Why synonyms cause mistakes in IELTS writing
A thesaurus groups words by a shared core, not by identical meaning. 'Kill', 'slaughter' and 'cull' all end a life, but each carries its own scale, attitude and context. Each word also has partner words it normally appears with. Ignore either and the sentence says something new or sounds wrong.
That band 6 line is the synonym trap in one sentence. A thesaurus swap adds range on paper, but if it is wrong it also adds the inaccuracy the examiner is looking for. How correct, less common words lift you to band 7 is covered in IELTS Lexical Resource band 7; this sheet is about the swap itself.
Original: Beavers build dams that slow rivers and reduce flooding downstream. Swapped: Beavers erect barricadeswrong meaning that decelerate riversodd partner and diminish inundationwrong style downstream.
- → A barricade is built by people to block a street or a crowd, so the meaning shifts.
- → Vehicles decelerate; rivers are slowed. 'Inundation' is rare and stiff where 'flooding' was exact.
Premium sheet · 5 more sections
- Near-synonyms that change your meaning
- Synonyms in IELTS writing that break collocation
- Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2: synonym mistakes in the introduction
- Is it OK to repeat words in IELTS writing?
- Your turn: is the synonym safe?
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Questions
FAQ
Do synonyms increase your IELTS writing score?+
Only when they are accurate. At band 6, wider range with more errors stays at band 6, so a precise plain word beats a wrong synonym.
Do synonyms mean the same thing?+
Rarely exactly. Most synonyms share a core meaning but differ in strength, attitude or partner words, so check each one in context first.
Is it OK to repeat words in IELTS writing?+
Yes for topic and technical words, which a reader needs to follow your argument. Vary general words like 'good' or 'problem', and use 'this' or 'they' where the meaning is clear.
Can I use the same words as the question in IELTS writing?+
Keep key topic words, but do not copy whole phrases. The Task 2 descriptors treat language from the input material as a limitation.
How do I paraphrase the question without changing its meaning?+
Change the sentence structure first, then swap only words you are sure of. Your version must keep the prompt's scope, strength and topic.
Are lists of synonyms for IELTS Writing Task 2 useful?+
Only as a starting point. Lists give words without partner words or tone, so learn each one in a full example sentence first.
Sources
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors (ielts.org, updated May 2023): Lexical Resource bands 7, 6 and 5, PDF pages 7–8; band 4 and band 1 notes on input material and copied rubric, PDF page 9
- IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors (ielts.org, updated May 2023): Lexical Resource bands 7, 6 and 5, PDF pages 3–4
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