In IELTS Writing, especially Task 2, you need to report what other people say, believe, or claim. Using a variety of reporting verbs instead of just say or think boosts your Lexical Resource score.
Verbs for Strong Claims
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | ------------ | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | assert | state forcefully | Many experts assert that climate change is the biggest threat. | | contend | argue / maintain | The author contends that technology improves education. | | maintain | keep a position | Some scientists maintain that the data is inconclusive. | | insist | state firmly | Critics insist that more research is needed. |
Verbs for Showing Evidence
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | --------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | demonstrate | show clearly | Studies demonstrate that exercise improves mental health. | | indicate | suggest / point to | The results indicate a strong correlation. | | reveal | show (previously unknown) | The survey revealed that 70% of participants agreed. | | establish | prove beyond doubt | Researchers have established a link between diet and sleep. |
Verbs for Suggesting or Proposing
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | ------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | propose | suggest a plan or idea | Some policymakers propose increasing the retirement age. | | recommend | advise | The report recommends investing in renewable energy. | | advocate | publicly support | Many health experts advocate a plant-based diet. | | imply | suggest indirectly | The data implies that current policies are ineffective. |
Verbs for Acknowledging or Conceding
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | --------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | acknowledge | admit / recognize | Opponents acknowledge that the plan has some benefits. | | concede | admit reluctantly | The government conceded that the policy needed revision. | | recognize | accept as true | It is widely recognized that education is key to development. |
Verbs for Arguing Both Sides
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | ------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | support | provide evidence for | The data supports the hypothesis. | | challenge | question / dispute | Critics challenge the validity of the study. | | refute | prove false | The author refutes the opposing argument. | | counter | oppose | Opponents counter that the costs outweigh the benefits. | | question | doubt | Some experts question the reliability of the findings. |
How to Use Reporting Verbs in IELTS
Task 2 structure example:
While some assert that technology isolates people, others contend that it strengthens social bonds. Research demonstrates that online communities can provide real support. However, critics challenge this view, arguing that virtual interaction cannot replace face-to-face contact. The evidence suggests that a balanced approach is most effective.
Common Mistakes
- Overusing think / believe: ~~Many people think...~~ → Many experts assert / contend / maintain.
- Wrong preposition after the verb: ~~The author proposes about...~~ → The author proposes that... (no preposition) or The author proposes a solution.
- Using suggest when demonstrate is stronger: The data suggests... (weaker) vs The data demonstrates... (stronger — use when the evidence is conclusive).
- Forgetting that some verbs need that + clause: ~~The author asserts the policy ineffective.~~ → The author asserts that the policy is ineffective.