Why Collocations Are the Secret to a 7.0+ on IELTS
A promotional blog graphic for A-1 English School featuring the title “Why Collocations Are the Secret to a 7.0+ on IELTS.” The design includes an IELTS preparation book, checklist, and common English collocations such as heavy traffic, make a decision, climate change, and mental health, highlighting the importance of natural vocabulary combinations for achieving a higher IELTS band score.
Why Collocations Are the Secret to a 7.0+ on IELTS
Real English. Real Confidence.
If you want a higher score on the IELTS exam, grammar is not enough.
You need natural English.
One of the fastest ways to sound natural in IELTS Writing and Speaking is by mastering collocations.
What Is a Collocation?
A collocation is a natural word combination that native speakers use automatically.
For example:
We say:
make a decision
take a risk
heavy traffic
strong opinion
We do NOT say:
❌ do a decision
❌ make a risk
❌ big traffic
❌ powerful opinion
Even if the grammar is correct, unnatural word combinations reduce your Lexical Resource score.
Why Collocations Matter in IELTS
IELTS examiners listen for:
Natural vocabulary
Accurate word combinations
Flexible topic vocabulary
Less repetition
Strong collocations make your English sound fluent and confident.
That’s how students move from Band 6.5 to 7.0+.
High-Frequency IELTS Collocations by Topic
Education
higher education
academic performance
gain qualifications
meet requirements
practical skills
lifelong learning
Example:
Many students pursue higher education to gain practical skills.
Environment
climate change
environmental issues
reduce pollution
renewable energy
carbon emissions
natural resources
Example:
Governments must reduce carbon emissions to address climate change.
Technology
technological advances
social media platforms
access information
online privacy
digital communication
automation systems
Example:
Technological advances have changed the way we access information.
Health
balanced diet
mental health
physical activity
public health
medical treatment
health care system
Example:
Regular physical activity improves mental health.
How to Study Collocations Effectively
Don’t memorize single words.
Instead:
✅ Learn vocabulary in natural pairs
✅ Write full example sentences
✅ Practice speaking them aloud
✅ Notice them when reading articles
If you only study isolated words, your English will sound unnatural.
If you study collocations, your English will sound fluent.
✏️ Practice Exercises
Take 15–20 minutes and complete these before checking the answers.
Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Collocation
Governments should ______ pollution.
a) make
b) reduce
c) createMany people suffer from ______ health problems.
a) strong
b) heavy
c) mentalStudents must ______ exams to graduate.
a) pass
b) succeed
c) overcomeSocial media has a ______ impact on society.
a) big
b) strong
c) heavy
Exercise 2 – Fix the Mistake
Correct the unnatural collocation:
do a decision
powerful traffic
make homework
big pollution
strong rain
Exercise 3 – IELTS Writing Practice
Write one paragraph answering this question:
Some people believe technology has improved our lives, while others think it has caused problems. Discuss both views.
Use at least 5 collocations from today’s lesson.
✅ Answer Key
Exercise 1
b) reduce pollution
c) mental health problems
a) pass exams
b) strong impact
Exercise 2
make a decision
heavy traffic
do homework
serious pollution or reduce pollution (depending on sentence)
heavy rain
Exercise 3
There is no single correct answer. However, your paragraph should:
Include at least 5 correct collocations
Avoid unnatural combinations
Use topic-specific vocabulary
Show clear organization
If you're unsure, compare your paragraph with model IELTS essays and check whether your word combinations sound natural.
Final Advice
Collocations are one of the clearest differences between Band 6 and Band 7+ students.
It’s not about using difficult vocabulary.
It’s about using natural combinations automatically.
Train yourself to think in phrases, not single words.
That’s how real fluency develops.
Want Personalized IELTS Feedback?
If you're preparing for IELTS and want:
Speaking correction
Writing feedback with band estimates
A structured study plan
Help reaching 7.0+
👉 [Book a private 1-on-1 lesson ]at A-1 English School
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