Writing formal vocabulary is a must in the IELTS exam. This list would be quite handy.
| Informal (Avoid) | Formal (Writing) |
| Stuff | Items, Possessions |
| Folks | Relatives |
| Kids (younger) | Infants, Offspring |
| Kids (older) | Adolescents, Youths |
| Guy | Male |
| Old people | Senior citizens, Retirees |
| – | Supervisor, Superior |
| Cops | Law enforcement |
| Crooks | Offenders, Lawbreakers |
| OK, Alright | Acceptable, Satisfactory |
| Great, Awesome | Preferable, Desirable |
| Rubbish, Useless | Unsatisfactory, Unacceptable |
| – | Considerate, Agreeable |
| – | Sociable, Neighbourly |
| Nasty, Cheeky (person) | Abusive, Disagreeable |
| Stupid, Crazy, Dumb (idea) | Misguided, Questionable |
| Stupid, Crazy, Dumb (person) | Misguided, Mistaken |
| – | Satisfied, Delighted |
| – | Satisfying, Delightful |
| – | Regretful, Distressed |
| – | Regrettable, Distressing |
| Sick of, Fed up with | Dissatisfied with |
| – | Developing, Poverty-stricken |
| – | In poverty, Underprivileged |
| – | Wealthy, Developed |
| – | Wealthy, Privileged |
