The Band 7–8+ Writing Vocabulary Database
1004 entries across 14 topic areas, each segmented the way your booklet does it: phrasal verbs → collocations → idioms → topic vocabulary → uncommon vocabulary → compound & complex structures. British spelling throughout.
How Lexical Resource is scored
- Band 6 — adequate range; tries less common words but with errors.
- Band 7 — uses less common items with some awareness of collocation; occasional slips allowed.
- Band 8 — wide range used fluently and flexibly; skilful collocation; only rare slips.
- Band 9 — full flexibility and precise usage; sophistication feels natural, never forced.
Five rules from the examiner's chair
- Precision beats rarity. The right common word outscores the wrong rare one.
- Collocation is king. Learn word partners ("strike a balance"), never words alone.
- One idiom per essay, maximum — and only if it fits naturally.
- No memorised openers. Examiners are trained to spot and discount them.
- Reuse across topics. The Universal section works in every single essay.
Terms shown in crimson carry a caution — informal, overused, or better saved for the Speaking test. Read the note beside each one.
Companion volume: the Grammar & Usage Guide — the sentence frames, essay placement and error traps for every word family in this database.
Technology & the Internet
Some people prefer hobbies that involve the use of technology, while others enjoy hobbies that do not require any technological devices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only can technology-based hobbies provide instant entertainment, but they can also connect individuals across the globe.
not only … but also (inversion)The more time people spend on digital leisure, the less opportunity they may have for outdoor or physical activities.
the more … the lessUnless a balance is struck between online and offline hobbies, overall well-being may suffer.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although technology-based hobbies offer a limitless variety of experiences, relying too heavily on devices can erode face-to-face relationships and encourage social isolation.
although + main clauseDevices that once seemed revolutionary quickly become obsolete, which compels consumers to upgrade constantly.
relative clause + which-commentIf children were encouraged to pursue offline pastimes alongside digital ones, their social skills would arguably develop more fully.
second conditionalEducation & Learning
Some people believe that schools should focus on practical skills rather than academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does rote memorisation stifle creativity, but it also fails to prepare students for real-world problem-solving.
not only … but also (inversion)The earlier children are exposed to foreign languages, the more effortlessly they tend to acquire them.
the earlier … the moreUnless governments invest in teacher training, curriculum reforms alone are unlikely to raise standards.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although examinations provide a measurable benchmark, they rarely capture the full range of a learner's abilities.
although + main clauseStudents who are encouraged to question ideas, rather than merely absorb them, develop far stronger analytical skills.
embedded relative clauseIf university education were free of charge, access to professional careers would no longer depend on family income.
second conditionalEnvironment & Climate
Some people think protecting the environment is the government's responsibility, while others believe individuals should take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only do fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere, but their extraction also devastates fragile ecosystems.
not only … but also (inversion)The more consumers demand disposable products, the faster landfill sites reach capacity.
the more … the fasterUnless binding international agreements are enforced, individual efforts will remain a drop in the ocean.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although developing nations contribute least to global emissions, they frequently bear the brunt of climate-related disasters.
although + main clauseSpecies that lose their natural habitats rarely recover, which makes conservation an urgent priority rather than a luxury.
relative clause + which-commentIf governments subsidised renewable energy as generously as they do fossil fuels, the transition to a low-carbon economy would accelerate dramatically.
second conditional + comparisonHealth & Lifestyle
Some people think governments should spend money on preventing illness rather than on treatment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does regular exercise strengthen the body, but it also alleviates anxiety and depression.
not only … but also (inversion)The more processed food people consume, the higher their risk of chronic disease becomes.
the more … the higherUnless preventive care is prioritised, hospitals will continue to be overwhelmed by avoidable illnesses.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although modern medicine has extended life expectancy dramatically, increasingly sedentary habits now threaten to reverse these gains.
although + main clauseIndividuals who maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly are far less likely to develop chronic conditions.
relative clause as subjectIf sugary drinks were taxed more heavily, consumption would almost certainly decline, as it did with tobacco.
second conditional + analogyWork & Careers
Some people believe job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe a permanent job matters more. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does remote working reduce commuting time, but it also allows companies to recruit talent globally.
not only … but also (inversion)The more monotonous a job becomes, the harder it is to retain motivated staff.
the more … the harderUnless employees are offered genuine development opportunities, high staff turnover is inevitable.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although financial reward clearly matters, surveys consistently show that recognition and autonomy drive long-term job satisfaction.
although + main clauseWorkers whose roles are automated will need large-scale retraining schemes, without which structural unemployment may become entrenched.
whose-clause + without whichIf the working week were shortened, productivity might well rise rather than fall, as trials in several countries suggest.
second conditional + hedgingGovernment, Society & Public Money
Governments should spend money on public services rather than on the arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does progressive taxation fund essential services, but it also narrows the gap between rich and poor.
not only … but also (inversion)The wider the wealth gap grows, the more social cohesion is eroded.
the wider … the moreUnless public funds are managed transparently, citizens' trust in government will continue to decline.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although state benefits provide a vital safety net, poorly designed schemes can discourage recipients from seeking work.
although + main clausePolicies that are drafted without public consultation frequently fail at the implementation stage.
relative clause as subjectIf a fraction of military budgets were redirected to healthcare, preventable diseases could be reduced dramatically.
second conditionalCrime & Punishment
Some people believe longer prison sentences reduce crime, while others think there are better ways to tackle it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does harsh sentencing often fail to deter crime, but it also swells prison populations at enormous public cost.
not only … but also (inversion)The younger offenders are when they first enter prison, the more likely they are to reoffend.
the younger … the more likelyUnless the root causes of crime — poverty and lack of education — are addressed, punitive measures will merely treat the symptoms.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although prisons remove offenders from society temporarily, most will reoffend upon release unless they receive genuine rehabilitation.
although + unlessOffenders who complete vocational training behind bars are demonstrably less likely to return to crime.
relative clause as subjectIf minor offences were punished with community service rather than custody, first-time offenders could avoid the criminalising influence of prison.
second conditionalMedia & Advertising
Advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does advertising shape purchasing habits, but it also moulds our very notion of success.
not only … but also (inversion)The more sensational a headline is, the more clicks it attracts, regardless of its accuracy.
the more … the moreUnless children are taught media literacy at school, they will struggle to distinguish fact from fabrication.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although advertising funds much of the free content we enjoy, it does so by harvesting users' attention and personal data.
although + main clauseConsumers who cannot evaluate sources critically are easy prey for misinformation, which spreads faster than any correction ever does.
relative clause + which-commentIf advertising aimed at children were banned, as it is in some Scandinavian countries, pester power would lose much of its force.
second conditional + example clauseGlobalisation & Culture
Multinational companies and global brands are making countries increasingly similar. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only has globalisation accelerated trade, but it has also blurred the boundaries between national cultures.
not only … but also (inversion, present perfect)The more dominant global brands become, the harder it is for local traditions to survive.
the more … the harderUnless minority languages are actively taught to children, they will vanish within a few generations.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although global connectivity spreads ideas rapidly, it tends to privilege dominant cultures at the expense of smaller ones.
although + main clauseTraditions that are not deliberately passed down tend to disappear within two generations.
relative clause as subjectIf cultural exports were valued as highly as economic ones, governments would invest far more in preserving local arts.
second conditionalCities, Transport & Housing
More and more people are moving to cities in search of a better life. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does investment in public transport reduce congestion, but it also cuts urban air pollution dramatically.
not only … but also (inversion)The further cities sprawl outwards, the more dependent their residents become on private cars.
the further … the moreUnless affordable housing keeps pace with urban growth, key workers will be priced out of the very cities they serve.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although megacities generate a disproportionate share of national wealth, they also concentrate poverty, pollution and crime.
although + main clauseDistricts that undergo regeneration often become unaffordable for the very communities the projects were meant to help.
relative clause as subjectIf congestion charges were introduced in every major city, commuters would be nudged towards greener alternatives.
second conditionalFamily, Children & Ageing
In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. Does this trend have more positive or negative effects on society?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only do grandparents provide free childcare, but they also transmit values and traditions to the young.
not only … but also (inversion)The longer people live, the greater the strain on pension systems becomes.
the longer … the greaterUnless the birth rate recovers, shrinking workforces will have to support ever-larger retired populations.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although overprotective parenting stems from love, it can leave children ill-equipped for independent adult life.
although + main clauseChildren who grow up with clear boundaries, yet genuine affection, tend to become the most self-reliant adults.
relative clause + yet-contrastIf retirement ages rose in line with life expectancy, pension systems would remain solvent without overburdening the young.
second conditionalMoney & Consumerism
Today people are buying more and more things they do not really need. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does advertising fuel desire, but easy consumer credit also removes the last barrier to overspending.
not only … but alsoThe more possessions people accumulate, the more fleeting the satisfaction each one brings.
the more … the moreUnless financial literacy is taught in schools, each generation will repeat its parents' debt cycles.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although rising incomes lift families out of poverty, beyond a certain point additional wealth adds remarkably little to happiness.
although + main clauseProducts that are designed to fail within a few years keep sales buoyant, but at a devastating environmental cost.
relative clause as subjectIf consumers repaired goods instead of replacing them, the throwaway culture would gradually lose its grip.
second conditionalTourism & Travel
International tourism brings significant benefits to local communities. Do the drawbacks of tourism outweigh its benefits?
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does tourism create employment, but it also finances the preservation of historic sites.
not only … but also (inversion)The more visitors a destination attracts, the greater the pressure on its fragile environment.
the more … the greaterUnless visitor numbers are capped at fragile sites, tourism will destroy the very attractions it depends on.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although tourism injects money into local economies, much of the profit leaks out to foreign-owned hotel chains.
although + main clauseDestinations that market their authenticity most aggressively are often the quickest to lose it.
relative clause as subjectIf airlines paid environmentally realistic fuel taxes, the true cost of a weekend abroad would be reflected in ticket prices.
second conditionalArt, Sport & Leisure
Some people think that government money spent on the arts would be better spent on public services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Topic-specific phrasal verbs
Topic-specific collocations
Topic-specific idiomatic expressions
Topic-specific vocabulary
Uncommon vocabulary
Compound structures
Not only does sport improve physical health, but it also teaches teamwork, discipline and resilience.
not only … but also (inversion)The more governments cut arts funding, the poorer a nation's cultural life becomes.
the more … the poorerUnless school timetables protect time for sport and music, exam pressure will squeeze them out entirely.
unless + consequenceComplex structures
Although elite sport inspires millions, the vast sums spent on stadiums might serve public health better if invested in community facilities.
although + embedded conditionalArt that challenges its audience often proves more valuable, in the long run, than art that merely pleases.
parallel relative clausesIf physical education were assessed as seriously as mathematics, schools would treat children's health as a core outcome.
second conditionalUniversal Academic Language
Works in every Task 2 essay, whatever the topic. This is where Band 7 is actually won: precise linkers, hedged claims, and high-value verbs — not rare words.
Stating your opinion
Hedging & softening (Band 7+ precision)
Cause & effect
Concession & contrast
Adding & sequencing
Exemplifying
Concluding
High-value verbs (work in any essay)
High-value nouns
Evaluative adjectives (argue with precision)
Academic adverbs (fine-tune your claims)
Problem–solution language
Band-killers — avoid these
Task 1 Academic — Graphs, Processes & Maps
Lexical resource for describing charts, tables, processes and maps. Accuracy and variety of trend language is the fastest route to Band 7 here.