Now, let’s look at how to activate your vocabulary (i.e. move it from passive to active).

There are only 2 ways to do this, speaking and writing; this is why they are called the active skills!

Remember, just because you can write a word, doesn’t mean you can speak it. 

You need to practice both skills.

Here are some ideas;

1. Do some detailed listening; that means, listen and make notes of new language (words, phrases and idioms).
2. Record the new words and phrases and listen back to them lots.
3. When you listen, repeat the new words and practice making new phrases with them. 
   • This will let you hard-wire new vocabulary.
   • It starts to fix the language in the speaking part of your brain.
4. Create conversations (with a speaking partner or teacher) where you can start practicing this new language.
   • This will make it a part of your everyday speech.

TIP

Remember, in the exam, you will probably use language at level somewhat lower than what you can in everyday conversation. 

This is what the pressure does to you, and everyone. 

So, you need your speaking to be at IELTS 7.5, in order to perform at IELTS 7 level in the exam.