Vocabulary, Register and Idiom
Vocabulary, register and idiom
This domain tests precise word choice, formality and natural English. It is not an invitation to use rare words; it rewards words that collocate correctly and suit the audience.
Precision and collocation
Learn words in chunks: "make a decision", "do homework", "heavy rain", "strong argument". Know connotation families: thin/slim/skinny; cheap/affordable; determined/stubborn. Use word formation: decide -> decision -> decisive.
Register
Formal writing avoids contractions, slang ("stuff", "things", "a lot of") and overuse of "very". Use cautious modals (may, could) and impersonal constructions. Informal writing may use phrasal verbs and contractions, but must stay controlled.
Idiom
Use an idiom only when it fits naturally. Mixed idioms ("it's not rocket surgery") and overused idioms weaken writing. In reports and letters, plain formal English is safer than idiom.
Worked example
Informal: "The plan was really bad and lots of people got annoyed." Formal: "The proposal was widely criticised and caused considerable public concern." Reasoning: "really bad" becomes "widely criticised"; "lots of people got annoyed" becomes "considerable public concern". Nominalisation ("concern" from "annoyed") raises the register without changing the meaning.
Traps that cost marks
- Thesaurus synonyms that do not collocate ("do a decision").
- Malapropisms: affect/effect, principal/principle.
- Mixing British and American spellings in one script.
- Slang in a report or formal letter.
- Idiom overload.
- Using a difficult word incorrectly instead of a simple word correctly.