Vocabulary is evaluated on how specifically, accurately, and naturally you use English in everyday situations. A high score requires word choices that are suitable for the context and go well beyond the language already provided in the test prompt.
1. General Strategies for Both Tasks
Avoid Copying the Prompt
Raters look for your ability to use your own words. Instead of repeating phrases like "local public library," use more specific or varied terms like "the library branch on Elm Street" or "municipal service."
Use Precise Details
Replacing general nouns with specific ones significantly improves your score.
General (Lower Score) | Precise (Higher Score) |
|---|---|
food | main entrée / veal cutlet |
bad | extremely disappointing / inedible / bland |
books | fiction and non-fiction titles |
new building | modern facility / state-of-the-art infrastructure |
close to my house | within walking distance |
Use Natural Collocations
High-level responses use words that naturally go together in English. Study these examples and use them in your own responses.
Natural Collocation | Context |
|---|---|
Within walking distance | Describing location |
Avid reader | Describing a person's habit |
Perfect solution | Recommending an option |
At your earliest convenience | Polite request in an email |
I second your suggestion | Agreeing in a survey |
Satisfactory resolution | Requesting a fix in a complaint |
Be Concise
Avoid wordy or clunky constructions that delay your point.
Wordy | Concise |
|---|---|
The reason I am writing this email to you today is because I have a problem with... | I am writing to express my concerns regarding... |
I want to tell you about something that happened | I would like to provide you with details regarding... |
2. Level 8 vs. Level 10 Phrasing
The key difference between Level 8 and Level 10 is the shift from general, functional language to natural, precise, and sophisticated expressions.
Feature | Level 8 Phrasing | Level 10 Phrasing |
|---|---|---|
Agreement | I agree with your idea. | I second your suggestion. |
Observation | I saw people doing this. | I have overheard a conversation and observed this firsthand. |
Describing a solution | This is a good way to fix it. | This could very well be the perfect solution. |
Describing location | It is close to my house. | It is within walking distance. |
Describing a collection | The library has a big collection of books. | The library offers an extensive range of both fiction and non-fiction titles. |
Tone in complaint | Why will we not get to enjoy this time? | I am concerned that we might not have sufficient time to enjoy the facilities. |
3. Task 1 — Email Word Choice
Professional Openings Using the 5 W's
Anchor your purpose statement with precise language that establishes the Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
Informal / Lower Score | Professional / Higher Score |
|---|---|
I want to tell you about a bad meal. | Yesterday evening, my family and I dined at your restaurant to celebrate a high school graduation, and I would like to provide details regarding our disappointing experience. |
Descriptive Adjectives
Add precision and interest with specific adjectives. For example, instead of "my son," write "my teenage son."
Softening Language for Complaints
Use modal verbs like "would" and "might" to keep your tone professional even when expressing dissatisfaction.
Too Direct / Aggressive | Softened & Professional |
|---|---|
Give me a refund. | I respectfully request a satisfactory resolution. |
You need to fix this. | I would appreciate it if this matter could be addressed promptly. |
We won't have enough time. | I am concerned that we might not have sufficient time to enjoy the facilities. |
This is the only solution. | This would be an ideal solution for the community. |
4. Task 2 — Survey Word Choice
Assertive Opinion Phrases
Use strong but respectful phrases to show confidence in your position.
Basic | Assertive & Professional |
|---|---|
I think this is good. | I firmly believe this would greatly benefit the community. |
I agree with this. | I strongly encourage the implementation of this option. |
This is better. | I second your suggestion and would like to elaborate on its advantages. |
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
Match your vocabulary to the subject of the survey. For example, if the topic is a park, use words like "recreational facility," "accessible outdoor leisure area," or "municipal service" rather than simply saying "the park."
5. Word Choice Errors to Avoid
Problematic Phrase | Why to Avoid It | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
"At last" | Implies a long, frustrating wait — inappropriate for listing a final point | Finally / Lastly / One final consideration |
"According to me" | Not a natural English expression | In my opinion / I believe |
"Last but not least" | Too informal and idiomatic for a formal survey or professional email | Finally / Most importantly |
"On the other hand" (to add a new reason) | Only used to contrast a positive and negative about the same subject | Furthermore / In addition / Another key reason |
Sarcastic questions (e.g., "How are we supposed to enjoy this?") | Lowers Task Fulfillment score — sounds aggressive and unprofessional | State facts objectively and use modal verbs to soften concerns |