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Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Your Path to Success

16th Dec 2024 | Information

By British Council Canada

Expanding your vocabulary for the IELTS Speaking test isn’t just about learning more words—it’s about using them accurately and naturally. Below are some practical strategies to sharpen your vocabulary skills and ensure you are ready to excel in the exam.

Key Tips:

Expand your vocabulary: read, listen, and watch English content to discover new words. But remember—it’s not just about recognizing them. Start using them actively in your daily conversations and writing.

Practice in real-life contexts: word lists alone aren’t enough. Use new vocabulary in actual conversations to make it feel more natural.

Focus on collocations: learn common word pairings (e.g., “strong coffee,” “make a decision”) to boost your fluency and make your speech more accurate.

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Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Topics

Let’s explore topic-specific vocabulary, which will help you speak fluently and accurately across various subjects.

People & Family

Family and relationships are common IELTS Speaking topics. Here, you’ll discuss relationships, responsibilities, and generational differences.

Key Vocabulary	Useful Phrases	Idiomatic Expressions
Immediate family: refers to closest relatives like parents, siblings, and children	Get along with someone: means maintaining a good relationship with someone.	Blood is thicker than water: emphasizes that family bonds are stronger than any other.
Extended family: includes relatives beyond immediate family, like aunts, uncles, and cousins.	Take after someone: when you resemble or behave like an older family member. Example: “I take after my mother in terms of personality, although people say I look more like my father.”	The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree: means that children often resemble their parents. Example: “my father and I both love football; I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Generation gap: describes differences in values or interests between older and younger generations.

Education and Work

In the IELTS Speaking test, it’s common to discuss your education or career goals. It’s essential to express yourself clearly and use a diverse range of vocabulary. Here’s how to approach this topic effectively.

Key Vocabulary	Useful Phrases	Idiomatic Expressions	Example Sentences
Higher education: refers to university or postgraduate studies. Example: “higher education plays a pivotal role in shaping my future career.”	Pursue a career in: phrase for discussing professional aspirations. Example: “I aim to pursue a career in law because it combines problem-solving with societal impact.”	Hit the books: means to study hard. Example: “I had to hit the books for weeks before my final exams.”	“I believe higher education equips individuals with not only technical knowledge but also essential critical thinking skills.”
Lifelong learning: continuous education throughout one’s life. Example: “I believe in lifelong learning because knowledge should never stop evolving.”	Professional development: ongoing learning in one’s profession. Example: “In my field, professional development is critical to keeping up with industry trends.”	Climb the career ladder: advancing professionally. Example: “I’m determined to climb the career ladder and secure a managerial role within the next few years.”	“Striking the right balance between work and personal life is something many people struggle with, but it’s crucial for long-term health.”
Work-life balance: equilibrium between job and personal life. Example: “maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for overall well-being.”			“Professional development is vital, especially in rapidly evolving industries like technology.”

Technology

Technology is integral to modern life, making it a common topic in IELTS Speaking. Using the right vocabulary to discuss technological advancements will significantly boost your score.

Key Vocabulary	Useful Phrases	Idiomatic Expressions	Example Sentences
Artificial intelligence (AI): technology that mimics human intelligence. Example: “artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, from healthcare to manufacturing.”	Tech-savvy: being skilled with technology. Example: “being tech-savvy is crucial in almost every profession today.”	Push the envelope: innovate beyond conventional limits. Example: “tech companies constantly push the envelope to create groundbreaking products.”	“Artificial intelligence is shaping the future by making processes faster and more efficient.”
Cybersecurity: the protection of digital data from unauthorized access. Example: “with the rise of digital platforms, cybersecurity has become a pressing concern.”	Cutting-edge technology: refers to the latest and most advanced technology. Example: “my company uses cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the competition.”	A double-edged sword: something that has both advantages and disadvantages. Example: “technology is a double-edged sword; while it offers convenience, it also raises privacy concerns.”	“Being tech-savvy is no longer optional—it’s essential in today’s job market.”
Digital transformation: the shift to digital technology across industries. Example: “many businesses are undergoing digital transformation to stay competitive in today’s market.”			“While digital transformation helps businesses grow, it also requires significant investment in cybersecurity.”

Environment

Environmental issues are highly relevant today and frequently appear in the IELTS Speaking test. Here’s how to discuss environmental topics effectively with the right vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary	Useful Phrases	Idiomatic Expressions	Example Sentences
Carbon footprint: amount of carbon dioxide emissions an individual or organization is responsible for. Example: “reducing our carbon footprint is essential for mitigating climate change.”	Go green: to adopt eco-friendly practices. Example: “many companies are going green by reducing their energy consumption.”	A drop in the ocean: something that has little effect. Example: “turning off lights may seem like a drop in the ocean, but every small effort counts.”	“Minimizing waste and recycling are effective ways to lower our individual carbon footprint.”
Renewable energy: energy from naturally replenishing sources, like solar or wind power. Example: “investing in renewable energy is critical for the future of the planet.”	Environmental conservation: the protection and preservation of the natural environment. Example: “environmental conservation should be a priority for governments worldwide.”	Go the extra mile: to make an extra effort. Example: “we need to go the extra mile to ensure environmental sustainability.”	“Transitioning to renewable energy can help mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Sustainability: meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Example: “sustainability should be at the forefront of every industry’s strategy.”			“Although individual actions may seem like a drop in the ocean, collectively they can have a significant impact on environmental preservation.”

Hobbies & Interests

Talking about hobbies and interests can make your responses more personal and relatable in the IELTS Speaking test. It’s a great opportunity to showcase both common and unique vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary	Useful Phrases	Idiomatic Expressions	Example Sentences
Leisure activities: activities done in free time. Example: “one of my favorite leisure activities is painting because it helps me relax.”	To be passionate about: shows strong interest in something. Example: “I’m passionate about hiking, as it gives me a chance to connect with nature.”	A change of pace: doing something different for refreshment. Example: “I enjoy traveling because it offers a change of pace from my daily routine.”	“I’m passionate about cooking and spend my leisure time experimenting with new recipes.”
Creative outlet: a way to express creativity. Example: “photography is my main creative outlet because it lets me capture the world in new ways.”	To wind down: to relax after a busy period. Example: “After a long week at work, I like to wind down by watching movies.”	In full swing: something in progress and going well. Example: “the party was in full swing by the time I arrived.”	“To wind down after a stressful day, I often turn to my creative outlet of playing the piano.”
Relaxation: activities that reduce stress. Example: “reading is my favorite form of relaxation, especially after a long day.”			“Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety.”

Tips for IELTS Speaking

When discussing hobbies and interests in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s key to show your passion while demonstrating strong language skills. Here are some strategies to enhance your performance:

Vary Your Vocabulary: avoid repeating the same words. Use synonyms like “I’m passionate about” or “I enjoy” instead of “I like” to show flexibility.
Provide Specific Examples: instead of general statements, give personal examples. For instance, mention a specific book or genre you enjoy: “I’m fond of historical fiction because it offers a glimpse into different cultures.”
Use Idioms Carefully: idiomatic expressions can enrich your speech, but make sure they’re natural and relevant. For example: “gardening is my way to take a breather after a busy week.”
Focus on Fluency and Coherence: speak in complete sentences and avoid long pauses. If you need time to think, use phrases like: “that’s a great question, let me think for a moment.”
Balance Formal and Informal Language: adjust your tone based on the question. Use conversational language but avoid being overly casual. For instance, ‘winding down’ is more appropriate than ‘chilling out.’

Mastering vocabulary for IELTS Speaking is essential for a high score. By using these words and phrases in daily conversations and exam responses, you’ll improve fluency and coherence. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Visit the IELTS Canada homepage to find out more

Related articles:

How to improve your public speaking skills for the IELTS?
Use English idioms for natural speaking in the test

References:

BW English Services Ltd. (n.d.). IELTS vocabulary: Lexical resource, and topic-specific vocabulary. IELTS Podcast. Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-vocabulary/

BW English Services Ltd. (n.d.). Grammatical range and accuracy: How to improve for your IELTS exam. IELTS Podcast. Retrieved October 21, 2024, from https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-vocabulary/grammatical-range-and-accuracy/

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