Do you find yourself wanting to use the phrase “a lot” over and over?
Today, get 10 alternatives for speaking and writing.
These can boost your score from a 6 to 7 or higher.
How to score 7+ on Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
It’s important to understand what earns you a 7 or higher for Vocabulary.
On the Speaking exam, candidate must show a range of words, both informal and formal.
You must also exhibit knowledge of interesting phrases.
- Slang
- Idioms
- Rare vocabulary
Anything most students don’t know will be considered rare by the Examiner.
IELTS Writing Vocabulary score
For Writing, you must also use rare vocabulary that most students don’t use.
The difference is that word choices must all be formal.
The one exception is an informal General Task 1 letter.
Learn band 9 vocabulary for common meanings
A good strategy is to learn impressive words that express general meanings.
These can be used when speaking or writing about a wide range of topics.
“A lot” fulfills this criteria!
Think of how often you say or write this!
Today we’ll share band 9 ways to express this in both Speaking and Writing.
Formal vocabulary #1: Plethora
These formal terms are perfect for Speaking Part 3 or Writing Task 2.
They are also ideal for Academic Writing Task 1 or formal letters.
For example, “plethora” can be used if your question asks about the solution to a social issue.
This could be asked both in Speaking Part 3 or on the writing exam.
The government should provide a plethora of educational opportunities so that everyone is aware of their options.
Formal vocabulary #2: Abundance
If your Speaking Part 3 or Writing Task 2 question asks about the environment, you could write the following:
I know many people deny that global warming is a problem, but there’s an abundance of evidence disproving that idea.
Formal vocabulary #3: Profusion
Speaking Part 3 or Writing Task 2 questions could ask about homelessness or other social issues.
There is a profusion of homelessness in the city where I live. It is vital that the city provide services and education to curb this problem.
Formal vocabulary #4: Host
This can be used to discuss any problem.
A host of factors contribute to this issue.
Formal vocabulary #5: Myriad
An example of how this could be used is if you are asked about children using technology.
A myriad of strategies can effectively address this issue, including screen time limits on any devices being used by minors.
These can add also be added to templates.
For example, you can. learn a template for providing a solution for a problem/solution essay.
- A myriad of strategies can effectively address this issue, including [the strategy you will support in the essay.]
Grammar tip
Each of these words is used similarly to “a lot of.”
Depending on the sentence, they require a definite or indefinite article.
They will then be followed by “of” and then the noun.
- a profusion of…
- a plethora of…
- the myriad of…
Informal vocabulary #1: Loads
Less formal vocabulary will be needed on Speaking Part 1 and Part 2.
It is also necessary for informal General Task 1 letters.
If you are asked about a concert, you could say or write:
There were loads of people there! Way more than I expected.
Informal vocabulary #2: Tons
You may be asked on Speaking Part 1 about what you eat for breakfast.
You could also use this when asked about something you do in your free time or a place you go often.
There are tons of coffee spots near my home, but my favorite is an unassuming little cafe that’s only a block away.
Informal vocabulary #3: A bunch
As an example, you could use this if asked about weekend plans.
We invited a bunch of friends over for a barbecue this weekend. I’m super stoked to try out our new grill!
Informal vocabulary #4: Gobs
This could be used if you are asked to describe a friend or a person who impressed you.
She made gobs of money when she launched her app.
Informal vocabulary #5: Galore
This is a fantastic word that students rarely use.
It’s perfect if you’re asked about a bakery you like or your favorite dessert.
A bakery close to my home has pastries galore, from croissants to éclairs. It’s hard to choose just one!
How to learn this vocabulary
Be systematic about using these band 9 words in IELTS answers!
Choose one each day and challenge yourself to use it at least five times that day.
Use them out loud, either to yourself or in conversation with someone.
Post something online using one of them! Practice answering IELTS questions with it!
The next day, choose a new one and repeat the process.
Review the previous words, using each at least once each day.
Don’t miss this episode to dive deeper into why quantifiers are vital in English!
Takeaway
You need flexible vocabulary that could be used in nearly every IELTS speaking answer and essay.
It is inevitable that you will need to express the meaning “a lot of.”
Use today’s band 9 vocabulary instead!
For all the strategies you need, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS!
