## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will be able to select precise vocabulary for IELTS Writing, recognize and use common collocations accurately, and avoid frequent word choice errors. You will understand why exact word selection matters for coherence, and how to replace vague or repetitive language with specific, academic expressions.

## **IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus**

In IELTS, clear and exact vocabulary is essential in both Task 1 and Task 2 Writing. For revision, focus on these key syllabus points:

- Demonstrate accurate and varied vocabulary with precise meaning to avoid ambiguity
- Recognize and use a range of collocations familiar in academic and general contexts
- Choose exact words over vague, overused language in explanations and descriptions
- Avoid wordiness and replace redundant phrases with concise alternatives
- Understand that collocation errors can reduce your lexical score

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. What is meant by "precise word choice" in IELTS Writing?
2. Give an example of a collocation error in the phrase "do a mistake" and correct it.
3. Why does the phrase "a big amount of people" lower your score?
4. True or false: Using complex vocabulary incorrectly is preferred over simple but accurate language.

## **Introduction**

Precise word choice and natural collocations are essential aspects of IELTS Writing assessment. Scoring well for Lexical Resource depends not only on using a broad range of vocabulary, but also on choosing the most accurate word and combining words as native speakers would. This article teaches you how to be both concise and specific, helping your ideas stand out with clarity and accuracy.

> **Key Term: Precise Word Choice**
> Selecting words that express your ideas exactly, with no ambiguity or vagueness, fitting the context and meaning required by the question.
>
> **Key Term: Collocation**
> Natural combinations of words in a language, where certain words are often used together according to native speaker intuition (for example, "take a risk," not "do a risk").

## The Importance of Precise Vocabulary

Using vague or inappropriate words makes your writing difficult to follow and may lead to misunderstanding. IELTS examiners penalize overuse of general or unclear terms, and reward candidates who choose grade-appropriate, specific vocabulary.

For instance, writing "get a good result" is less impressive than "achieve a high score." Similarly, "make research" is incorrect, while "conduct research" is the accurate collocation.

> **Key Term: Redundancy**
> The use of unnecessary words or phrases that do not add meaning, making sentences longer without improving clarity.

## Why Collocation Matters

In IELTS Writing, collocation mistakes—even with advanced words—show the examiner you lack true command of English. Collocations are assessed because they reflect natural language use. An academic tone depends on producing natural-sounding combinations. Errors such as "do a decision" or "many informations" lower your Lexical Resource band.

Common types of collocation include:

- Verb + noun (e.g., "draw a conclusion")
- Adjective + noun (e.g., "substantial improvement")
- Noun + noun ("traffic congestion")
- Preposition phrases ("interested in," "concerned about")

### Typical Collocation Errors

Incorrect: "Do a mistake"  
Correct: "Make a mistake"

Incorrect: "Strong rain"  
Correct: "Heavy rain"

Incorrect: "Provide a suggestion"  
Correct: "Make a suggestion" or "Offer a suggestion"

> **Key Term: Collocation Error**
> A mistake where words are combined unnaturally, making the writing sound awkward or incorrect.

## Choosing the Best Word

Precise word choice means selecting the word that most accurately conveys your meaning, rather than repeating weak, general terms. Avoid overusing words like "thing," "nice," "bad," or "get." Replace them with more specific vocabulary based on context.

**Examples:**

- "A big amount of people" (incorrect) → "A large number of people" (correct)
- "The city is nice" (vague) → "The city is vibrant" or "lively" (specific)
- "She got a promotion" → "She was promoted"

### Synonym Selection: Use With Care

While varying vocabulary is good, using a "hard" synonym inappropriately can cause confusion or collocation mistakes. Use collocation dictionaries or reliable sources for new phrases.

Incorrect: "Make progress rapidly"  
Correct: "Make rapid progress" (adjective precedes the noun in this common collocation)

### **Worked Example 1.1**

The following sentences all attempt to describe an increase, but only some sound natural or precise. Identify and correct any errors.

1. The company saw a big increase in profits.
2. The town had a rapid improvement in its infrastructure.
3. The school achieved a remarkable progress in test scores.
4. The area experienced a strong rise in tourism numbers.

> **Answer:**
>
> 1. "Big increase" can be improved: "significant/substantial increase."
> 2. Correct as written.
> 3. Incorrect collocation: should be "made remarkable progress."
> 4. Incorrect: "strong rise" → "sharp rise" or "marked rise."

## Avoiding Redundancy and Wordiness

Redundant phrases not only waste space but also obscure your main points. Concise wording is more academic and helps meet word requirements efficiently.

**Redundant vs. Concise:**

- "In my personal opinion" → "In my opinion"
- "At this point in time" → "Currently"
- "Due to the fact that" → "Because"

Trim sentences to the most efficient form without losing meaning.

> **Key Term: Wordiness**
> Using more words than necessary, often due to redundant phrases, filler, or repetition.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

Rewrite the following sentences to remove wordiness and redundancy, improving clarity.

a. "In my own personal view, I think that city living is better due to the fact that it offers more opportunities."

b. "A total of 70 percent of people prefer to live in urban areas, according to the results of a recent research conducted by a team of experts."

> **Answer:**
>
> a. "In my view, city living is better because it offers more opportunities."
> b. "Seventy percent of people prefer living in urban areas, according to recent research."

## Paraphrasing With Precision

Effective IELTS candidates paraphrase the question and data accurately. This means selecting synonyms that fit both the literal meaning and the context. Do not simply replace words randomly—ensure the new word produces a correct collocation and does not alter the meaning.

**Examples:**

- "A rise in" → "an increase in"
- "Important problem" → "major issue"
- "Get information" → "obtain information" or "gather information"

### **Worked Example 1.3**

Paraphrase each sentence using precise vocabulary and natural collocations.

a. "The chart shows a big amount of change in sales."
b. "Students nowadays have a strong need for English language skills."
c. "The factory did a pollution of the river."

> **Answer:**
>
> a. "The chart shows a substantial change in sales."
> b. "Students nowadays have an urgent need for English language skills."
> c. "The factory polluted the river." or "The factory caused pollution in the river."

### **Exam Warning**

> Examiners notice when a candidate repeats vague words ("thing," "a lot," "good," "problem") or uses incorrect word pairings. Prioritize quality of vocabulary, not just range. Using many low-frequency words incorrectly lowers your score.

### **Revision Tip**

> Keep a notebook of natural collocations you encounter in listening or reading practice. Review before writing. Practice forming your own example sentences.

## **Summary**

Precise word choice and correct collocations are necessary for high IELTS marks. Replace general, repetitive, or awkward words with specific, natural expressions. Avoid redundancy and wordiness to produce concise, academic writing. Check unfamiliar word combinations using a collocation dictionary.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Understand the meaning and importance of precise word choice in IELTS Writing
- Identify and use natural collocations in academic and general contexts
- Replace vague or repeated language with clear, accurate alternatives
- Avoid redundancy and unnecessary wordiness in sentences
- Paraphrase carefully, ensuring that new words fit grammatically and contextually

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- Precise Word Choice
- Collocation
- Redundancy
- Collocation Error
- Wordiness

Grammar and vocabulary for writing - Precise word choice and collocations