It’s important to use interesting, more advanced vocabulary in your IELTS Speaking test, especially in part two. This includes using interesting phrases and idioms.
Below, you can find hundreds of excellent words, phrases, and idioms to use. They are organized into word groups.
Word groups make it easier to remember and use more advanced vocabulary, phrases, and idioms in part two of the test. Let’s take a look at how you can use word groups to achieve a band-seven score.
What Is a Word Group?
A word group is a collection of interesting words, phrases, and idioms, which can help you describe an important characteristic of someone or something.
For example, you might learn a word group to describe an ‘energetic person,’ which includes interesting words and phrases like, ‘lively, vigorous, enthusiastic, bursting with energy, full of beans…’
All these interesting words and phrases are natural ways we might speak in England about someone who is energetic.
They are unusual, advanced words and phrases, so the examiner will be very happy to hear them.
How Do Word Groups Work?
When you’ve memorized a word group, you can then use that single word group for many different part-two questions.
For example, you can use this ‘energetic person’ word group to answer many different part-two questions, such as:
- Describe a child you know
- Describe an elderly person you know
- Describe someone you know who you feel proud of
- Describe someone you met at work
- Describe a family member
- Describe a famous person you admire
- And many more questions about people…
This is why word groups are so powerful. It’s because they are very flexible.
You can use a single word group to quickly give you 10 or 20 wonderful examples of vocabulary in the test. Word groups can also help you with ideas of what to talk about.
I hope you can see how word groups are a very effective way to use excellent band-seven vocabulary in part two of your IELTS Speaking test.
How Many Words Do You Need?
The word groups below usually have more than 20 words, phrases, and idioms in each group.
But you certainly don’t need to memorize and use all 20 of these words and phrases.
If you use just 10 or 15 of the words in a good word group, that will be enough to show the examiner you can use some really interesting vocabulary.
So for each word group, you can learn them all, or just pick the words and phrases you like the most. It’s up to you.
Keep Growing Your Word Groups
Of course, for each word group below, you can add extra words and phrases.
While preparing for your IELTS test, you’ll probably come across amazing words or phrases and think, “Aha! This would go perfectly in my ‘energetic person’ word group!”
Also, don’t hesitate to create your own word groups from scratch (completely new) if you feel like it.
It’s a fun, creative process, and you’re certain to remember the words really well if you created the word group yourself.
The Five Types of Part-Two Questions
In part two of the test, you’ll usually be asked to describe one of five things. You’ll be asked to describe:
- Places
- People
- Activities
- Events
- Things
Below, you can read many excellent word groups for each of these five question types.
You don’t need to remember all the word groups for each type (unless you want to truly supercharge your vocabulary).
Just choose a few word groups for each question type. Then practice answering lots of part-two questions using those chosen word groups.
You’ll soon see how much easier it becomes to give a fluent, confident band-seven answer.
How to Memorize Your Word Groups
One of the best ways to memorize word groups is to use a memorization app like Anki App.
Anki App allows you to quickly create groups of flashcards. You can then revise these new words and phrases daily. Anki App uses spaced repetition to ensure that you really deeply remember any new IELTS vocabulary.
You should also write sentences using these new words. This helps you to understand how each new word works with its common prepositions or collocations.
And finally, it’s a good idea to practice using new words in real conversation.
If you don’t have a conversation partner for this, you can ask yourself IELTS part-two questions, and record yourself answering them out loud. When you listen to your recording, you’ll soon realize if you’re using these new words and phrases well or not.
Now, without further ado (without more delay), let’s take a look at our example word groups…
1. Word Groups for Places
Peaceful Place
- Tranquil
- Serene
- Pleasant
- Sedate
- Blissful
- Stress-free
- Peaceful haven
- Quiet place
- Unruffled
- A slow pace of life
- Easygoing way of life
- Don’t take life too seriously
- Know how to enjoy life
- Away from the hustle and bustle
- Law-abiding citizens
- Take a break
- Ease away your worries
- At ease with the world
- Have a good work-life balance
- As calm as a millpond
- Nice quiet spot
- A bit of peace and quiet
- Soothing quiet
- Utter silence
- Quiet enough to hear a pin drop
- Could hear myself think
- Lack of noise
- Sense of privacy
- Away from all that bothersome noise
Prosperous Place
- Prosperous
- Prosperity
- Thriving
- Flourishing
- Fast-growing
- Expanding
- Wealthy
- Affluent
- Hard-working
- Productive
- Business is booming
- Business-friendly
- A fantastic place to do business
- A healthy economy
- A vibrant economy
- High quality of life
- High standard of living
- Hale and hearty economic landscape
- Plenty of moneymaking opportunities
- High fliers
- Entrepreneurs
- Make your fortune
- Many job opportunities
- From rags to riches
- Hell-bent on making money
- Get down to business
- Movers and shakers
Comfortable Place
- Comfortable
- Comfy
- Cozy
- Homely
- Snug
- Snug as a bug in a rug
- Warm
- Restful
- Pleasant
- Commodious
- Welcoming
- Livable
- Inhabitable
- Wonderful ambiance
- Peaceful place
- Warm decor
- Warm colors
- Helps me feel at ease
- As comfortable as an old shoe
- Slip into something more comfortable
- I like to settle down with a nice cup of tea
- Really feels like home
- A cozy little haven tucked away from the world
Old Architecture Place
- Historical
- Antiquated
- Ancestry
- Architecture
- Lovely old buildings
- The historic quarter of the city
- Paved streets
- Cobblestone streets
- Cathedral
- Medieval Castle
- Statues
- Monuments
- Commemorate
- Famous historical figures
- Historical landmarks
- Places of historical interest
- The city’s cultural legacy
- A long history going back centuries
- Dating back many centuries
- A rich sense of history
- You feel like you’ve traveled back in time
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Gothic / Baroque / Renaissance / Victorian style of architecture
Natural Place
- Verdant
- Lush, luxuriant greenery
- Leafy
- Grassy
- Emerald-green
- Sun-drenched
- Bucolic
- Flourishing
- Foliage
- Leafage
- Shrubbery
- Woodland
- Wooded area
- Meadows
- Fields of wildflowers
- Mountainous terrain
- Flora and fauna
- Natural surroundings
- An abundance of natural beauty
- Magnificent scenery
- Spectacular views
- Breathtaking views
- Sweeping vistas
- Soak up the incredible views
- Stunningly beautiful
- Idyllic natural spot
- Surrounded by nature
- Close to nature
- Windswept
- Sun-drenched
- Awe-inspiring
- Picturesque
- Beautiful beaches
- Glistening lakes
- Mountainous terrain
- Snowcapped mountain peaks
- Verdant valleys
- Undergrowth
- Greenery
- Foliage
- Vegetation
- Underbrush
- Flora and fauna
- Scents of the forest
- Meadows
- Fields of wildflowers
- Escape into the great outdoors
- The fragrance of flowers in the air
- A place with all four seasons
- Far from the hustle and bustle of the city
- The blissful peace and quiet of nature
- The cheeping and chirping of birdsong
- Awaken to the sound of birdsong
- Little animals scurrying around in the undergrowth
Spacious Place
- Spacious
- Roomy
- Commodious
- Airy
- Bright and airy
- Ample room
- Uncrowded
- Plenty of room to breathe
- High ceilings
- Well ventilated
- Open-plan kitchen and living room
- Unobstructed view of nature
- Wonderful sense of privacy
- Large
- Expansive
- Cavernous
- Immense
- Cramped
- Tiny
- Lack of space
- Not enough room to swing a cat
Modern Place
- Modern
- Trendy
- Sleek
- Latest
- Newest
- Fashionable
- In fashion
- All the rage
- Stylish
- Elegant
- Attractive design
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Swanky
- Contemporary decor
- Newfangled appliances
- State-of-the-art
- Cutting-edge
- Clean and minimalistic
- Bright and airy
2. Word Groups for People
Helpful Person
- Helpful
- Considerate
- Supportive
- Encouraging
- Reliable
- Eager to help out
- Always ready to lend a hand
- Always ready to pitch in
- Someone I can count on
- Handy in a pinch
- Always has my back
- Has my best interests at heart
- Won’t let you down
- A shoulder to cry on
- Has your back in a pinch
- A friend in need is a friend indeed
- Love him like a brother
- As thick as thieves
- Stick together through thick and thin
- Know who your real friends are
- Not a fair-weather friend
Cheerful Person
- Cheerful
- Cheery
- Upbeat
- Chipper
- Good-humored
- In a good mood
- Optimistic
- Ebullient
- Convivial
- Sprightly
- Sanguine
- Positive attitude
- Lighthearted
- Happy-go-lucky
- Carefree and untroubled
- Cheery and chirpy
- Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
- Buoyant mood/personality
- Bubbling with laughter
- Has a contagious laugh
- Infectious good mood
- As happy as Larry
- Always in high spirits
- As happy as a clam
- Nothing gets her down for long
- You can’t keep a good man down
- Beaming smile
- Grinning from ear to ear
Disciplined Person
- Disciplined
- Self-disciplined
- Self-control
- Self-restraint
- Non-indulgent
- Restrained
- Hard-working
- Industrious
- Methodical
- Committed
- Motivated
- Determined
- Persistent
- Has great enthusiasm for work
- Knuckles down to get things done
- Burns the midnight oil
- Burns the candle at both ends
- Goes the extra mile
- Pull an all-nighter
- Blood, sweat, and tears
- No pain, no gain
- Does the work that needs to be done
- Works day in, day out to achieve her goals
- Sees things through
Intelligent Person
- Smart
- Clever
- Astute
- Sharp
- Precocious
- Genius
- Intellectual
- Cerebral
- Knowledgable
- Well-read
- Highly educated
- Scholarly
- A walking encyclopedia
- A brilliant thinker
- As sharp as a whip
- As sharp as a tack
- Doesn’t miss a beat
- Whip-smart
- A quick-thinker
- As bright as a button
- Awfully clever
- Tuned in
- A sharp cookie
- Sharp-witted
- Witty
- Eloquent
Wise Person
- Wise
- Wisdom
- Perspicacious
- Sagacious
- Shrewd
- Judicious
- Prudent
- Perceptive
- Worldly
- A man of the world
- Savvy
- Thoughtful
- Observant
- Doesn’t miss a thing
- Nothing gets past him
- Levelheaded
- Clear-headed
- Reasonable
- A rational thinker
- A logical thinker
- As wise as an owl
- Cunning as a fox
- As sly as a fox
- On the ball
- A good person to go to for advice
- Understands the world
- Pick his brain
Energetic Person
- Active
- Lively
- Vigorous
- Dynamic
- Enthusiastic
- Animated
- Sprightly
- Full of life
- Full of beans
- Bouncing with energy
- Bouncing off the walls
- Full of get-up-and-go
- Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
- Vibrating with pent-up energy
- Can’t sit still for five minutes
- Always on the move
- As busy as a beaver
- As busy as a bee
- Bursting with good health
- Hale and hearty
Talented Person
- Gifted
- Skilled
- Masterly
- Remarkable
- Remarkably talented
- Exceptional
- Incredible
- Multitalented
- Raw talent
- A virtuoso
- A prodigy
- Incredibly good
- Was born to do this thing
- Outstanding skill
- Breathtaking skill
- First-class
- Got what it takes
- One of the best
- Takes my breath away
- A star in the making
Successful Person
- Successful
- Incredibly successful
- A winner
- Ambitious
- Prosperous
- Doing well
- Wealthy
- Affluent
- Well-to-do
- Thriving business
- Flourishing career
- Well-respected
- Well-known
- World famous
- Widely celebrated
- Award-winning
- Hugely popular
- At the top of his game
- One of the most famous names in the industry
- Made it to the top
- Ahead of the game
- On a winning streak
- Unstoppable
- A powerhouse
- Accomplished
- Top dog
- In the making
- Up and coming
Creative Person
- Creativity
- Imaginative
- Inventive
- Fresh
- Refreshing
- Resourceful
- Original
- One of a kind
- Unconventional
- Goes against the grain
- Stands out from the crowd
- Groundbreaking
- Ingenious ideas
- Full of ideas
- A font of ideas
- Unconventional thinker
- Ahead of her time
- Creative thinker
- Takes my mind to new places
- Thinking outside the box
Productive Person
- Productive
- Efficient
- Effective
- Efficacious
- Reliable worker
- Get things done
- Achieve results
- Count on me to get the job done
- I pride myself on doing a good job
- Use time well
- Good at time management
- A fruitful endeavor
- Cost-effective
- Top performer
- Learn from your mistakes
- Don’t want to fall behind
- Take the bull by the horns
- To be a self-starter
- Bite the bullet and do what needs to be done
- Pull an all-nighter
- Nip problems in the bud
- Doesn’t dilly dally
- Dawdle
- Not a time waster
- Procrastinate
- Won’t put things off
- Fritter away time
- Sit around twiddling your thumbs
Determined Person
- Determined
- Persistent
- Persevere
- Resolute
- Steadfast
- Tenacious
- Purposeful
- Confident
- Single-minded
- Decisive
- Strong-willed
- Ambitious
- Driven
- Means business
- Never gives up
- Would rather die than give up
- Hell-bent upon success
- Overcomes all obstacles
- Nothing can get in her way
- Once he sets his mind to something, nothing can stop him
- As steady as a rock
- As good as his word
- Stays the course
Lucky Person
- Fortunate
- Serendipity
- Blessed
- Fortuitous
- By pure luck
- Born under a lucky star
- Blessed with good luck
- Lady luck smiles upon her
- Some people have all the luck
- Things always seem to work out
- Make your own luck
- Sitting pretty
- Things just fall into his lap
- She really lucked out
- Luck of the Irish
- Luck of the devil
- A run of good luck
- A streak of bad luck
- Luck runs out
- Don’t push your luck
- Down on your luck
Tough Person
- Tough
- Strong
- Hard
- Powerhouse
- Tough-minded
- Rock hard
- Indomitable spirit
- Unbreakable
- Fighting fit
- Built like a brick
- You can’t shake him
- Doesn’t scare easily
- You’d want him on your side in a pinch
- As tough as old boots
- As tough as nails
- As hard as nails
- As strong as an ox
- As strong as a bull
- Pulls no punches
- As sound as a bell
- Salt of the earth
- A down-to-earth person
- A straight-shooter
3. Word Groups for Activities
Challenging Activity
- Challenging
- Demanding
- Tough
- Hard
- Formidable
- Daunting
- Not for the faint of heart
- Challenging task
- Challenge myself
- Enjoy a good challenge
- Push myself (to the limit)
- Really had to push myself
- Even if I’m not in the mood
- Overcome a challenge
- Overcome limiting beliefs
- Grow through adversity
- Face my fears
- Take the bull by the horns
- Grow as a person
- Outside my comfort zone
- Forced me to think in different ways
- Had to dig deep for a solution
- Dig deep
- Prove to myself that I can do it
Fun Activity
- Extremely entertaining
- Amusing
- Delightful
- Have a blast
- Surprisingly enjoyable
- Totally, engrossing
- Diverting pastime
- Captivating
- Truly amazing
- Addictive
- I was hooked
- So much fun
- I had a fantastic time
- Couldn’t wait to try it again
- Have a laugh
- A barrel of laughs
- More fun than I’ve had in years / I’ve ever had
- I totally lost track of time
- It turned out to be great fun
- I’ve recently gotten into…
Relaxing Activity
- Relaxing
- Restful
- Soothing
- Peaceful
- Tranquil
- Loosen up
- Let my hair down
- Take it easy
- Take a moment to relax
- Take a break
- Helps me unwind after a long day
- Enjoy a bit of peace and quiet
- A moment of quiet after a hectic day
- Kick up my feet and relax
- There’s nothing I’d rather do than lounge around watching the box
- Put work from my mind
- Relieve my stress
- Lounge around
- Ease away my stresses and worries
- Stop thinking about work for a minute
- Reminds me to take things less seriously
- Refreshing
- Renews my energy
- Helps me get a little rest and relaxation
Exciting Activity
- Thrilling
- Thrill-seeker
- Exhilarating
- Adventure
- Mind-blowing
- Heart-thumping
- Action-packed
- A rip-roaring adventure
- Extreme sports
- Bungee jumping
- Sky diving
- White water rafting
- Zip-lining
- Hair-raising
- Breathtaking
- Out of this world
- I couldn’t wait to begin
- I couldn’t wait to try it again
- I didn’t want it to end
- I was on the edge of my seat
- Gave me a real buzz
- I was buzzing with excitement
- Adrenaline was pumping through me
- My heart was beating out of my chest
- I was thrilled to bits
- I was bored out of my mind
- A big yawn-fest
- It was about as exciting as watching paint dry
- As dull as dishwater
Mentally Challenging Activity
- Strategic thinking
- Focus
- Concentrate
- Deep thought
- Deep concentration
- Think deeply and clearly
- Requires careful deliberation
- Work out what to do
- Mentally stimulating
- Problem-solving skills
- Out-think my opponent
- No distractions
- Take your time
- Takes all my attention
- Immersed in what I’m doing
- Battle of wills (between you and your opponent)
- Contemplate my options
- In-depth knowledge
- Think on my feet
- Decisive
- Learn from your mistakes
- Puts your brain to the test
- A wonderful skill for training my mind
Personal Growth Activity
- Ambitious
- Mentors
- Guidance
- Encouragement
- Opportunities for growth
- Opportunities for progression
- Personal and professional growth
- Expand my capabilities
- Chance to prove my abilities
- Reach my potential
- Rise through the ranks
- Climb the corporate ladder
- Dynamic work environment
- An environment in which I can thrive
- Further my goals
- Feel a sense of progress
- Progress in my career
- Opportunities to learn
- Learn something new every day
- High chance of promotion
- Offers plenty of opportunities for growth
Stable and Secure Activity
- Security
- Stability
- Stable job
- Job security
- Steady work
- Reassured
- Long term stability
- Predictable
- Consistent
- Instability
- Impermanence
- Dislike of transient positions
- Safeguarded against uncertainty
- Market volatility
- Offered protections
- Sense of safety
- Financial security
- Dental plan
- Insurance
- Peace of mind
- Safe and sound
- Better safe than sorry
- Save for a rainy day
- Build my nest egg
- Job for life
- I’ll never want for work
Suitable Activity
- Suitable
- Fitting
- Appropriate
- Just my cup of tea
- Right up my alley
- A perfect fit for me
- Tailor-made for me
- Befitting my abilities
- Suitable to my temperament
- Well-matched to my talents
- Stimulating
- Engaging
- Inspiring
- Rousing
- Feel alive
- Doesn’t / wouldn’t feel like work
- Can’t believe I get paid to do this
- Time flies by
- Lose track of time
- Avoid the monotony and tedium of ordinary jobs
Money-Making Activity
- Lucrative
- Profitable
- Gainful
- Well-paid
- High-paying
- Financially rewarding
- Prosperous
- Flourishing
- Thriving
- Become wealthy
- Build my wealth
- Affluent
- Well off
- Well-to-do
- Frightfully rich
- Make my fortune
- Rolling in cash
- Be a breadwinner
- Rags to riches
- Making money hand over fist
- Become a man of means
- Living on Easy Street
- Well provided for
- High risk, high return
- Born with a silver spoon in my mouth
Useful Activity
- Useful
- Handy
- Effective
- Efficacious
- Practical
- Applicable
- Real-world application
- Beneficial to my life
- A worthwhile investment of my time and money
- Help me reach my goals
- Invaluable life skill
- A skill that’s worth its weight in gold
- It’s helped me in so many ways
- Worthless
- Of little worth
- Fruitless
- Ineffective
- Impractical
- No use in the real world
- As useful as a chocolate teapot
4. Word Groups for Events
Memorable Event
- Memorable
- Noteworthy
- Unforgettable
- Life-changing
- Eye-opening
- Extraordinary
- Momentous occasion
- Happy memories
- It really stayed with me
- I’ll never forget
- Memento
- Souvenir
- Keepsake
- Something to remind me of it
- Had a deep impact on me
- A memorable adventure
- A night I’ll never forget
- Will stay with me until my dying day
- An unforgettable night
- The time of my life
Happy Event
- Joyous time in my life
- Wonderful occasion
- Delightful memory
- Sweet memory
- A memory I cherish
- One of my most cherished moments
- I’ll never forget it
- I’ll remember it until my dying day
- Had the time of my life
- Pleasant recollection
- Have fond memories of
- One of the best times of my life
- Reminisce about
- Feel nostalgic about
- Brings back good memories
- Take a trip down memory lane
- The good old days
- Lots of fun things going on
- Life and soul of the party
Interesting Event
- Fascinating
- Intriguing
- Captivating
- Riveting
- Spellbinding
- Educational
- Informative
- Eye-opening
- Thought-provoking
- Weird and wonderful facts
- Mentally stimulating
- It held my attention
- I was drawn in
- I was instantly hooked
- It aroused my curiosity
- It spurred my curiosity
- My eyes lit up
- It really gave me food for thought
- I couldn’t stop thinking about it
- I learned so much
- I was hungry to learn more
- Really blew my mind
- Left me wanting more
- Gave me a totally new perspective on something
Traditional Event
- Traditional
- Ancient
- Customs
- Ancestral traditions
- Time-honored
- Steeped in history
- A rich historical heritage
- A celebration of ethnic culture
- Celebrate
- Commemorate
- Spiritually significant
- Ceremonies
- Processions
- Folk music
- Parades
- Floats
- Contests
- Cultural activities
- Public holiday
- Rember our forefathers
- Hasn’t changed in centuries
- In remembrance of our ancestors
- Passed down through the generations
- As old as the hills
- Old-fashioned
- Behind the times
- Gain a sense of how things once were
- Social convention
- Cultural heritage
- Something we’ve been doing since time immemorial
Satisfying Event
- Satisfying
- Gratifying
- Rewarding
- Meaningful
- Worthwhile
- Lend a helping hand
- Lend someone a hand with something
- Pitch in and help out
- Be a good samaritan for the day
- Felt really good to help out
- Good for the soul
- Gave me a warm glow of satisfaction
- A group effort
- Two minds are better than one
- Share the load
- Alls well that ends well
- Things came to a satisfying resolution
- Nothing like a job done well
5. Word Groups for Things
Useful Thing
- Extremely Useful
- Helpful
- Handy
- Practical
- A time-saving device
- A real time-saver
- Often put it to good use
- Keep it close to hand
- I use it all the time
- Makes the task so much easier
- Does the job in a jiffy
- Come in useful
- Multi-functional
- A versatile tool
- What a buy
- It was a great investment
- Worth its weight in gold
- Utterly Useless
- Pointless
- Not of much practical use
- About as useful as a chocolate teapot
Unusual Thing
- Strange
- Weird
- Weird and wonderful
- Exotic
- Extraordinary
- Outlandish
- Peculiar
- Unexpected
- Exceptional
- Strange habits
- Rare
- Curious way of behaving
- Out of the ordinary
- Out of this world
- Like something from another world
- Couldn’t make heads or tails of it
- Few and far between
- Took a while to get to grips with it
- Not what you would expect
Modern Thing
- Modern
- Fashionable
- Latest
- Newest
- Advanced
- Technologically advanced
- State-of-the-art
- New and improved
- Sophisticated
- Innovative
- Gadget
- Gizmo
- Piece of technology
- Fancy newfangled device
- Well engineered
- Incredibly well designed
- Intricate parts
- Clever mechanism
- Can do all sorts of things
- Many functions
- Who knows what they’ll come up with next
Beautiful Thing
- Beautiful
- Attractive
- Exquisite
- Striking
- Stunning
- Graceful
- Stylish
- Elegant
- Pretty
- Alluring
- Adorable
- Charming
- Quirky
- Feminine
- Decorative
- Bejeweled
- Ornate
- Distinctive
- Eye-catching
- Glittering
- Shimmering
- Flashy
- To die for
- Compliments my outfits
- Suits me well
- Looks great on me
- Adorn my wrist, or neck
- Draws the eye
- Dressed to kill
- Make others green with envy
Expensive Thing
- Costly
- Pricey
- Dear
- Exorbitant
- Overpriced
- Valuable
- Luxurious
- Fancy
- High-end
- Highly-priced
- Premium
- A bit on the expensive side
- Worth a king’s ransom
- Costs an arm and a leg
- Costs a fortune
- Worth its weight in gold
- I have expensive tastes
- A little beyond my means
- A little outside of my budget
- Valuable
- Precious
- Priceless
- Has great sentimental value
- Worth every penny
- I wouldn’t exchange it for all the tea in China
Fun Thing
- Endlessly entertaining
- Highly amusing
- Enjoyable
- Diverting
- Delightful
- Absorbing
- Incredibly good fun
- Pleasure to have
- A source of great pleasure
- So much fun
- Couldn’t put it down
- Would play for hours on end
- Would lose track of time
- Would while away the hours with it
- Had a blast playing with it
Uplifting Thing
- Uplifting
- Cheerful
- Joyful
- Catchy
- Heartening
- Feel-good
- Heartwarming
- Full of joy
- Merry
- Invigorating
- Glorious
- Exhilarating
- Encouraging
- Inspiring
- Rousing
- Touching
- Moving
- Lifts my spirits
- Really cheers me up
- Never fails to cheer me up
- Fills my heart with joy
- Puts a smile on my face
- I do it whenever I feel a bit blue
- Can’t get it out of my head
Sadly Moving Thing
- Moving
- Touching
- Emotional
- Poignant
- Poetic
- Wistful
- Heartfelt
- Melancholic
- Nostalgic
- Depressing
- Heart-rending
- Brings a tear to my eye
- Brought me to tears
- Sentimental
- Breathtaking
- Sorrowful
- Somber
- Beautifully touching
- Reminds me of sadder times
- Brings up sad memories
- Helps me to feel and express my sadness
- I listen to it whenever I feel blue
Dangerous Thing
- Dangerous
- Potentially dangerous
- Hazardous
- Lethal
- Menacing
- Threatening
- You have to watch out for it
- Take great care when handling it
- Handle it with kid gloves
- Don’t take it lightly
- Don’t turn your back on it
- Poisonous
- Venomous
- Nasty
- Killer instinct
- Quick as a snake
- All teeth and claws
- Kept a safe distance from it
- Wouldn’t want to meet it in a dark alley
- Scary
- Terrifying
- Gave me chills
- Made me jump out of my skin
Gripping Thing
- Gripping
- Riveting
- Thrilling
- Suspenseful
- Unpredictable
- I was on the edge of my seat
- My eyes were glued to the screen
- Nail-biting suspense
- The suspense was killing me
- Kept me in a state of suspense
- Cliff-hangers
- Breathtaking
- Electrifying
- My heart was in my throat
- Tense
- You could cut the tension with a knife
- Kept my guessing
Puzzling Thing
- Puzzling
- Perplexing
- Befuddling
- Confusing
- Conundrum
- Mentally challenging
- Couldn’t make heads or tails of it
- Had to solve the puzzle
- Really made me scratch my head
- Struggled to work it out
- Took a while to work out
- Really made me think
- Put my mind to the test
- Twists and turns
- Hard to follow
- Incomprehensible
- Baffling
Scary Thing
- Scary
- Spooky
- Frightening
- Hair-raising
- Terrifying
- Spine-chilling
- Blood-curdling
- Sinister
- Horrifying
- Gruesome
- Ghastly
- Gave me goosebumps
- Scared out of my wits
- Scared stiff
- Frightened me near to death
- Scared the living daylights out of me
- Couldn’t watch
- Couldn’t bear to watch it alone
- Had to close my eyes
- Gave me nightmares
- I couldn’t sleep a wink
- Gave me the heebie-jeebies
- Made my blood run cold
- Made me jump out of my skin
- My heart missed a beat
- I was trembling like a leaf
- I had to change my trousers
Creative Thing
- Creative
- Imaginative
- Fanciful
- Inventive
- Unconventional
- Novel
- Ingenious
- Ingenuity
- Wondrously creative
- Inspired
- Visionary
- Fantastical
- Fueled by a creative spirit
- The product of a fertile mind
- Gifted
- Talented
- Totally original
- Against the grain
- Off the beaten track
Memorizing word groups is one of the best ways to enhance your IELTS vocabulary. If you can use one of the word groups above in your IELTS Speaking test, your examiner is sure to be impressed.
If you’d like to see a specific word group created, get in touch. It might be added to this page at a later date.