There are several factors which distinguish IELTS 7.0 from 6.0, such as using more accurate grammar, a wider range of vocabulary, useful exam techniques and getting plenty of practice. If you want to improve your IELTS score before applying to study in the UK, it is important to know how to deploy these skills.
Improving your IELTS score
Learning advanced grammar and enriching your vocabulary is often difficult and time-consuming. We need a game changer which enables us to learn English efficiently and effectively. One of the keys is inputting 12 common verb collocations.
Take; ‘I had a bath last night’ for example. If you say, ‘I got a bath last night’, people would understand what you meant; however, it sounds unnatural to a native English speaker. Moreover, if you use the wrong collocation in an exam, you could lose marks. Therefore, using correct collocations is essential for you to express yourself more naturally and accurately, and thus, sound more like a native English speaker.
Important verbs for IELTS
- have (e.g. have a bath)
- do (e.g. do the shopping)
- make (e.g. make a difference)
- take (e.g. take a break)
- break (e.g. break a promise)
- catch (e.g. catch a cold)
- pay (e.g. pay attention)
- save (e.g. save time/money)
- keep (e.g. keep calm)
- come (e.g. come on time)
- go (e.g. go abroad)
- get (e.g. get married)
There are a myriad of combinations of those verbs and nouns. Try to make a list, keep adding collocations to the list and then try to consciously use them in daily conversation and also your IELTS study.
Never be afraid of making mistakes. Using slightly wrong collocations in a conversation is actually a good way of learning them in context.
Study IELTS in London or Manchester
Do you need to improve your IELTS score ahead of applying to study in the UK? Visit us for an IELTS practice test to learn your current reading, writing, speaking and listening ability, and sign up for a lesson package with our experienced teaching team!
