Lexical resource: collocations and topic vocabulary
Band 7+ vocabulary is about precision, not rare words. Learn the collocations examiners reward, the word-form and register errors that hold candidates at band 6, how to paraphrase the question naturally, and ready-to-use vocabulary sets for the six most frequent Task 2 topics.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
- Explain what the Lexical Resource descriptors reward at bands 6, 7 and 8
- Choose precise, natural words instead of forced ‘big words’
- Use high-value adjective + noun and verb + noun collocations accurately (pose a threat, address an issue, implement a policy)
- Avoid word-formation and register errors that cap your score
- Paraphrase a Task 2 question without changing its meaning
- Use topic vocabulary for education, environment, technology, health, crime and globalisation
What examiners look for in Lexical Resource (public descriptors, paraphrased)
| Feature | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
Range | Adequate for the task, but rather restricted. The same general words return again and again. | Sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision. | Wide, fluent and flexible enough to convey precise meanings. |
Less common items | Attempted, often with inaccuracy. The descriptors call this the ‘risk-taker’: wider range, more errors. | Some ability to use less common and/or idiomatic items. | Skilful use of uncommon and/or idiomatic items when appropriate. |
Collocation and style | Meaning is generally clear, but there is a lack of precision in word choice. | Awareness of style and collocation is evident, though some inappropriate choices occur. | Only occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. |
Spelling and word formation | Some errors, but they do not stop the reader understanding. | Only a few errors, and they do not reduce overall clarity. | Occasional errors with minimal impact. |
How it feels to the reader | Clear but general: good, bad, big, problem, people, things. | Natural topic phrases with the occasional wrong word. | Reads like an educated writer: precise, natural, never showy. |
Principle 1: precision beats sophistication
Ask three questions about every important word you write:
- Is it precise? Does it say exactly what I mean, no more and no less?
- Is it natural? Does it combine with the words around it the way an expert writer would combine them? This is collocation.
- Is it the right register? Is it suitable for a formal essay, neither chatty nor pompous?
‘Thesaurus syndrome’
Candidates who memorise synonym lists often replace a simple word with a rare one without checking whether the meanings really match. Synonyms are almost never perfect substitutes:
| Intended meaning | Thesaurus choice (wrong) | Precise choice |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka’s population is growing | Dhaka’s populace is augmenting | Dhaka’s population is expanding / rising rapidly |
| Children copy what they see online | Children plagiarise online behaviour | Children imitate behaviour they see online |
| The policy had a big effect | The policy had a colossal effect | The policy had a significant / far-reaching effect |
| This problem is getting worse | This problem is deteriorating | This problem is worsening / The situation is deteriorating |
| Many people attended | A plethora of people attended | A large number of people attended |
Look closely at the last two rows. Deteriorate is normally used for a situation, condition or quality (health, air quality, relations), so the situation deteriorated is natural while the problem deteriorated is not: a problem worsens or grows. Plethora means an excessive amount, usually of things, so it sounds odd with people. Precision lives in these small details.
Simple words can be band 8 words
Band 8 essays are full of ordinary nouns: people, money, work, children, cities. What lifts them is the precise word next to the ordinary noun: low-income families, a heavy financial burden, working parents, widen the gap, overcrowded cities. So learn words in combinations, never alone.
Same ideas, two lexical levels
Band 6: general and inaccurate
Nowadays, technology is a very big part of our life. Students utilise gadgets for their studies and it gives them many benefits. However, too much using of devices can make bad impacts on their mentality and they can become lazy. So the government should take steps to solve this matter.
Band 8: precise and natural
Technology now plays a central role in education. Students rely on laptops and smartphones to access course materials and collaborate on assignments, which has made learning far more flexible. However, excessive screen time can harm young people’s concentration and encourage a sedentary lifestyle. Schools therefore need clear guidelines on how and when devices are used.
The band 6 version is understandable, but look at the problems: vague nouns (*life, gadgets, matter*), a word-form error (*too much using of* instead of *excessive use of*), wrong collocations (*make bad impacts*, *solve this matter*) and a wrong word (*mentality* means a fixed way of thinking, not concentration or mental health). The band 8 version uses natural collocations (*plays a central role, access course materials, excessive screen time, sedentary lifestyle, clear guidelines*). None of them is rare. All of them are precise.
Adjective + noun collocations: strength, size and importance
| Adjective | Natural partners | Typical mistake and fix |
|---|---|---|
heavy | heavy traffic, heavy rain, a heavy burden, heavy losses, heavy reliance on, pay a heavy price | a heavy problem → a serious problem |
strong | a strong argument, strong evidence, a strong case for, strong opposition, strong demand | strong rain → heavy rain |
serious | a serious threat, serious consequences, serious damage, serious crime, a serious concern | a serious benefit → a significant / major benefit |
significant | a significant impact, a significant increase, a significant proportion, significant progress | make a significant role → play a significant role |
major | a major cause, a major factor, a major obstacle, a major contributor to | a major amount of money → a large amount of money |
widespread | widespread concern, widespread support, widespread poverty, widespread use of | widespread people → people across the country |
sharp / steep | a sharp rise, a sharp decline, a steep increase, a sharp contrast | a sharp problem → a pressing problem |
key / vital / crucial | a key role, a key factor, of vital importance, a crucial step | a very vital role → a vital role (these adjectives are already strong; do not add very) |
large / great / considerable | a large number of (countable), a great deal of (uncountable), a considerable amount of (uncountable) | a large number of money → a large amount of money; a great deal of people → a large number of people |
Verb + noun collocations every Task 2 essay needs
| Collocation | Meaning | Example | Common wrong version |
|---|---|---|---|
pose a threat / a risk / a challenge (to) | be a danger or difficulty | Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to coastal Bangladesh. | create a threat, give a threat |
address an issue / a problem / a concern | start dealing with it | The policy fails to address the root causes of youth unemployment. | address about an issue |
implement a policy / a plan / reforms | put into action | Governments must implement policies that make housing affordable. | do a policy |
tackle a problem / congestion / poverty | make a determined effort to deal with | Cities can tackle congestion by investing in metro rail. | tackle with a problem |
raise awareness (of) | make people know and care | Campaigns can raise awareness of the dangers of smoking. | rise awareness (rise cannot take an object) |
meet demand / needs / targets | satisfy | Universities cannot meet the demand for places in computer science. | fulfil up the demand |
play a role (in) | be involved and important | Parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s values. | make a role, do a role |
take measures / steps / action | act officially | Authorities should take measures to curb noise pollution. | do measures, take an action |
impose a tax / a ban / restrictions (on) | officially force on people | Several countries impose a tax on sugary drinks. | give a tax on, put a ban for |
allocate funds / resources (to) | officially give for a purpose | More funds should be allocated to rural schools. | give more budget to |
narrow / bridge / close the gap (between) | reduce the difference | Online learning could narrow the gap between urban and rural students. | fill up the gap (this means supplying something missing) |
curb emissions / crime / spending | limit and control | Strict standards are needed to curb vehicle emissions. | stop down emissions |
alleviate / reduce poverty | make less severe | Microfinance has helped to alleviate rural poverty. | solve poverty |
conduct / carry out research | do a formal study | Researchers conducted a study of 2,000 secondary students. | do a research, make researches |
gain / acquire knowledge, skills, experience | learn and develop | Internships allow graduates to gain practical experience. | learn knowledge, earn knowledge |
commit a crime / an offence | do something illegal | Teenagers who commit minor offences need guidance, not prison. | do a crime, make a crime |
make progress / a contribution / a decision | achieve, give, decide | Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing child mortality. | do progress |
do harm / damage (to) | hurt or injure | Junk food does real harm to children’s health. | make harm |
place emphasis on (or simply emphasise) | treat as especially important | Schools place too much emphasis on exam results. | give emphasis on, emphasise on, give stress on |
draw a conclusion | decide after considering evidence | It is too early to draw firm conclusions about the scheme. | take a conclusion |
Check: precision and collocation
8 questions- 1
Rising sea levels a serious threat to low-lying countries such as Bangladesh.
- 2
Several governments have a tax on sugary drinks to reduce obesity.
- 3
Public campaigns can awareness of the risks of smoking.
- 4
Match each verb with its most natural noun partner.
commitconductalleviatemeetplaydraw - 5
Which sentence uses the most precise and natural vocabulary for an essay?
- 6
Which word is the WRONG collocation? ‘Dhaka’s air quality has deteriorated, which poses a heavy risk to young children.’
- 7
Find and correct the mistake:
Students can learn a lot of knowledge from travelling abroad.
- 8
Choose TWO collocations that are natural in academic English.
Select 2.
Answer every question to check.
Word formation: the small errors that add up
| Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
economical growth | economic growth | Economic relates to the economy. Economical means not wasting money (an economical car). |
The internet has many benefit for students. | The internet has many benefits for students. / The internet is beneficial to students. | Benefit is countable here, so it needs -s after many. Beneficial is the adjective. |
Social media effects young people. | Social media affects young people. / Social media has an effect on young people. | Affect is the verb; effect is (usually) the noun. |
Their live has improved. | Their lives have improved. | live (verb) · life (noun) · lives (plural noun) · living (the cost of living). |
environment problems | environmental problems | Use the adjective before the noun. Fixed compounds such as energy policy and health care are exceptions. |
Children’s develop depends on diet. | Children’s development depends on diet. | After a possessive (children’s), you need a noun. |
a competition job market | a competitive job market | compete (verb) · competition (noun) · competitive (adjective). |
the responsible of parents | the responsibility of parents | Responsible is an adjective (responsible for). The noun is responsibility. |
success people | successful people | success (noun) · succeed (verb) · successful (adjective) · successfully (adverb). |
Teachers should advice students. | Teachers should advise students. | advise = verb; advice = uncountable noun. In British English, the same pattern applies to practise (verb) and practice (noun). |
Prices are raising. | Prices are rising. | Rise has no object. Raise needs one: governments raise taxes. |
historic data | historical data | Historical means relating to the past. Historic means important in history (a historic agreement). |
Register: from chatty to academic, without becoming pompous
| Too informal | Academic and natural | Too pompous or unnatural |
|---|---|---|
a lot of, lots of | many, much, a large number of, a great deal of, considerable | a plethora of, a myriad of |
kids | children, young people | offspring, progeny |
get better, get worse | improve, worsen, deteriorate (of a situation) | ameliorate |
things, stuff | factors, aspects, issues, goods, possessions | entities |
really, so, very (repeated) | particularly, extremely, highly (likely), increasingly | exceedingly, immensely (when overused) |
big, huge | substantial, significant, considerable, large-scale | gargantuan, colossal |
good for, bad for | beneficial to, harmful to, detrimental to | salubrious, deleterious |
can’t, don’t, it’s | cannot, do not, it is | (contractions are simply avoided) |
these days (repeated) | in recent years, increasingly, today | in this contemporary epoch |
Paraphrasing the question: five techniques
- 1
The question
Some people think that the best way to improve public health is to increase the number of sports facilities. Others, however, believe that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your introduction must restate this in your own words. Copied sentences show the examiner nothing about your vocabulary, and copied words do not count towards your 250.
- 2
1. Synonyms for non-technical words
increase the number of → build more / expand provision of sports facilities → sports centres, gyms and playing fields have little effect → make little difference other measures are required → different approaches are needed
- 3
2. Change word forms
improve public health → an improvement in public health this would have little effect → others doubt the effectiveness of such facilities
Changing a verb into a noun often forces a fresh, more academic sentence.
- 4
3. Change the structure
Move the clauses around or change the sentence frame:
Some people think that the best way… is to… → Building more sports facilities is often seen as the most effective way to…
Others, however, believe… → …while others argue that such investment would make little difference unless…
- 5
4. Generalise or specify
other measures → measures such as taxing sugary food or teaching nutrition in schools
Naming specific measures is more precise than repeating the vague original, and it shows the examiner you have ideas.
- 6
5. Don’t force it
Keep key terms that have no true synonym. Public health is a technical term; changing it to people’s wellness sounds unnatural and slightly changes the meaning. Paraphrase the frame, not every word.
Finished introduction: It is often argued that building more sports facilities is the most effective way to make a population healthier, while others maintain that such investment would make little difference unless it is combined with other measures. In my view, sports centres have some value, but improvements in diet and health education are likely to have a far greater impact.
Question: Some people think that longer prison sentences are the best way to reduce crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many argue that longer prison sentences are the most effective deterrent to crime. However, there is compelling evidence that the certainty of being caught matters far more than the severity of the punishment. Offenders rarely weigh up the length of a possible sentence before they commit an offence; what deters them is the realistic prospect of arrest. Moreover, lengthy sentences can be counterproductive. Young people who serve time for minor offences often emerge with stronger criminal connections and few employment prospects, which makes reoffending more likely. A more cost-effective approach would be to invest in community policing and rehabilitation programmes that equip offenders with vocational skills.
- deterrent to crimeA topic-specific noun with its correct preposition. Far more precise than ‘a way to stop crime’.
- compelling evidenceStrong adjective + noun collocation. Note that *evidence* is uncountable: never *evidences*.
- the certainty… the severity…Two parallel abstract nouns create a precise contrast in very few words. This is lexical flexibility.
- weigh upA phrasal verb that is completely acceptable in academic writing. Not every phrasal verb is informal.
- counterproductiveA less common item used precisely: having the opposite effect to the one intended. It is used once, exactly where it fits.
- serve time · reoffending · employment prospectsA cluster of crime-topic vocabulary, each item used in a natural combination.
- equip offenders with vocational skillsVerb + object + *with* pattern, plus a precise adjective (*vocational* = job-related).
- What is NOT thereNo rare words for show, no clichés, no informal words, no repetition of ‘crime’ in every sentence. That is what band 8 vocabulary looks like.
Topic vocabulary for the six most frequent topics
Learn these as chunks (whole phrases), with one model sentence each. They are deliberately ordinary: these are the phrases band 8 writers actually use.
Education
rote learning · critical thinking skills · a well-rounded education · vocational training · tuition fees · academic performance · drop out of school · extracurricular activities · equip students with practical skills
An exam-driven curriculum encourages rote learning at the expense of critical thinking.
Environment
carbon emissions · cut / curb emissions · renewable energy sources · fossil fuels · deforestation · biodiversity loss · sustainable development · rising sea levels · single-use plastics · climate-induced migration
Coastal communities in Bangladesh already face rising sea levels and increasing salinity, which is driving climate-induced migration to the cities.
Technology
digital literacy · the digital divide · automation · screen time · data privacy · cybersecurity threats · remote working · become obsolete · the spread of misinformation · technological advances
Mobile financial services such as bKash have narrowed the digital divide by bringing banking to millions of people who have never had a bank account.
Health
a sedentary lifestyle · obesity rates · a balanced diet · preventive healthcare · life expectancy · access to healthcare · mental well-being · lifestyle-related diseases · a burden on the healthcare system
Preventive healthcare costs far less than treating lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes once they develop.
Crime
commit an offence · a deterrent · reoffending rates · rehabilitation · a custodial sentence · community service · law enforcement · juvenile crime · petty crime · the root causes of crime
Community service may be a more effective punishment for petty crime than a short custodial sentence.
Globalisation
multinational corporations · outsourcing · cultural homogenisation · cultural identity · foreign direct investment · global supply chains · economic interdependence · the brain drain · trade barriers
Bangladesh’s garment industry shows both sides of globalisation: it has created millions of jobs, yet it depends heavily on the purchasing decisions of multinational brands.
Writing Task 2 practice
130+ words · 15 minUpgrade this band 6 body paragraph to band 8 Lexical Resource.
The essay question was: Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transport rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays traffic jam is a very big problem in big cities like Dhaka. People waste a lot of time in the road every day and it makes bad effects on their health and mind. If the government gives more money for buses and trains, many people will use them and the number of cars will become less. For example, metro rail in Dhaka has made a big change because now many people can go to office very fast. So I think spending money for public transport is more good than making new roads, because new roads also become full of cars after some time.
Rewrite the paragraph. Keep the same ideas, but use precise, natural, academic vocabulary. Aim for 130–170 words. Fix every wrong collocation and word form, replace vague words (big, bad, a lot of, things) with precise ones, and add one or two less common items only where they genuinely fit.
Self-check before submitting
- ☐ Opens with a clear topic sentence in an academic register (no ‘Nowadays… is a very big problem’)
- ☐ Uses precise topic collocations such as traffic congestion, commuting time, invest in public transport, private cars
- ☐ Fixes the wrong collocations: makes bad effects → has harmful effects; gives money for → invests in / allocates funds to; more good → better / more effective
- ☐ Replaces vague words (big, bad, a lot of, things) with precise ones
- ☐ Fixes word-form and phrase errors: become less → fall / decline; go to office → travel to work
- ☐ Uses one or two less common items naturally (for example induced demand, a viable alternative, in the long run)
- ☐ Keeps a formal register: no contractions and no chatty phrases
- ☐ Keeps all the original ideas: time lost, health effects, the metro example, new roads filling up
Final quiz: Lexical Resource
12 questions- 1
An exam-driven curriculum encourages learning, where students memorise answers without understanding them.
- 2
Strict emission standards are needed to air pollution in Dhaka.
- 3
Lifestyle-related diseases place a heavy on the healthcare system.
- 4
Match each phrase with the essay topic it belongs to.
a custodial sentencecultural homogenisationthe digital dividebiodiversity lossa sedentary lifestylevocational training - 5
Find and correct the mistake:
The government should give more emphasis on vocational training.
- 6
Find and correct the mistake:
Economical development has improved the live of millions of people.
- 7
Find and correct the mistake:
Social media effects teenagers' sleep and concentration.
- 8
A candidate writes: ‘The populace of urban areas is augmenting at an exponential rate.’ What is the best advice?
- 9
Which is the best paraphrase of ‘Some people think that children should not be allowed to use smartphones’?
- 10
Choose TWO sentences that contain an informal word or phrase that should be replaced in an essay.
Select 2.
- 11
If supply cannot demand, prices will continue to rise.
- 12
Which collocation is correct?
Answer every question to check.
High-value Task 2 vocabulary
Saved as flashcards with a free accountpose
verb/pəʊz/
to create a threat, problem or difficulty that has to be dealt with
(হুমকি বা সমস্যা) সৃষ্টি করা
Plastic waste poses a serious threat to marine life in the Bay of Bengal.
address
verb/əˈdres/
to start dealing with a problem or issue
(সমস্যা) মোকাবিলা করা
The new policy does not address the root causes of youth unemployment.
implement
verb/ˈɪmplɪment/
to put a plan, policy or system into action
বাস্তবায়ন করা
The government plans to implement a nationwide school-meals programme next year.
curb
verb/kɜːb/
to control or limit something harmful
নিয়ন্ত্রণ করা; লাগাম টানা
Higher parking charges could help curb car use in the city centre.
alleviate
verb/əˈliːvieɪt/
to make a problem or suffering less severe
লাঘব করা; উপশম করা
Cash transfers have helped to alleviate poverty in rural districts.
exacerbate
verb/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/
to make a problem or bad situation worse
আরও খারাপ করা; তীব্রতর করা
Unplanned construction has exacerbated flooding in parts of Dhaka.
detrimental
adjective/ˌdetrɪˈmentl/
causing harm or damage
ক্ষতিকর
Long working hours can be detrimental to family life.
sustainable
adjective/səˈsteɪnəbl/
able to continue for a long time without damaging the environment or using up resources
টেকসই
Solar irrigation offers farmers a more sustainable alternative to diesel pumps.
sedentary
adjective/ˈsedntri/
involving a lot of sitting and little physical activity
শারীরিক পরিশ্রমহীন; বসে থাকা
Office work and long commutes have created a sedentary lifestyle for many young professionals.
preventive
adjective/prɪˈventɪv/
intended to stop something bad, especially illness, from happening
প্রতিরোধমূলক
Investment in preventive healthcare reduces the cost of treating chronic disease.
deterrent
noun/dɪˈterənt/
something that makes people decide not to do something, especially a crime
নিবৃত্তকারী; প্রতিরোধক
Heavy fines act as a deterrent to illegal dumping.
rehabilitation
noun/ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/
the process of helping someone, such as an offender, return to a normal, useful life
পুনর্বাসন
Prisons that focus on rehabilitation tend to have lower reoffending rates.
rote learning
noun phrase/ˌrəʊt ˈlɜːnɪŋ/
learning by repeating and memorising rather than understanding
মুখস্থবিদ্যা
Rote learning may help students pass exams, but it does little to develop critical thinking.
vocational
adjective/vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/
relating to the skills needed for a particular job
বৃত্তিমূলক
Vocational training can give school leavers skills that employers actually need.
digital divide
noun phrase/ˌdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/
the gap between people who have access to computers and the internet and those who do not
ডিজিটাল বৈষম্য
Cheap smartphones have helped to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
far-reaching
adjective/ˌfɑːˈriːtʃɪŋ/
having a great influence or effect on many people or things
সুদূরপ্রসারী
Automation will have far-reaching consequences for the garment industry.
Key takeaways
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