Are you hoping to score 8+ on IELTS?
You can’t do it without impressive, high-scoring vocabulary!
Today we’ll share phrases that will boost your Speaking and Writing vocabulary scores.
We’ll also help you figure out how to use these on test day!
What is band 8 vocabulary?
The less common a word is, the more it can boost scores.
Using phrases that most students don’t use will increase this score as well.
The IELTS scoring system requires a variety of vocabulary.
- idioms
- phrasal verbs
- informal vocabulary and slang
- formal vocabulary
You must have topic-specific vocabulary so you are ready for any question.
#1: I figured
An informal way to say “I thought” is “I figured.”
This should be reserved for Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 questions.
I figured dinner was ready, but he hadn’t even started cooking yet.
Jessica was an examiner for 14 years and has been teaching for over 20 years.
She does not recall ever hearing a student say this!
It is very native and natural and perfect to add variety to your vocabulary.
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#2: Figure out
This means to realize or start to know something.
This is extremely useful for IELTS Speaking questions.
You can often share something you figured out.
When I was around 6 years old, I figured out that if I cried, my brother would buy me ice cream. So, I figured out how to cry on cue.
#3: Figure 8
This means something that is in the shape of an 8.
This is very uncommon and therefore high-scoring!
Use it to refer to anything in the shape of an 8.
I can do a figure 8 on ice skates, but that’s about it. Not like the Olympic figure skaters!
#4: Nice figure
A common mistake students make is to refer to “body shape.”
They might say, “I want to improve my shape.”
Instead, native speakers would refer to this as their “figure.”
The way I see it, everyone should love their body. I’ve never thought of myself as having a nice figure, but we should all think that about ourselves!
There are a couple of ways we talk about being in good physical shape.
- In shape
- Fit
Describing appearance on IELTS
You may need to describe someone’s appearance on IELTS.
This can be tricky as some things you might describe could be inappropriate or offensive.
Don’t miss episode 2230 of the All Ears English podcast.
This episode will tell you the best way to describe someone’s appearance.
Click here for the episode: AEE 2230: How Should You Describe Someone’s Appearance in English?
Takeaway
Today’s phrases with “figure” are not commonly used by students.
This makes them higher-scoring for the IELTS exam!
Practice using them in both essays and speaking questions.
Avoid making lists of vocabulary that you ignore.
Instead, have a manageable amount of words you are actively adding to practice answers.
For all the strategies you need, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
