Rather than really improving everyday English skills, vocabulary and grammar in IELTS writing are frequently discussed in terms of exam preparation. However, that isn’t our ultimate objective. Today, I want to talk about an important topic: we need to seriously reconsider how we approach vocabulary and grammar learning if we want to enhance our actual writing abilities instead of solely concentrating on getting a good exam score. it’s essential to integrate vocabulary and grammar learning into context. Understanding how words and grammar work in real situations allows us to make our writing more precise and effective. Let’s break this down further.
Vocabulary in Context
Word meanings vary according to the context; they are not constant. Consider the term “light,” for instance. It can mean “not heavy,” “something that illuminates,” or even “to ignite” depending on the context. We wouldn’t know how to use it properly without the context. Therefore, learning vocabulary by itself isn’t very beneficial. To choose the best word, we must observe how words function in sentences and paragraphs. In this way, we not only increase our vocabulary but also learn how to use it in natural ways. Go to the section ‘Vocabulary‘ to get more information.
Grammar in Context
Although grammar rules provide structure to our sentences, they are highly dependent on context, much like vocabulary. For example, “should do something” and “should have done something” are completely different even though they both use the word “should.” In one case, “You should do your homework” refers to an action that is expected in the present or future, whereas “You should have done your homework” refers to something that was supposed to happen in the past but didn’t, likely causing regret or disappointment. Applying the wrong phrase in the wrong context can lead to confusion. This example shows how grammar is not just about rules but about using the right structure based on time, situation, or intent.
Similarly, think about the difference between simple and past tenses in expressing regret. “I should do my homework” implies an expectation, while “I should have done my homework” expresses a missed opportunity. The context helps the reader understand whether an action is still possible or has already passed. This type of context-aware grammar application is crucial for clear and effective writing.
Go to section ‘Grammar Tests‘ to practice grammar in contexts.
Building Logical Connections
Words and grammar build sentences, but it’s the logical flow that connects these sentences into a coherent paragraph. Without this, even grammatically correct sentences can feel disconnected. For example:
“Long screen time is one of the main reasons for teenage obesity. We need to get them involved in more community activities. Community activities include things like picking up litter or chatting with the elderly. This will solve the problem of childhood obesity.”
While each sentence is grammatically correct, there’s a lack of logical connection. The ideas seem to jump from one point to another without any clear relationship. To build a logical flow, we need to add transitional phrases that show cause and effect, comparison, or contrast. Here’s how we can make it clearer:
“Long screen time is one of the main reasons for teenage obesity. To counter this, we need to involve teenagers in more physical community activities. For example, participating in activities like picking up litter or engaging with the elderly can reduce sedentary behaviors. By encouraging more active participation, we can begin to address the root causes of childhood obesity.”
Now the logic is much smoother, as each sentence builds on the previous one, creating a clear path from problem to solution.
Conclusion
If our only objective is to pass the test, we could mechanically learn grammar and vocabulary, but that won’t teach us how to apply them in a range of real-world scenarios. I’d like to remind you again that it’s important to practice your grammar and vocabulary in real-world situations if you have the time before the test or even after. This doesn’t just mean reading English stories or watching movies, but also interacting more with the people around you in English. That’s where true language learning happens.
