Essential English Collocations for Academic Writing: Boost Your IELTS Score

If you’ve ever read a Band 7+ IELTS essay, you probably noticed something: the words just fit together naturally. The writer didn’t throw in random “big” words like delve or paradigm. Instead, they used combinations that native speakers instinctively reach for. These are collocations – words that often go together.

And here’s the thing: examiners reward them. The IELTS Writing Task 2 rubric has a category called “Lexical Resource.” Get your collocations right, and you sound fluent. Get them wrong (like “make a research” instead of “conduct research”), and you sound like a learner, no matter how good your ideas are.

So let’s skip the fluff. Below are the academic collocations IELTS writers use most often, grouped by the function they serve in an essay. Learn these, and your writing will feel sharper instantly.

Why Collocations Matter More Than Individual Words

Think of it this way: a single word is a brick. A collocation is a wall. You can have the best bricks in the world, but if you stack them randomly, the wall falls down.

For example, you might know the word conclusion. Good. But do you know that in academic English we say draw a conclusion, not take a conclusion? That’s the difference between a 6 and a 7 in lexical resource.

Collocations also save you time. Instead of searching for a fancy synonym, you use a proven pair. That leaves more brainpower for logic and structure – the other half of the score.

The Most Useful Academic Collocations for IELTS Task 2

I’ve categorised them by the job they do in your essay. Start with one group, practice it for a week, then move to the next.

1. Introducing Your Opinion

You’ll need to state your position clearly. Don’t just say “I think.” Use these:

• hold the view that – Many experts hold the view that climate change is the greatest threat.
• take the position that – I take the position that governments should invest in renewable energy.
• express strong support for – The report expresses strong support for free higher education.

Notice the pattern: verb + noun. That’s most common in academic collocations.

2. Talking About Causes and Effects

IELTS prompts often ask you to discuss causes and solutions. These collocations will help you sound analytical:

• lead to – Poor urban planning can lead to traffic congestion.
• result from – The rise in obesity results from a combination of diet and lifestyle.
• be a contributing factor – Lack of exercise is a contributing factor in many health problems.
• have a profound impact on – Technology has had a profound impact on education.

Don’t overuse lead to. Mix in contribute to, give rise to, or trigger.

3. Giving Examples and Evidence

Examiners love specific examples. But avoid repeating “for example” ten times. Try:

• a case in point – A case in point is the rapid growth of renewable energy in Scandinavia.
• provide evidence for – Studies provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of early education.
• be supported by – This argument is supported by data from several countries.

4. Making Comparisons and Contrasts

Comparing two sides of an argument? Use these:

• stand in stark contrast to – This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional methods.
• differ significantly from – The outcomes differ significantly from what was predicted.
• share common ground with – Both solutions share common ground with the principle of sustainability.

5. Concluding or Summarising

You probably know in conclusion. But the band descriptors reward variety. Use:

• reach a conclusion – It is difficult to reach a definitive conclusion without more research.
• sum up the main points – To sum up the main points, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
• draw the argument to a close – I will draw the argument to a close by reiterating the need for balance.

A Quick Practice Exercise

Here’s something you can do today. Take the topic “Should university education be free for all?” and write three sentences using at least two collocations from each section above. Don’t worry about a full essay – just focus on the word pairs.

My attempt for reference:
I hold the view that free tuition would lead to a more educated workforce. A case in point is Germany, where tuition-free policies have had a profound impact on enrolment. To sum up the main points, the economic benefits stand in stark contrast to the initial costs.

Notice I used six different collocations in three sentences. That’s what the examiner wants to see.

How to Memorise Collocations (Without Boring Drills)

Flashcards work, but only if you use them actively. Write the whole phrase, not just the word. For example, instead of “trigger” – write “trigger a debate” or “trigger a shift”.

Also, read one model IELTS essay a day. Underline every verb + noun or adjective + noun pair. Within a week, your brain will start using them automatically.

The trick is exposure plus repetition. You don’t need to memorise a list of 500 collocations. Focus on these 15–20, and you’ll already upgrade your writing from “learner” to “confident user.”

Ready to Test Your Level?

You’ve learned the theory. Now see how well you can use these collocations in real writing. At English Measure, we offer a free online test that checks your Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking skills. It takes about 15 minutes and gives you a detailed breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses.

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