GET 7-9 in IELTS Speaking #6 Synonyms 1

Synonyms are different words that have a similar meaning.

For example, how would you describe a town like this?

Most candidates would use words like 'beautiful', 'nice' or 'pretty'. These are very common words. A more advanced learner might use a less common synonym such as 'picturesque'.'Picturesque' means very pretty like a painting.

To get a very high band in the IELTS Speaking test, it helps to use some less common synonyms in your answers. Now you don't have to use them in every sentence, but it helps to use some vocabulary like this in the test.

Adjective : appropriate
Less common synonyms : suitable, right
Examples of use : a suitable gift for a birthday, the right moment.

Adjective : bad (harmful)
Less common synonyms : detrimental, harmful, damaging d
Examples of use : detrimental for the environment

Adjective : bad (unpleasant)
Less common synonyms : nasty, unpleasant, annoying, dreadful (= very bad)
Examples of use : a dreadful holiday

Adjective : banned
Less common synonyms :  forbidden, outlawed
Examples of use : I think smoking should be forbidden.

Adjective : beautiful (view)
Less common synonyms :  scenic, breathtaking, wonderful, picturesque
Examples of use : a picturesque little village  a breathtaking view, scenic places.

Adjective : beautiful (person)
Less common synonyms :  attractive, gorgeous, good-looking
Examples of use : a gorgeous woman/man, He is very good-looking.

Adjective : big
Less common synonyms :  large, sizeable, substantial, vast/ enormous (= very big)
Examples of use : a substantial improvement

Adjective : boring
Less common synonyms :  dull, uninteresting, uninspiring
Examples of use : an uninspiring book / a dull job

Adjective : busy
Less common synonyms :  hectic, overloaded
Examples of use : My job can be very hectic at times.

Adjective : cheap
Less common synonyms :  inexpensive, affordable, low-cost
Examples of use : Flats in my country are rather inexpensive these days, a low-cost means of transport

Adjective : compulsory
Less common synonyms :  obligatory, mandatory
Examples of use : Using the Internet for research should be mandatory for students.