Today you’ll learn about a common student error.
This may seem minor, but can affect IELTS scores.
IELTS Writing and Speaking exams might both require these.
We’ll help you know when to use “high” and “tall” to avoid this mistake.
You’ll also get examples of how to use both on IELTS.
#1: High
Use the word “high” when referring to vertical distance or elevation.
It describes heights relative to sea level.
- The mountains are extremely high where I live.
- The plane was flying so high that the ground was barely visible.
- Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth, rising to over 29,000 feet.
- The trail leads to a high plateau covered in wildflowers.
- At that high elevation, the air is thinner and harder to breathe.
Academic Task 1
“High” can also be used to describe numbers.
This will help you use varied vocabulary on Task 1.
- The sales were high.
- The numbers in 2024 were high.
Figurative meanings for “high”
We also use “high” figuratively in a few expressions.
“High-minded” means having strong moral principles.
- My grandmother has high minded ideas of what a good person is.
We also say people have high hopes when they have positive expectations.
- I had high hopes of an 8 on IELTS.
#2: Tall
The term tall is used to describe something that has a greater height compared to the average or to objects around it.
It is frequently used for living entities like people or trees, as well as man-made structures.
- What is the tallest building in this city?
- They camped beneath tall canyon walls that rose steeply on both sides.
- A tall waterfall cascaded down the rocky slope into a pool below.
IELTS examples
Speaking Part 1 questions might ask about museums you have visited.
- I couldn’t believe how tall the statue was! It had to be at least 13 feet!
Task 1 might ask you to write about different types of tree heights.
The chart below shows the heights of three types of trees in the UK in 2004
The chart could show pine, fir, and oak trees.
Mistake: Pine trees were higher than both fir and oak.
Correct: Pine trees were tallest among all categories.
Takeaway
Mixing up descriptive words is a common mistake on IELTS.
Today’s tips will help you differentiate between “tall” and “high.”
Be ready to use these on both IELTS Writing and Speaking.
For the strategies you need for every part of the exam, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
