Want to jump from Band 6 to Band 7? Use collocations. These are word combinations that native speakers use together. Examiners notice when you use them correctly.
What Are Collocations?
Collocation = two words that go together naturally.
- ✓ Correct: "take measures" or "take action"
- ❌ Wrong: "make measures" or "do action"
They're wrong because native speakers don't say them that way. You can't translate word-by-word. You have to learn them as chunks.
20 Essential Collocations for Task 2 Essays
Expressing Agreement/Disagreement
- I tend to agree that... (not "I agree that")
- It could be argued that... (not "I think that")
- There is strong evidence that...
- It is widely accepted that...
- The consensus is that...
Presenting Arguments
- Take measures (not "make measures")
- Bring about change (not "make change")
- Play a role (not "play an important part")
- Have an impact on (not "have influence on")
- Take into account (not "think about")
Describing Problems/Solutions
- Address the issue (not "solve the problem")
- Tackle the problem
- Rise to the challenge (not "face the challenge")
- Alleviate pressure (not "reduce pressure")
- Shed light on (not "explain")
Showing Cause/Effect
- Give rise to (not "cause")
- Lead to
- As a consequence (not "so")
- Result in
- Bring about
Quantifying/Intensifying
- To a great extent (not "very much")
- By and large (not "mostly")
- On the whole
- To some degree
- For the most part
20 Collocations for Education Essays
- Impart knowledge (not "give knowledge")
- Broaden horizons
- Expand the mind
- Acquire skills (not "learn skills")
- Foster creativity
- Nurture talent
- Pursue education
- Delve into a subject (not "study deeply")
- Develop critical thinking
- Equip students with (not "give students")
- Academic rigor
- Lifelong learning
- Cultivate interest
- Instill values
- Undertake research (not "do research")
- Engage with material (not "learn material")
- Get to grips with (not "understand")
- Master the subject
- Reap the benefits (not "get the benefits")
- Capitalize on opportunities
20 Collocations for Technology/Environment Essays
- Harness technology (not "use technology")
- Technological advancement
- Cutting-edge technology
- Drive innovation
- Pave the way for (not "make possible")
- Environmental degradation
- Deplete resources (not "use up")
- Sustainability concerns
- Mitigate climate change
- Go green or Adopt green practices
- Preserve biodiversity
- Curb emissions (not "reduce")
- Renewable energy
- Carbon footprint
- Ecological balance
- Waste management
- Pollute the environment
- Ecological damage
- Safeguard nature
- Sustainable development
20 Collocations for Social/Health Essays
- Social inequality or social disparity
- Socioeconomic status
- Combat poverty (not "fight poverty")
- Vulnerable population
- Healthcare system
- Public health
- Life expectancy
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Mental wellbeing
- Physical fitness
- Chronic disease
- Preventative care
- Health crisis
- Nutritional value
- Quality of life
- Promote wellbeing
- Enhance health
- Social cohesion
- Community support
- Welfare system
How to Use Collocations (Don't Memorize!)
⚠️ Don't just memorize a list. You need to understand when to use each collocation and practice using them in sentences.
Step 1: Understand the meaning
"Harness technology" means "use technology effectively." It's stronger than "use" alone.
Step 2: Use in a sentence
"Nations should harness technology to tackle climate change."
Step 3: Practice using it naturally
Write 3 sentences using "harness technology" until it feels natural.
Quick Reference Table
| Instead of... | Use... |
|---|---|
| I think | It could be argued that / tend to agree |
| Very important | Play a crucial role / have significant impact |
| So/Therefore | As a consequence / subsequently |
| Use technology | Harness technology / leverage technology |
| Reduce pollution | Curb emissions / mitigate environmental damage |
Practice Task
Write a quick Task 2 paragraph (150-200 words) using at least 5 collocations from the list above. Focus on making them sound natural, not forced.
Want feedback? Submit your paragraph for correction → (CA$15)
Key Takeaway
Collocations = naturally occurring word pairs. Native speakers use them without thinking. IELTS examiners notice when you use them correctly. Learning collocations is one of the fastest ways to jump from Band 6 to Band 7.
Where to practice: Check out our vocabulary lessons for more collocation-rich content.