Tips on Improving Students’ Vocabulary

     The IELTS Academic test is designed to assess the English language that is common within an academic setting. Therefore, students should be given a wide range of academic vocabulary in common fields. Also, they should have different ways to express opinions, examples, result and consequence, reinforcement, contrast, etc.

        Firstly, vocabulary is the building block of the essay. The used vocabulary can determine the student’s ability and level of English. There are popular and widely used vocabulary in each field. Art, education, environment, friends and family, government and society, health, jobs and employment, science and technology, sport, travel and tourism, all these fields are common in IELTS. You can choose one field each session and ask your students to brainstorm as many related vocabularies as they can. After that let them share their words together, this will eventually lead to a large number of useful vocabularies in each field. Then you can provide them with a list of vocabulary, so they have an even larger outcome.

      Secondly, here is some useful vocabulary that can be used in almost every essay to ensure a smooth and clear presentation of the student's ideas. You can provide them with the following words to express personal opinions: In my opinion, personally, I think that it seems to me that, I must admit that. For contrast they can use: instead, conversely, on the

       contrary, in contrast, in comparison difference, etc. To highlight important parts these can be used: in particular, especially, mainly spotlight. To indicate result and consequence the following vocabulary can help: so, therefore, as a result/consequence, thus, hence, for this/that reason, accordingly, consequently, in that case, under these circumstances. To reinforce they can use: also, in addition to, moreover, what is more, besides, in spite

       of, despite, above all. as well as. For listing: Firstly, secondly, thirdly, first, furthermore, finally, to begin with, to conclude, next, upcoming, following. Finally, the following can be used to give examples: for example, for instance, as follows, that is, in this case, namely, in other words.

       Finally, the vocabulary in the previous paragraph can be a shifting point in each student’s writing, make sure to provide and highlight as much as you can of them. You will notice a positive difference in your students after learning these essential vocabularies.

References :

[1] R. Sunthar, “IELTS Writing Vocabulary,” Kanan.co, https://www.kanan.co/ielts/writing/vocabulary/ (accessed Sep. 28, 2023).