Let’s dive into what lexical resource means and how you can improve it to boost your score.
Lexical resource refers to your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. It’s not just about knowing many words, but also about using them correctly in context. The IELTS examiners look for varied vocabulary, collocations, and the ability to paraphrase effectively.
A strong lexical resource can significantly impact your Writing score. It shows the examiner that you have a good command of English and can express your ideas precisely. This can help you achieve a higher band score, even up to Band
How Can You Improve Your Lexical Resource?
Read Widely and Regularly
You might consider making reading a daily habit. Try to read articles from quality sources like newspapers, magazines, or academic journals. As you read, you can write down new words and phrases that catch your eye. This way, you’ll gradually expand your vocabulary in context.
For example, you could set a goal to read one article from The Economist or National Geographic each day. While reading, you might highlight unfamiliar words or interesting phrases. Later, you can look up these words and try using them in your own sentences.
Use a Thesaurus, but Wisely
A thesaurus can be a helpful tool, but it’s important to use it carefully. You might look up synonyms for common words, but always check their usage in a dictionary. For example, instead of always using “good,” you could try “beneficial,” “advantageous,” or “favorable” when appropriate.
You could create a list of common words you use frequently in your writing. Then, for each word, find 2-3 synonyms that you can use interchangeably. Practice using these new words in your practice essays to become comfortable with them.
In addition, paraphrasing is a valuable skill in IELTS Writing. You can try rewriting sentences using different words without changing the meaning.
For instance, “The number of people using public transport has increased” could be paraphrased as “There has been a rise in public transport usage.”
You might choose a paragraph from a news article and challenge yourself to rewrite it using different words and sentence structures. This exercise can help you develop flexibility in your language use.
Learn Word Families
Understanding word families can help you use words more flexibly. For example, from the word “economy,” you can learn “economic,” “economical,” “economize,” and “economics.” This knowledge allows you to use the most suitable form in your writing.
You could create word family charts for common root words. For instance:
Educate (verb) -> Education (noun) -> Educational (adjective) -> Educationally (adverb)
Focus on Collocations
Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. Learning these can greatly improve your writing fluency. For example, instead of “do a mistake,” which is incorrect, you’d use “make a mistake.” You might keep a notebook of collocations you encounter in your reading or listening practice.
You could dedicate a section of your vocabulary notebook to collocations. Organize them by themes, such as “Work,” “Education,” or “Environment.”
For instance, under “Work,” you might note:
“Meet a deadline”
“Attend a meeting”
“Submit a report”
Use Academic Word Lists and Cloze Tests
Many universities provide academic word lists that are particularly useful for IELTS preparation. You might focus on learning a few words from these lists each week. For example, you could learn words like “analyze,” “concept,” “data,” “evaluate,” and “framework.”
Cloze tests, where you fill in missing words in a text, can be an effective way to improve your vocabulary in context. You can find many online resources that offer cloze tests specifically designed for IELTS preparation.
You might set aside 15 minutes each day to complete a cloze test. This can help you understand how words fit into different contexts. You can also try using vocabulary apps like Quizlet or Memrise.
Write Daily and Get Feedback
Regular writing practice is crucial for improving your lexical resource. You might start a journal where you write a paragraph each day about different topics. Challenge yourself to use new vocabulary and varied sentence structures in each entry.
For instance, you could write about your daily experiences, current events, or your opinions on various issues. This consistent practice can help you become more comfortable using a wide range of vocabulary in your writing.
Finally, it’s important to get feedback on your writing. You might join an online IELTS study group or find a language exchange partner. Share your practice essays and ask for feedback specifically on your vocabulary use.
Real-Life Application
Let’s look at how you can apply these strategies in your IELTS Writing task.
You can easily imagine you’re writing about the benefits of exercise.
Here’s how you might use varied vocabulary:
“Regular physical activity can have numerous advantages for both physical and mental well-being. Exercise not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also boosts cardiovascular fitness. Moreover, it can alleviate stress and enhance mood, contributing to overall mental health. Engaging in sports or fitness routines can also foster social connections, leading to improved quality of life.”
Notice how this paragraph uses a range of vocabulary related to exercise and its benefits, without repeating the same words.
With regular practice, you’ll see your vocabulary expand and your Writing scores improve. Check also other useful pages about How To Plan Your Essay In Task 2 Writing or Unlock Your IELTS Essay Ideas
Do you have any questions about improving your lexical resource for IELTS Writing?
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
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