Paraphernalia - IELTS Word of the Day for Speaking & Writing

With the noun, 'Paraphernalia', you can improve your precision and variety in your IELTS Speaking & Writing responses. While you use this word in your answers, you'll start to understand its meaning, tone, and context in which it could be placed in a sentence. Having an understanding would elevate your knowledge about the emotional tone of the word while learning how to use it correctly in the IELTS Exam.  Let us now walk you through the meaning in detail, common mistakes to avoid and an exercise.

What is the Meaning of the Word ‘Paraphernalia’?

Using the word "Paraphernalia" in your preparation can enhance your expression and help you get closer to attaining a higher IELTS Band Score. To learn about the application of the word with precision and confidence, the table below provides its definition, synonyms, and example sentences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Using Paraphernalia  in IELTS Speaking & Writing Answers

To improve your band score for the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections, you need to be aware of the common mistakes which can affect your scores. Remember to critically analyze and point out in your answers so that you can avoid making such mistakes. The following are some of these common mistakes which you need to avoid while using the term ‘Paraphernalia’.

• It is recommended to write a list of items so that you can make the meaning clear in your responses. Otherwise, it might sound out of place and affect the arrangement of your ideas.
• Remember that the word is always a noun so do not use it as a verb. Therefore, it is suggested to make different sentence structures by diving into IELTS Grammar topics to practice. 
• While paraphernalia looks plural, at least grammatically speaking, it is treated as singular. It is uncountable-you cannot just add “-s” to make it plural.
• Use it for physical items or equipment, not emotions or abstract concepts unless you are writing quite advanced figurative language. 
• Excessive repetition in the Speaking sections can make your language appear forced or rehearsed. It would sound redundant when applied to simple, everyday objects such as “lunch box” or “keys.” 
• Since the word is a bit formal, this word is suitable for more structured IELTS Writing answers rather than very casual ones. 
• You can use this word for any activity or profession but not just leisure.

Want to learn IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9? Let’s check out the video below!

Exercise on Paraphernalia for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Let us see how well you place it in sentences where it adds precision and impact. As you work through the exercise below, read each sentence carefully, understand its tone, and look for the clues to where the word, "Paraphernalia", belongs. 

1 Select the correct option.

1. The photographer carried his camera paraphernalia such as lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment.
2. She paraphernalia her homework before the deadline. 
3. The paraphernalia weather ruined our picnic plans.

2 Select the correct option.

1. I like to paraphernalia my friends every weekend.
2. When I travel, I pack my photography paraphernalia
3. The paraphernalia clouds were pink at sunset.

3 Select the correct option.

1. I paraphernalia my dog every morning before breakfast.
2. When I cook for my family, my kitchen paraphernalia
3. The paraphernalia weather made us stay indoors.

4 Select the correct option.

1. Before painting the room, I bought all the paraphernalia I needed.
2. Paraphernalia is my favourite fruit in summer.
3. The paraphernalia moon was bright that night.

5 Select the correct option.

1. The paraphernalia clouds were beautiful.
2. I paraphernalia my homework last night.
3. I made a checklist of all the paraphernalia we’d need.

Answer to the Exercise on Paraphernalia for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Now, it is time to look into the answers you chose and identify whether they were correct or incorrect. Following that, you can also highlight the key learning strategies that will help you build the skills necessary for IELTS success.

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. C

The word ‘paraphernalia’ is one of the advanced IELTS vocabulary words that can elevate your answers in the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections. Therefore, you must know how to use it naturally and also practise it in several sentence structures. Once it becomes a habit, you will be able to use it correctly without consciously thinking about it, especially during the exam.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+