The Importance of Vocabulary Building in IELTS Preparation

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System and is fundamentally an English test that tests the language proficiency of non-native English speakers who wish to study, work, or migrate to another country where English is the primary language. In the IELTS exam, vocabulary assessment is essential to both the Speaking and Writing modules. It accounts for 25% of the total score of both sections. In this article, you will learn the importance of vocabulary in IELTS preparation.

The IELTS exam involves various sections, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each section requires a clear understanding of instructions. A rich vocabulary ensures that candidates comprehend instructions accurately, essential for performing well in the exam.

Importance of vocabulary in IELTS preparation

Reading Skills

A robust IELTS vocabulary helps in understanding the content, identifying main ideas, grasping nuances, and inferring meanings of unfamiliar words through context. Test takers encounter various texts in this session, including academic articles, newspapers, magazines, and online resources.

Writing Skills

Vocabulary plays a pivotal role in the writing section. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to express ideas coherently and accurately. A diverse vocabulary allows candidates to convey their thoughts effectively, use appropriate terminology, and avoid repetition, enhancing the quality of their essays, reports, and letters.

Listening Skills

During the listening section, candidates must comprehend spoken English across various accents, speeds, and contexts. A wide vocabulary facilitates understanding spoken words, phrases, idiomatic expressions, and complex sentences, enabling test takers to answer questions accurately.

Speaking Skills

In the speaking section, test takers are assessed on their ability to communicate fluently and accurately on various topics. A rich IELTS vocabulary enables candidates to articulate their ideas confidently, express opinions, provide examples, and respond to questions effectively, demonstrating their spoken English proficiency.

Scoring Potential

A diverse vocabulary can significantly impact a candidate’s overall band score. Examiners look for lexical resources, which include the range and accuracy of the vocabulary used. Candidates with an extensive vocabulary are more likely to demonstrate variety, precision, and sophistication in their language use, enhancing their chances of achieving a higher band score.

9 Simple yet powerful ways to improve vocabulary for IELTS

1. Read Regularly: Reading every day exposes one to various types of texts, such as newspapers, articles, fiction, and academic journals. This is the number one method to improve IELTS Vocabulary. 

1. IELTS Vocabulary Database: Formulate a database of unfamiliar words. Include their meanings, usage, and example sentences. Review this database regularly.

1. Flashcards: Create flashcards with a word on one side and its definition and usage on the other. Review them frequently, testing yourself on the meanings of the words.

1. Watch and Listen to English Media: Watch English movies, TV shows, and documentaries, and listen to English podcasts, radio programs, and music. Pay attention to how words are used in spoken language and try to mimic pronunciation and intonation.

1. Engage in Conversations: Practice speaking English with friends, classmates, or language exchange partners. Discuss various topics and try to incorporate new words into your conversations.

1. Play Word Games: Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or word puzzles to make learning vocabulary more interactive and enjoyable.

1. Vocabulary Apps: Utilize vocabulary-building apps like Quizlet, Anki, or Memrise, which offer pre-made flashcard decks or allow you to create your own. These apps often use spaced repetition algorithms to optimise learning.

1. Learn Word Families and Collocations: Instead of just learning individual words, explore word families (related words derived from the same root) and common collocations (words that often appear together). 

1. Practice Writing: Set aside time to write essays, stories, or journal entries in English. Challenge yourself to use new vocabulary and expressions in your writing. Review your work to identify areas for improvement and expand your vocabulary further.

Strong vocabulary skills can help you break the 7 band barrier with ease. But it’s not just enough to learn the words; you also need to learn how to recall them and use them in your daily language flawlessly. For that, you need proper training with experts. When you sign up for the Venturi IELTS Live Weekday or IELTS Live Weekend Program, you get access to a 22-hour rigorous program that covers each aspect of IELTS training with a special focus on building vocabulary. Just click on the link, fill up the form, and one of our IELTS experts will get back to you.