The word ‘interesting’

If you want to get a high band in the IELTS Speaking test, you need to show the examiner that you have a wide vocabulary. This means that you should try not to repeat the same simple words all the time.

Interesting is an adjective that many learners use too much. In this post, I am going to show you how you can use more ‘interesting’ words than interesting. 🙂

Describing a book, magazine, newspaper, etc.

Instead of using the word interesting, consider using any of the following adjectives:

informative
fascinating
stimulating
absorbing

Examples

• The magazine article was very informative. I learned a lot.
• The book was very absorbing. I couldn’t put it down.

Talking about a person

If you want to describe a person as interesting, try to think — in what way is this person interesting? Here are some other words and phrases you can use:

charismatic
charming
outgoing
pleasant to be around
bright
smart and fun
entertaining
wise and experienced

Examples

• I’m going to talk about my best friend John. He’s very charming and pleasant to be around.
• My university professor is a very wise and experienced man.

Describing a place

Can you think of any interesting places? In what way are they interesting? Here are some other positive words and phrases that you can use to describe a place:

fascinating
lively
full of energy
full of tourist attractions
charming
picturesque
vibrant

Examples

• I’m going to talk about London. I’d really like to go there because I’ve heard it’s a vibrant city, full of energy and lots of tourist attractions.
• I’m going to talk about my home town. It’s a charming, picturesque little town located in the south of my country.

Describing a job

Is your job interesting? Great. Lucky you. Try to describe it without the word interesting. Consider the following adjectives, for example:

challenging
rewarding
motivating
fascinating

Examples

• My work is challenging and motivating. I enjoy it very much.
• My job is very rewarding. I can’t complain.

Start using synonyms in your speaking

Learn useful synonyms for Band 7-9

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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