Hoard - Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing

A strong vocabulary can significantly boost your IELTS band score, especially in Speaking and Writing, where lexical resource contributes 25% to your final score. Using words like ‘hoard’ helps demonstrate range, precision, and fluency.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the definition, forms, collocations, and IELTS-specific usage of ‘hoard’ along with a practice exercise to reinforce your IELTS Vocabulary learning.

What Does 'Hoard' Mean?

Word: Hoard
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Pronunciation: /hɔːrd/

Meaning as a Noun:

A large amount of something valuable that is kept or hidden for future use.

Example: A hoard of gold coins was discovered beneath the old barn.

Meaning as a Verb:

To accumulate and hide things, especially in large quantities.

Example: People began to hoard food supplies during the lockdown.

Synonyms for ‘Hoard’

The following are some synonyms for the word:  Hoard

• Cache
• Stockpile
• Reserve
• Trove

Common Collocations with ‘Hoard’

Some of the common collocations with "Hoard" are as follows:

• Hoard of money
• Hoard of supplies
• To hoard food/wealth/essentials
• Secret hoard
• Massive hoard

Using ‘Hoard’ in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2 or 3, you can use "hoard" when describing behaviors, economic activities, or historical findings.

Sample Sentences:

• “During the pandemic, people began to hoard sanitizers and toilet paper.”
• “The archaeologists uncovered a hoard of ancient artifacts beneath the ruins.”
• “Some individuals tend to hoard old items due to emotional attachment.”

Using ‘Hoard’ in IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, especially on topics like economy, environment, or consumerism, "hoard" can express the idea of excessive storage or greed.

Sample Sentences:

• “Governments should discourage citizens from hoarding essentials during crises.”
• “A culture of consumerism often leads people to hoard more than they need.”
• “Data from the Bronze Age shows that the distribution of hoards reflects patterns of trade and war.”

Practice Exercise: Vocabulary in Context

1. The building suffered significant __________ damage after the earthquake.
2. This old suitcase contained nothing but a __________ of broken tools and wires.
3. She is very slow and __________ in her work, but she produces excellent results.
4. The report __________ of three major parts—introduction, findings, and conclusion.
5. You shouldn’t __________ how long it takes to prepare for the IELTS exam.
6. The company was not allowed to __________ with construction due to pending environmental approval.
7. The museum showcased a rare __________ of Roman coins.
8. The police have confirmed his __________ in the cyberattack.
9. According to the revised engineering manual, the station will be fully __________ by the end of the year.
10. The researcher gave a precise __________ of cultural diversity.

Answer Key

1. structural
2. hoard
3. methodical
4. consisted
5. underestimate
6. proceed
7. hoard
8. involvement
9. functional
10. definition

Quick Tips to Use 'Hoard' Effectively in IELTS

• Use ‘hoard’ as a noun when talking about a collection of something.
• Use ‘hoard’ as a verb when referring to the act of accumulating.
• Avoid overusing the word—try to place it naturally within context.
• Pair with nouns related to value or necessity (money, food, supplies).

Improving your vocabulary is key to achieving Band 7 or above in IELTS Speaking and Writing. Explore more words like hoard to express yourself with greater clarity and nuance.

Incorporating high-level vocabulary like "Hoard" not only improves your lexical resource but also helps you express complex ideas more effectively in both IELTS Speaking and Writing. Practice using the word in multiple contexts and make it a natural part of your academic vocabulary. If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+