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Don’t repeat the same words

September 20, 2013 By Nestor 5 Comments

Many IELTS candidates tend to repeat the same simple words a lot when they speak. If you want to get a high band in the speaking test, you must try not to do this. The examiner wants to see that you have a wide vocabulary. Here are some words that I hear a lot: ‘also’, ‘in addition’, ‘interesting’, ‘actually’. In this post I will show you how you can avoid repeating these words.

also

Many candidates repeatedly use the word ‘also’ at the beginning of a sentence to give an additional point or idea. However, in English there are other words or phrases you can use, for example ‘on top of that’, ‘what’s more’, ‘apart from that’.

  • I usually spend my free time listening to music. Apart from that, I like reading.
  • My hometown is very safe. What’s more, it’s quiet and peaceful.
  • I prefer to eat at home because I can cook well. On top of that, it’s much cheaper than eating out.

in addition, moreover, furthermore

Like ‘also’, some candidates overuse the connector ‘in addition’ when introducing an additional point or idea. They also think it will impress the examiner and help them to get a band 7. However, words and phrases like ‘in addition’, ‘moreover’ and ‘furthermore’ are actually quite formal and sound unnatural when used repeatedly in spoken English. Try to avoid using them in the speaking test.

actually

Some candidates overuse the word ‘actually’. The word ‘actually’ in English should normally be used when you say something that is surprising or unexpected:

A: Do you enjoy your work?
B: Actually, I don’t work. I’m a student.

interesting

Many candidates overuse simple adjectives like ‘interesting‘, ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘tasty’, ‘important’. Try to practise using more precise words for describing people, things and situations.

Use synonyms (if you can)

A good rule to remember is — use synonyms instead of repeating the same words all the time. However, if you don’t know any synonyms, then it is better to repeat the word than say nothing or make a mistake that will confuse examiner. Try to improve your vocabulary in the future!

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If you are aiming for a high band, you can find lots of useful synonyms to watch and download in Lectures #8-11 of the IELTS Speaking Masterclass course.

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Filed Under: IELTS Speaking Tips, Tips for Band 7-9 Tagged With: Vocabulary tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. abdelrahman says

    September 20, 2013 at 11:47 am

    thanks for sending me this tips.they are useful

    Reply
  2. Ranajit Paul says

    September 20, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    I am awaiting for more tips regularly like this.

    Reply
  3. reem says

    September 23, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Thanks alot I wish to pass the exam successfuly

    Reply
  4. Helen says

    September 24, 2013 at 12:54 am

    Thanks for the tips you sent I learnt about using synonyms

    Reply
  5. priyangani says

    November 18, 2013 at 1:43 am

    It is pleasure to have your warm assistance.

    Reply

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