How to Improve Your Vocabulary Score in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

Good vocabulary is essential to achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam. In fact, lexical resource (vocabulary) contributes to 25% of your total score in both Writing and Speaking. It also significantly impacts your comprehension in Listening and Reading. But how do you build vocabulary the right way?

The answer lies not in memorizing long, out-of-context word lists, but in understanding how words function within real-life usage. In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively improve your IELTS Vocabulary score in IELTS with a proven 5-step strategy.

Why Vocabulary Matters in IELTS?

Vocabulary is not tested through a separate section in the IELTS exam. Instead, it's integrated across all four modules:

• Writing & Speaking: 25% of the score is based on vocabulary (lexical resource)
• IELTS Listening & Reading: Understanding the context of vocabulary is essential for correct answers

The more accurate and appropriate your vocabulary, the higher your chances of scoring Band 7 or above. However, most test-takers make the mistake of:

• Memorizing long word lists without context
• Using words incorrectly in sentences
• Ignoring collocations and word forms

Let’s avoid those mistakes and adopt a smarter way to build vocabulary.

5-Step Strategy to Improve Vocabulary for IELTS

Here is a 5-step strategy to improve Vocabulary for IELTS:

1. Read and Listen Daily (Choose Contextual Sources)

The best way to learn new words is by exposing yourself to authentic content. Read and listen to materials that genuinely interest you. This helps you stay consistent and absorb vocabulary naturally.

Recommended sources:

• English news apps (BBC, CNN, The Guardian)
• Podcasts (TED Talks, 6 Minute English)
• YouTube channels with English subtitles
• Novels, short stories, or blogs

Tip: While IELTS Reading or listening, note down unfamiliar words and try to guess their meaning based on context. Later, verify using a dictionary.

2. Use a Learner’s Dictionary to Explore Word Usage

Install trusted learner’s dictionaries like the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary or the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary. They provide:

• Definitions
• Collocations
• Word forms (noun, verb, adjective)
• Pronunciation
• Sample sentences

Example: Word: Knowledge
Incorrect: Knowledges
Correct: Knowledge (uncountable noun)

• Collocations: broad knowledge, gain knowledge, vast knowledge
• Sentence: She gained vast knowledge during her time at university.

Also, check synonyms using thesauruses to add variety to your writing and speaking.

3. Maintain a Vocabulary Notebook or Digital Journal

Create your personal vocabulary bank. Each entry should contain:

• The word + meaning
• Example sentence
• Collocations
• Synonyms & antonyms
• Common usage mistakes (if any)

Example Entry: Word: Contribute

• Collocation: contribute to a cause
• Incorrect: contribute in a cause
• Correct: contribute to a cause
• Synonym: donate, support
• Sentence: Many people contributed to the relief fund after the disaster.

Use this notebook to revise regularly and avoid making the same mistakes repeatedly.

4. Use Mnemonics and Spaced Repetition

To retain new vocabulary, use mnemonics (memory tricks) and spaced repetition techniques. Research shows that it takes 10–20 repetitions to permanently remember a word.

Review timeline (Spaced Repetition):

• 10 minutes after learning
• 1 day later
• 4 days later
• 1 week
• 2 weeks
• 1 month

Use tools like Anki or Quizlet flashcards, or manually review your vocabulary journal.

5. Practice Using New Words in Real Contexts

Just knowing a word isn’t enough, you need to use it. Incorporate newly learned vocabulary into:

• IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card answers
• IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 essays
• Casual conversations with peers
• Online writing platforms or forums

Recommended IELTS Vocabulary Books:

• “English Vocabulary in Use” by Cambridge
• “English Collocations in Use” (Intermediate to Advanced)
• “Check Your Vocabulary for IELTS” by Rawdon Wyatt

IELTS Vocabulary Topics to Focus On

Here are some of the IELTS Vocabulary topics to focus for IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing:

For IELTS Speaking

• Relationships (Family, Love, Friendship)
• Holidays
• Environment
• Sport
• People – Physical Appearance
• People – Personality and Character
• Accommodation
• Travel & Adventure
• Technology
• Weather
• Diet, Fitness and Health
• Food
• Newspaper
• Business
• Education: School & University
• Arts
• Clothes and Fashion
• Books and Films
• Music
• Work
• Towns & Cities
• Shopping
• Advertising

For IELTS Writing

• Government & the authorities
• Nature, Environment & Energy
• Technology
• Crime
• Health
• Education & schooling
• People
• Children & Family
• Media
• Arts
• Globalization
• Culture
• Global challenges
• Work & careers
• Cities & infrastructure
• Countryside & agriculture

Learn topic-specific vocabulary and collocations for each area to write essays that impress examiners.

Common Vocabulary Mistakes to Avoid

Here is a table with an overview of common vocabulary mistakes to avoid: 

Avoid these typical lexical mistakes to boost your coherence and vocabulary score.

Overall, improving your IELTS Band Score for vocabulary isn’t about memorizing lists—it’s about understanding and applying vocabulary in the right context. Follow the 5-step strategy consistently and focus on learning through exposure and practice. With time, your vocabulary will not only expand but also become more accurate and appropriate for the IELTS test.

Remember:
The human brain can learn and retain about 15 new words per day. Practice 5 days a week, and you’ll learn over 250 words in a month—all of which can help you boost your IELTS band score.

Also Check:

• IELTS Reading Tips And Techniques To Increase Your Reading Speed
• How to Prepare a Cue Card for IELTS Speaking
• What to Do if You Forget What to Say During IELTS Speaking Test?
• Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score
• How to Express Your Mixed Feelings in IELTS Writing & Speaking?
• 10 Useful Structures to Express Contrasting Ideas in IELTS Speaking & Writing Task 2
• 75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test
• 5 Silly Things You Say To Decrease Your IELTS Speaking Band Score