You will likely need to describe quantities on IELTS.
Questions may require you to share that there’s too much or not enough of something.
It’s vital that you have high-scoring vocabulary to convey this idea.
Today you’ll learn how to describe big and small quantities on IELTS.
#1: Ample
This is a band 9 word to describe a large amount.
It means enough of something or plenty.
You could use this to answer a Speaking Part 3 question about crime.
- There is ample police presence in my town so I think that helps cut down on criminal activity.
#2: An abundance of
This means the same as ample.
It does not mean too much of something, but that it’s plentiful.
It has a very positive connotation.
It could be useful on every section of the exam.
For example, Part 2 might ask you to describe a vaction.
- My preference is to visit places that have an abundance of activities. That’s why I love cruises – there’s something for everyone!
#3: Quenched my thirst for
This is a great verb phrase when you want to say you got an ample amount of something.
For example, you could use it when answering a Speaking Part 1 question about books.
- I found a thriller series that quenched my thirst for mystery.
#4: Satiated / sated
These verbs are high-scoring because they are not as common.
They mean a desire or need was met or fulfilled.
They are often collocated with “need for” or “thirst for”.
These are extremely useful as you’ll often share about things you like on IELTS Speaking.
- I’ve been craving jalapeno poppers and I found a new hole-in-the wall sushi spot that sated my desire for these delicious morsels.
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#5: Dinky
You will also need high-scoring vocabulary for expressing that there is not enough of something.
You will very likely be asked about your home on Speaking Part 1.
- To be honest, my apartment is kind of dinky. It’s actually just a studio. I can literally wash a dish in the kitchen sink while I sit on my bed.
#6: Insufficient
This is another high-scoring way to say “not enough.”
It can be useful for a variety of questions.
For example, you might be asked about your hometown.
- My town has an insufficient amount of grocery stores. There are really only two, and they’re both expensive.
#7: Inadequate
This is an impressive synonym for “insufficient.”
Having multiple options can help you avoid vocabulary repetition, which lowers scores.
You are likely to be asked about your job and you could share about something that is lacking.
- My company offers inadequate perks and benefits. We don’t even have any paid time off.
Can you be negative on IELTS?
Students often feel that they need to be positive and optimistic when answering IELTS questions.
This is not the case!
If you can be honest and genuine, your answers will be more natural.
The Examiner does not care if you are negative or pessimistic.
They are listening for very specific elements in your answers.
Takeaway
You will likely need to describe whether there is enough or too much of something on IELTS.
This idea could come up on every part of the Speaking exam.
Boost vocabulary scores with today’s high-scoring words.
Practice answering IELTS questions using this vocabulary.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for our online IELTS course.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
