Grammatical range and accuracy in Writing55 min of study
This unit is ≈17% of the IELTS, across 5 lessons. Full syllabus
Lesson 4 of 5 · Writing Task 2 and the Writing criteria
Lexical resource in Writing
7 min read · about 55 min with practice3 quick checks≈3% of the testStretch: Stretch: harder material that separates the top grades
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Lexical Resource makes up a quarter of the band for each Writing task, and it is the criterion where memorised “impressive” vocabulary most often backfires. Examiners reward range, but only when it comes with precision: the right word, in the right collocation and form, spelled correctly and in a suitable register. This lesson shows what Band 7–9 vocabulary really looks like and how to produce it under time pressure.
By the end you’ll be able to
Use less common, precise vocabulary and natural collocations
Paraphrase the prompt and avoid repetition through synonyms and word-form changes
Control word formation and spelling
Avoid memorised phrases, forced idioms and register errors
What the exam asks
Examiners judge (in our words):
Range: enough different words to express ideas flexibly, without repeating the same general words.
Precision: words that say exactly what you mean.
Less common vocabulary used with awareness of style and collocation: the Band 7 threshold.
Word formation and spelling:economic or economical, benefit or beneficial, environment spelled correctly.
Register: formal or neutral vocabulary for essays, reports and formal letters, and natural informal vocabulary for letters to friends.
Band
What it typically looks like
5
Limited range, only just adequate; noticeable spelling and word-formation errors that cause some difficulty
6
Adequate range; less common words attempted, sometimes inaccurately; errors don’t block meaning
7
Enough range for some flexibility and precision; less common words used with awareness of style and collocation; occasional errors
8
Wide range used fluently and precisely; uncommon words handled skilfully; occasional slips in word choice; rare spelling errors
9
Wide, natural, sophisticated control; errors are rare slips
Not credited: wording copied from the prompt, and memorised phrases that don’t fit the context.
Core ideas
“Less common” does not mean obscure
Band 7+ vocabulary is mostly precise, mid-frequency academic and topic words. Think of sedentary lifestyles, affordable housing, curb emissions, financial incentive, disproportionately affect, long commutes and carbon footprint. Rare words forced into a sentence (plethora, myriad, quintessential) usually produce collocation or style errors and lower the band.
vii.Check your understanding
3 questions on lexical resource in Writing. Every option is explained once you answer.
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PromptCard 1 of 3
What does Lexical Resource Band 7 require, in one line?
Collocation is where Band 7 is won
A collocation is a word partnership that native writers use naturally. The meaning of a wrong collocation is often clear, but it is still an error.
Error
Natural collocation
make a crime
commit a crime
do a mistake
make a mistake
rise awareness
raise awareness
strong rain
heavy rain
make damage
cause damage
give a solution
offer / find a solution
play a role on
play a role in
big problem of pollution
serious / pressing problem of pollution
High-value topic collocations to use actively: pose a threat, meet demand, bridge the gap, impose a tax, tackle / address an issue, exert pressure, bring about change, a sharp rise, a marked contrast, widespread concern, compelling evidence, highly controversial.
Paraphrasing without distortion
Paraphrase the prompt once in your introduction, then use one consistent term. Four safe techniques:
Exact synonym:ban → prohibit; most people → the majority.
Word-form change:people who own cars → car ownership; to develop → development.
Structure change:Governments should fund X → Public funding of X.
Specific ↔ general:smartphones → mobile devices, but only if the meaning still fits.
Prompt wording
Accurate
Distorted (changes the task)
ban
prohibit, outlaw
limit, discourage
most people
the majority
everyone
children
young children, minors
young people (can include adults in their twenties)
should pay for
should fund / bear the cost of
should support
Key topic nouns (technology, education, tourism) may be repeated. There is often no exact synonym. What costs marks is repeating general words such as good, bad, big, problem and people because you lack alternatives.
Word formation
Family
Forms and traps
economy
economic (relating to the economy) vs economical (saving money)
Spelling errors in common topic words are noticed immediately: environment, government, accommodation, necessary, beneficial, advertisement, responsibility, commitment, occurred, until, business. British and American spellings are both accepted, but choose one and stay consistent (organise/organize, colour/color, programme/program).
Register
For essays, reports and formal letters, avoid kids, a lot of, stuff, get (as in get better), gonna and contractions. Neutral phrasal verbs such as set up, carry out and cut down on are fine. Forced idioms (a piece of cake, every cloud has a silver lining) and memorised openers (In this era of globalisation, it is a well-known fact that…) either count as inappropriate style or are simply not credited. In General Training informal letters, natural informal vocabulary is exactly what’s wanted.
Worked examples
Exam technique
Learn vocabulary by topic, as collocations: curb emissions, carbon footprint, renewable energy. Isolated words are much harder to use correctly.
Use only words whose collocation and spelling you are sure of. A precise common word scores higher than a misused rare one.
Paraphrase once, then stay consistent. Don’t rotate through near-synonyms that shift the meaning.
Swap vague words for precise ones as you write: good → beneficial, effective, worthwhile; big → substantial, severe, widespread, whichever matches the exact meaning.
Spend two to three minutes at the end on a lexical check: spelling of topic words, -ic/-al and noun/verb forms, register, and consistent British or American spelling.
Common mistakes
Quick recap
Lexical Resource rewards range with precision. Rare words used wrongly lower the band.
Band 7 depends on less common words used with awareness of style and collocation.
Learn topic vocabulary as collocations, and use them actively.
Paraphrase the prompt accurately, then keep one consistent term.
Control word families (-ic/-al, noun/verb/adjective) and the spelling of common topic words.
Keep the register formal or neutral for essays, and stay consistent with British or American spelling.