Using Collocation to Boost Your IELTS Score – Key Word: Agreement

In IELTS Speaking and Writing, expressing agreement or disagreement clearly is essential, especially when discussing opinions or making arguments. Learning how to use collocations with the word “agreement” will help you sound more fluent and precise.

This lesson covers verb + agreement, adjective + agreement, and verb + disagreement collocations, along with examples and notes to help you use them correctly in IELTS contexts.

Understanding “Agreement” in IELTS

The word agreement means a shared understanding or arrangement between two or more people or groups. It can refer to:

• A contract or formal deal (sign an agreement), or
• A shared opinion (reach agreement on an issue).

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might need to discuss agreements or disagreements related to social, political, or environmental issues.
Example:

• There is general agreement that renewable energy is vital for the future.
• Experts disagree on whether technology improves education.

Verb + Agreement Collocations

These collocations are used to describe how people make, follow, or end agreements. Mastering them helps you discuss contracts, decisions, or opinions more naturally.

Exercise: Use the Correct Verb

1. Make sure you look closely at the details before you enter into any agreement. Never sign an agreement without reading the small print first.
2. We reserve the right to cancel this agreement if you fail to make the regular monthly payments.
3. You’ll have to get your parents’ agreement if you want to go on the school trip.
4. When we make an agreement with someone, we always honour it. Our reputation depends on the fact that we adhere strictly to any agreement we make.
5. After hours of talking, the two sides failed to reach agreement. They will meet again tomorrow in a final attempt to come to some sort of agreement.
6. By going on strike they broke the agreement they made earlier with their employer. They could be fired for breaching the terms of the agreement.

Common Verb + Agreement Collocations

IELTS Example Sentences

• The two countries signed an agreement to reduce carbon emissions.
• Both sides failed to reach agreement on the policy changes.
• Companies must honour agreements to maintain trust.

Using these collocations correctly in IELTS Writing Task 2 can help you demonstrate a good command of formal and academic vocabulary.

Common Adjective + Agreement Collocations

Adjectives describe the type or nature of the agreement. These collocations often appear in academic or formal writing, making them valuable for IELTS Writing Task 2 and IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Exercise: Fill in the Correct Adjective

1. It’s best to get things in writing. Verbal agreements often don’t stand up in court.
2. Nothing was said at the meeting. There seemed to be tacit agreement that the subject of the manager’s expenses wouldn’t be discussed.
3. My wife and I came to an amicable agreement when we split up. She got the house and I got the money.
4. There is general agreement in the medical profession that pregnant women shouldn’t smoke.
5. It was not a binding agreement in their view, so they feel they can break it without penalty.
6. There is unanimous agreement that a new airport is needed. Nobody disputes that, but there is fundamental disagreement over where to build it.

Common Adjective + Agreement Collocations

IELTS Example Usage

• There is general agreement among experts that climate change is man-made.
• Both companies came to an amicable agreement after negotiation.
• It’s best to have a binding agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

Verb + Disagreement Collocations

It’s equally important to know how to describe disagreement, as IELTS questions often require you to present contrasting views.

Exercise: Use the Correct Verb

1. Protesters marched through London to express their disagreement with government policy.
2. My wife and I don’t have many disagreements, but when they do arise, they tend to be about money.
3. Management and unions have been trying to resolve their disagreement over proposals to reduce the workforce, but after three days of talks there is still no sign of an agreement.
4. I think the new timetables are certain to cause disagreement amongst staff.

Common Verb + Disagreement Collocations

IELTS Usage Example

• There is considerable disagreement about whether advertising influences children.
• Both parties worked to resolve their disagreement through discussion.
• The government’s decision caused disagreement among citizens.