Word of The Day - Advocate

Enhancing your IELTS vocabulary with precise and academic verbs can significantly improve your Lexical Resource score. Today’s word, “advocate,” is especially useful when discussing opinions, arguments, or support for causes. Using this verb in IELTS Writing and Speaking helps you express agreement, recommendations, or reasoning clearly and formally.

Meaning of Advocate

Verb: To speak, plead, or argue in favor of something; to support or recommend a particular idea, cause, or action.

A person who advocates actively promotes a viewpoint, solution, or behaviour, often persuading others of its value. This word is highly effective in IELTS when discussing social issues, health, education, or policy recommendations.

Origin and History of the Word

The word advocate comes from the Latin advocatus, meaning “one called to aid” or “helper.” Historically, it was used to describe someone who pleaded on behalf of another, such as a legal advocate. Today, it is widely used in both spoken and written English to describe support for ideas, reforms, or causes.

How to Use “Advocate” in IELTS Speaking & Writing

“Advocate” is suitable for topics involving:

• Social or political reforms
• Health and lifestyle recommendations
• Education and child-rearing approaches
• Environmental protection or sustainability
• Legal, workplace, or policy advocacy

Using “advocate” demonstrates the ability to formally support ideas and present reasoned arguments, which is essential for higher band scores in IELTS.

Examples of “Advocate” in Context

• IELTS Writing Task 2: “He was probably best known for his work on heart disease, advocating prevention through exercise and diet, particularly foods low in animal fat and sodium.”
• “Many experts advocate rewarding children for good behaviour.”
• “Environmentalists advocate reducing single-use plastics to combat pollution.”
• “Teachers often advocate collaborative learning methods to improve student engagement.”
• “The government should advocate policies that encourage renewable energy use.”

IELTS Tip

When expressing support for ideas, solutions, or policies in IELTS Writing Task 2 or Speaking Part 3, advocate is a formal, high-level alternative to simpler words like support, recommend, or encourage.

• For example: Instead of saying: “Experts support healthy diets,”
• You can say: “Experts advocate healthy diets to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Synonyms for “Advocate”

• Support
• Recommend
• Endorse
• Promote
• Champion

Antonyms for “Advocate”

• Oppose
• Criticize
• Reject
• Condemn
• Disapprove

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Advocate”

Use in: IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Discussing opinions or suggestions

Question: What kinds of lifestyle changes do experts recommend for better health?

Answer:
“Many health professionals advocate regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent lifestyle diseases. They often emphasise reducing sugar and processed foods while encouraging activities like jogging or cycling, which promote long-term wellbeing.”

Sample IELTS Writing Sentence Using “Advocate”

Use in: IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discussing solutions or recommendations

“Educational psychologists advocate implementing collaborative learning strategies in schools to enhance student engagement and critical thinking skills.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with advocate or its synonyms:

1. Many scientists __________ the use of renewable energy to combat climate change.
2. Teachers often __________ reading habits among students to improve literacy skills.
3. The organization strongly __________ equal rights for all employees.
4. Environmental activists __________ planting trees to reduce pollution.
5. Some experts __________ the early introduction of technology in classrooms.

Answers:

1. advocate
2. promote
3. support
4. recommend
5. endorse

Incorporating the word “advocate” into your IELTS responses allows you to formally express support for ideas, policies, or actions with clarity and sophistication. Whether discussing social reforms, health strategies, or educational improvements, this verb adds precision and formality to your answers. Practising advocate in multiple contexts will enhance your lexical range, fluency, and overall IELTS performance. 

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking Section
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide 2025
• 75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test