From Opinions to Policy Literacy
Why is government vocabulary so hard to use?
You recognize the words. You’ve memorized the list.
But when it’s time to write or speak, your mind goes blank.
That’s not laziness — it’s a signal.
You don’t need more words.
You need words that work — words connected to meaning, tone, and task.
Section 1
Most IELTS prep teaches you topics.
We teach you how to think like a policymaker — not a passive learner.
Let’s Prove It — Starting Now
Micro Lesson: Policy
Definition: A formal plan of action by a government.
Synonym: Strategy (but this can be private; policy is public-facing)
IELTS Sentence:
The government introduced a new policy to reduce air pollution.
Perception Shift:
Don’t say rules. That’s Band 5 language.
Say structured public decisions. That’s Band 7+.
This is the difference between sounding like a student… and sounding like someone ready for university-level English.
Meaning: A plan of action officially adopted by a government or organization.
Band 7 Synonym: Strategy (but be careful — not always the same!)
IELTS Sentence:
The government introduced a new policy to reduce air pollution.
Sounds like a real news headline — and that’s the goal.
Don’t say rules.
Say: structured public decisions that affect society.
This is how top students move from Band 6 to Band 7+.
IELTS Writing Task Prompt
Prompt: Some people believe the government should be responsible for providing healthcare and education, while others think individuals should take care of themselves.
Band 6 Style: The government should give everyone healthcare and education.
Band 7+ Style: While some argue that personal responsibility is vital, I believe that governments must guarantee healthcare and education to promote equality and long-term development.
Writing Frame: “Although SVO, I believe that SVO because SVO.”
The Insider’s SVO to Perfect English lessons give you exactly the grammar you need for Band 7 and are in the full course.
Old you: “The government should make rules.”
New you: “This policy was implemented to regulate emissions at the national level.”
One word. One upgrade.
Let’s keep going.
This vocabulary lets you discuss government actions with depth and precision — not just opinions, but structure, power, and impact.
Unlock your full potential with our IELTS Power Lessons!
Section 2
The Real Reason You Struggle With Government Vocabulary
You’re not trying to “sound smart.”
You’re trying to sound prepared. Serious. Ready.
But nobody told you the real gap:
Band 6 students describe governments.
Band 7 students analyze what governments do — using precise language.
The Hidden Truth
If you’ve ever written, “The government should do something…”…you’ve already been marked down. Let’s fix that now.
Micro Lesson 2: Implement
Meaning: To make a new rule come into effect. To officially put a plan, policy, or decision into action. (A policy is like a rule that the government makes.)
IELTS Sentence:
The new law was difficult to implement at a national level due to regional differences.
Avoid vague(unclear) verbs like “do” or “start.”
Use implement when referring to formal actions by governments or organizations.
It signals structure, authority, and real-world complexity — exactly what IELTS examiners look for in Band 7+ writing.
Upgrade Tip:
Pair implement with words like:
- policy (implement a new health policy)
- reform (implement education reform)
- strategy (implement a national strategy)
These collocations show advanced control over academic style.
The IELTS examiner doesn’t want vague opinion.
They want action-based language — words that show you understand how real governments work.
This one verb turns your vague sentence into academic precision.
You just used a word most students avoid.
And you used it like an insider.
That’s not just a vocabulary upgrade — that’s a mindset shift.
IELTS Insider Academic Growth Series
This isn’t just another course. (Trust me I hate these terrible courses that overcharge and under-deliver!)
This is where you train to think like a policymaker — and write like one.
Old you: “The government should fix education.”
New you: “A national policy was implemented to address disparities in access.” (disparities = differences in gains)
That’s the language of high scores — and higher confidence.