Written by David S. Wills · May 7, 2016
In this lesson I will teach you how to avoid common mistakes and boost your IELTS language skills with some simple tips. These tips generally apply to the IELTS Writing Exam; however, they can be useful in improving your spoken English. Just remember, though, that spoken English is less formal and it is more important to think about fluency of speech than adhering strictly to all the rules of the language.
Avoid Using the Word “Very”
Why?
- Because it is too simple and shows a lack of lexical resource (vocabulary)
- It can sound repetitive
- It shows a lack of imagination
- Instead, use some better words with the same meaning as “very _________.”
Remember: repetition sounds really bad in English, and replacing the word “very” in your sentences is an easy way to make yourself sound better.
Avoid Other Types of Repetition
Read through your essay carefully and ask yourself, “Do you I use the same words too often?”
Look at your use of verbs and nouns. Can you change these for more interesting words? Be careful that you know exactly how to use the language. The most important thing is being correct.
Instead of saying “big” again, you could say “large”. Instead of saying “increase” a second time, you could say “grow”.
Always view repetition as a chance to improve your vocabulary through synonyms.
Develop Your Paraphrasing
Why?
- Paraphrasing is important for the introduction of any IELTS essay. You should not repeat any part of the question except maybe a few words of key vocabulary.
- Remember, you are being assessed on your own use of English.
How to Paraphrase
- Underline key words in the text and think of synonyms.
- It may be difficult to change a word, but you can still change related parts of speech.
- For example, “a decrease” -> “to decrease”
- Rewrite using your notes to avoid repeating the same grammar and vocabulary as the test paper.
- Make sure that you truly understand the meaning of a question.
- Think of the text’s main idea and try to summarize it.
- Read for general understanding and not specific phrases.
- This will help you avoid reusing phrases from the question.
In the end, you should have a sentence which says the same thing as the original one, but in a totally new way.
Avoid Emotive Language
Emotive language is language that sounds like it is stating a fact, but is actually presenting an opinion.
- ie An innocent bystander was viciously attacked by a drunken idiot.
It can be difficult even for native speakers to avoid using bias in their language, but in an academic setting we must be careful to speak objectively.