IELTS Writing Task 1: synonyms or collocations?

In the latest lesson on my member site, I talked about the problem of using synonyms. For example, if you're describing a chart that shows percentages of poverty, you might think that you need to use synonyms of the word poverty in your answer.

If you look for synonyms of 'poverty' in a dictionary, you'll find words like:

destitution, pennilessness, deprivation, impoverishment, pauperism

Unfortunately, these words will seem forced and unnatural. Also, you don't have access to a dictionary in your test, and it's unlikely that you would have these words in your head.

My advice in the video lesson was this: Add variety by using collocations instead of synonyms. For example:

Collocations with the word poverty:

• poverty rates
• levels of poverty
• below the poverty line

Collocations with the adjective (poor) instead of the noun (poverty):

• poor people
• people who were classed as poor
• poorer individuals

In the academic test, this is the best way to reduce repetition and to add variety to your task 1 answers.

Comments

[IKENNA HYACINTH NWOBODO]

Ok

[Yves]

Can I use these phrases when referring to the poor?

- poor members of society
- the marginalized group
- financially challenged individuals
- people living below the poverty line
- poverty-stricken individuals/people/society
- destitute people/individuals

[Simon]

Yves,

Here's what I advise:

- poor members of society - YES
- the marginalized group - NO
- financially challenged individuals - NO
- people living below the poverty line - YES
- poverty-stricken individuals/people/society - YES
- destitute people/individuals -NO

[Sajan]

I wonder whether the following phrases of poor and poverty are correct to use in Task 1

- people from poor background
- people with financial hardship
- deprived people
- people from poor area
- people who are on social benefits

Thanks