You need band 9 vocabulary for the IELTS exam.
This is less common, impressive vocabulary that Examiners don’t hear students use often.
Today you’ll learn four ways to say “discover accidentally.”
We’ll provide examples for each in sample IELTS answers.
Practice using these when answering IELTS Speaking questions!
#1: Run across
This can be physically coming across something.
For example, a Part 1 question might be about your neighborhood.
Just yesterday I was out with my dog and I ran across this little free library I’d never noticed before!
You can then follow up with details.
It can also be used to talk about discovering information.
I ran across some interesting information in a news article last night.
#2: Pick up on
Part 1 questions often ask what you like about your job.
To be honest, one of my coworkers is quite lazy. It wasn’t until recently that I picked up on this. She looks like she’s working hard at her desk, but really she’s just scrolling through her facebook feed.
This phrasal verb can be used as a synonym for “realize.”
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#3: Happen upon
This is very similar to “run across”.
It can be coming across something physically or discovering information.
Part 2 might ask you to describe something you recently purchased.
I was looking for Halloween decorations for my front yard and I happened upon an 8-ft skeleton that was on clearance for so cheap!
#4: Stumble upon
This means to come across something accidentally.
A Part 1 question might ask about the television shows you watch.
I stumbled upon a TV show the other day and it is fantastic! I had been needing a new show to binge so I’m super stoked.
You can also use these expressions on Part 3.
You may be asked about travel.
I prefer not to plan my vacations, actually. I like to have a general itinerary, sure, but not minute by minute. I mean, how else would you stumble upon local places that aren’t in the guidebooks?
Takeaway
Idiomatic language is required on the IELTS exam.
Phrasal verbs help satisfy this requirement as they’re often idiomatic.
Use today’s phrasal verbs anytime you need to say you discovered something.
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What questions do you have from today’s episode?
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