You have the grammar. You have the ideas. But when you get your score, you are stuck at a CLB 7. What is missing? Often, it’s precision.
To jump to a CLB 9+, you need to stop using “basic” English and start using “advanced” CELPIP vocabulary words. This doesn’t mean memorizing a dictionary; it means using specific, high-level words to connect your ideas and express your opinions clearly.
This guide provides a curated list of essential CELPIP vocabulary words that will instantly upgrade your Speaking and Writing answers.
Why “Good” and “Bad” Are Killing Your Score
The raters are looking for “Lexical Resource.” If you describe a party as “good” or a problem as “bad,” you are showing a limited vocabulary.
To get a high score, you need precise adjectives.
- Instead of “Good”: Use Exceptional, Beneficial, Advantageous, Breathtaking.
- Instead of “Bad”: Use Detrimental, Inconvenient, Tedious, Chaotic.
- Instead of “Big”: Use Substantial, Significant, Extensive.
Essential CELPIP Vocabulary Words for Transitions
The “glue” that holds your Speaking and Writing tasks together is your transition vocabulary. These words prove you can organize your thoughts logically.
1. Adding Information
Stop using “And” or “Also.”
- Furthermore: “The library is old. Furthermore, it lacks the space to host community events.”
- In addition to: “In addition to the cost, the location is also inconvenient.”
- Moreover: “The plan is risky. Moreover, we do not have the budget for it.”
2. Showing Contrast
Stop using “But.”
- However: “I understand your point. However, I believe we need to consider the long-term costs.”
- Conversely: “Option A is cheaper. Conversely, Option B offers better quality.”
- On the other hand: “The car is fast. On the other hand, it consumes a lot of gas.”
3. Giving a Reason or Result
Stop using “So” or “Because.”
- Consequently: “It rained heavily all night. Consequently, the event was cancelled.”
- Due to: “The delay was due to unforeseen traffic.”
- Therefore: “We are understaffed. Therefore, we cannot accept new clients.”
Opinion Words for Speaking Task 6 and Writing Task 2
In these tasks, you must pick a side and defend it. You need strong CELPIP vocabulary words to sound convincing.
- Crucial / Vital: Better than “important.”
- Example: “It is crucial that we address this issue immediately.”
- From my perspective: Better than “I think.”
- Example: “From my perspective, Option A is the superior choice.”
- Significant: Better than “big.”
- Example: “This change will have a significant impact on our schedule.”
- I am convinced that: Better than “I believe.”
- Example: “I am convinced that investing in the new gym is the right decision.”
The “Big Word” Trap (Warning!)
There is a danger in memorizing a list of CELPIP vocabulary words. If you use a “fancy” word incorrectly, your score will actually drop.
Raters hate “forced” vocabulary.
- Bad Usage: “I have a plethora of sadness.” (This sounds unnatural).
- Correct Usage: “I am very sad.” or “I am devastated.”
You cannot just memorize definitions. You must know the context.
Don’t Just Memorize. Practice in Context.
Reading this list is easy. Using these CELPIP vocabulary words correctly under the pressure of a 60-second timer is hard.
If you use “Consequently” when you should have used “Subsequently,” you will confuse the rater. You need feedback on your usage.
That is why we built the Smart AI Coach.
- Vocabulary Analysis: Our AI analyzes your Speaking and Writing to see if you are using high-level vocabulary correctly.
- Synonym Suggestions: If you keep saying “good,” our AI will suggest better alternatives like “beneficial” or “advantageous” instantly.
- Context Check: We tell you if your fancy words sound natural or forced.
Stop memorizing lists. Start speaking like a CLB 9
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