Collocations · the 30 every Band 7+ candidate uses

The 30 collocations every Band 7 candidate uses

have a profound effect on: Climate policy has a profound effect on energy prices.
play a key role in: Education plays a key role in social mobility.
lead to a sharp rise / decline in: Lockdowns led to a sharp rise in online retail.
give rise to: Smartphone use has given rise to new forms of distraction.
result in: Poor planning resulted in long delays.

strong evidence (not powerful): There is strong evidence that early intervention works.
compelling argument: He made a compelling argument for reform.
a major concern: Wage inequality remains a major concern.
of paramount importance: Privacy is of paramount importance to users.
a pressing issue: Housing affordability is a pressing issue in most cities.

rise sharply / steadily / gradually: Energy prices rose sharply in 2022, then stabilised.
decline / fall / drop by [percentage]: Smoking has declined by 30 percent since 2010.
reach a peak / hit a low: Tourism reached a peak in 2019, then hit a five-year low.
remain stable / flat: Birth rates remained stable across the decade.
fluctuate between X and Y: Sales fluctuated between 200 and 400 units.

raise concerns about: Critics have raised concerns about data privacy.
make / present / put forward an argument: Both sides put forward valid arguments.
share the view that: Many economists share the view that the policy is overdue.
draw a distinction between: It's important to draw a distinction between cause and correlation.
challenge the assumption that: Recent research challenges the assumption that more screen time always harms learning.

Spot the natural collocation

1
There is _______ evidence that regular exercise improves mental health.
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.
2
The new policy will have a profound _______ on small businesses.
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.
3
Tourism _______ a peak in 2019 before the pandemic disrupted global travel.
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.