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Do you really need lots of advanced vocabulary for IELTS SpeakingMany students get confused about this and use inappropriate vocabulary in the test, and so get a low score in the test. The truth is you do need to show a ‘wide range of vocabulary’ in order to get a high score

However, many students try to squeeze lots of complex words into every sentence. This makes them sound unnatural and it also means they are likely to make more mistakes, which will lower their score. 

You need to balance simple and complex vocabulary. 

You should try to sound as natural as possible. Most importantly, if you don’t know how to use a new word really well, don’t use it in the test. 

That said, let’s move on and show you 10 words that, when you learn them well and feel confident to use them, can help you get a higher score in the IELTS Speaking test

Table of Contents

Exacerbate

Exacerbate (v.) = to make something worse  

Collocations: problem, situation, impact, effect

The problem of climate change is exacerbated by people flying too much and creating carbon emissions 

Mitigate

Mitigate (v.) = make less severe, less unpleasant    

Collocations: problem, impact, effect, suffering

We could mitigate the impact of climate change by flying less

Unsurmountable

Unsurmountable (adj.) = Impossible to solve

Collocations: problem, challenge, barrier 

Although climate change is a challenging problem, it’s not unsurmountable, we can solve it.

woman thinking of problem

An Uphill Struggle

An uphill struggle = Difficult / challenging but possible

To talk about: task, project, game  

Writing my new book has been an uphill struggle, so I will be thrilled when it’s finished.

Apprehensive

Apprehensive (adj.) = worried, nervous (about a bad result)

Collocations: Apprehensive about…

Initially, I was really apprehensive about doing my driving test, but in the end, it turned out really well. 

Disgruntled

Disgruntled (ad.) = unhappy and disappointed / dissatisfied 

The customer service in the shop was terrible and I felt rather disgruntled

Bewildered

Bewildered (ad.) = confused 

Collocations: thoroughly, utterly, 

Bewildered by ____

I was utterly bewildered by my friend’s decision to quit his high paid job

To Do My Utmost

To do my utmost = To try my best

The government have produced a good economic plan, and I am sure they will do their utmost to implement it.

Inept

Inept (adj.) = Not good at your job, showing a lack of skill

Collocations: very, rather, totally, politically, socially, 

Inept at….

My boss likes to design his own PowerPoints, but between you and me, he is rather inept at it.

Impeccable

Impeccable (adj.) = Perfect, without fault 

Collocations: job, behaviour, manners, English  

My friend has lived in America and she speaks impeccable English 

What other advanced vocabulary have you learnt recently?

Share your words in the comments below.

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Keith O'Hare

Trinity Dip TESOL, MSc Digital Education (UK). Helping more than 40,000 students worldwide with my online courses. A lover of languages, teaching and lasagna!

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