Use of Language in IELTS Speaking

Misuse of Words

Vocabulary is a very important part of IELTS speaking, but students generally do not understand what constitutes good vocabulary. Precise vocabulary rather than the use of rarely used words is good vocabulary. Good vocabulary use occurs when students express ideas precisely and in a standard way (similar to an educated native speaker), which means using standard phrases and collocations (words that are used together, e.g., “wise choices,” “unreasonable demands,” “alcohol consumption,” etc.). By using standard vocabulary, students’ essays can be more easily understood by the examiner, show that they understand how language is used correctly, and allow the speaker’s meaning to be communicated effectively. Vocabulary is assessed based on how words are used rather than what words are used.

However, excellent vocabulary use is often incorrectly understood by students to mean using lots of complex words. Very often, students attempt to impress examiners by using complex words, and the result is almost always that instead of using a simple correct word, they use a complex word incorrectly. They show the examiner that they do not fully understand the words that they are using. Furthermore, no two words in any language have exactly the same meaning (if they did, one of the words would quickly fall into disuse), and changing a choice of vocabulary always means that the meaning of the sentence has also been changed.

Use Natural Language

An additional problem with attempting to use more complex language is that incorrect usage often confuses the examiner. When an incorrect choice of word is combined with other grammar or vocabulary mistakes, the speaking becomes very difficult to understand. It is a failure on the part of the student to communicate well, and if this occurs, students will receive a very heavy penalty and it will usually exclude them from achieving a score of Band 7 in speaking.

A further problem with attempting to use more complex vocabulary than is necessary is that the chosen word will not be consistent with the usual speaking style of the student and will lead to cohesion problems. Furthermore, native speakers do not aim to impress people with their vocabulary, so any attempt to use complex language will lead to non-standard usage. Students should always aim to use language that is familiar to them.

Students should be reminded that there are many examples of great literature (such as George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”) that uses very simple vocabulary. It is the quality of ideas and the effectiveness of the communication that increase your score. Native speakers use very complex vocabulary only when they are seeking to achieve a very exact meaning, and this only occurs when they are communicating complex arguments or making detailed descriptions. When words are rarely used, it is because they have very precise meanings and therefore should only be used in very specific circumstances. This makes them very difficult to use correctly, and it is typically only highly educated native speakers who use complex vocabulary.

Do Not Learn Word Lists

Merely memorizing lists of words may seem like a tempting shortcut for IELTS Speaking, but it falls short of providing the necessary skills to excel in this task. Speaking effectively requires a deeper understanding of vocabulary, including collocations, idiomatic expressions, and the ability to use words in context. Language is not merely a collection of individual words but a dynamic system of interconnected meanings and structures.

By solely relying on word lists, learners miss out on the subtleties and nuances that make language rich and meaningful. Developing a broader vocabulary repertoire, coupled with a solid grasp of grammar and sentence structures, allows speakers to express their ideas with precision, coherence, and fluency. It is through regular practice and exposure to authentic materials that learners can truly internalize vocabulary and employ it naturally when speaking. So, rather than focusing solely on word lists, it is essential to embrace a comprehensive approach that encompasses reading, listening, speaking, and writing in order to enhance overall language proficiency.

TIP: Improve your ability to communicate to improve your score in IELTS speaking.

The Danger of Synonyms

Sometimes, synonyms can have almost the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. For example, ‘huge’ and ‘enormous’ can be used to describe something that’s very big:

• They live in a huge/enormous house in the country. (correct)
• The directors awarded themselves a great/vast pay rise. (incorrect)

However, you need to be careful when using synonyms. Often two words or expressions that have a similar meaning cannot be used in the same contexts.

Sometimes words have different ‘connotations’ or subtle meanings which, if used incorrectly, can give the wrong impression. For example, ‘single-minded’ and ‘stubborn’ have a similar meaning. However, the former can be used in a positive context to describe someone who is focussed and determined to achieve something. ‘Stubborn’ on the other hand tends to be used with a negative connotation.

In addition to this, one word might ‘collocate’ or go with another word to describe something specific. For example, ‘vacant’ and ‘uninhabited’ have a similar meaning but are used to describe different things:

• There are several uninhabited islands off the coast. (correct)
• We had to stand on the train as there no uninhabited seats. (incorrect)

You need to say:

• We had to stand on the train as there are no vacant seats.

In a similar way, some words appear as part of a set expression, and so using a synonym just wouldn’t work. For example, although ‘blow,’ ‘hit,’ and ‘punch’ have a similar meaning, only one of them works here:

• The argument got so heated I thought they were going to come to blows. (correct)
• The argument got so heated I thought they were going to come to punches. (incorrect)

Synonyms can also be more or less formal. For example, the nouns ‘help’ and ‘assistance’ have a very similar meaning. Imagine you’re with a friend who’s carrying some heavy shopping bags. You’d be far more likely to say ‘do you need any help with those bags’ because ‘assistance’ would be rather too formal. On the other hand, ‘If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.’ would be perfectly ok if it was said in a more formal situation.

So as a learning strategy, try categorizing any new synonyms you come across. For example:

• Generally Interchangeable: The company has a goal/target/aim of increasing sales by 20%.
• Contextual: The group trekked through the forest. I generally walk to the station every morning.
• Formal vs. Informal: The show commences at 7.30. I think I’ll start preparing dinner.

And finally, if you also make a point of learning set expressions, you’ll hopefully avoid using a synonym when one isn’t appropriate.

TIP: Instead of using synonyms, just choose the best word you can to communicate what you want to say in IELTS speaking. Even if that means repeating the same word.