This is the speaking-band criteria that your IELTS examiner will have in front of them during the exam. The table shows scores from band 5 (at the bottom) to band 9 at the top. In this lesson we are going to look through the main criterias so that you understand what you have to do in order to get a higher band score.
What is lexical resource in IELTS?
First of all, lexical resource is one of the four IELTS marking criteria. It is the assessment of how fluently you can find the correct words and phrases to convey precise meanings. In short, it is the vocabulary that you use.
What does paraphrase mean?
Paraphrasing is needed to achieve a band 5 and upwards. To paraphrase means using other words instead of the same word the examiner used. Paraphrasing in the exam shows the examiner that you can clarify meaning. Let’s look at the example below.
Examiner: Do you have a talent or something that you are good at?
Student: I am gifted at playing the piano.
Instead of simply replying “i am good at” the student has used a different expression ‘to be gifted at’.
What is less common and idiomatic vocabulary?
‘Less common and idiomatic vocabulary’ is simply expressions and words that are not used as much on a day-to-day basis. There are too many nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives and expressions for me to go over here, however, let us look at a model answer below and underline the less common vocabulary.
What is there to do in your free time in your hometown/village?
Answer: I live in a very lively and vibrant town where one can do plenty of things to enjoy his or her free time. It has a few top-class movie theatres where people can always watch the latest movies. If somebody is into enjoying a boat ride, he/she can always do so at a big lake in our hometown. Besides, there are a couple of large shopping malls where one can enjoy shopping for the whole day. Finally, one can also visit a number of restaurants that offer some great dishes at a really affordable price.
What is ‘Idiomatic vocabulary’?
An idiom is a phrase or group of words that does not have a literal meaning. Idioms are expressions that are commonly used in day-to-day speech and may sound strange to non-native speakers. In order to get band 6.5 or higher you will be required to use idiomatic vocabulary. Let’s look at a few examples of idioms below.
Idiom: To rain cats and dogs
It is not possible for dogs and cats to fall from the sky every time it rains and therefore does not literally make sense. This expression means to rain heavily and we often say this in the United Kingdom. For more idioms Click here to learn our top 10 idioms.
What is a collocation?
A collocation is a group of words that go together. In order to get an IELTS band 7, you will need to use collocations. Let us look at some examples.
‘Crystal clear – the water is crystal clear and drunk without any treatment. This means that there is nothing in the water.
‘Neat and tidy – the classroom is neat and tidy. This means that it is very clean and tidy.
I hope that this lesson helped you and here you can find a lesson on more ways to learn ielts for free.
About me… Hello, my name is Victoria, an IELTS instructor at EasyEnglish and an IELTS teacher for 8 years. This site is where I share my exam strategies to help people get the band score that they need. I hope it helps you!
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