Less common language is REQUIRED in order to get Band 7-9 in Vocabulary, while it is NOT essential for Band 6.
Less common language essentially means ‘precise‘ and less ‘basic‘. E.g. Instead of using ‘good‘, for example, the more precise word might actually be beneficial, valuable, worthwhile, high quality, convenient, tasty, talented, or healthy etc. All of these words express “good” but in a more specific way.
So, developing less common/more precise language is important for a band 7.
2 Common Band 6 Mistakes with using “Less Common Language”
1) The Overdressed Guest 🎩👗
This is when a student uses a word that sounds fancy, sophisticated or intelligent to impress the examiner, but it has the opposite effect. For example, showing up in a tuxedo or a ball gown at a casual BBQ (weird).
❌ Walking is advantageous for my health.
✅ I go for walks to stay fit.
👉 So, “don’t overdress your vocabulary — match it to the occasion.”
2) The Wrong Tool for the Job 🔧🛠️
This is when a student uses a word that simply does not work; they have misunderstood the word and its meaning. It is like using a hammer to put a screw in some wood.
❌ Basketball is very famous in my country.
✅ Basketball is very popular in my country.
👉 “Vocabulary is a tool — choose the one that fits the task.”
