Advanced Vocabulary Usage in PTE Essays

However, this does not mean you should just include difficult words wherever you can. Advanced vocabulary should be used appropriately and in context. Additionally, the vocabulary should be accurately used to convey your thoughts and your control over language use. Misusing words, even if they are complex, will not be beneficial.

Avoiding Repetition

The use of repetitive words or phrases can bring down the quality of your essay. Employing a diverse set of vocabulary showcases your ability to express concepts in different ways. Using synonyms, or words with equivalent meanings, is a smart way to avoid repetition, enrich your writing, and exhibit your advanced language skills.

Adversely, care must be taken to ensure that the synonyms used are suitable for the context. A strong understanding of words and their usages is crucial here. The words you choose should not only convey the same meaning, but also fit naturally into the sentence.

Employing Collocations

Collocations are combinations of words that frequently go together. Utilising collocations correctly can improve the natural flow of your essay and demonstrate your ability to use language in a native-like way. Some examples of collocations include “make a decision”, “take responsibility”, and “commit a crime”.

An expert-level grasp of collocations also reduces the likelihood of forming unnatural or awkward sentences, a common problem when non-native speakers attempt to directly translate their thoughts from their native language into English.

Using Idiomatic Expressions

When used appropriately, idiomatic expressions have the power to enrich your essay and demonstrate your strong command over the English language. Idioms like “the ball is in your court” or “bite the bullet” not only command reader attention, but also help to convey complex ideas or thoughts in an impactful manner.

However, just like with advanced vocabulary, using the incorrect idiom or using idioms inappropriately can confuse your reader and derail your argument. Thus, idiomatic expressions should only be used when you fully understand their meanings and contexts.

Mastering Functional Vocabulary

Functional vocabulary refers to words and phrases that help organize an essay or argument like “given”, “besides”, “in other words”, “therefore”, etc. These words and phrases guide the reader through your ideas by establishing relationships and connections between concepts.

A lack of functional vocabulary can result in an essay that feels disjointed and unorganized. Therefore, mastering this type of vocabulary is pivotal in writing a coherent and cohesive essay. Refer sample essays