Improve your Vocabulary for IELTS - Collocation of Mind

One of the important elements that distinguishes a better IELTS score from an excellent one is the vocabulary. But a proper set of vocabulary does not just mean knowing a long list of words. But, it also means knowing how to properly use them naturally. 

This is exactly where the collocations come in to the scene. A collocation is nothing but a pair or group of words which are often used together, just like “make up your mind” or “bear in mind.” 

Combinations like these will surely sound natural to the native speakers, and when you are using them correctly in your  IELTS Speaking and Writing exam, it will show that you have a firm command of the English language. 

In this article, we will learn about collocations with the help of our expert crafted practice exercises that you can use in both academic and everyday English.

Practice Exercise: Keyword - Mind

1. Verb + mind

Use the correct form of these verbs:

 have                           broaden

change                        cross

clear                            make up

spring                          train

1. He’s quite a stubborn person. Once he’s _____________ his mind, he never budges. He sticks to his decision, no matter what happens.
2. I’m not going on that plane, so don’t try to persuade me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will make me _____________ my mind.
3. I often find it difficult to _____________ my mind after a hard day at work. Thoughts about work just keep running through my head. My wife wants me to take up yoga or something like that.
4. Some people go on courses to _____________ their minds to think positively.
5. I’m trying to encourage my kids to travel more, but they just want to stay at home. I keep telling them that travel _____________ the mind.
6. Sometimes I think this car____________ a mind of its own. Whenever I am in a desperate hurry, it decides not to start!
7. It never____________ my mind that James would resign. I mean, he’s not the resigning type, is he?
8. Do you know anyone who would be a good person to organise our Christmas party? > No, nobody____________ to mind – and don’t look at me!

2. Common adjective collocations

Complete the sentences with these adjectives:

enquiring                    open                suspicious

warped                        sharp               one-track

1. He’s a typical male. He’s got a____________ mind! All he ever thinks about is sex!
2. Although my grandad’s now 92, his mind is remarkably agile and alert. > Yes, he still has a really ____________ mind for someone of his age.
3. Most young children show an interest in learning new things. They seem to be born with an ____________ mind. It’s a pity that many of us lose this as we grow older.
4. I’m not sure if your solution to the traffic problem will work, but I’m keeping an____________ mind till I hear what all the other proposals are.
5. The film is full of violence, murder and bad language. It can only have a negative effect on the innocent minds of young people. In my opinion, it is the work of a sick and ____________mind!
6. No, I didn’t play with your computer while you were out. What a____________ mind you’ve got! Don’t you trust anybody?

3. Expressions with prepositions

Use these words to complete the expressions:

back    clear    doubt   frame  peace

a          at the____________  of my mind

b          in the right____________ of mind

c          complete____________ of mind

d          not really____________ in my mind

e            no____________ in my mind

Now use these complete expressions below:

1. Take out a five-year guarantee and have ____________ . If this radio breaks down, we will repair it or replace it free of charge.
2. There is ____________ that he murdered Caroline Walker in cold blood.
3. Can we talk about this later? I’m not ____________ to start discussing money.
4. I’m____________ about what we’re aiming for. Are we trying to find a solution or just spend hours talking and getting nowhere?
5. I just haven’t got round to calling my mother. It’s been____________ to call her for several days now.

Answer Key: Keyword - Mind

Ex 1: 1. made up 2. change 3. clear 4. train 5. broadens 6. has 7. crossed 8. springs

Ex 2: 1. one-track 2. sharp 3. enquiring 4. open 5. warped 6. suspicious

Ex 3:

        a. back b. frame c. peace d. clear e. doubt

        l-c            2-e        3-b         4-d      5-a

See also:

• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Vocabulary books
• IELTS Listening words
• Sports Vocabulary IELTS
• English Pronunciation in use Intermediate pdf
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS