Audit your recent practice essays. How many times did you use "very," "nice," "bad," or "thing"? The Upgrade: Instead of important →right arrow essential, crucial, or pivotal. Instead of change →right arrow alter, modify, or transform. Instead of show →right arrow illustrate, demonstrate, or elucidate. 4. Master Transitions (Cohesion)
Your vocabulary check must include "signposts." These are the words that tell the grader how your ideas connect. Are you only using and, but, and so ? Check Your English Vocabulary for TOEFL
Checking your vocabulary isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily habit. Read, listen, and—most importantly—start using these words in your own speech. Audit your recent practice essays
Can you identify when a simple word has a complex meaning? For example, the word discipline can mean a "field of study," not just "punishment." Instead of change →right arrow alter, modify, or transform
Start using furthermore, conversely, consequently, and nevertheless . These show a sophisticated command of logic. 5. Use the "Goldilocks" Rule
In the Reading section, you’ll often face "Vocabulary in Context" questions. These ask you to pick a synonym for a word as it's used in the passage.
Do you know words like analyze, interpret, occur, theory, and significant ?