Master IELTS Writing Vocabulary: Band 7+ Tips & Strategies 2025

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Mynaz Altaf

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Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jul 04,2025

IELTS Writing Vocabulary: Essential Words, Phrases, & Strategies - TerraTern

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To get Band 7 or above in IELTS, it is wise to understand the importance of IELTS writing vocabulary. Knowing applicable to both IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary and IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary brings more clarity and accuracy in expressing ideas. With specific IELTS Writing Task 1, pie chart vocabulary is essential when handling visuals like charts. This guide discusses some useful words, phrases, and methods to develop your writing performance further.

 

Latest Facts & News About IELTS Writing Vocabulary (2025)

Recent changes to the scoring criteria for IELTS writing vocabulary affect it even more than before. Let's see what has changed and what matters the most.

  • IELTS Writing scoring criteria were updated in early 2025, placing even greater emphasis on lexical resource and vocabulary range.

  • Band 7+ essays now consistently use topic-specific vocabulary and advanced collocations.

  • The most common IELTS Writing Task 1 visuals in 2025 are pie charts and line graphs, making vocabulary for describing data trends essential.

  • Examiners report that candidates using a wider range of synonyms and precise comparative language score higher in the task.

  • Linking words and transition phrases are now more heavily weighted for coherence and cohesion, accounting for 25% of the writing score.

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 now frequently features dual pie charts, increasing the need for comparative vocabulary.

  • The “People Also Ask” section on Google shows a surge in queries about vocabulary for describing change and making comparisons in tasks.

  • IELTS candidates in 2025 are increasingly using idioms and less common phrases to boost their scores, but accuracy remains crucial.

  • The latest examiner reports highlight that misuse of paraphrased vocabulary can lower scores, so precise usage is key.

  • Online IELTS vocabulary resources have expanded, with more interactive exercises and downloadable lists for targeted practice.

Also Read: IELTS Score for Germany: Work & Study Requirements

Why is IELTS Writing Vocabulary So Important? Latest Guide 2025

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IELTS writing vocabulary plays an invaluable role, where it will finally determine the band score as part of the lexical resource criterion, which counts for 25% of one's IELTS writing vocabulary. Therefore, the right choice of words be it for describing data in Task 1 or presenting arguments in Task 2, will greatly determine your results. An accomplished vocabulary in IELTS Writing will demonstrate your capability to:

  • Articulate intricate thoughts and ideas simply and precisely.

  • Learn the specific vocabulary of the topic in line with both IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2.

  • Substitute some recurrent phrases with appropriate synonyms by using varied word choices.

  • One can work towards adding to his or her sophisticated language range by using collocations and idiomatic expressions.

  • Maintain coherence through all usage of natural lexical resources.

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary: Graphs, Charts, and Data Description

The one used for IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary has to be mastered for graph, chart, and table presentations. Whether describing trends or making comparisons between segments in a pie chart, the right vocabulary gives clarity and accuracy plus adds toward the overall band score. Here we will discuss the needful IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary, including a specific section on the IELTS Writing Task 1 pie chart vocabulary.

Vocabulary for Describing Trends and Changes

For success in IELTS Writing Task 1, you need to be able to describe such trends as increases, decreases, stability, and fluctuations. Here is an important IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary on this topic:

  • Increase: rise, climb, grow, soar, surge

  • Decrease: fall, decline, drop, dip, plummet

  • Fluctuate: vary, oscillate, shift

  • Remain Stable: stay constant, maintain, stabilize

Comparative and Superlative Vocabulary for IELTS

Comparing values is a common requirement in IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary, especially when dealing with multiple data sets or categories.

Phrase

Example Sentence

Larger than

The percentage of males was larger than females

The highest 

Healthcare had the highest budget allocation

More significant 

A more significant rise occurred in 2025

Equal to

Both categories were equal to 20%

Latest Pie Chart Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1

If you're preparing for a pie chart question, mastering IELTS writing task 1 pie chart vocabulary is vital. Describing proportions and segments with precision helps you achieve a higher lexical resource score.

Term

Meaning/Usage

Example

Segment

A distinct part of the pie chart

The largest segment represents IT spending.

Portion

A share or part of the total

A small portion is allocated to education.

Majority

More than half

The Majority of respondents preferred coffee.

Minority

Less than half

A minority chose public transport.

Account for

Make up a part of

Online sales account for 40% of total revenue.

Constitute

Form or make up

Women constitute 52% of the surveyed population.

Represent

Show or stand for

Education represents 30% of the total budget.

 

Linking Words and Phrases for Task 1 for IELTS

The effective use of linkages enhances coherence and cohesion, which is another important scoring aspect. Here are useful connections divided according to their function:

  • Addition: Also, furthermore, moreover, in addition.

  • Contradiction: On the contrary; however; on the one hand; whereas.

  • Resembling: Just like, likewise, similarly.

  • Summary/Overview: Overall summary; in summary; to sum up in general. 

  • Sample Sentences: Overall, the chart indicates a constant upward trend. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary: Essays and Arguments in 2025

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To thrive in Task 2, it's vital to master IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary. The test requires the candidates to write structured essays providing opinions on topics, discussing issues, and supporting arguments with clarity. An equally important factor in obtaining a high band score is demonstrating good and appropriate IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary along with grammar and coherence.

Vocabulary for Expressing Opinions for IELTS

The right IELTS writing vocabulary is essential in conveying personal opinions in essay writing. The following are some of the most common and advanced expressions that are most effective in terms of demonstrating an argumentative voice in your expression.

  • In my opinion,

  • I believe that...

  • It seems to me that...

  • From my perspective,

  • I strongly feel that...

Vocabulary for Presenting Arguments and Examples

A well structured argument is the basis of essays that score high. The IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary must cover these linking words, collocations, and clear example phrases.

  • First of all, second, and last of all

  • Furthermore, moreover, besides

  • On the flip side, however, nevertheless

  • As a result, therefore, so

  • Contrasted with, otherwise

Idioms and Less Common Phrases for IELTS

Using idiomatic expressions and advanced collocations from your IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary can push your band score higher but only if used accurately and appropriately.

Idiom

Meaning

Example Sentence

A blessing in disguise

A good thing that seemed bad at first

The pandemic was a blessing in disguise for remote work.

Cut corners

Do something cheaply or badly

Companies that cut corners often face quality issues.

On the ball

Alert and quick to react

Governments must stay on the ball with climate policy.

Also Read: Secure Work Permit in Canada Without IELTS: Expert's Guide

Recent Topic-Specific Vocabulary Lists for IELTS Writing: 2025 Updated

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Now, get a degree that focuses on topic-specific terms for the IELTS writing vocabulary. Questions in IELTS invariably point to subjects around which many ideas can be constructed environmentally, and that includes education, health, technology, and business. Below are short yet pretty powerful vocabulary lists made rich with synonyms and examples that can empower responses for both Task 1 and Task 2. 

Education

  • Tertiary (college): Tertiary education should be cheap.

  • Course (syllabus): The course is orientated toward applied skill development. 

  • Distance Learning (Online Education): Distance learning is gaining popularity.

Environment 

  • Climate Change: All countries experience the effects of climate change.

  • Renewable Energy: This would help in ensuring decreased emission levels from renewable energy sources.

  • Deforestation (loss of forest): Deforestation causes destruction of the habitats. 

Technology

  • Artificial Intelligence: AI is changing the future of the job market; it is fast finding jobs for unemployed individuals.

  • Digital Divide: The tech gap creates contrasting levels of education access for learners.

  • Cyber Security: Cybersecurity is a major concern today. 

Health 

  • Public Health (Community Wellness): Public health campaigns have the ability to save lives. 

  • Mental Health (Psychological Well-Being): Mental health is rarely engaged with. 

  • Sedentary Lifestyle (Inactive Lifestyle): A sedentary lifestyle poses several health risks. 

Business 

  • Economic Development (Growth): Innovation results in economic development.

  • Unemployment Rate (Joblessness Rate): Spending is certainly affected by high unemployment. 

  • Small Businesses (SME): Small businesses sustain local economies.

Latest Advanced IELTS Writing Vocabulary: Band 8/9 Words and Collocations in 2025: Updated

Showing Band 8 or 9 is much more than simply writing clearly; one must display the command that IELTS writing vocabulary bestows with the use of precise academic words and natural collocations. This section illustrates advanced vocabulary that impresses examiners and [helps] with coherence. These advanced IELTS writing vocabularies help you articulate fluidly the more complex ideas required for both Task 1 and Task 2.

Word

Meaning

Example Sentence

Mitigate

Reduce or lessen

Policies can mitigate the effects of climate change

Plausible

Believable, reasonable

It is plausible that automation will reshape employment.

Inevitable

Certain to happen

Change is inevitable in modern society.

Substantiate

Support with evidence

Candidates must substantiate their views with examples.

Also Read: IELTS Score for Germany: Work & Study Requirements

Recent Common Mistakes to Avoid with IELTS Writing Vocabulary

This part describes the major blunders that learners make and how to rectify those mistakes, thus making it possible for you to use your IELTS writing vocabulary without fear. 

  • Most likely, you are reusing the same words, such as "important," over and over.
  • Using the wrong form of words (for example, “develop” instead of “development”).

  • Using informal words or idioms (“a piece of cake,” “kids,” etc.)

  • Those who abuse advanced vocabulary really don't know what it means.

  • Misuse of collocations; for instance, we say “make a decision,” not “do a decision.”

  • Using vague expressions such as "things," "stuff," and "a lot" is discouraged.

  • Not varying linking words (always using "and"/"but").

  • Translate the text directly from the native language.

  • Misspellings in words of academic use.

  • Using phrases you have memorised that don't really fit the question.

Strategies to Improve Your IELTS Writing Vocabulary in 2025

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Improving your IELTS writing vocabulary takes consistent effort and smart techniques. Below are simple, effective strategies to expand your vocabulary, master paraphrasing, and boost your writing score.

  1. Keep a Personal Vocabulary Journal:

  • Whereby the new words, meanings, collocations, and sample sentences will be documented and reviewed from time to time for retention and reusability. 

  1. Paraphrasing Practice:

  • Rewriting sentences with synonyms and different ways. 

  • Revising past IELTS questions to stay focused on the exam. 

  1. Learn Word Family and Collocation:

  • Example: develop—development, developer, developing 

  • A collocation example is "reach a conclusion," not "hit a conclusion." 

  1. Continual Writing Task Feedback with Common Vocabulary Use:

  • Online facility with or by a tutor to check vocabulary usage. 

  • Focus on the correctness of word choice and variation. 

  1. Use Vocabulary in Context:

  • Learn the words, but practice writing essays with them. 

  • Common IELTS topics are education, health, or technology.

Also Read: Is 7.5 a Good IELTS Score? Here is the truth.

 

Conclusion

It is essential to master your IELTS writing vocabulary to score high in both IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2. From pie charts to vocabulary for IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary used in strong argument building, a precise and wide choice of vocabulary can really make a difference. Use the various strategies and vocabulary lists provided in this annotated guide to practice regularly, place an emphasis on the common mistakes to reduce them, and put into action whatever you learn to further enhance your lexical resource by building vocabulary. Get working on your vocabulary today to increase your chances of receiving a Band 7 or higher! Contact TerraTern for more information on IELTS writing vocabulary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to memorize IELTS writing vocabulary?

The best way is to use a vocabulary journal and group words by topics. Practice with example sentences and review them daily. Use apps like Quizlet or Memrise for spaced repetition. Writing essays using new words helps reinforce memory.

How can I avoid repeating the same words in my IELTS essay?

Build a list of synonyms and use them to vary your language. Learn collocations and paraphrasing techniques. Reading sample essays helps you see how others express ideas differently. Editing your writing also helps spot repetition.

What are some advanced words for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Words like “detrimental,” “substantial,” “alleviate,” “inevitable,” and “undeniable” can strengthen your Task 2 writing. Use them naturally in context with collocations (e.g., “alleviate poverty”). Accuracy and appropriateness matter more than complexity.

How do I use comparative language in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Use words like “more than,” “less than,” “the highest,” “the lowest,” and “slightly greater.” You can also say, “X accounted for twice as much as Y” or “A was significantly lower than B.” Comparative phrases help clearly describe data differences.

Are idioms allowed in IELTS Writing?

Yes, but only formal and appropriate ones should be used, mainly in Task 2. Avoid slang or casual idioms. Phrases like “a growing concern” or “play a vital role” are suitable. Idioms must fit the context and be used accurately to help your score.