The patterns below are collocations that occur frequently in real, academic English. Each card gives: the English pattern + the Turkish meaning + an example sentence in an IELTS context + a note on nuance in Turkish. Use them as they are, without breaking the natural word combination.
1) Economic growth and prosperity (economic growth & prosperity)
economic growthekonomik büyüme
A country's output/income increasing over time. In IELTS it is the safest, most common phrase for "growth"; it takes adjectives such as rapid / steady / sustainable economic growth.
Investing in infrastructure is one of the most reliable ways to stimulate economic growth.
Investing in infrastructure is one of the most reliable ways to stimulate economic growth.
gross domestic product (GDP)gayri safi yurtiçi hasıla
A measure of a country's total economic output. Write the abbreviation out in full the first time, then use GDP. Nuance: on its own it is inadequate for measuring welfare; pointing this out adds depth to your ideas.
A rising GDP does not necessarily mean that ordinary citizens are better off.
A rising GDP does not necessarily mean that ordinary citizens are better off.
boost / stimulate the economyekonomiyi canlandırmak
boost and stimulate are used for actions that speed up the economy. Nuance: stimulate is more formal/academic; use the two interchangeably to avoid the penalty for repetition.
Cutting interest rates is a common measure used to boost the economy during a slowdown.
Cutting interest rates is a common measure used to boost the economy during a slowdown.
a booming economyhızla büyüyen / patlama yapan ekonomi
booming is an adjective describing strong, fast growth. Its opposite is a sluggish / stagnant economy (a sluggish/stagnant economy). Nuance: it has an exaggeratedly positive tone, so use it with care.
In a booming economy, firms tend to hire more staff and raise wages.
In a booming economy, firms tend to hire more staff and raise wages.
an economic downturn / recessionekonomik durgunluk / resesyon
A period when the economy shrinks. downturn is softer, while recession is technical and more serious. Verb: slide into a recession (to slide into a recession).
During an economic downturn, unemployment usually rises sharply.
During an economic downturn, unemployment usually rises sharply.
sustainable growthsürdürülebilir büyüme
Growth that can be sustained without exhausting the environment and future generations. Nuance: a strong high-level phrase for describing "good" growth; it bridges to the environment theme.
Governments increasingly prioritise sustainable growth over short-term profit.
Governments increasingly prioritise sustainable growth over short-term profit.
raise living standardsyaşam standartlarını yükseltmek
The full phrase for the ultimate aim of growth. Nuance: standard of living (singular) is the general level, while living standards (plural) is more common; it is NOT "increase the life standard".
The ultimate goal of economic policy should be to raise living standards for all.
The ultimate goal of economic policy should be to raise living standards for all.
economic prosperityekonomik refah
Society's general material welfare. Nuance: prosperity is an abstract, positive noun; it goes with the verbs bring about / generate prosperity.
Free trade has, in many cases, generated widespread economic prosperity.
Free trade has, in many cases, generated widespread economic prosperity.
While rapid economic growth can raise living standards, only sustainable growth ensures that future generations are not left worse off.
Although rapid economic growth can raise living standards, only sustainable growth ensures that future generations are not left worse off.
Task 2 example sentence: two collocations (economic growth + sustainable growth) are contrasted with a While… only… structure.
2) Income inequality and poverty (income inequality & poverty)
income inequalitygelir eşitsizliği
The unequal distribution of income across society. In IELTS it is the key pattern for this theme. Nuance: inequality is usually uncountable; "an inequality" is rare, more usually rising / growing income inequality.
Rising income inequality can fuel social tension and resentment.
Rising income inequality can fuel social tension and resentment.
the gap between rich and poorzengin ile fakir arasındaki uçurum
A concrete expression of inequality. Verbs: widen the gap (to widen the gap) / narrow / bridge the gap (to narrow it). Nuance: because it is an almost word-for-word echo of the questions, it is very useful for paraphrase.
Progressive taxation is one tool that can help narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Progressive taxation is one tool that can help narrow the gap between rich and poor.
the poverty lineyoksulluk sınırı
The income threshold for being counted as poor. Pattern: live below / above the poverty line. Nuance: it is an abstract threshold, NOT "the poverty border".
Millions of families still live below the poverty line despite being in full-time work.
Millions of families still live below the poverty line despite being in full-time work.
redistribute wealthserveti yeniden dağıtmak
The state distributing wealth more evenly through taxes and benefits. Noun form: wealth redistribution. Nuance: wealth (accumulated wealth) differs from income (flowing income).
Some economists argue that the state should redistribute wealth through higher taxes on the affluent.
Some economists argue that the state should redistribute wealth through higher taxes on the affluent.
a social safety netsosyal güvenlik ağı
A system of state benefits protecting the poor (unemployment benefit, healthcare, etc.). Nuance: it is a metaphorical phrase (a "net"), which Turkish students often do not think of; using it makes you stand out.
A strong social safety net prevents the most vulnerable from falling into poverty.
A strong social safety net prevents the most vulnerable from falling into poverty.
disadvantaged / low-income householdsdezavantajlı / düşük gelirli haneler
Naming the poor in a formal, neutral way. Nuance: using these phrases instead of "poor people" gives a more academic and respectful tone; household means "household".
Rising energy prices hit low-income households the hardest.
Rising energy prices hit low-income households the hardest.
economic disparityekonomik eşitsizlik / uçurum
income inequality is a high-level synonym for income inequality. Nuance: disparity means "a marked difference"; it is the ideal second word for avoiding the repetition penalty.
The economic disparity between urban and rural areas remains stark.
The economic disparity between urban and rural areas remains stark.
Although economic growth has increased overall wealth, it has done little to narrow the gap between rich and poor; without a stronger social safety net, income inequality is likely to widen further.
Although economic growth has increased overall wealth, it has done little to narrow the gap between rich and poor; without a stronger social safety net, income inequality is likely to widen further.
Task 2 example sentence: a chain of three collocations (economic growth → narrow the gap → social safety net / income inequality) builds a single argument.
3) Personal finance and consumption (personal finance & consumption)
disposable incomeharcanabilir gelir
The income left over after tax and essential outgoings, which can be spent freely. Nuance: it is a fixed, technical term; NOT "spendable income". Verb: higher disposable income.
As disposable income rises, households tend to spend more on leisure and travel.
As disposable income rises, households tend to spend more on leisure and travel.
the cost of livinggeçim masrafı / hayat pahalılığı
The total cost of basic needs (rent, food, energy). Pattern: the rising cost of living, the cost-of-living crisis. Nuance: NOT "life cost"; it is a fixed phrase.
The soaring cost of living has forced many families to cut back on essentials.
The soaring cost of living has forced many families to cut back on essentials.
make ends meetgeçinmek / iki yakayı bir araya getirmek
To balance your income with your spending. Nuance: it is a fixed idiom, always in this form; it usually appears in a negative context (struggle to make ends meet).
On the minimum wage, many workers struggle to make ends meet.
On the minimum wage, many workers struggle to make ends meet.
save for a rainy daykara gün için para biriktirmek
To put money aside for possible hard times. Nuance: a natural idiom; very useful in Speaking, use in moderation in Writing. "save money for the future" is a neutral alternative.
Financial advisers often recommend putting aside a little each month to save for a rainy day.
Financial advisers often recommend putting aside a little each month to save for a rainy day.
get into debtborca girmek
To fall into a state of borrowing. Related: be in debt (to be in debt), pay off debt (to pay off debt). Nuance: in debt the "b" is silent but written; use "get into debt" rather than "get in debt".get into debt.
Students often get into debt to cover their tuition and living expenses.
Students often get into debt to cover their tuition and living expenses.
live beyond your meansgücünün ötesinde / harcını aşarak yaşamak
To spend more than you earn. Its opposite: live within your means. Nuance: means here means "financial resources", and is always plural.
Easy access to credit encourages people to live beyond their means.
Easy access to credit encourages people to live beyond their means.
a consumer society / consumerismtüketim toplumu / tüketimcilik
A social structure based on constant buying of goods. Nuance: it usually has a critical tone; it can be used together with a throwaway culture (a throwaway culture).
In a consumer society, people are constantly persuaded to buy things they do not really need.
In a consumer society, people are constantly persuaded to buy things they do not really need.
household spendinghane harcaması
A household's total spending; it comes up especially in Task 1 bar charts and in Task 2. Nuance: expenditure is a more formal synonym (household expenditure).
A large share of household spending goes on housing and utilities.
A large share of household spending goes on housing and utilities.
When the cost of living rises faster than wages, families see their disposable income shrink and many are forced to live beyond their means simply to make ends meet.
When the cost of living rises faster than wages, families see their disposable income shrink and many are forced to live beyond their means simply to make ends meet.
Task 2 example sentence: four patterns (cost of living, disposable income, live beyond your means, make ends meet) are drawn together in a cause-and-effect chain.
4) Government spending and taxation (government spending & taxation)
government / public spendingkamu harcaması
The state's spending on services and infrastructure. Nuance: it is uncountable; NOT "spendings". Verb: increase / cut public spending.
Higher government spending on healthcare can improve outcomes for the whole population.
Higher government spending on healthcare can improve outcomes for the whole population.
taxation / raise taxesvergilendirme / vergileri artırmak
taxation is the formal noun, while raise / cut / impose taxes are the verb patterns. Nuance: raise taxes is more natural than "increase the taxes"; progressive taxation = progressive taxation.
Governments often raise taxes on tobacco to discourage smoking.
Governments often raise taxes on tobacco to discourage smoking.
public serviceskamu hizmetleri
Services the state provides such as health, education and transport. Pattern: fund / invest in public services. Nuance: it is used in the plural and covers a broad area.
Tax revenue is essential for funding public services such as hospitals and schools.
Tax revenue is essential for funding public services such as hospitals and schools.
subsidise / a subsidysübvanse etmek / devlet desteği
The state giving financial support to make a sector or good cheaper. Nuance: British spelling subsidise, American subsidize; both are accepted, just be consistent with one spelling.
Many governments subsidise renewable energy to cut carbon emissions.
Many governments subsidise renewable energy to cut carbon emissions.
allocate funds / a budgetfon / bütçe ayırmak
To set a resource aside for a particular purpose. Pattern: allocate funds to / for. Nuance: a tight budget (a tight budget), a budget deficit (a budget deficit) and similar derivatives come up often.
If more funds were allocated to public transport, congestion would ease considerably.
If more funds were allocated to public transport, congestion would ease considerably.
the public pursekamu bütçesi / devlet kesesi
An idiomatic phrase for the state's money. Nuance: a burden on the public purse (a burden on the public purse) is a very useful phrase; it makes you stand out in "tax-funded" arguments.
Providing free university education would place a heavy burden on the public purse.
Providing free university education would place a heavy burden on the public purse.
tax revenuevergi geliri
The income the state earns from taxes. Nuance: revenue is uncountable; "revenues" is rare. Pattern: generate / boost tax revenue.
A thriving business sector generates the tax revenue needed to fund welfare programmes.
A thriving business sector generates the tax revenue needed to fund welfare programmes.
impose tariffsgümrük vergisi / tarife koymak
To put a tax on imported goods. Nuance: tariff is only a foreign-trade tax; for a domestic tax use tax. protectionism it is linked to the theme of protectionism.
When a country imposes tariffs on imports, domestic prices often rise.
When a country imposes tariffs on imports, domestic prices often rise.
Although raising taxes is unpopular, the additional tax revenue allows the government to fund public services without placing an unsustainable burden on the public purse.
Although raising taxes is unpopular, the additional tax revenue allows the government to fund public services without placing an unsustainable burden on the public purse.
Task 2 example sentence: four patterns (raise taxes, tax revenue, public services, the public purse) come together in a concession argument.
5) Unemployment and the labour market (unemployment & the labour market)
the unemployment rateişsizlik oranı
The proportion of people looking for work but unable to find it. Verb: the unemployment rate rises / falls. Nuance: NOT "the unemployment ratio"; "rate" is the correct word.
The unemployment rate tends to climb during periods of recession.
The unemployment rate tends to climb during periods of recession.
job securityiş güvencesi
The guarantee of not losing your job. Nuance: it is uncountable; NOT "a job security". Its opposite: job insecurity.
Permanent contracts offer far greater job security than temporary work.
Permanent contracts offer far greater job security than temporary work.
the labour market / the workforceiş gücü piyasası / iş gücü
labour market is the arena where the supply of and demand for jobs meet; workforce is the whole body of workers. Nuance: British spelling labour, American labor; enter the labour market (to enter the labour market).
Automation is rapidly reshaping the labour market in many developed countries.
Automation is rapidly reshaping the labour market in many developed countries.
create job opportunitiesistihdam / iş imkânı yaratmak
To open up new jobs. Synonym: generate employment. Nuance: create jobs / job opportunities is natural rather than "open jobs".
Investment in green industries could create millions of new job opportunities.
Investment in green industries could create millions of new job opportunities.
a minimum wageasgari ücret
The legal lowest wage. Pattern: raise / introduce the minimum wage. Nuance: a living wage (a living wage) is a higher concept, so do not confuse the two.
Raising the minimum wage can lift low-paid workers out of poverty.
Raising the minimum wage can lift low-paid workers out of poverty.
financial stabilityfinansal / mali istikrar
An individual's or an economy's being materially sound. Nuance: it is used in both a personal (personal financial stability) and a macro (economic stability) context.
A steady income gives people the financial stability to plan for the future.
A steady income gives people the financial stability to plan for the future.
lay off workers / redundancyişçi çıkarmak / işten çıkarılma
lay off is to dismiss people for economic reasons (not for misconduct, which is fire / dismiss). be made redundant = to be dismissed because your job has been abolished. Nuance: lay off is a separable phrasal verb.
When demand collapses, companies are often forced to lay off staff.
When demand collapses, companies are often forced to lay off staff.
the gig economyesnek / geçici iş ekonomisi
An economy based on short-term, contract work (couriers, app drivers, etc.). Nuance: a current, modern phrase; it makes you stand out in debates about job security.
The gig economy offers flexibility but often lacks basic job security.
The gig economy offers flexibility but often lacks basic job security.
Rather than simply raising the minimum wage, governments should also create job opportunities in stable industries, since lasting financial stability depends on secure employment rather than short-term gig work.
Rather than simply raising the minimum wage, governments should also create job opportunities in stable industries, since lasting financial stability depends on secure employment rather than short-term gig work.
Task 2 example sentence: four patterns (minimum wage, create job opportunities, financial stability, gig work) Rather than… also… structure.
6) Trade, business and monetary policy (trade, business & money)
inflation / rising inflationenflasyon / artan enflasyon
The general rise in prices. Nuance: it is uncountable; NOT "inflations". Verb: inflation soars / eases; curb inflation (to curb inflation).
Rising inflation erodes the value of people's savings.
Rising inflation erodes the value of people's savings.
interest ratesfaiz oranları
The cost of borrowing. Pattern: raise / cut interest rates. Nuance: it is usually plural; it is at the heart of debates about central bank policy.
Central banks often raise interest rates to bring inflation under control.
Central banks often raise interest rates to bring inflation under control.
free tradeserbest ticaret
Barrier-free, duty-free trade between countries. Its opposite: protectionism. Nuance: it is uncountable, NOT "a free trade"; a free-trade agreement (a hyphenated adjective).
Supporters argue that free trade lowers prices and widens consumer choice.
Supporters argue that free trade lowers prices and widens consumer choice.
multinational corporationsçok uluslu şirketler
Large firms that operate in many countries (MNCs for short). Nuance: it is intertwined with the theme of globalisation; corporation is a large, incorporated company, more formal than "company".
Multinational corporations wield enormous influence over the global economy.
Multinational corporations wield enormous influence over the global economy.
economic globalisationekonomik küreselleşme
The linking of economies worldwide. Nuance: British spelling globalisation, American globalization. It is flexible for both benefit and harm arguments.
Economic globalisation has connected markets but also increased their vulnerability to shocks.
Economic globalisation has connected markets but also increased their vulnerability to shocks.
entrepreneurship / start a businessgirişimcilik / iş kurmak
Setting up a new business and taking risks. Nuance: entrepreneur is hard to spell, so write it carefully; NOT "make a business" but start / set up a business.
Encouraging entrepreneurship can drive innovation and create jobs.
Encouraging entrepreneurship can drive innovation and create jobs.
a financial crisisfinansal / mali kriz
A period of serious economic collapse. Pattern: trigger / cause a financial crisis. Nuance: crisis has the plural crises (pronounced differently), so take care.
The 2008 financial crisis pushed millions of people out of work.
The 2008 financial crisis pushed millions of people out of work.
purchasing powersatın alma gücü
The amount of goods a unit of money can buy. Nuance: erode / boost purchasing power; it is very useful in an inflation context. "buying power" is conversational, while academically it is purchasing power.
As prices climb, the purchasing power of a fixed salary steadily falls.
As prices climb, the purchasing power of a fixed salary steadily falls.
When rising inflation erodes purchasing power, central banks may raise interest rates, yet such measures can slow business investment and even trigger a wider financial crisis.
When rising inflation erodes purchasing power, central banks may raise interest rates, yet such measures can slow business investment and even trigger a wider financial crisis.
Task 2 example sentence: four patterns (rising inflation, purchasing power, interest rates, financial crisis) builds a chain-reaction argument.
Tip: most economy words are uncountable: money, wealth, income, revenue, inflation, unemployment, poverty, taxation. Do not add "a/an" or "-s" to them. For number, use measure phrases such as "a piece / a level / a rate of".