7.2. Lexical Resource
Use the words you actually control, precisely.
The short version
Lexical Resource is having the word for the thing.
An exact word beats a forced rare synonym.
People, things, nice leave the examiner nothing to mark.
Overwriting is marked down, not up.
Having the word for the thing
Lexical Resource is whether you have the word for the thing you are describing. Precise, natural words used correctly come first. At Band 7 and Band 8 the descriptors also credit less common and idiomatic vocabulary, such as gave up the lease. A rare word forced in, or used wrongly, does not help. Compare the two lists below.
people, things, nice, good, bad
bus, two changes, towpath, lease, landlord
Why the bakery closed
The proprietor of the aforementioned establishment was compelled to terminate his commercial tenancy owing to exorbitant fiscal impositions.
The baker could not pay the new rent, so he gave up the lease.
Do you use public transport?
I use the bus most weekdays. It is slower than a car, but I can read for twenty minutes and I do not have to park. I still walk if the stop is more than two changes away.
- VocabularyA vehicle, not I utilise municipal conveyance.
- VocabularyThe limit word is ordinary and exact.
Coloured text shows what the examiner is looking for.
Quiz time1 question
Name the place
Replace nice, things, and people with exact words. Rewrite it so the speaker says they take the bus and gives two practical reasons. Then add one situation where they walk instead.
I like the bus. It is nice. There are many things. The people are good.
Set up your learning path at the top of this lesson to get band-specific feedback.
Recap
Name the thing exactly: bus, two changes, lease, landlord.
An ordinary word used correctly scores better than a rare one misused.
Do not swap nice for extraordinarily convenient.
Next: the structures you use, and finishing the ones you start.