To boost IELTS Speaking scores, you need less common vocabulary.
Today we answer a listener’s question about the verbs elicit and arouse.
We’ll share how to use these on IELTS with synonyms.
Practice using these to boost both Speaking and Writing scores.
Today’s question
We received a question in Spotify about high-scoring verbs.
Can you guys talk about synonyms of elicit/arouse/ for Writing/speaking?
And by the way…… I DO LOVE your podcasts!!!!!! xoxo from Italy
Verdeacqua
Why not say “get”?
Common words that every student knows are low-scoring.
The verb “get” is a good example of this.
This is tricky because we use this verb so often in English!
However, there are many higher-scoring verbs that “get” is replacing.
Many of today’s verbs can replace “get” in different contexts.
#1: Elicit
This verb is impressive and high-scoring.
- Elicit: evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone
If the government offered more incentives, they could elicit a more positive response from the public.
As a manager, I try to elicit ideas from my employees as much as possible, instead of making all the decisions myself.
Besides “get,” synonyms include bring out, evoke and extract.
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#2: Bring out
Because this is a phrasal verb, it’s less formal.
Use it on Speaking Part 1 and Speaking Part 2 as well as General Task 1 letters.
Sunny days really bring out the best in people. The weather totally affects people’s moods.
That dress really brings out the blue in your eyes!
#3: Evoke
We often use “evoke” to talk about feelings or emotions being brought out.
The song ‘under the bridge’ evokes strong nostalgia for me- as do a lot of 90’s alternative hits.
That film evoked a lot of sadness in me.
Interestingly, we don’t often talk about happiness and excitement being evoked.
It’s more common for sadness, anger, nostalgia or thoughtfulness.
#4: Extract
This often means physically removed.
The police extracted him from the crowd.
I think anyone who harms children should be extracted from society forever. I don’t know how I feel about capital punishment, honestly, but these types of criminals should be put away forever.
It can, however, refer to something like effort or hard work.
My desire to earn his respect extracted my best efforts.
Mistake to avoid
The verb “elicit” has a homonym in English.
It sounds the same as the adjective “illicit.”
Because they sound the same, this mistake is only made in Writing.
If using this on IELTS Writing, be sure to spell it correctly.
- Illicit: against the law/against the accepted rules
Synonyms include “illegal” and “not authorized.”
Illicit drugs are a problem in my city and the local police have been cracking down lately.
#5: Arouse
This verb is used in many different contexts.
- Arouse – to stimulate to action
Her comments aroused a heated debate.
If people speak up against injustice, it will arouse interest in policy makers.
A synonym is “induce.”
- induce – succeed in persuading or influencing
The advertisement induced me to purchase a new computer.
Her speech induced the students to take their studies more seriously.
Takeaway
To score 7+ on Vocabulary, you need less common words.
For informal answers, this includes slang, phrasal verbs and idioms.
For more formal answers, use more impressive verbs.
Today’s verbs can be used in IELTS essays to boost writing scores.
They can also increase Vocabulary scores for Part 3 Speaking answers.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for our online IELTS course!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
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