IELTS Guide Phil

To score Band 7.0 or above in IELTS Writing Task 2, test takers must demonstrate a wide range of academic vocabulary and collocations. A collocation refers to a pair or group of words that are commonly used together. Mastering collocations not only improves coherence and lexical resource but also helps your writing sound more natural, precise, and scholarly—qualities that are highly valued in IELTS.

In this post, you’ll find 100 academic collocations, complete with definitions and example sentences, to enrich your essays and help you achieve higher IELTS band scores.

100 Academic Collocations

Here is a list of 100 useful academic collocations commonly used in high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essays:

1. Address an issue
   Definition: To deal with or tackle a problem
   Example: Governments must address the issue of rising unemployment.
2. Pose a threat
   Definition: To be dangerous or potentially harmful
   Example: Climate change poses a serious threat to biodiversity.
3. Draw a conclusion
   Definition: To form an opinion based on information
   Example: It is difficult to draw a conclusion without sufficient data.
4. Reach an agreement
   Definition: To come to a mutual decision
   Example: The two parties failed to reach an agreement on trade terms.
5. Take into account
   Definition: To consider or remember something
   Example: Policy makers should take into account public opinion.
6. Play a role
   Definition: To be involved or have an effect
   Example: Education plays a vital role in economic development.
7. Make a contribution
   Definition: To add value or help achieve something
   Example: Everyone should make a contribution to community projects.
8. Provide insight
   Definition: To offer a deeper understanding
   Example: The study provides insight into consumer behavior.
9. Exert influence
   Definition: To use power to affect something
   Example: The media exerts a strong influence on public opinion.
10. Raise awareness
    Definition: To help people become conscious of something
    Example: Campaigns are essential to raise awareness about health issues.
11. Face challenges
    Definition: To deal with difficulties
    Example: Developing nations face significant economic challenges.
12. Mitigate the impact
    Definition: To lessen negative effects
    Example: Renewable energy can mitigate the impact of fossil fuels.
13. Fulfill a requirement
    Definition: To meet a condition or need
    Example: Applicants must fulfill all academic requirements.
14. Meet a demand
    Definition: To satisfy a need or request
    Example: The factory expanded to meet the growing demand.
15. Conduct research
    Definition: To carry out a study
    Example: Scientists are conducting research on vaccine efficacy.
16. Implement a policy
    Definition: To put a policy into action
    Example: The government implemented a new tax policy.
17. Carry out an analysis
    Definition: To examine in detail
    Example: Researchers carried out an analysis of social behavior.
18. Present an argument
    Definition: To make a case or point in writing or speech
    Example: The essay presents a strong argument for free education.
19. Challenge an assumption
    Definition: To question a belief
    Example: New evidence challenged the assumption that teens are lazy.
20. Reach a consensus
    Definition: To agree as a group
    Example: Experts reached a consensus on climate strategy.
21. Experience growth
    Definition: To increase in size or number
    Example: The tech industry has experienced rapid growth.
22. Satisfy a need
    Definition: To fulfill a requirement
    Example: Affordable housing satisfies a basic human need.
23. Create opportunities
    Definition: To make chances for advancement
    Example: Digital platforms create opportunities for entrepreneurs.
24. Impose restrictions
    Definition: To set limits
    Example: Governments have imposed restrictions on tobacco advertising.
25. Engage in debate
    Definition: To participate in discussion
    Example: Students should engage in debates on current affairs.
26. Provide evidence
    Definition: To supply proof
    Example: The report provides evidence of inequality in schools.
27. Develop skills
    Definition: To improve abilities
    Example: Internships help students develop practical skills.
28. Express concern
    Definition: To show worry or anxiety
    Example: Many experts express concern about global warming.
29. Adopt a strategy
    Definition: To choose a method
    Example: The company adopted a long-term growth strategy.
30. Gain access
    Definition: To be able to enter or use
    Example: Rural communities often lack access to healthcare.
31. Influence behavior
    Definition: To affect actions or conduct
    Example: Parental guidance influences children’s behavior.
32. Deliver results
    Definition: To achieve expected outcomes
    Example: The new system delivered promising results.
33. Achieve an objective
    Definition: To successfully reach a goal
    Example: The team achieved their sales objective.
34. Highlight an issue
    Definition: To draw attention to a problem
    Example: The film highlights issues of poverty and corruption.
35. Raise a question
    Definition: To bring up a query
    Example: The discovery raises questions about data accuracy.
36. Reach a conclusion
    Definition: To decide after consideration
    Example: Researchers reached the conclusion that the method is flawed.
37. Increase efficiency
    Definition: To improve performance or output
    Example: Automation increases workplace efficiency.
38. Support a claim
    Definition: To provide justification
    Example: Data supports the claim that exercise improves health.
39. Attract investment
    Definition: To bring in financial backing
    Example: The region attracted foreign investment.
40. Ensure compliance
    Definition: To guarantee adherence to rules
    Example: Firms must ensure compliance with safety regulations.
41. Make a distinction
    Definition: To differentiate clearly
    Example: It is important to make a distinction between correlation and causation.
42. Bridge the gap
    Definition: To reduce the difference between two things
    Example: Technology can help bridge the gap between urban and rural education.
43. Undertake a study
    Definition: To begin research
    Example: The university undertook a study on urban migration.
44. Gain insight
    Definition: To understand more deeply
    Example: Interviews helped the researchers gain insight into student behavior.
45. Promote awareness
    Definition: To encourage understanding
    Example: Non-profits promote awareness about climate change.
46. Face consequences
    Definition: To deal with results, usually negative
    Example: Companies that pollute may face legal consequences.
47. Stimulate growth
    Definition: To encourage development
    Example: Lower taxes may stimulate economic growth.
48. Meet expectations
    Definition: To achieve what is anticipated
    Example: The new system failed to meet public expectations.
49. Provide a solution
    Definition: To offer a way to solve a problem
    Example: Education provides a long-term solution to poverty.
50. Assess the impact
    Definition: To evaluate the effect
    Example: It is essential to assess the impact of tourism on local culture.
51. Challenge the status quo
    Definition: To question current conditions
    Example: The protest aimed to challenge the status quo.
52. Strengthen relationships
    Definition: To improve connections
    Example: Exchange programs strengthen international relationships.
53. Limit access
    Definition: To restrict entry or availability
    Example: Some countries limit access to social media platforms.
54. Increase productivity
    Definition: To produce more in less time
    Example: Flexible hours have increased employee productivity.
55. Reach a target
    Definition: To accomplish a goal
    Example: The organization reached its fundraising target in two weeks.
56. Evaluate effectiveness
    Definition: To judge how well something works
    Example: It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of online education.
57. Raise objections
    Definition: To voice disagreement
    Example: Residents raised objections to the proposed construction.
58. Adhere to regulations
    Definition: To follow rules strictly
    Example: All companies must adhere to environmental regulations.
59. Offer alternatives
    Definition: To present different options
    Example: The government must offer alternatives to incarceration.
60. Promote equality
    Definition: To encourage fairness
    Example: New laws aim to promote gender equality.
61. Take a stance
    Definition: To adopt a firm position
    Example: The candidate took a strong stance on climate action.
62. Lack resources
    Definition: To not have enough support or tools
    Example: Many rural schools lack adequate resources.
63. Fulfill obligations
    Definition: To meet responsibilities
    Example: Nations must fulfill their environmental obligations.
64. Address concerns
    Definition: To respond to issues
    Example: The report addresses concerns over rising tuition fees.
65. Widen the gap
    Definition: To increase disparity
    Example: Economic reforms have widened the gap between the rich and poor.
66. Question assumptions
    Definition: To doubt existing beliefs
    Example: The study questions assumptions about mental health.
67. Justify actions
    Definition: To provide valid reasons
    Example: Leaders must justify their actions to the public.
68. Apply knowledge
    Definition: To use what one knows
    Example: Students should learn how to apply knowledge in real life.
69. Support arguments
    Definition: To give evidence to one’s points
    Example: The author supports her arguments with recent data.
70. Prioritize needs
    Definition: To identify what is most important
    Example: Governments must prioritize the needs of the disadvantaged.
71. Demonstrate understanding
    Definition: To show comprehension
    Example: Essays should demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic.
72. Share responsibility
    Definition: To distribute duties
    Example: Both parents should share responsibility for childcare.
73. Critically evaluate
    Definition: To assess thoughtfully and objectively
    Example: Students are expected to critically evaluate the sources.
74. Assume responsibility
    Definition: To take on duties
    Example: The director assumed full responsibility for the failure.
75. Reduce dependency
    Definition: To lessen reliance
    Example: Renewable energy reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
76. Ensure stability
    Definition: To maintain consistency and balance
    Example: Central banks ensure economic stability.
77. Eliminate barriers
    Definition: To remove obstacles
    Example: Education helps eliminate barriers to employment.
78. Monitor progress
    Definition: To track development
    Example: Teachers must monitor student progress regularly.
79. Acknowledge limitations
    Definition: To admit weaknesses
    Example: The author acknowledges the limitations of the study.
80. Distribute resources
    Definition: To share assets fairly
    Example: Governments must distribute resources equitably.
81. Alter behavior
    Definition: To change actions
    Example: Education can alter consumer behavior positively.
82. Create a framework
    Definition: To build a structure for action
    Example: The policy creates a framework for sustainable agriculture.
83. Enforce regulations
    Definition: To implement rules strictly
    Example: Authorities must enforce traffic regulations.
84. Analyze data
    Definition: To study collected information
    Example: Scientists analyzed data from multiple experiments.
85. Prevent conflict
    Definition: To stop disputes
    Example: Diplomacy can help prevent international conflict.
86. Maintain standards
    Definition: To uphold quality
    Example: Universities must maintain high academic standards.
87. Facilitate discussion
    Definition: To make dialogue easier
    Example: The teacher facilitated a discussion on gender roles.
88. Strengthen policies
    Definition: To make rules more effective
    Example: The government aims to strengthen cybersecurity policies.
89. Recognize achievements
    Definition: To acknowledge success
    Example: It is vital to recognize student achievements publicly.
90. Improve outcomes
    Definition: To get better results
    Example: Access to healthcare improves patient outcomes.
91. Clarify objectives
    Definition: To explain goals clearly
    Example: Organizations must clarify their objectives to stakeholders.
92. Challenge authority
    Definition: To question those in power
    Example: The movement challenges political authority peacefully.
93. Raise standards
    Definition: To improve quality levels
    Example: The reform aims to raise educational standards.
94. Measure effectiveness
    Definition: To evaluate how well something works
    Example: Schools must measure the effectiveness of new teaching methods.
95. Cultivate skills
    Definition: To develop abilities over time
    Example: Extracurricular activities help students cultivate leadership skills.
96. Adopt measures
    Definition: To implement policies or actions
    Example: The city adopted new safety measures.
97. Emphasize importance
    Definition: To stress the significance of something
    Example: The article emphasizes the importance of early childhood education.
98. Establish priorities
    Definition: To decide what comes first
    Example: It is important to establish priorities during crisis planning.
99. Incur costs
    Definition: To have expenses
    Example: Businesses may incur costs when switching to greener technology.
100. Interpret results
     Definition: To make sense of data
     Example: The team interpreted results to guide future research.

Final Thoughts

Mastering academic collocations is an effective way to enhance your writing in IELTS Task 2. These word combinations demonstrate range, accuracy, and natural use of English, which are crucial for achieving a Band 7 or higher in Lexical Resource. Try to incorporate these collocations appropriately into your practice essays, and be sure to understand both their meaning and usage in context.

Remember: it’s not just about knowing academic words—it’s about using them together naturally and correctly.

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