Top 7 Collocations Types For IELTS: Collocation Examples Sentences

Collocation, an important part of the English language, has a significant role in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The correct use of collocation will help improve IELTS scores. As per the IELTS band requirement, applicants should use less common lexical terms with some awareness of collocations. 

When non-native English speakers use collocations correctly in the writing section, they can prove their proficiency in the English language like a native speaker. If you want an abroad education and aim to score high in the IELTS speaking and writing sections, you must use collocations accurately.

Collocations combine two or more definite words to make a phrase that makes appropriate sense. While communicating, correct usage of collocations makes interaction smooth, accurate, and fluent. Especially for writing task 2, the test takers should use collocations correctly to ace the writing test. 

The easiest way to be proficient in collocation for IELTS is by reading English regularly.

Collocations combine two or more definite words to make a phrase so that it makes appropriate sense. While communicating correct usage of collocations makes interaction smooth, accurate, and fluent. Especially for writing task 2, the test takers should use collocations correctly to ace the writing test. The easiest way to be proficient in collocation for IELTS is by reading English regularly. 

Important Collocations for IELTS Examination

• Have: have fun, have a blast, have a phone, have food, and have breakfast.
• Make: make your bed, why don’t you make your breakfast? make some tea, make your food.
• Do: do your homework before you sleep, do it right now, do get up early.
• Take: take a bite from me, take your pen, take a bath, take a knife.
• Keep: keep your bag off, keep it on the desk, keep a smile on your face.
• Get: get it done, get married, get off, get ready.
• Go: go out, go home, go to school.

How Do I Learn Collocations to Get IELTS Band 8 Score

Mastering collocations is essential to achieve an IELTS Band 8 score, as they significantly contribute to the Lexical Resource criterion. Here are some strategies to learn collocations effectively:

1.  Understand Collocations: Recognize that collocations are words frequently occurring together in a language. For example, 'make a decision' or 'fast food' are common collocations in English.

2. Use Official Resources: Utilize official IELTS resources to learn collocations. The IELTS website provides articles and examples of collocations that can help you understand how they are used in context.

3. Practice With Real Examples: Look for collocations in authentic English texts, such as newspapers, books, and academic articles. This will help you see how collocations are used naturally by native speakers.

4. Learn in Context: Instead of memorizing lists of words, learn collocations within the context of sentences or paragraphs. This will help you remember them better and use them correctly.

5. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with collocations on one side and their meanings or example sentences on the other. Regularly review these flashcards to reinforce your memory.

6. Engage in Conversations: Practice using collocations in conversation with native speakers or through language exchange programs. This will give you practical experience and help you become more fluent.

7. Write Regularly: Incorporate new collocations into your writing exercises. Writing essays or journal entries using these collocations can improve your ability to use them accurately.

8. Review and Reflect: After practicing, review the collocations you've learned and reflect on how they can be applied in different contexts.

Remember, consistency is key when learning new language elements like collocations. Regular practice and exposure to the language will help you achieve a higher band score for Lexical Resource.

List of 30 Important Collocations for IELTS Writing Task 2

Here is a list of important collocations for your IELTS preparation from various genres like sports, employment, traveling, environment, etc.

1. Performance Enhancers
2. Olympic Event
3. Predictive Powers
4. Financial Incentives
5. Save Environment
6. Internal Politics
7. Understanding of Concept
8. Middle-income Countries
9. Patriarchal Society
10. Developing World
11. Internship Experience
12. Qualified Graduates
13. Refugee Group
14. International Community
15. Western Countries
16. International Affairs
17. Brainstorming
18. Wars and Civil Unrest
19. Secondary Education
20. Energy Efficiency
21. Business Models
22. Training Academy
23. Cultural Understanding
24. Business Opportunities
25. Eye Witness
26. Foreign Culture
27. Bedroom Culture
28. Social Skills
29. High Cholesterol 
30. Addictive Nature

Examples of Using Collocation for IELTS

• IELTS examiner: Can you tell us about your morning regime? 
• Candidate: Well, I maintain a healthy schedule. I usually wake up by 8 in the morning. I have my breakfast, do my dishes, get dressed up, then leave around 9 in the morning
• Tell us about your plans after completion of your study? 
• Well, I plan to get a job at a reputed firm. After which, I wish to get married in 2-3 years and settle down with my family

Types of Collocations in the English language

• Adverb + Adjective
• Noun+ Noun
• Verb+ Noun
• Collocations that come with have, make and take 
• Adjective Or Noun
• Verb+ Adverb
• Noun+ Verb

Here are examples:

1. Adverb + Adjective

• I was utterly shocked by the way he behaved with me 
• Leaving the examination in the middle was a stupid decision taken 
• I am totally satisfied with a band 8 in IELTS
• It is pretty worrying to find the new rules imposed on traveling
• She is extremely interested in meeting me
• I booked an elite decorated apartment for the birthday party
• Are you completely aware of what you are doing to yourself? 

2. Adjective + Noun

• The heavy snowfall got us delayed in reaching our destination
• Considering his health conditions, he was advised to walk for 30 minutes every day
• I always found my sister to show a keen interest when it comes to studying in the US
• It was a bit of invaluable advice that I did not use for the examination
• It was an amazing idea to visit a foreign destination during Christmas

3. Noun + Noun

• She paid huge money for a round of soft drinks
• They get paid to work in the service industry
• Without a building permit, you cannot build the property

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

4. Noun + Verb

• Her mother paid her a compliment for singing a song so well
• All the applicants were doubtful about the question that was discussed during the last session
• It was the 50th anniversary of his parents, so he took them to watch a movie
• The government is very serious when it comes to the rising level of pollution
• I made a late appointment to see my oncologist
• Non-native English speakers always make an effort to get more than 8 bands in IELTS

5. Verb + Noun

• The prisoner was hanged for committing murder
• Get something to drink for yourself
• Always get some time for yourself to enjoy
• The nurse died out of poverty 

6. Verb + Adverb

• The hotel supervisor complained bitterly regarding the bad behavior of the manager
• Guests should be given warm welcome whenever there is a party
• Rohit spoke loudly and shouted at his father for the entire time over the call. 
• Jack whispered very softly in Jill’s ears

7. Collocation with have, take, or make

• Make mistake
• Have a conversation
• Have a job interview
• Have a headache
• Take a shower
• Take care
• Take a survey
• Take advice
• Take medicine
• Make a wish
• Make salad
• Make breakfast
• Take a picture
• Have a baby
• Have an illness

Common Mistakes: Using Collocations in IELTS Writing Test

When preparing for the Writing Test, avoiding common mistakes in Collocation for IELTS is essential. Here are some key points to remember:

Avoid repetition: Use synonyms and antonyms to demonstrate a broad vocabulary.

Use formal language: Employ formal language in all tasks to show proficiency.

Use precise vocabulary: Choose specific words for clarity and precision.

Avoid abbreviations: Write out full words to ensure clear communication.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your language skills and improve your IELTS scores. Remember effective use of collocations is a sign of language mastery.

Importance of Collocation For IELTS Applicants

• While taking the IELTS test, non-native English-speaking applicants should prioritize sounding like native English speakers. The proper usage of collocation will surely keep the language flow natural so that the interviewer can comprehend everything you speak. 
• While taking the IELTS speaking test, applicants use collocations to draft the answers with the right words to express themselves. Collocations enhance the vocabulary so that you can express emotions or situations with different alternatives. In a way, you get to deliver winning answers. 
• Students need to be sure about the collocations they use while taking the speaking test, to improve IELTS band and English language proficiency. C stands for collocations, and that is an important marking criterion. 
• Speak naturally with collocations. They make your English more idiomatic and sound similar and proficient like a native speaker. 
• Collocations improve oral communication skills, comprehension, reading speed, and fluency in non-native English speakers, and eventually, they perform well in the IELTS test.

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