How to boost IELTS score with simple topic words

TL;DR

Simple words and accuracy beat complex vocabulary in IELTS writing. Data from 100 Band 7-9 essays shows 33.5 percent of words are basic like the, to, of. Focus on using existing vocabulary accurately and on topic specific terms rather than chasing high level synonyms for higher scores.

Transcript

Here's a number that will truly shock you. 33.5%. [music] That's the percentage of words in band 7, 8, and 9 essays that are just simple words like the, to [music] of, and because. Because we analyzed 100 real essays from real band 7, 8, and 9 students. And what we found completely contradicts everything most of you understand about vocabulary. Tod... Read More

Key Insights

• The 33.5 percent figure shows that one third of Band 7 to 9 essays use simple words, challenging the belief that complex vocabulary is always better.
• The top 20 words in the sample are very common words like the, to, of, in, that, are, this, they, indicating emphasis on basic vocabulary for clarity.
• Using simple words accurately is identified as the key advantage in achieving higher IELTS scores, not merely using fancier terms.
• There is a focus on accuracy over expanding vocabulary range, with instructors teaching students to use their existing words effectively.
• Topic specific words are preferred over high level general words, making vocabulary more relevant to essay topics like education and health.
• Nearly all common linking words (for example, in conclusion, however, although, for instance) are simple and used accurately to improve cohesion rather than impress with complexity.
• The data suggests that the majority of band 7-9 writing relies on A1 to B2 level words, with high level terms comprising a small proportion of text.
• Explanations emphasize that repeating common words is natural and sometimes necessary to maintain coherence and fluency in essays.
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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main takeaway for improving IELTS writing with vocabulary?

The main takeaway is that simpler words used accurately and in a topic specific way yield higher scores than chasing complex vocabulary. Writers should leverage their existing vocabulary, focus on accuracy, and use a small set of effective linking words to maintain clarity and cohesion. This approach aligns with observed patterns in Band 7 to 9 essays.

Q: Which words dominate Band 7-9 essays according to the data?

The dominant words are basic function words like the, to, of, in, that, are, this, they. These simple words make up about one third of all words in the essays analyzed, showing that foundational vocabulary drives clarity and coherence in high scoring writing.

Q: What should learners prioritize over expanding vocabulary range?

Learners should prioritize accuracy and the ability to use existing vocabulary precisely. They should also emphasize topic specificity, choosing words that closely relate to the essay topic, such as education or health, rather than learning and inserting a long list of high level terms that may reduce clarity.

Q: How important are topic specific words in the study findings?

Topic specific words are important because they help writers address the prompts directly and clearly. The findings indicate that focusing on words linked to themes like education and health improves relevance and fluency, while chasing rare terms without topic relevance can hinder performance.

Q: What role do linking words play in high scoring essays?

Linking words contribute to cohesion and flow, and the data shows that simple connectors like in conclusion, however, although, for instance are effective when used appropriately. Examiners value accurate use over complexity, so learners should master a small set of reliable connectors.

Q: What does the data say about repeating words in Band 9 writing?

The data suggests that repeating common words is natural and sometimes inevitable in high scoring writing. It is more important to maintain accuracy and coherence than to avoid repetition at all costs, as repeated basic terms can still convey meaning clearly.

Q: What resources are offered to help learners apply the simple words strategy?

A free PDF with 50 safe synonyms found in Band 7-9 essays is offered, along with a description of how to apply the simple words strategy. This resource helps learners expand their usable vocabulary without sacrificing accuracy or topic relevance.

Q: How should learners approach word choice for different essay topics?

Learners should select words that are accurate for the topic, prioritizing everyday words that clearly convey meaning within the context. They should avoid forcing high level terms that do not fit the topic, and rather build a toolkit of simple, topic specific words that can be used confidently across tasks.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A large share of essay words are simple everyday terms, and this simplicity supports clear communication and higher scores.

• Accuracy and topic specificity matter more than expanding vocabulary range, according to the analyzed data and recommended strategies.

• A practical resource bundle including a free PDF of 50 safe synonyms is offered to help implement the approach in real essays.