IELTS Writing Task 2 Useful Collocations Topic: Government

It is widely acknowledged that collocations play a vital part in second language learning, particularly at the intermediate and advanced levels. In the IELTS test, using collocations demonstrates the improvement of learners’ oral communication, writing skills.

This post will cover 20 collocations which enable IELTS learners to improve their writing in IELTS Writing Task 2.

 1. A minority government: that does not have enough politicians to control parliament

• His party had gained only enough seats to form a minority government.

2. Central government: this is the national government of a country.

• Funding will continue to be available from central government for further education for adults.

3. Government spending: the money is spent by the government

• Government spending on health care totals about $60 billion a year.

4. Government minister: a politician who is in charge of a government department.

• A government minister said that there would be an inquiry.

5. Domestic politics: within a country

• The war had a major impact on the country’s domestic politics.

6. A government body (also a government agency): an organization run by the government.

• Patents are granted by U.K Patent Office, a government body.

7. Elect a government: vote to choose a government

• A new government was elected last October.

8. Bring down a government: Force it to lose power.

• It was a major scandal that nearly brought down the government.

9. Regulatory authority: a regulatory authority has the official power to control activity and make sure that it is done satisfactorily.

• New drugs have been approved by the regulatory authority.

10. Pass legislation: officially approve it so that it becomes a law

• The legislation was passed banning the use of child labour.

11. Enact legislation: make it into a law

• Much legislation has been enacted to control pollution.

12. Propose legislation: suggest a new law

• The government proposed legislation on data protection.

13. Political corruption: dishonest or illegal behaviour in politicians.

• It is a country with a long history of political corruption.

14. Make policy: decide what it will be

• A committee of representatives makes policy.

15. Shape policy: develop it or have an influence on it

• These terrorist acts will not be allowed to shape our foreign policy.

16. Pursue/ follow a policy: continue with a policy over a period.

• The organization is pursuing a policy of cost-cutting.

17. Reverse a policy: Stop a policy and change it

• The new government set about reversing previous policies.

18. Take measures: do something in order to deal with a problem

• The situation is now so severe that the government must take measures to police the Internet.

19. Long-term plan/strategy/solution: continuing for a long period.

• The government needs to consider the long-term solution of a poorly trained workforce.

20. A political strategy: a planned series of actions for politics.

• Baldwin’s political strategy was almost totally successful.

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