Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Success

Using a good range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (Lexical Resource) is one of the four criteria used to assess your IELTS Speaking score.

This page provides examples of useful vocabulary, including idioms, phrasal verbs, and topic-specific words, but remember to use them naturally and in the correct context.

See General Vocabulary Lists
Idioms and Common Expressions

Using idioms can make your English sound more natural, but use them carefully and only if you are sure of their meaning and context. Overuse or incorrect use can lower your score.

  • On the ball: Alert, knowledgeable, competent. ("My new colleague is really on the ball.")
  • Get the hang of something: Learn how to do something. ("It took me a while to get the hang of the software.")
  • Piece of cake: Very easy. ("Compared to the last assignment, this one was a piece of cake.")
  • Once in a blue moon: Very rarely. ("I only see my cousins once in a blue moon.")
  • Cost an arm and a leg: Very expensive. ("Buying a house in London costs an arm and a leg.")
  • Hit the books: To study hard. ("I need to hit the books this weekend for my exam.")
  • Up in the air: Undecided or uncertain. ("Our travel plans are still up in the air.")
Don't force idioms! Use them only when they fit naturally.
Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs (verb + preposition/adverb) are very common in spoken English. Using them correctly shows good vocabulary range.

  • Look forward to: Feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen. ("I'm looking forward to my holiday.")
  • Carry on: To continue doing something. ("Despite the rain, they carried on with the match.")
  • Give up: To stop trying to do something. ("He gave up learning the piano after a few months.")
  • Find out: To discover information. ("Can you find out what time the train leaves?")
  • Come across: To find something or meet someone by chance. ("I came across an interesting article yesterday.")
  • Bring up: To mention a topic / To raise a child. ("She brought up an important point in the meeting." / "He was brought up by his grandparents.")
  • Take up: To start a new hobby or activity. ("I decided to take up photography.")
Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Being able to use specific vocabulary related to common Part 1, 2, and 3 topics can impress the examiner.

  • Travel: destination, itinerary, accommodation, sightseeing, journey, expedition, budget travel, package tour, culture shock, souvenir.
  • Environment: pollution, conservation, renewable energy, climate change, habitat, biodiversity, deforestation, sustainable, eco-friendly.
  • Technology: innovation, automation, artificial intelligence, connectivity, digital divide, gadget, user-friendly, cutting-edge, obsolete.
  • Education: curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, tertiary education, vocational training, lifelong learning, assignment, lecture, seminar, research.
  • Work: career path, promotion, colleague, workload, deadline, teamwork, flexible working, work-life balance, profession, industry.

See also Reading Vocabulary by Topic

Paraphrasing Skills

Don't just repeat the words from the examiner's question. Show your vocabulary range by paraphrasing the question when you begin your answer. This also gives you a moment to think.

Example:

Examiner: "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

Your Answer: "Well, when I have some leisure time, I really like to..." OR "In my spare moments, I'm quite keen on..."

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