/city is like, etc.
The topics might include;
Your studies/education
Hobbies/sports
Your family
What kind of movies, books, tv shows or music you like
What you like to eat / where you like to eat
Your job
Where you live
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Duration:3-4 minutes
First, the examiner will give you one minute to think about the question and make notes. Next, you will speak for 1-2 minutes uninterrupted. Then the examiner will ask you a further two or three questions about what you have said.
For example: you might be asked a question like this on your cue card >>
“Describe an interesting place you have visited”
You should say;
When you visited?
What you did when you were there?
What activities you could do there?
Would you recommend it to others?
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Duration:4-5 minutes
The examiner will ask you further questions related to the question topic from part 2. This will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas.
The cue card used as an example above was asking you about a place you had visited. Further questions might include;
Why do you think the tourist industry is growing?
How do people choose a destination for their holiday?
Some people like to take a package holiday, while others prefer to explore and organise the trip themselves, why is this?
IELTS Speaking Criteria
The IELTS Speaking Test is designed for you to be able to talk about, describe and explain your own experiences and opinions.
You will be assessed on the following criteria;
Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation
It is important that you take the time to read the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors and familiarise yourself with what is expected for the higher scoring bands. Like other parts of the test, you will be given a band score from 0-9. With the academic students aiming for a band score of 7, the criteria is as follows;
Non-native speakers who can express themselves on most subjects but frequently pause to think of words or ideas, mostly get a band score 5 or 6. Native speakers would be expected to get an 8.5 or 9.
The examiner is looking for your ability to speak English well, expressing your own opinions and feelings. Your score will be lower than a 7 if you make frequent mistakes or the examiner has trouble understanding you and what you are trying to say.
Requirements from universities and immigration agencies vary. Most students will need at least a band score 6 for undergraduate study. For postgraduate study or immigration, a band score 7 is generally required.
