Any IELTS review center worth its salt can help its students reach and exceed their band score goal. Exceptional facilities, like the IELTS review center in Davao, provide lectures about the test essentials—from the exam’s test types and word count requirements to its coverage and time limits. They also complement their training courses with up-to-date materials, one-on-one coaching sessions, and regular proficiency assessments.
While IELTS review center programs can prepare you for the high-stakes exam, it is still vital that you engage in personal linguistic training. Apply what you have learned and practice your communicative abilities. One of the best ways to improve your oral and written fluency is by refining your word choice.
Avoid beating around the bush or using unnecessary terms. Every word you use must contribute something to your message. For instance, instead of using the word “said” when quoting someone, you can use other—more compelling—words to bring context to the dialogue.
Here are some words you can use instead of “said” with respect to the person’s volume or emotion during delivery.
VOLUME
Loud
Use these words when the person you are describing is speaking or reacting loudly.
• bellowed
• belted
• called
• exclaimed
• hollered
• howled
• roared
• screamed
• screeched
• shouted
• shrieked
• thundered
• whooped
• yelled
Soft
Use these words when the person you are describing is speaking softly.
• breathed
• hissed
• mumbled
• murmured
• muttered
• sighed
• whispered
EMOTION
Happy
Use these words when the person you are describing is amused or joyous as he/she speaks.
• beamed
• cackled
• cheered
• chimed
• chuckled
• enthused
• giggled
• grinned
• gushed
• joked
• laughed
• smiled
• smirked
Sad
Use these words when the person you are describing is sad or weeping as he/she speaks.
• chocked (out)
• cried (out)
• gasped
• groaned
• keened
• moaned
• pouted
• sobbed
• wailed
• wept
• whimpered
Angry
Use these words when the person you are describing is mad or resentful as he/she speaks.
• cursed
• fumed
• growled
• hissed
• huffed
• sneered
• swore
Disgust
Use these words when the person you are describing is offended or repulsed as he/she speaks.
• complained
• grumbled
• outraged
• scoffed
• spat
Surprise
Use these words when the person you are describing is surprised or shocked as he/she speaks.
• shrieked
• sputtered
• stammered
• stuttered
• yelped
Apathy
Use these words when the person you are describing is indifferent as he/she speaks.
• shruggedInfuse meaning and emotion to your statements. Instead of “said,” use these words to avoid generic dialogues in your speech and composition. Always find ways to incorporate context into your narrative seamlessly to enhance your chances of getting your desired band score.
• yawned
REFERENCES:
- "200 Words Instead of ‘Said’." Just English. June 12, 2014. Accessed July 19, 2017. https://justenglish.me/2014/06/12/200-words-instead-of-said/.
- "200 Words Instead of 'Said'." WritersBeatcom RSS. Accessed July 19, 2017. http://www.writersbeat.com/showthread.php?t=11782.
- "Words to Use Instead of Said." Writing Aid. Accessed July 19, 2017. http://www.timelessteacherstuff.com/OtherLanguageMaterials/InsteadOfSaid.html.