Vocabulary for higher bands
Improve Lexical Resource: topic vocabulary, collocations, precise words and paraphrase — used accurately, not forced.
In this lesson you will
- Use topic-specific vocabulary and collocations
- Choose precise, less common words accurately
- Avoid repetition and forced ‘big words’
Learn
Lexical Resource rewards range (varied vocabulary), precision (the right word), collocation (natural combinations) and accuracy (spelling and word form).
Topic vocabulary: environment (emissions, renewable energy, carbon footprint), education (curriculum, rote learning, critical thinking), technology (automation, digital literacy), health (sedentary lifestyle, preventive healthcare).
Collocations: pose a threat, address an issue, have a detrimental effect on, play a vital role in, raise awareness of, a growing concern.
Avoid forcing rare words you’re unsure of — a wrong ‘impressive’ word lowers accuracy. Avoid repeating the same noun: use synonyms and reference words.
Examples
- Basic: Pollution is a big problem for cities.
- Better: Air pollution poses a serious threat to public health in many cities.
- Forced (avoid): The utilisation of automobiles engenders atmospheric contamination.
Vocabulary
detrimental
harmful
sedentary
involving little physical activity
curriculum
the subjects taught at a school
address (an issue)
deal with
carbon footprint
the amount of CO2 an activity produces
Practice
More precise:
Writing
Rewrite this paragraph (90–110 words) with more precise vocabulary and collocations: “Many people use cars a lot. This is bad for the air. It is also bad for people’s health. The government should do something. They should make buses better and cheaper.”
Lesson quiz
“Detrimental” means…
Review
Key points
- Range, precision, collocation, accuracy.
- Learn topic vocabulary.
- Use natural collocations.
- Don’t force words; avoid repetition.
What you learned
- ✓ I use precise vocabulary.
- ✓ I use collocations.
- ✓ I avoid forced words.