This myth has been debunked countless times by teachers and creators. Many learners believe that to score high in IELTS, they must master endless lists of advanced vocabulary.
Yes, moving from band 6.0 to 7.0 requires enough vocabulary to discuss both familiar and unfamiliar topics, plus a handle on natural collocations and the occasional less common word.
But collocations are far easier to control than obscure vocabulary—and you already know many of them without realising it. A collocation is simply a set of words native speakers tend to use together, like:
- An adjective that naturally goes with a certain noun.
- A verb that pairs with a specific object.
- An adverb that commonly modifies a particular adjective.
These combinations rarely rely on fancy words. When you slot them together correctly, you sound natural and sophisticated at the same time. With solid collocation skills, band 7.0 is absolutely within reach—no extreme word-hoarding required.
So instead of chasing ever-harder vocabulary, revisit what you already know and learn how to combine it more effectively. This approach delivers faster results and is far more sustainable than cramming rare words you’ll never use.
Think of your vocabulary like a storeroom that’s overflowing with great tools. You already own plenty, but you’ve forgotten where everything is. Rather than rushing out to buy new gear, spend time organising, rediscovering, and optimising what’s already there. It saves time, it’s cheaper, and it keeps your “house” tidy.
Bottom line: focus on using vocabulary naturally and effectively, instead of piling on “impressive” words that never make it into real conversations.