Control the Word — Don’t Let It Control You
Meta Description:
Stop using memorised phrases in IELTS Writing. Learn how to build real topic-specific vocabulary that sounds natural, accurate, and powerful — without overcomplicating your essay.
Key Insight
Band 7+ students don’t just “know more words” — they use the right words.
Lexical resource is not about big vocabulary. It’s about accurate vocabulary, used with control.
Teaching Points
1. Examiners Spot Memorised Language Instantly
Common memorised phrases like:
- “It is universally acknowledged that…”
- “Every coin has two sides…”
- “In the modern era, technology is everywhere…”
These hurt your score because they don’t show your control — they show you’re repeating.
2. What Real Band 7+ Vocabulary Looks Like
- Specific to the topic (e.g., climate change → emissions, renewable energy)
- Accurate (e.g., use income inequality, not just poor people)
- Natural in context (e.g., a growing concern, not a huge bad thing happening)
Build around the right core words, not just big words.
Tool: IELTS Lexical Upgrade Grid
Use this to shift from generic terms to topic-specific precision.
| Core Word | Upgraded Vocabulary | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| economy | inflation, GDP, fiscal policy, subsidy | Economics |
| environment | emissions, deforestation, ecosystem, renewable energy | Environment |
| education | curriculum, literacy rate, vocational training, academic pressure | Education |
| society | inequality, demographics, social mobility, public opinion | Sociology |
| technology | automation, data privacy, AI, digital divide | Tech |
Exercise 1: Upgrade These Overused Words
Instructions: Take each word below and replace it with 3 more precise alternatives, depending on context.
| Overused | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|
| good | beneficial, effective, valuable |
| bad | harmful, problematic, ineffective |
| problem | issue, challenge, obstacle |
| people | citizens, consumers, individuals |
| think | believe, argue, suggest |
(Encourage students to build these into topic-specific mind maps.)
Exercise 2: Replace Memorised Phrases
Instructions: Replace these overused Band 6 phrases with more accurate and natural alternatives.
- “In today’s modern society…”
→ - “This is a good thing.”
→ - “A lot of people have problems with this.”
→ - “There are pros and cons to everything.”
→ - “In conclusion, every coin has two sides.”
→
Sample Replacements:
- “In contemporary society…” or “In recent years…”
- “This offers several benefits…”
- “Many individuals face challenges related to…”
- “This issue presents both advantages and drawbacks.”
- “Ultimately, this debate highlights the complexity of the issue.”
Final Reminder
The goal isn’t to sound “advanced.”
The goal is to sound accurate and controlled.
Band 7+ writers don’t show off.
They show up with the right word for the right job.
Next Step: Download the IELTS Vocabulary Upgrade Pack
Includes:
- Full Lexical Upgrade Grid by topic
- Real sample paragraphs with upgraded vocabulary
- Collocation cheat sheet (e.g., tackle a problem, implement a policy)
- Rewriting exercises for student use
Download Free → TotallyFreeIELTS.com/free-lessons
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