IELTS · Academic vocabulary · B2–C1

IELTS Academic Vocabulary: Formal Alternatives

Swap everyday words for the more formal, academic vocabulary that scores higher in IELTS Writing and Speaking.

Score: 0 / 10

1. Which is the more formal, academic way to say "a lot of people think"?

2. Which is the more formal alternative to "get better"?

3. Which is the more formal alternative to "a big problem"?

4. Which is the more formal alternative to "show"?

5. Which is the more formal alternative to "because of"?

6. Which is the more formal alternative to "find out"?

7. Which is the more formal alternative to "a lot"?

8. Which is the more formal alternative to "keep on doing"?

9. Which is the more formal alternative to "in the end"?

10. Which is the more formal alternative to "look into"?

Answer key — IELTS Academic Vocabulary: Formal Alternatives

B — it is widely believed. "It is widely believed" is the formal, academic register expected in IELTS Writing.
A — improve. "Improve" is the formal, precise alternative to the informal phrase "get better."
B — a significant issue. "A significant issue" is the academic register expected instead of informal intensifiers like "huge" or "massive."
A — demonstrate. "Demonstrate" is the formal academic verb for "show," especially with evidence or data.
A — due to. "Due to" is the standard formal alternative; the others are either informal or grammatically incorrect.
A — discover. "Discover" is the formal academic verb for "find out."
A — considerably. "Considerably" is the formal adverb; the others are informal.
A — continue to. "Continue to" is the formal, standard alternative.
A — ultimately. "Ultimately" is the formal academic alternative to the conversational "in the end."
A — investigate. "Investigate" is the formal academic verb for "look into."

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