Do you know oodles of ways to say “a lot?”
This is incredibly useful vocabulary since you will need to express the idea of “a lot” so often.
Today’s vocabulary is needed for both IELTS Speaking and Writing.
You can use it on almost any answer and in nearly every essay!
#1: Slew
This synonym of “a lot” can be used for both informal and formal questions.
It is perfect for answering a Part 1 question about a favorite restaurant.
- There’s a slew of restaurants near my house but the best one is a little Italian spot around the corner.
It can also be used in more formal answers.
A Speaking Part 3 question or IELTS Task 2 essay about crime could need it as well.
- A slew of crime has been reported in the city where I live.
#2: Boatload / Truckload
These words are much more informal.
Therefore, reserve them for Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 as well as informal letters.
- I’ve had a boatload of different jobs! We moved a lot since my dad was in the military, so I wasn’t able to keep any of them for long.
- I read a truckload of books this year, but my favorite was a series I just finished.
#3: Oodles
This word is very informal.
It can be used on Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 answers.
- My friend Marcie has oodles of energy. I don’t know how she does it!
It could also be used to maintain an informal tone in a General Task 1 letter to a friend.
- There are oodles of activities we can do while you’re in town!
#4: A Mountain of / Mountains of
This phrase can be used in both informal and formal Speaking answers.
For example, you can use it to answer about work on Part 1.
- Every Monday, I have a mountain of tasks waiting for me.
It can also be used on Part 3 to discuss issues that affect society as a whole.
- The government faces mountains of challenges when tackling homelessness.
#5: Heaps of / Piles of
This phrase is extremely informal.
It will be useful for Part 1 or Part 2 questions about your personal life.
Use it, for example, if asked about a time you saved money.
- I saved heaps of money by buying my phone used.
It can also be useful if you are asked about household chores.
- There are always piles of tasks I need to do at home.
#6: A Sea of / An Ocean of
This is often used to describe a large crowd.
It is perfect if you are asked about a time you were nervous.
- I had to speak at school in front of a sea of students, teachers and parents.
It can also describe a lot of anything.
- I always have a sea of homework to complete!
You can also use it on Part 2, describing something like a hobby you love.
- There was an ocean of choices, so I had a hard time choosing a hobby when I was young.
Don’t miss these recent episodes
We recently taught formal vocabulary like plethora, myriad and profusion.
This episode also covered informal words like loads and gobs.
Check it out here: IE 1537: Do You Know a Plethora of IELTS Vocabulary?
You can also find more details and examples about today’s vocabulary here.
Takeaway
You are almost guaranteed to say “a lot of” on IELTS speaking.
It will also likely be needed in essays on the IELTS writing exam.
However, “a lot of” is very common and low-scoring.
Instead, use the band 9 phrases we’ve taught in these episodes!
What is your favorite phrase from today’s vocabulary?
Share it in the comments!
