Simple Methods to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary for Task 1 and 2

To enhance your English vocabulary for various English exams, it is essential to have the most effective methods that can be easily applied during the preparation process. Is it really difficult to improve your vocabulary for IELTS Writing bands 6.5-7.0? In this article, PREP will share some simple methods to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary for Task 1 and 2, bands 6.5-7.0. Refer to the following article to make your daily vocabulary learning easier!

I. Some requirements to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary Task 1 and 2

• Prerequisites: You are at an intermediate level (around 5.0 IELTS) or higher.
• Estimated time needed: Average of 90 days.
• To achieve a score of 6.5-7.0, you need to ensure several factors:
  • Correct spelling of vocabulary words.
  • Vocabulary words relevant to the topic and context.
  • Vocabulary words used in collocations.
  • Diverse vocabulary without repetition.

If you lack any of these factors mentioned above, your vocabulary score will likely decrease. If you aim for a score of 6.5, remember that a vocabulary score of 6 can be sufficient. To prepare, you need to collect at least 30-40 high-level sample essays (scored 8+) with clear ideas expressed by the authors, suitable for your writing style.

II. Effective methods to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary Task 1 and 2

1. Step 1: Learn IELTS Writing vocabulary based on the topic in sample essays

The first method for learning vocabulary for IELTS Writing is to study vocabulary based on the topics in sample essays. Study a minimum of 30 sample essays in the first 75 days, which means 3 essays per week. Each sample essay will cover one or two broad topics, such as public spending and education. You can list the vocabulary words from IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 or the keywords from the sample essays and group them according to the topics.

This method of learning vocabulary for IELTS Writing is considered one of the superior methods as it helps you learn vocabulary based on both the topic and context. You just need to remember that a band 6 vocabulary level is right in front of you. Some types of vocabulary words to pay attention to in IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 include:

• Academic vocabulary.
• Collocations (vocabulary words that go together in groups).

2. Step 2: Learn IELTS Writing vocabulary by practicing writing error-free using the "write twice" principle

The first way to improve your vocabulary for IELTS Writing is by practicing writing without mistakes using the "write twice" method. Aim to write at least 20 essays between day 31 and day 75, which means around 3 essays every week. Take your time and write comfortably, ensuring you use the vocabulary correctly for both Task 1 and Task 2. Unlike the first 30 days where you only read sample essays, from day 31 to day 75, focus on learning new words, ideas, and how to use them. Make sure to apply the new vocabulary directly by rewriting essays in your own words.

This includes never making spelling mistakes, choosing the wrong words for the context, or using incorrect collocations. It is essential to have someone to check your writing, such as friends, a reputable proofreading service, or a teacher or center. When writing on your own, it's difficult to notice all the mistakes.

To write error-free, you need to treat mistakes as enemies. If you make a mistake, correct it immediately until the essay is complete. When practicing error-free writing, you don't necessarily need to focus on time constraints in the beginning. For example, Writing Task 2 can take several hours or however long it takes as long as you complete the essay and it is correct.

➪ TIP: You need to write a minimum of 20 essays – draft each essay once and then rewrite and correct the mistakes, including both Writing Task 1 and Task 2. Find someone who can check your writing for you! As mentioned earlier, you need friends to help you, a proofreading service, or a good teacher/center to help you make progress. You can refer to high-quality writing correction courses at PREP to learn effective methods for learning vocabulary for IELTS Writing.

3. Step 3: Learn IELTS Writing vocabulary by practicing Max paraphrasing and Collocations

The next method for learning vocabulary for IELTS Writing that PREP wants to introduce to you is to continue from day 31 to day 75 of the learning process, applying it to all the essays you practice writing.

Usually, after completing Steps 1 and 2, your vocabulary score should have improved from 5.0 to 6.0, meaning you are fully capable of achieving a score of 6.5 in Writing. However, for those who truly want to achieve a score of 7.0 specifically in the vocabulary criterion, to secure a 6.5 or have a chance to reach 7.0, you need to practice both Paraphrasing and Collocations.

➪ TIP: You need a minimum of 2 dictionaries, whether paper-based or electronic: THESAURUS and COLLOCATIONS.

3.1. Practice paraphrasing using the Thesaurus dictionary

A simple principle for achieving a band 6 in IELTS is to not repeat an important keyword more than 2 times, while for band 7 in IELTS, you should avoid repeating it at all in your writing (important keywords are not pronouns, articles, or prepositions. Most of the vocabulary words for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 and 2 are verbs and adjectives. So remember this information accurately, as it is one of the effective methods for learning vocabulary for IELTS Writing.

When you encounter word repetition, you can use a synonym you find in the Thesaurus dictionary. For example, for the word "address," meaning to solve a problem, you can find a synonym in the Thesaurus dictionary like "tackle."

➪ TIP: However, do not foolishly fill in the word you found directly into the essay to replace the repeated word. Instead, look up the English-English dictionary again with the words you just found to see if they fit the context you want. This is because even though the words may have similar meanings, each word will apply differently to different contexts. For example:

• Address: think about the issue and decide how to solve it (formal, neutral).
• Tackle: be determined and put in a lot of effort to solve the problem (usually will be able to solve it).
• Grapple: try to solve a difficult problem (usually unable to solve it or solve it incompletely).

➪ TIP: The method to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary here is to keep a notebook to track your vocabulary learning for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 and 2. Each vocabulary word or phrase for IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 must be seen, reviewed, and reused at least 5 times in 5 consecutive weeks to be considered "yours."

➪ TIP: Using the Thesaurus dictionary for writing practice should start on day 31 and end on day 75 of the 90-day study period. In the first 30 days, you should already have the "input," and in the last 15 days, you need to overcome the obsession with "paraphrasing perfectly" when entering the exam room. In the exam room, time is limited, and many other things need to be prioritized over a few paraphrases.

3.2. Practice collocations using the Collocation dictionary

The vocabulary learning method for IELTS Writing applied in the initial stage will take up a lot of the candidate's time. Candidates can start learning from day 31, which is the period when you have "unlimited" time to complete your practice essays. The tasks will include some initial steps as follows:

• When you write a particular NOUN or VERB, stop and look up the Collocations of that word once. See which Verb goes with this Noun? Which Adverb goes with this Verb? Which Preposition goes with this word?
• Next, keep a notebook to track how you are progressing in learning collocations. Each vocabulary word or phrase for IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 must be seen, reviewed, and reused at least 5 times in 5 consecutive weeks to be considered "yours."
• Once you start memorizing more collocations, try to shorten the writing time so that you can complete the IELTS Writing task in 1 hour, and eventually in 30 minutes.

4. Step 4: Writing practice applying useful vocabulary within a timed setting

The final method to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary that PREP wants to introduce to you is writing practice applying useful vocabulary within a timed setting, similar to the real exam. At least 6 essays in the last 15 days, which means 3 essays per week. From day 76 to 90, you will have little time to look up collocations in the dictionary, except for a few cases of new or difficult words. What you need to do is REPEAT STEP 2, under TIME CONSTRAINTS. You should allocate an accurate 40 minutes for Task 2 and 20 minutes for Task 1.

If you truly want to achieve a high score, tighten it to 30 minutes for Task 2 and 15 minutes for Task 1 during practice; because in the exam room, time always passes "faster" than usual.

This article has provided the most useful tips regarding the simplest methods to learn IELTS Writing vocabulary for Task 1 and 2, which will help you easily achieve a band score of 6.5-7.0 on the Writing test. Therefore, practice diligently to achieve the goals you have set for yourself in the real IELTS exam!