Mastering the 7 Types of Collocations for IELTS

Collocations are not random. They follow certain patterns, which are usually grouped into seven main types: adverb + adjective, adjective + noun, noun + noun, noun + verb, verb + noun, verb + preposition/expression, and verb + adverb. Understanding these categories is crucial for learners preparing for IELTS because they allow students to expand their vocabulary in a structured way.

1. Adverb + Adjective
Examples: deeply concerned, highly successful, completely wrong. These collocations often intensify meaning. In IELTS Writing Task 2, a candidate might write, “The government is deeply concerned about climate change.” This sounds far more advanced than “The government is very worried about climate change.”

2. Adjective + Noun
Examples: serious problem, global issue, significant improvement. In speaking, instead of saying “There is a big problem in education,” a candidate could say, “There is a serious problem in the education system regarding equal access.”

3. Noun + Noun
Examples: language barrier, climate change, job market. In IELTS Speaking Part 3, a student might say, “Many graduates face difficulties entering the job market.”

4. Noun + Verb
Examples: prices rise, unemployment increases, technology advances. These are useful in Writing Task 1 essays where data description is required. For example, “The unemployment rate rose significantly in 2020.”

5. Verb + Noun
Examples: make progress, conduct research, gain knowledge. Students can apply these in academic topics: “Scientists conduct research to find solutions to global health issues.”

6. Verb + Preposition/Expression
Examples: depend on, focus on, participate in. A strong speaking response might include: “Success in education depends on both teachers and students working together.”

7. Verb + Adverb
Examples: recover quickly, speak fluently, whisper softly. In Speaking Part 2, a candidate might say, “I had to give a presentation, and I tried to speak fluently to impress the audience.”

Mastering these seven types of collocations ensures a balanced vocabulary. Students will not only know advanced words but also how to combine them correctly. The difference between high and low band scores often lies in this accuracy. According to Schmitt (2010), knowledge of collocations is one of the strongest predictors of language proficiency.

Practical learning strategies include noticing collocations in academic articles or news reports, practicing with flashcards, and completing gap-fill exercises. Teachers often encourage students to create “collocation trees,” where one key word is linked with its common partners. For instance, the word decision can lead to make a decision, reach a decision, final decision.

In IELTS, using these seven collocation types in both writing and speaking will demonstrate lexical variety, help avoid repetition, and create more natural answers. Candidates who practice them regularly are likely to perform at a higher level and meet the criteria for Band 7 or higher.

The findings of Li and Wei’s (2022) study are highly relevant to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Conducted among junior secondary students in rural China, the research demonstrates that emotional experiences particularly enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom significantly influence students’ English learning outcomes. Enjoyment was found to have the strongest and most lasting positive impact on learners’ achievement, enhancing motivation, engagement, and confidence in using the language. In contrast, anxiety and boredom negatively affected students’ performance, especially in the short term, by reducing participation and concentration. These results highlight the importance of creating positive, engaging, and low-stress learning environments for EFL students. Teachers can foster such environments by promoting supportive classroom interactions, offering encouraging feedback, and designing interesting communicative activities. Overall, the study emphasizes that cultivating enjoyment is crucial for improving the success and well-being of students learning English as a foreign language.

As students learning English, you are encouraged to approach your studies with sincerity, patience, and gratitude, recognizing that gaining knowledge is an act of worship in Islam. Find enjoyment in your learning by engaging with beneficial and appropriate materials such as educational videos, Islamic lectures, or inspiring stories and take a moment to thank Allah for every achievement, no matter how small. To reduce anxiety, seek Allah’s help through prayer and positive thinking, and remember that making mistakes is part of growth, not a reason to lose confidence. To avoid boredom, use a variety of learning methods like interactive games, videos, and group discussions, and set clear, meaningful goals for yourself. Always seek support from teachers and classmates, maintaining respect, cooperation, and good manners in your learning environment. Finally, adopt a growth mindset grounded in sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust in Allah), understanding that success comes through consistent effort and faith. By learning with dedication and the right intentions, you will not only strengthen your English skills but also earn blessings for pursuing beneficial knowledge.

References

• Schmitt, N. (2010). Researching vocabulary: A vocabulary research manual. Palgrave Macmillan.

• Cambridge University Press. (2023). The impact of collocational proficiency features on expert ratings of L2 English learners’ writing. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 45(3), 612–637. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263122000031