IELTS Energy English 7+

IE 1537: Do You Know a Plethora of IELTS Vocabulary?

Nov 11, 2025
Diving into IELTS vocabulary, the hosts reveal ten intriguing alternatives to 'a lot' to enhance speaking and writing scores. They explain why varied vocabulary is key to demonstrating advanced English skills. Discover formal terms like 'plethora' and 'abundance', along with casual phrases such as 'loads' and 'gobs'. Learn tips for integrating 'myriad' into essay templates, and get practical methods to activate new vocabulary. The focus is on building a flexible vocabulary to express 'a lot of' effectively across various IELTS tasks.
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ANECDOTE

Hosts Model Informal Usage Live

  • Lindsay said 'tons' when asked about her to-do list, giving a natural example of informal speech.
  • Aubrey noted using such informal phrases during mock speaking tests is common among students.
INSIGHT

Range Beats Repetition For Higher Bands

  • A band 7+ vocabulary score requires a range of formal and informal expressions plus rarer words and idioms.
  • Repeating 'a lot' won't demonstrate the lexical variety examiners expect for higher bands.
ADVICE

Use Formal Alternatives For Academic Parts

  • Use formal synonyms like 'a plethora of' in IELTS Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2 to sound more academic.
  • Avoid using 'a lot of' in formal answers and replace it with these higher-scoring alternatives.
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