IELTS Tips

How to Use More Advanced Vocabulary for Task 1 [IELTS Writing]

Getting a high band score in the IELTS writing exam seems impossible to some students, but it’s not. In fact, there are a few things you need to do to boost your chances: learn to structure your writing, increase your vocabulary, and understand the question. Another way is to use more advanced vocabulary for task 1.

Why Use More Advanced Vocabulary for Task 1?

In the IELTS writing exam, you need to prove to the examiner that you have a good grasp of the language, and so using “increase” and “decrease” just isn’t enough. It sounds boring and doesn’t show you really know how to explain the data. Instead, you should use some lesser known words and phrases to highlight your expanded vocabulary. Moreover, you should use words that are accurate to the trends you are describing.

How to Use More Accurate Language?

Firstly, you need to know a wide range of useful IELTS vocabulary for task 1. Learn words like “soar” and “rocket,” as well as “substantially” and “modestly.” Then you need to figure out how to use them correctly. It is not enough just to guess when and how to use them. Your language should be accurate to the data you describe. Finally, practice word order to ensure you mix verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs correctly.

A Lesson in Advanced Vocabulary Use

This PPT explains how to use better and more accurate language in the IELTS writing task 1. If you have any questions about it, leave a comment below and I will try to reply quickly.

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

View Comments

  • Hello David, how are things over there.
    I loved this class! Where can I find the answers for the test?

    • Oh wow, I forgot to include them.

      1. overall / steadily upwards / modest / rocketed / climb

      2. dropped / slightly / slipping / downwards / spectacular

Recent Posts

16 Words IELTS Candidates Always Get Wrong [Video]

I've been teaching IELTS since 2010 and I've marked many thousands of essays as part…

3 months ago

New IELTS Grammar Videos

I'm finally making videos again after a very long absence from YouTube! I hardly made…

4 months ago

Making Lists: An Essential Grammar Skill

In today’s grammar lesson, I want to show you how to make lists. I don’t…

4 months ago

New Video About Comma Splices

I just posted a new video on my YouTube channel. This one is about comma…

5 months ago

New Video: Sentence Types

I have given lessons on sentence types before on this website because it's such an…

5 months ago

Vocabulary about Hospitals

In the IELTS exam, you could be asked a question related to health and for…

6 months ago