Importance of using collocations in the IELTS exam

Introduction

Collocations are word combinations in a language that frequently occur together and have become established as natural and idiomatic expressions. They involve the pairing of words that often appear alongside each other due to common usage and linguistic conventions. These are characterized by the fact that the combination of words creates a specific meaning or connotation that may not be easily inferred from the individual words alone. This article delves deep into this topic and showcases their profound impact on IELTS. Let’s start with the significance of collocation and the power it holds over your IELTS score. 

Significance of collocations in IELTS 

Collocations are highly significant in the IELTS exam as they demonstrate vocabulary range, accuracy, and lexical resource. Effective use of these words and phrases enhances coherence and cohesion in writing and speaking, while idiomatic collocations contribute to fluency and authenticity. Besides, understanding and using such words aid in the comprehension of reading and listening materials.

For instance, we use the word ‘brush’ in collocation as ‘brush your teeth,’ not ‘clean your teeth.’ It is the pairing of words that seem to belong together. A non-native speaker might not find the difference significant, but an IELTS examiner would see the first expression as more accurate and natural. 

Various types of collocations and their examples 

The realm of collocation is vast, encapsulating different combinations and a wide variety of words. Here are a few types and examples of the same: 

Verb + noun

This type involves a specific verb paired with a noun to create a meaningful combination. It highlights the action or process associated with the noun.

Example: ‘Take a shower’ instead of  ‘Do a shower.’ 

Adjective + noun

It involves an adjective modifying or describing a particular noun. This combination provides a more precise and vivid description of the noun.

Example: ‘Heavy rain’ instead of ‘big rain.’ 

Noun + verb

It features a noun as the subject or object of a verb, emphasizing the action or behavior related to the noun. 

Example: ‘Dogs bark’ instead of ‘dogs say.’ 

Adverb + adjective

Adverb + adjective collocations involve an adverb modifying an adjective to convey a specific degree or intensity. This combination adds further detail or emphasis to the adjective.

Example: ‘Fully aware’ instead of ‘totally aware.’ 

Practicing these examples can help refine your English proficiency, bolstering your chances of achieving a higher IELTS band score. Refer to a collocation list or exercises for more comprehensive practice.

How to improve your collocation skills for IELTS? 

Improving your collocation skills doesn’t happen overnight, but there are strategies that can speed up the process. Therefore, we have listed some best strategies for you to refer to-  

Read regularly

Reading exposes you to a plethora of collocation examples. Your reading list can range from academic articles, which are in tune with the IELTS themes, to fiction books, newspapers, and magazines. 

Use a collocation dictionary

This tool can help you understand which words fit together naturally. Moreover, it provides information about the frequency and usage of word combinations in English. 

Practice writing and speaking

Incorporate the collocations you’ve learned for IELTS into your writing and speaking practice. The more you use them, the more ingrained they become in your language use. 

Speaking

Fluently incorporating collocations into your spoken English can greatly impress the examiner and significantly enhance your score in the IELTS exam. Rather than simply using generic word combinations, such as “big disappointment,” mastering adjective-noun pairs like “bitter disappointment” can make your speech more compelling and sophisticated. These carefully selected word pairs demonstrate your mastery of the language and showcase a deeper understanding of nuanced expressions.

Writing

Proper use of such words can enhance the coherence and sophistication of your writing. For instance, knowing noun-verb collocation examples like ‘traffic congestion’ instead of ‘traffic problem’ can make a big difference.

Learn collocations in context

Instead of memorizing a collocation words list, learn them within sentences or contexts. This method is more effective as it ensures better retention and correct usage of collocation words. 

Common mistakes while using collocations and how to avoid them 

Even the most competent English learners can stumble when it comes to collocations. Here are some common mistakes that you can avoid and score well.

Using the wrong verb

Understanding the appropriate verbs that naturally pair with certain nouns is the key to effectively using collocations. 

Example: Using the phrase “do a decision” may seem logically plausible, but it is actually grammatically incorrect. The appropriate verb choice, in this case, is “make a decision.”

Using the wrong preposition

Prepositions are crucial in forming collocations, and using the wrong one can lead to miscommunication and less fluent language usage. 

Example: Using the phrase ‘dependent of’ may seem logically plausible, but it is actually grammatically incorrect. The appropriate proposition, in this case, is ‘on’ instead of ‘of.’ Hence the correct phrase is ‘dependent on.’ 

Online resources for practice 

Online resources can offer extensive practice for understanding and using collocations for IELTS. Here are some resources that you can refer to and score well in IELTS-

• Oxford collocations dictionary: A comprehensive tool that shows how English words combine together.
• Corpus Concordance English (COCA): This resource provides collocation example sentences based on the largest corpus of American English. 
• Flax learning collocation: An interactive platform that offers collocation exercises using materials from various sources. 

Key takeaways 

• Using collocations effectively can elevate your performance in all four sections of the IELTS exam – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Common mistakes in using these words often involve using the wrong verb or preposition. Regular practice and exposure to English can help avoid these errors. 
• Online resources such as the Oxford Collocations Dictionary and COCA provide extensive practice and exposure to collocation example sentences. 
• The effective use of such words not only boosts your IELTS score but also improves your overall English language proficiency. 

Whether your goal is to ace the IELTS exam or enhance your English language proficiency, harnessing the power of collocation is undeniably essential. If you require further assistance with your test preparation, then feel free to reach out to us.

Liked this blog? Read more: Learn How to Prepare for IELTS Exam | 5 expert tips 

FAQs 

Q1: How do collocations improve performance in different sections of the IELTS exam? 

Answer: In the listening and reading sections, recognizing collocations can speed up comprehension. In the writing section, the correct use of collocations can enhance the coherence and sophistication of your essay. In the speaking section, fluent use of collocations can impress the examiner and lead to a higher band score. 

Q2: Are there specific collocations I should prioritize for the IELTS exam? 

Answer: It is beneficial to prioritize collocations related to the IELTS exam topics and vocabulary. Reviewing sample questions and essays, as well as studying topic-specific vocabulary lists, can help you identify and practice relevant word pairs that are commonly used in the exam. 

Q3: Can I learn collocations by studying word lists?

Answer: Studying word lists can be a helpful starting point to familiarize yourself with collocations, but it is important to go beyond mere memorization. To truly internalize and understand these words, it is recommended to explore authentic English materials, such as books, articles, and podcasts, which provide real-life examples of how collocations are used in context. This exposure will help you grasp the natural usage and nuances of collocations more effectively.