Speaking vocabulary
Describing change
Use these expressions to speak more precisely about describing change. Learn the meaning from context, then make your own example rather than memorising a complete answer.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
a gradual shift
- Meaning: a slow change in direction or behaviour.
- Example: There has been a gradual shift towards online booking.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to describe.
- Use “a gradual shift” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
a major improvement
- Meaning: a significant positive change.
- Example: Clearer signs made a major improvement to the station.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to explain.
- Use “a major improvement” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
an unexpected result
- Meaning: an outcome that was not anticipated.
- Example: The small trial produced an unexpected result.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to compare.
- Use “an unexpected result” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
adjust to a new situation
- Meaning: become familiar with changed circumstances.
- Example: It took me a few weeks to adjust to a new situation.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to give an example.
- Use “adjust to a new situation” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
weigh the trade-offs
- Meaning: consider what is gained and lost with each choice.
- Example: We weighed the trade-offs between cost and convenience.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to qualify an opinion.
- Use “weigh the trade-offs” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
a lasting effect
- Meaning: a consequence that continues for a long time.
- Example: That teacher's encouragement had a lasting effect on me.
- Context: describing change. Use the phrase to discuss effects.
- Use “a lasting effect” naturally in one sentence about describing change.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 45 seconds practice.