Written by Gabriela Estrada

If you want to surprise your examiner in language proficiency tests, like the IELTS or the CELPIP, and be proud of a superior level of English, don't think twice about working with a thesaurus. thesaurus. This tool is very effective in enriching vocabulary and is the perfect aid for discovering and mastering words at a higher assigned level, from the basic A1 to the coveted C2, which can drastically influence your final result.

The more advanced vocabulary you use, the better your score and the better your chances of finding jobs for bilinguals, getting into top universities and even emigrating to another country. That's why today we will talk about the thesaurus as a key tool to raise your IELTS score. Let's get started!

What is a thesaurus?

Etymologically, thesaurus means treasury and, in the context of the English language, it embodies the idea of a "valuable store of terms". A thesaurus is a terminology control tool used to organize and standardize the vocabulary used in a specific field of knowledge.

Main characteristics of the thesaurus:

• The vocabulary is controlled and controlled and structured, It is not limited to a simple list of single words, but establishes relationships between the establishes relationships between terms, which helps to associate words with situations.
• It consists of preferred and non-preferred terms, i.e. it indicates which is the recommended term (descriptor) and which are its synonyms or non-preferred variants (non-descriptors or forwarding entries). This is valuable for representing a concept in an exam question and avoiding the use of a word that is not sufficiently adapted to the context.
• It offers unification of the way in which concepts are expressed, which avoids ambiguities and inconsistencies. 
• In the language test, the thesaurus is of enormous value!

How to use the thesaurus to raise your IELTS score?

The thesaurus works by replacing common words we use every day with more sophisticated synonyms. This demonstrates a broad and accurate lexicon, which is well appreciated by IELTS examiners. For example:

• Instead of writing: "They spent a big amount of time getting the engine into perfect condition".
• Try with: "They spent an immense amount of time getting the engine into perfect condition".

Although it may seem like a small change, testers note it as a big difference, because. "big" is a basic level word, while "immense reaches C1, and it is this that reflects a superior command of the language.

Thesaurus step-by-step in your IELTS preparation

To get the most out of the thesaurus during its preparation, focus on these areas:

• Improving the level

Identify common common words that you use repeatedly in your writing and speaking. Think of terms such as "good," "bad," "happy," "important," "big," "small," "many," "a lot of," "a lot of," "a lot of.". These words are functional, but do not demonstrate an advanced level.

• Step by step:

• When writing essays or practicing Speaking, underline the basic words you use.
• Search for those words in a thesaurus (online or physical).
• Select synonyms with a higher higher proficiency level (B2, C1, C2) that fit in the context of your that fit the context of your sentence. Practical example:

• Instead of: "The city has many problems".
• Use the thesaurus to find alternatives to "many": "numerous" (B2), "myriad" (C1), "a plethora of" (C2).
• Enhanced: "The city faces numerous challenges." or "The city is plagued by a myriad of issues."

• Paraphrasing 

Apply your paraphrasing skills in the section on Speaking (expand on your ideas), or in the section Writing Task 1 (describing graphs - in IELTS Academic; writing formal and informal letters - in IELTS General). In these sections, the thesaurus will allow you to rewrite sentences and concepts using different vocabulary and without altering the meaning, this is essential to avoid repetition and demonstrate fluency.

• Step by step:

• Take a sample sentence from a text or a test question.
• Identify the key words and search for them in the thesaurus.
• Replace those words with appropriate synonyms. Practical example:

• Original sentence: "The chart shows the changes in global temperatures".
• With the thesaurus:
 

• "shows" → "illustrates" (B2), "depicts" (C1), "highlights" (B2).

• "changes" → "fluctuations" (C1), "variations" (B2), "shifts" (B2).

 
• Paraphrased: "The chart illustrates the fluctuations in global temperatures".

• Improved argumentation

In the Writing Task 2 (essay) and in the Speaking Part 3 (abstract questions), you need to argue and express complex ideas. The thesaurus equips you with the right vocabulary to articulate your thoughts in a more orderly and convincing way.

• Step by step:

• When practicing your arguments, think of words that elevate the quality of your statements.
• Find synonyms for opinion verbs, descriptive adjectives and abstract nouns. Practical example:

• Instead of: "I think it is important to protect the environment."

• With the thesaurus: "important" → "crucial" (B1), "imperative" (C1), "paramount" (C2).

• Improved: "I believe it is imperative to safeguard the environment".

Recommendations during IELTS preparation

The most important thing when preparing for the IELTS test is to know the format of the test. With mock tests, you can have a clear reference of what the real test will be like. During study, you need to actively integrate the newly learned words into your routine. To do this:

• Explore the thesaurus daily, and each time you use a simple word, look for more advanced synonyms and write them down.

• Know the language levels (A1-C2). While you don't need to memorize every classification, keep in mind that words such as "enormous" (B1), "huge" (B1), "vast" (B2), "massive" (B2), or "immense" (C1) are much more effective than "big".

• Practice active substitution. Don't just read words, use them and incorporate the new terms in your daily oral and written communication.

• Focus on accuracy. The thesaurus is not just for finding "sophisticated or rhetorical" words, it is for finding the exact word that conveys your idea most clearly.

• Review your common mistakes. Identify the words that you repeat the most or that are too generic in your speech or writing. These are your prime candidates for improvement with the thesaurus.

That's as far as I'll go with you for today. I hope you find this information helpful and take the time to prepare and work consistently with a thesaurus. thesaurus. In this way, you will see how your IELTS score will increase significantly.

Want more strategies and tips to raise your IELTS score? Explore our IELTS preparation course and get the score you need in any of the certifications.

At our language school, Planeta Immiland, we teach English focused on work, academics, daily life and for emigration to any English speaking country, especially Canada. Contact us at and we can help you with whatever you need.

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education