Using synonyms in the IELTS Speaking test

I have written in previous posts that 25% of your score is based on how well you can express yourself using a wide range of words and phrases. If you are aiming for Band 6, you just need to use simple words — but correctly. If you are aiming for Band 7 or higher, you need to show that you can use some ‘less common’ vocabulary, including less common synonyms of common words. In this post I’m going to show you another example of this.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Hobbies (Band 8)

The video below show a ‘Band 8’ candidate answering a question about hobbies in part 3 of the test.

Examples of ‘less common’ synonyms

There are several cases where this candidate uses synonyms effectively to avoid repeating the same words:

She talks about the economy picking up (02:02) and the social system getting better (02:05). Pick up and get better are synonyms in this context.

She talks about how hobbies could make someone neglect their family life (04:04) and lose track of their relationships (04:14).

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