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Vocabulary

How can I research vocabulary?

Learning or knowing a word involves much more than simply knowing the meaning. Unfortunately, some students only ever learn what a word means in their own language, and this often leads to mistakes w…

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How can I improve my use of collocations?

Collocations are combinations of words that are often used together in a way that sounds natural to native speakers. For example, in the sentence, The spending cuts had a big impact on the local comm…

Updated by Tom

Where can I find graded reading material?

Here are a couple websites with free graded reading material: https://english-e-reader.net/ https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/study-break/reading-zone https://freegradedreaders.com/wordpre…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

What is idiomatic language?

Chris talks about idiomatic language in module 6 of the IELTS Speaking Academy. You can find Module 6 by looking under the heading of " Key Skills and Systems." Here is a video to show you how to loc…

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What are some common phrasal verbs?

Use of Idiomatic language is essential for earning a Band 7 in Lexical Resource during the speaking test, and the most appropriate way to ensure you do this is to start using phrasal verbs in everyda…

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How can I compile a vocabulary notebook?

Follow the guidance given on the Vocabulary Course in order to do this in the most effective way. Please contact us if don't have access to this course. You can also find some excellent tips about ho…

Updated by Tom

How can I improve my vocabulary on "unfamiliar" topics?

In order to be confident you can score a Band 7 for vocabulary in Writing and Speaking, you need to be prepared to speak (or write) about less-common topics. One way to work on this is to choose topi…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I get better at noticing grammar and vocabulary so I get maximum benefit from reading practice?

If you can say or write a word, it means you've either heard it or read it at least several times before.* If so, then you also heard other words it collocates with and what grammar patterns it appea…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

What's the best dictionary to use?

There are many free dictionary resources available online, but here are some of the most reliable and useful: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/. https://www.ldoceo…

Updated by Tom

How can I learn to think in English?

Learning to think in English will improve your fluency and help you use natural-sounding English. Here are several ways you can practice this: Focus on thinking fluently. Instead of becoming frustrat…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I improve my vocabulary for AC Task 1 essays?

There is certain kind of language you need to use in an AC Task 1 essay. For example: describing trends. talking about increases and decreases. saying exactly what is going up or going down. making c…

Updated by Michelle Shiels

How can I convert my passive vocabulary to active vocabulary?

What is the difference between 'passive' and 'active' vocabulary? The term ‘ passive vocabulary ’ refers to words you can understand but can’t use yet, while ‘ active vocabulary ’ refers to words you…

Updated by Jennifer Gietzmann

How can I check to see if my vocabulary is formal or informal?

Here is a link to some common formal v informal words used in writing: https://www.engvid.com/english-resource/formal-informal-english/ There is also a free app by grammarly which checks for the tone…

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