Vocabulary tool
Collocation notebook
Single words are hard to use under pressure. Collocations give you ready-made chunks that sound more natural in essays and spoken answers.
IELTSTOEFLGeneral
Useful collocation patterns
| Pattern | Examples | Use |
|---|---|---|
| adjective + noun | serious problem, reliable evidence, major concern | Task 2 topic sentences |
| verb + noun | raise awareness, solve a problem, create opportunities | Body paragraph explanations |
| noun + preposition | impact on, access to, increase in | Precise comparisons and causes |
| adverb + adjective | highly effective, deeply concerned, widely available | More flexible evaluation |
Notebook method
- Save the whole chunk, not only the new word.
- Write one IELTS or TOEFL sentence using the chunk.
- Mark whether it is formal, neutral, or conversational.
- Review five old chunks before writing or speaking practice.
Upgrade examples
make pollution less
reduce pollution
big effect on children
a significant impact on children
get better skills
develop stronger skills
Now apply it
Try a free practice section that uses this skill.
Reading tools land in our Reading drills, Speaking tools shine in our Speaking practice, and so on. Open any exam and pick a section.
Start free practiceDon't just read — drill it.
Pick an exam and drill the skill you just read about.