Speak Success: Mastering the IELTS Speaking Journey – Part 4
Welcome to our fourth installment of SpeakSuccess: Mastering the IELTS Speaking Journey. In this session, we will focus on developing your Lexical Resource, which is a key criterion in the IELTS Speaking test. “Lexical Resource” is the IELTS way of saying “vocabulary.” Enhancing your vocabulary is not just about learning new words; it’s about using them appropriately and confidently in various contexts. This lesson covers building topic-specific vocabulary, learning synonyms and collocations, and avoiding repetition through varied expressions.
Building Topic-Specific Vocabulary
- Identify Common IELTS Themes: Familiarize yourself with frequent IELTS topics such as the environment, technology, education, and culture. Each topic has a specific set of vocabulary associated with it.
- Read and Listen Actively: Engage with a variety of materials (articles, podcasts, documentaries) on these topics. Note down new and useful vocabulary.
- Use Vocabulary Notebooks: Keep a dedicated notebook for vocabulary. Divide it into sections by topic and add new words as you encounter them. A known method for retaining learned vocabulary is through the Gold List method. You can learn more about it here.
Learning Synonyms and Collocations
- Synonyms: Enhance your vocabulary by learning synonyms. This helps in avoiding repetition and makes your speech more interesting.
- Collocations: Pay attention to collocations (words that frequently go together). Correct collocations show a more natural and fluent use of language.
- Activity: Collect examples of collocations from your reading and listening. Quiz yourself on these, and try to use them in your speaking practice..”
Avoiding Repetition Through Varied Expression
- Paraphrasing: Learn to express the same idea in different ways. This is a crucial skill for the IELTS speaking test.
- Activity: Practice paraphrasing sentences. Take a sentence and try to write or say it in three different ways.
- Using a Range of Structures: Practice using different grammatical structures (passive voice, conditionals, relative clauses) to express the same idea.
- Activity: Convert sentences from active to passive, simple to complex, and practice using them in your responses.
- Activity: Convert sentences from active to passive, simple to complex, and practice using them in your responses.
Click here to see some examples!
Example 1: Active to Passive
Active: “The company launched a new product last month.”
Passive: “A new product was launched by the company last month.”
Example 1: Simple to Complex
Simple: “The company launched a new product.”
Complex: “Last month, the company, which has been a leader in innovation, launched a new product that promises to revolutionize the market.”
Example 2: Active to Passive
Active: “Researchers are conducting an extensive study on climate change.”
Passive: “An extensive study on climate change is being conducted by researchers.”
Example 2: Simple to Complex
Simple: “Researchers are studying climate change.”
Complex: “As part of their ongoing efforts to understand global warming, researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive study that focuses on the long-term effects of climate change on global ecosystems.”
Vocabulary List
- Collocation (noun) [ˌkɒləˈkeɪʃn]: A combination of words that are often used together. Example: ‘Make progress’ is a common collocation in English.
- Paraphrase (verb) [ˈpærəfreɪz]: Express the meaning of something using different words. Example: Good IELTS candidates often paraphrase the question in their responses.
Exercises
- Topic Vocabulary Building: Choose an IELTS topic, research it, and list 10 new words or phrases related to that topic. Use them in sentences.
- Synonym Matching: Match words to their synonyms and use them in context. This can be turned into a game or quiz.
- Collocation Hunt: Identify collocations in a text or recording. Write them down and practice using them in your own sentences.
Developing a strong lexical resource is vital for achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. By expanding your vocabulary, learning to use synonyms and collocations, and practicing varied expression, you can communicate more effectively and confidently. Remember, regular practice and real-life usage of new vocabulary are key to making them a natural part of your language skills.
