In the IELTS speaking test, many candidates believe that they will impress the examiner by using very formal vocabulary. In fact, the speaking test is supposed to represent everyday ‘educated’ speech — not highly formal, but at the same time you should not use language that is too informal, such as slang. In the table below, I include some examples of overly formal words and phrases that you should try to avoid in the speaking test.
| Words/phrases you can use | Words/phrases to avoid |
|---|---|
| What's more, On top of that | moreover, furthermore |
| so | therefore, consequently, hence, thus |
| drinks | beverages |
| my home | my residence |
| I have | I possess |
| I live in | I reside in |
| I bought | I purchased |
| I want | I desire |
| while | whilst |
| I would like to | I wish to |
| Sorry? | I beg your pardon? |
| Who with? | With whom? |
| especially | namely |
| How do you say …? | How does one say …? |
| I do sport | I am engaged in sport |
| I need to | It is necessary for me to |
| I will | I shall |
| I won't | I will not, I shall not |
| I can't | I cannot |
| I'm going to talk about … | I have the intention of talking about … |
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