🎯 Objective
To help learners improve vocabulary range, accuracy, and appropriateness in describing data. This includes:
- Using synonyms and paraphrases
- Applying a range of verbs and adjectives for trends
- Avoiding repetition and basic word choices
📊 Task Description
The line graph below shows the percentage of people aged 65 and over in three countries (Japan, Sweden, USA) between 1940 and 2040.
(Assume Japan starts low, rises sharply after 2000; Sweden rises steadily; the USA rises gradually.)
📚 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Improve Lexical Resources
Understanding Lexical Resources
What is Lexical Resource? It measures your range and accuracy of vocabulary. For IELTS Task 1, this means using varied, precise, and appropriate words to describe data trends, comparisons, and patterns without repetition.
Basic (Band 4-5)
"goes up"
"a lot"
"the same"
Limited vocabulary, repetition
Good (Band 6-7)
"increases"
"significantly"
"remained stable"
Some variety, occasional repetition
Advanced (Band 8-9)
"escalated dramatically"
"witnessed substantial growth"
"exhibited remarkable stability"
Wide range, precise, natural
The 5 Key Areas for Lexical Excellence
1. 📈 Movement Verbs
Basic: go up, go down
Better: increase, decrease, rise, fall
Advanced: surge, plummet, escalate, decline
2. 📊 Degree Adverbs
Basic: a lot, a little
Better: significantly, slightly
Advanced: dramatically, marginally, substantially
3. 🎯 Precise Nouns
Basic: number, amount
Better: percentage, proportion
Advanced: proportion, share, segment
4. ⚖️ Comparison Words
Basic: more than, less than
Better: higher than, lower than
Advanced: exceeded, surpassed, lagged behind
5. 🔄 Synonyms & Paraphrases
Basic: Repetitive use of same words
Better: Some variety in vocabulary
Advanced: Natural variation, no repetition
Essential Vocabulary Bank
| Basic Word | Improved Alternatives | Advanced Options |
|---|---|---|
| goes up | increases, rises, grows | escalates, surges, climbs steadily |
| goes down | decreases, falls, drops | plummets, declines, diminishes |
| stays the same | remains stable, constant | exhibits stability, plateaus |
| a lot | significantly, considerably | dramatically, substantially |
| fast | rapidly, quickly | swiftly, at an accelerated pace |
Step-by-Step Improvement Strategy
Step 1: Identify Weak Vocabulary
Look for: repetitive words, basic adjectives/verbs, vague terms like "things," "stuff," "a lot"
Step 2: Use Precise Terminology
Replace "number" with "percentage," "proportion," or "figure" depending on context
Step 3: Vary Your Verbs
Don't use "increase" three times - use "rise," "grow," "climb" for variety
Step 4: Add Sophisticated Modifiers
Instead of "very big," use "substantial," "considerable," or "significant"
Step 5: Check for Natural Flow
Ensure your advanced vocabulary sounds natural, not forced or over-complicated
Common Lexical Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overusing basic words: "go up" appears 5 times
- ❌ Inappropriate register: "tons of people" (too informal)
- ❌ Incorrect collocations: "make a decrease" (should be "show a decrease")
- ❌ Vague quantifiers: "some," "many," "a lot" without precision
- ❌ Word form errors: "percentages increased" (should be "percentage increased")
🧩 Task: Improve Word Choice and Variety
Below is a basic student response with weak lexical resource. Click on the highlighted words to see better alternatives.
The graph shows how the percentage of people aged 65 and over goes up in Japan, Sweden, and the USA from 1940 to 2040. In 1940, Japan had the lowest number of elderly people. It stayed the same for many years, but then it went up a lot after 2000. Sweden and the USA also go up, but not as fast. By 2040, Japan has the most old people.
Progress: 0/8 words improved
✅ Improved Version with Advanced Lexical Resources
The graph illustrates how the percentage of people aged 65 and over increases in Japan, Sweden, and the USA from 1940 to 2040. In 1940, Japan had the smallest proportion of elderly people. It remained relatively stable for many years, but then it rose sharply after 2000. Sweden and the USA also experienced growth, but not as rapidly. By 2040, Japan is projected to have the highest percentage of elderly individuals.
🎯 Lexical Improvements Made:
- ✅ Varied movement verbs: increases, rises, experienced growth
- ✅ Precise quantifiers: smallest proportion, highest percentage
- ✅ Sophisticated adverbs: relatively, sharply, rapidly
- ✅ Natural paraphrasing: eliminated repetition
- ✅ Appropriate register: formal yet accessible
📚 Complete Lexical Resource Bank
📈 Upward Movement
- increase / rise / grow
- climb / escalate / surge
- advance / expand / soar
- rocket / skyrocket / boom
📉 Downward Movement
- decrease / fall / drop
- decline / diminish / reduce
- plummet / tumble / crash
- dip / slide / slump
➡️ Stability
- remain stable / stay constant
- plateau / level off
- maintain / hold steady
- exhibit stability
🎯 Degree Adverbs
- dramatically / significantly
- substantially / considerably
- slightly / marginally
- moderately / gradually
📊 Data Nouns
- percentage / proportion
- figure / statistic
- share / segment
- ratio / fraction
⚖️ Comparison
- exceed / surpass
- outpace / overtake
- lag behind / trail
- comparable to / similar to