Vocabulary IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an English proficiency exam for which every candidate wishing to study overseas has to appear. This exam tests their vocabulary or how fluent a candidate is while speaking English at an academic level.
So, to clear it, students have to make sure they have a strong grip over the language. It is possible by taking sample tests online, referring to vocabulary lists like the one offered by LeapScholar, and learning all about this test. To help, here is a comprehensive guide laid down for individuals.
Role of Vocabulary in Different Sections of IELTS
An individual needs to be enriched in vocabulary to clear this IELTS exam. This is because it contributes up to 25% of the total English proficiency score. In addition, when a candidate has a good grasp of his/her vocabulary, it is easier to curate notions better. The following are the different sections they have to face, including the importance of vocabulary in it:
1. Speaking Section
The speaking section contains 3 questions that candidates must answer in 15 minutes. This test evaluates an individual’s English-speaking fluency and how quickly one can understand the topic to create ideas with it. If, in this case, a candidate is weak in vocabulary and unfamiliar with the words mentioned in the question, he/she can lose 20 to 30% of their marks.
2. Writing Section
This section requires individuals to present 2 answers of 150 and 250 words in under 60 minutes. As a result, it helps access the knowledge of words in candidates, their vision, grammatical and vocabulary skills. Under the questions, candidates are asked to provide their view, debate on a matter or explain both sides. It is essential to make the proper usage of words in all of them, and if not, they can come off wrong. However, this will not be possible if their vocabulary is weak.
3. Listening Section
Under the listening section, candidates get 4 audio clips referring to which they must answer 40 questions in 30 minutes. Then, another additional 10 minutes is given to transfer their answers onto a sheet. This way, examiners check how well candidates can perceive the topic by listening and what are their opinions about it. However, since the audio will contain voices in different accents, it can be challenging to catch the phrase. But if an individual is good at vocabulary and has a knowledge of words, he/she can figure out the sentence in no time.
4. Reading Section
The reading section requires candidates to read a few passages aloud and answer 40 questions relating to it in 60 minutes. The task is to rephrase the content in their own words and form a passage with exact meaning. Here, if the candidates’ vocabulary is weak and they use a word that does not have the same meaning, it will result in failure. So, it becomes necessary to have a good grip over the language to decipher the context correctly.
Tips to Improve Vocabulary to Score High on IELTS
To avoid the problem that may generate due to weak vocabulary in different sections of IELTS, one can sharpen their skill using these tips:
Tip 1: Listen to Audio or Watch Video in English Regularly
One of the basic ways to improve vocabulary is by listening to English audio or video regularly. The logic behind it is the same as how a child learns to speak their mother tongue. According to human facts, we tend to remember 20% of what we read or hear. The best part is individuals can pick up their favourite TV show, podcast or even music for this purpose. Also, it does not need to be academics related all the time. Moreover, this habit will simultaneously train candidates’ listening habits too.
Tips 2: Read a Book Once in a Day
To train one’s reading capability, he/she can start by reading at least one or two pages a day. While listening to an audio daily helps improve vocabulary, reading books help to learn new words, spellings and context. Moreover, since the new words appear in a scene, it helps retain the meaning for a long time.
Tips 3: Make Mnemonics with New Words
When individuals start reading books or novels, it is evident that they will come across new words. However, instead of ignoring them, one must note them down, google their meaning and make Mnemonics to remember them later. This also helps sharpen the retention capacity of the brain, which will serve in clearing the IELTS exam.
Tip 4: Practice Daily
Candidates must make a habit of using the new words they noted by forming a paragraph of their own. This way, they will also be preparing for the writing section since it will help them bring a new perspective to the same word and increase their writing speed.
Tip 5: Keep Revising
Reading, exploring, finding the meaning and noting down new words are all good, but candidates must remember them until they appear for their exam. For this purpose, one must keep revising or checking the list of new words first in a week, then gradually shifting to 10 days, 2 weeks, a month or more.
By working on these vocabulary IELTS skills, one can succeed in clearing the exam and achieve their dream of studying abroad. Even though there is a hype that the exam is challenging, the test is comparatively easy. One will be able to clear it if they possess strong English communication skills. In other words, practice is the key to success here.
