IELTS Vocabulary
About Lexical Resource
Your band score is not based on the number of advanced words you use. Instead, it is based on how accurately and flexibly you use vocabulary in context.
On this page, you’ll learn what examiners look for when marking Lexical Resource, and how to avoid common vocabulary mistakes. We will also show you how to use collocations, word families, and context to expand your vocabulary efficiently. You can also explore our free resources, including the Academic Word List and our Vocabulary Courses.
What examiners look for in IELTS Vocabulary
Vocabulary (Lexical Resource) is directly assessed in the writing and speaking tests, and is important to understand the language in the reading and listening tests. Examiners reward candidates who use a wide range of words and phrases accurately (suitable for the context), with good control of word form, collocation, and style.
This means your goal is to communicate clearly using natural, precise language. A high-band student needs to be…
- precise: using the right word for the meaning
- natural: using phrases and collocations in the right context
- flexible: using a mix of simple and more specific language (range)
- accurate: using correct word forms (e.g., success / successful / successfully)
For a deeper understanding, visit our free vocabulary courses.
Go to Vocabulary Courses
Common vocabulary mistakes that limit your band score
Vocabulary problems usually fall into predictable patterns. If you can identify the patterns in the mistakes you make, you can quickly correct them. Here are some common ones.
- Repetition: using the same words repeatedly (especially in Task 2)
- Wrong collocations: unnatural combinations (e.g., “do a mistake”)
- Wrong word form: no knowing when to use an adjective, noun or verb
- Overly formal or overly informal tone: not suitable for the task
- Memorised phrases: generic language that doesn’t fit the meaning
All of these errors can be reduced if you learn vocabulary in chunks (collocations and useful phrases), and practise using it in context, such as short speaking answers and structured writing tasks.
Start with our Key Vocabulary CourseUse the Academic Word List to Build Your Lexical Resource
Use the Academic Word List to learn words in frequency order, with definitions, examples and synonyms. There are a total of 570 words divided into 9 sublists, in order of common useage.
View the AWL
The most effective ways to improve IELTS Vocabulary
Option 1 – Self-study
Our vocabulary courses teach you the core strategies to build range and accuracy, including how to learn word families, avoid common errors, and use collocations naturally.
View Vocabulary Courses
Option 2 – One-to-One Classes
One-to-one lessons are best if your vocabulary score is limited by repeated errors, weak paraphrasing, or unnatural phrasing. One of our tutors will diagnose what is holding you back and give you a realistic plan to improve.
View One-to-One Options
Free Resources
Use our free resources to build range and precision.
Key Vocabulary
Learn strategies to acquire vocabulary, use impressive adjectives for speaking, understand suffixes, and analyse new vocabulary from reading passages.
Start Course
Everyday Collocations
Practise common everyday collocations (including prepositions) that even advanced learners often get wrong.
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Academic Collocations
Improve your academic style and lexical resource score with the most common academic collocations.
Start Course
Who This IELTS Vocabulary Guidance is for
This hub is designed for students who:
- feel they keep repeating the same words
- want to improve paraphrasing in writing and reading
- want to sound more natural in speaking
- want to learn collocations and word families effectively
Not sure what to focus on next?
If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest:
- start with the Key Vocabulary course to learn the core strategy
- then study Everyday Collocations and Academic Collocations
- book a one-to-one lesson if you keep making the same errors in writing or speaking
