How can I improve my vocabulary in IELTS?
You can improve your vocabulary in IELTS by actively learning new words and using them in the right context. You must expose yourself to the English language through extensive reading. Avoid memorising the words and focus on truly understanding each word’s meaning. Want to know more about improving IELTS vocabulary? Scroll down for insights.
Key takeaways
- Building a strong and wide-ranging vocabulary is critical for IELTS success. Master synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrasal verbs.
- IELTS tests your vocabulary across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Consistent practice is essential for vocabulary learning, retention, and understanding.
- Using synonyms will help you avoid repetition and build a richer vocabulary. Antonyms improve comprehension and usage accuracy.
- Appropriate use of idioms and phrasal verbs provides you with natural fluency and command over English. Use them correctly and according to the context.
- Avoid common mistakes such as using complex words incorrectly, repeating the same words, or using informal language. Focus on accurate usage and maintaining a formal tone.
When it comes to preparing for the IELTS, one of the most important things you need to focus on is your IELTS vocabulary. Having a wide range of words and phrases at your disposal can help you express yourself clearly and accurately in the writing and speaking sections of the test.
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In this guide, we’ve listed the most commonly used synonyms, antonyms, idioms and words for IELTS to help you build a strong vocabulary.
Table of Contents
- How can I improve my vocabulary in IELTS?
- IELTS vocabulary: List of words with meanings
- Tips to improve your vocabulary
- IELTS band scores and vocabulary requirements
- Comparison of vocabulary requirements for Academic and General training modules of the IELTS exam
- IELTS vocabulary requirement vs other English language tests
- What are some common vocabulary mistakes to avoid in IELTS?
- The most important IELTS vocabulary words
- Practice exercises to test your understanding
- Resources to help you prepare for IELTS
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the hardest section in IELTS?
- How can I improve my vocabulary in IELTS?
- Can I write 500 words in IELTS essays?
- Is 150 words good enough for the IELTS Task 2 essay?
- How many vocabulary words should I learn for IELTS?
- Is there an IELTS vocabulary test?
- Is 7.5 a good score?
- Is IELTS vocabulary important?
- How can I memorise new words effectively?
- How many vocabulary words do I need to learn for a 7.0 IELTS score?
IELTS vocabulary: List of words with meanings
Vocabulary is an integral part of the IELTS exam, and having a solid grasp of the English language can make all the difference in gaining a high IELTS score. Therefore, when preparing for this exam, it’s essential to focus on learning new vocabulary to succeed in IELTS.
Also read: TOEFL vocabulary list | GMAT vocabulary list
1. Synonyms for IELTS vocabulary
Learning common synonyms is a great place to start, whether you’re preparing for the IELTS exam or you just want to improve your vocabulary.
Here are commonly used synonyms in the IELTS test that can help you get an edge in the exam:
| Word | Synonyms | Category | Example sentence |
| Good | Excellent, Outstanding, Superb | Reading | The book had an outstanding story that kept me hooked. |
| Bad | Terrible, Awful, Poor, Unpleasant | Writing | The report contained several terrible errors that needed correction. |
| Big | Large, Huge, Massive, Enormous | Speaking | The elephant is a huge animal that you can easily spot. |
| Small | Tiny, Miniature, Little, Petite | Listening | I heard a tiny noise coming from the garden last night. |
| Happy | Delighted, Ecstatic, Joyful | Speaking | She was ecstatic about her performance in the play. |
| Sad | Unhappy, Miserable, Sorrowful | Listening | His voice sounded sorrowful when he told the story. |
| Important | Crucial, Significant, Essential | Reading | It is crucial to understand the main idea in a text. |
| Interesting | Fascinating, Intriguing, Engaging | Reading | The article was engaging and kept me curious till the end. |
| Difficult | Challenging, Arduous, Hard | Writing | Writing an essay on a challenging topic requires deep thought. |
| Difficult | Challenging, Complex, Demanding | Writing | Writing about complex topics can be demanding but rewarding. |
| Easy | Simple, Effortless, Straightforward | Reading | The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. |
| Easy | Effortless, Simple, Uncomplicated | Reading | The passage was simple and easy to understand. |
| Beautiful | Gorgeous, Stunning, Attractive | Speaking | The sunset tonight was absolutely gorgeous. |
| Ugly | Hideous, Unattractive, Repulsive | Speaking | The old building looked hideous after the storm. |
| Intelligent | Clever, Brilliant, Smart | Listening | She gave a smart answer during the debate. |
| Stupid | Dull, Simple-minded, Unintelligent | Speaking | That was a dull mistake he made. |
| Great | Wonderful, Marvellous, Fantastic | Speaking | You did a fantastic job presenting your ideas. |
| Terrible | Horrible, Dreadful, Frightening | Listening | The news report was dreadful to listen to. |
| Many | Numerous, Several, Abundant | Reading | There are numerous reasons to support this argument. |
| Few | Several, A handful of, Limited | Reading | A handful of examples were given in the textbook. |
| Improve | Enhance, Upgrade, Ameliorate | Writing | You should enhance your vocabulary to improve your writing skills. |
| Worsen | Deteriorate, Decline, Degrade | Listening | The patient's condition seemed to deteriorate according to the doctor's report. |
| Talk | Speak, Converse, Communicate | Speaking | Let's converse about your plans for the weekend. |
| Big | Significant, Substantial, Sizeable | Writing | The project requires a substantial amount of research. |
| Small | Miniature, Diminutive, Compact | Writing | The miniature model is detailed and well-crafted. |
| Get | Obtain, Acquire, Secure | Speaking | I need to acquire new skills for my job. |
| Use | Utilise, Employ, Apply | Writing | You should apply these techniques to improve your essay. |
| Show | Demonstrate, Display, Exhibit | Speaking | She demonstrated how to solve the math problem. |
| Think | Ponder, Contemplate, Reflect | Listening | He seemed to contemplate deeply before answering. |
| Explain | Elaborate, Clarify, Expound | Writing | Please elaborate on your argument with more details. |
| Start | Commence, Initiate, Begin | Speaking | They will commence the meeting at 10 AM. |
| Finish | Conclude, Complete, Wrap up | Speaking | Let's wrap up the discussion for today. |
| Help | Assist, Support, Aid | Listening | The assistant supported the speaker during the conference. |
| Harm | Injure, Damage, Endanger | Reading | The article explained how pollution can endanger wildlife. |
| Believe | Trust, Have faith, Convinced | Speaking | I have faith that you will succeed in the exam. |
| Understand | Comprehend, Grasp, Perceive | Reading | It is important to comprehend the author's message. |
| Remember | Recall, Recollect, Retain | Listening | I could recall the details from the lecture easily. |
| Forget | Neglect, Disregard, Overlook | Listening | Sometimes we overlook important information when listening. |
| Have | Possess, Own, Hold | Speaking | I possess all the necessary documents. |
| Like | Prefer, Admire, Enjoy | Speaking | I enjoy reading mystery novels in my free time. |
| Dislike | Detest, Loathe, Despise | Speaking | She loathes waking up early on weekends. |
| Problem | Issue, Challenge, Difficulty | Reading | The text outlined several challenges faced by the community. |
| Solution | Resolution, Answer, Remedy | Writing | The essay provided a clear resolution to the problem discussed. |
Also read: 100 GRE vocabulary words
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2. Antonyms for IELTS vocabulary
Knowing antonyms – words that are opposite in meaning – is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of commonly used antonyms in IELTS:
| Word | Antonym | Category | Example sentence (Word) | Example sentence (Antonym) |
| Constructive | Destructive | Reading | The article gave constructive feedback on how to improve. | The report detailed the destructive effects of pollution. |
| Advantage | Disadvantage | Reading | The advantage of online learning is flexibility. | One disadvantage is the lack of face-to-face interaction. |
| Benefit | Drawback | Reading | Regular exercise has many health benefits. | However, overtraining can be a drawback. |
| Possible | Impossible | Speaking | It is possible to finish the project on time if we work hard. | It seems impossible to complete it without extra help. |
| Significant | Insignificant | Writing | The study showed significant improvement in test scores. | The changes in the second group were insignificant. |
| Include | Exclude | Writing | Be sure to include all relevant data in your report. | Don’t exclude any important information. |
| Expand | Contract | Speaking | The company plans to expand its operations next year. | Due to losses, they had to contract some departments. |
| Increase | Decrease | Reading | There was a noticeable increase in sales this quarter. | Last year, we saw a decrease in customer satisfaction. |
| Successful | Unsuccessful | Listening | The team was successful in launching the new product. | Their previous campaign was unsuccessful. |
| Efficient | Inefficient | Writing | Efficient time management leads to better productivity. | Inefficient planning can cause delays. |
| Accept | Reject | Speaking | She accepted the invitation to the conference. | Unfortunately, my proposal was rejected. |
| Build | Demolish | Speaking | The city will build a new library downtown. | Old buildings were demolished to make way for new construction. |
| Certain | Uncertain | Listening | I am certain the meeting starts at 9 AM. | Due to the weather, the schedule is uncertain. |
| Succeed | Fail | Speaking | With dedication, you will succeed in your goals. | If you don’t prepare well, you might fail the exam. |
| Inexpensive | Expensive | Reading | This brand offers inexpensive but quality products. | The new phone is very expensive compared to the old model. |
| Permanent | Temporary | Writing | They made a permanent change to the policy. | The office arrangements are temporary due to renovations. |
| Profit | Loss | Reading | The business reported a profit last quarter. | Unfortunately, they suffered a loss due to market downturns. |
| Responsible | Irresponsible | Speaking | You are responsible if you save money for emergencies. | Irresponsible behaviour can lead to serious consequences. |
| Wise | Foolish | Reading | Investing wisely can secure your future. | Making impulsive decisions is foolish. |
| Strong | Weak | Speaking | She has a strong understanding of the subject. | His argument was weak due to a lack of evidence. |
| Healthy | Unhealthy | Listening | A healthy diet improves overall well-being. | Smoking is unhealthy and can cause serious illness. |
| Beneficial | Detrimental | Reading | Meditation is beneficial for reducing stress. | Excessive screen time is detrimental to eye health. |
| Support | Oppose | Speaking | I support the new policy changes introduced by the management. | Some employees oppose the new work schedule. |
| Happy | Sad | Listening | She sounded happy when she received the good news. | He was sad after hearing about the cancellation. |
| Secure | Insecure | Writing | Using strong passwords keeps your accounts secure. | Weak passwords make your data insecure. |
| Develop | Regress | Reading | Children develop language skills rapidly. | Without practice, skills can regress over time. |
| Generous | Stingy | Speaking | He is generous with his time and resources. | She is stingy and rarely shares anything. |
| Include | Omit | Writing | Please include all sources in your bibliography. | Do not omit any critical references. |
| Stable | Unstable | Listening | The economy has remained stable this year. | Unstable conditions led to frequent market fluctuations. |
| Flexible | Inflexible | Speaking | This job requires a flexible schedule. | The deadline is inflexible and cannot be extended. |
| Productive | Unproductive | Writing | The meeting was productive and resulted in concrete decisions. | Unproductive discussions delayed the project. |
| Clean | Dirty | Speaking | Keep your workspace clean to stay organised. | The kitchen was dirty after the party. |
| Efficient | Inefficient | Writing | An efficient system saves time and money. | Inefficient processes cause frustration and delays. |
| Advance | Retreat | Speaking | The army planned to advance towards the border. | The troops had to retreat due to heavy resistance. |
| Begin | End | Reading | Let’s begin the presentation with an overview. | The conference will end at 5 PM. |
| Peaceful | Chaotic | Listening | The town is peaceful and quiet. | The traffic situation was chaotic during rush hour. |
| Conventional | Unconventional | Speaking | She prefers conventional methods of teaching. | His approach to problem-solving is quite unconventional. |
| Formal | Informal | Writing | Please use formal language in your essay. | The meeting was informal and relaxed. |
| Rural | Urban | Reading | Rural areas often have more open space. | Urban centres tend to be densely populated. |
| Genuine | Fake | Speaking | She gave a genuine compliment on his work. | Beware of fake products sold online. |
| Natural | Artificial | Reading | The park features many natural landscapes. | Artificial lighting was used for filming. |
| Obtain | Lose | Speaking | You need to obtain permission before entering. | If you forget, you might lose your chance to participate. |
| Increase | Decrease | Reading | There has been an increase in demand for electric cars. | Usage of traditional fuels should decrease over time. |
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3. Idioms for IELTS vocabulary
Idioms are a great way to spice up your IELTS essay and demonstrate your mastery of the English language. Below is a list of commonly used idioms to help you build your IELTS vocabulary:
| Idiom | Meaning | Category | Example sentence |
| A piece of cake | Very easy | Reading | The math exam was a piece of cake for him. |
| Hit the nail on the head | To be exactly right | Writing | Jane hit the nail on the head with her suggestion. |
| A blessing in disguise | Something good that wasn't recognised at first | Listening | Losing the job turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led to a better opportunity. |
| Break a leg | Good luck | Speaking | Break a leg in your performance tomorrow! |
| Cost an arm and a leg | Very expensive | Reading | The new smartphone cost me an arm and a leg. |
| On the ball | Alert and efficient | Listening | The staff at the hotel is always on the ball. |
| Piece of advice | A helpful suggestion | Speaking | Can I give you a piece of advice? |
| Don't cry over spilled milk | Don't worry about something that has happened | Listening | Yes, I made a mistake, but let's not cry over spilled milk. |
| Kill two birds with one stone | Accomplish two things with a single action | Writing | By visiting my friend in the city, I can kill two birds with one stone – see the sights and catch up with her. |
| Hit the sack | Go to bed | Speaking | I'm exhausted; I think it's time to hit the sack. |
| Get the hang of | Understand and become skilled at something | Reading | It took some time, but I finally got the hang of playing the guitar. |
| In the blink of an eye | Very quickly | Listening | The thief disappeared in the blink of an eye. |
| Go the extra mile | Make additional effort | Speaking | She always goes the extra mile to help her colleagues. |
| Bury the hatchet | Make peace with someone | Speaking | After their argument, they decided to bury the hatchet and move on. |
| Break the ice | To start a conversation in a social setting | Speaking | She tried to break the ice by asking about their weekend plans. |
| Beat around the bush | Avoid directly addressing an issue | Speaking | Please don't beat around the bush; tell me what's wrong. |
| Cross your fingers | Hope for good luck | Speaking | I'm crossing my fingers for a positive outcome. |
| Catch someone red-handed | Catch someone in the act of doing something wrong | Listening | The police caught the thief red-handed. |
| A penny for your thoughts | Asking someone what they are thinking | Speaking | You seem lost in thought – a penny for your thoughts? |
Also read: 75+ daily used English words
4. Phrasal verbs for IELTS vocabulary
A phrasal verb is a type of verb that consists of two or more words: a main verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). The combination of these words creates a new meaning that is different from the individual meanings of the verb and the particles.
Below is a list of commonly used phrasal verbs to help you build your IELTS vocabulary:
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Category | Example sentence |
| Carry out | To complete or perform a task | Reading | The researchers will carry out the experiment. |
| Get along | To have a good relationship with someone | Speaking | I get along well with my colleagues at work. |
| Look after | To take care of or be responsible for something | Speaking | Can you look after my dog while I'm away? |
| Take off | To remove or become airborne | Listening | The plane will take off in an hour. |
| Give up | To stop doing something, to quit | Speaking | He decided to give up smoking for his health. |
| Turn on | To activate or start something | Speaking | Can you turn on the lights, please? |
| Put off | To postpone or delay something | Writing | They put off the meeting until next week. |
| Get over | To recover from an illness or emotional setback | Listening | It took her some time to get over the breakup. |
| Bring in | To introduce or generate income | Writing | The company plans to bring in new technology. |
| Set up | To establish or arrange something | Writing | We need to set up a meeting with the client. |
| Call off | To cancel or terminate something | Speaking | They had to call off the event due to bad weather. |
| Run into | To encounter someone unexpectedly | Speaking | I ran into an old classmate at the supermarket. |
| Get in | To enter or arrive at a place | Listening | What time does your flight get in? |
| Bring about | To cause or make something happen | Writing | The new policy will bring about significant changes. |
| Take on | To accept a responsibility or challenge | Speaking | He decided to take on the project despite its complexity. |
| Put up with | To tolerate or endure something | Speaking | I can't put up with the noise from the construction site. |
| Find out | To discover or learn something | Reading | I need to find out the time of the meeting. |
| Give back | To return something that was borrowed or taken | Speaking | Can you give back my pen when you're done using it? |
| Look into | To investigate or examine something | Speaking | The authorities will look into the matter. |
| Get out | To leave or exit a place | Speaking | Let's get out of here before it starts raining. |
| Show up | To arrive or appear at a place or event | Speaking | She didn't show up for the meeting. |
| Carry on | To continue doing something | Speaking | Despite the difficulties, they decided to carry on. |
| Make out | To understand or perceive something | Listening | It's hard to make out what he's saying from a distance. |
| Stand for | To represent or symbolise something | Reading | The initials NASA stand for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. |
| Break up | To end a relationship or disperse | Speaking | They decided to break up after years of dating. |
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Tips to improve your vocabulary
A good understanding of a wide range of vocabulary is key to doing well on tests.
Improving your IELTS vocabulary significantly may require a few months and could extend to one year. The time frame depends on your current proficiency and effort.
If you are a beginner and consistent in your preparation, it might take 6 months to reach the 5.0 band and 2 to 4 months thereafter to reach each subsequent band.
Here are some tips to help you improve your IELTS vocabulary when preparing for the exam:
1. Read a lot
Reading regularly will expose you to new words for IELTS that can help expand your vocabulary. Try reading books that are written in a language that’s slightly more difficult than what you normally use so you can pick up new words and phrases.
2. Use flashcards
Create flashcards with new words and phrases you learn while studying for the exam, and then test yourself frequently to help commit them to memory. Try creating digital cards as well, so you can review them on the go whenever you have a few minutes of free time.
3. Take notes
When reading books or other material related to the IELTS exam, take notes of any new words or phrases that stand out to you. This is another great way to track your progress and remember what words are important for the test.
4. Get creative
Being creative can help you find more effective ways of learning new vocabulary for IELTS. Try playing word association games with yourself or create visual cues associated with individual words.
5. Memorise roots and affixes
Learning the roots and affixes of words can help you understand their meaning more easily. This will also make it easier to recognise similar words with the same root or affix, even if they’re not exactly the same.
Also Read: TOEFL vocabulary list | 100 GRE vocabulary words | GMAT vocabulary
IELTS band scores and vocabulary requirements
IELTS band scores are designed to reflect your increasing proficiency levels. As the band score rises, the vocabulary requirements become more advanced.
Here is an overview of the vocabulary requirement needed for specific band scores:
Band score 5.0
The score reflects a moderate English language user with partial command of English. The person may not be able to deal with complex language and might make frequent errors.
Band score 6.0
The score reflects a competent English language user with effective command over English, but also makes a few errors. The person may be able to use complex language but performs best in familiar situations.
Band score 7.0
The score reflects a good user with a good command of the English language, but makes occasional inaccuracies. The person can comfortably use complex language and also understands detailed arguments.
Band score 8.0
The score reflects a really good user with complete command of the language, who is able to deal with complex situations. The person may make rare errors.
Band score 9.0
The score reflects an expert user who is fluent with complete command of the language. The person can use the language accurately with full understanding and flexibility.
Comparison of vocabulary requirements for Academic and General training modules of the IELTS exam
There are two types of IELTS tests – IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The two types are designed to serve different needs, and the vocabulary requirements differ in the purpose, style, and topic focus.
Note: Both tests assess lexical resources, but the specific vocabulary needed varies.
Here’s a comparison of the vocabulary requirements for the Academic and General training modules of the IELTS exam.
- Focus
- Content
- Writing
- Speaking
- Complexity
- Context
Focus
Academic IELTS focuses on academic vocabulary and formal language that is used in academic settings. General training IELTS focuses on common phrases and everyday vocabulary that is used in daily life.
Content
Academic IELTS takes content from textbooks, academic journals, and research papers. General training IELTS takes content from notices, handbooks, and several other everyday texts.
Writing
Academic IELTS requires describing charts and processes, and writing academic essays. General training IELTS requires writing formal or informal letters and general interest essays.
Speaking
Academic IELTS follows academic discussions, while general training IELTS follows practical usage and everyday conversations.
Complexity
Academic vocabulary is more complex than general vocabulary.
Context
Academic vocabulary is related to academic fields, while general vocabulary is broader and applicable to various situations.
IELTS vocabulary requirement vs other English language tests
The popular English language tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Each test has a different format, time frame, and scoring method. You should understand the requirements of the tests so that you can study accordingly.
Here is a comparison of the vocabulary requirements of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
| Feature | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
| Skills tested | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing (combined tasks) |
| Vocabulary focus | Academic and General English vocabulary, formal and informal contexts; tested via varied question types, including multiple choice, gap fills, matching | Academic English vocabulary mostly from lectures, conversations, and passages; includes inference and vocabulary question types | Academic and conversational vocabulary tested in integrated speaking and writing tasks, varied question types including re-ordering, multiple-choice |
| Reading section | 40 questions, 3 sections, 60 minutes | 20 questions, 2 reading passages, 35 minutes | 5 types of questions assessing reading and comprehension, 29-30 minutes |
| Listening section | 4 recordings, 40 questions, 30 minutes | Lectures and conversations, 28 questions, approx. 36 minutes | Listening to audio/video clips, 30-43 minutes |
| Speaking section | Face-to-face interview with examiner, 11-14 minutes | 4 questions based on real-life situations, 16 minutes | Several tasks such as writing an essay, reading aloud, describing, summarising, 54-67 minutes |
| Writing section | 2 tasks requiring formal academic writing, 60 minutes | 2 tasks: summarising and essay, approx. 29 minutes | Writing tasks integrated with speaking, approx. 54-67 minutes |
| Test duration | Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes | Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes | Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Scoring range | 0-9 bands | 0-120 total | 10-90 scale |
| Vocabulary level | Academic vocabulary aligned with IELTS band descriptors, tested in all four skills | Academic vocabulary related to university lectures and everyday conversations | Academic and practical vocabulary, tested through integrated communicative tasks |
What are some common vocabulary mistakes to avoid in IELTS?
Using vocabulary correctly is crucial for success in your IELTS. Here are the common mistakes you should avoid:
- Incorrect usage of complex words
- Repeating words
- Wrong word forms
- Use of informal language
- Lack of variety in sentence structures
Incorrect usage of complex words
Avoid using complex words if you are not sure of the meaning. It’s best to use accurate and simple vocabulary rather than complex words incorrectly.
Repeating words
Avoid repeating words or phrases, as this is an indication of limited vocabulary. You can use synonyms to make your vocabulary diverse and engaging.
Wrong word forms
Use the verb tenses and other grammatical structures carefully. The usage of words must be appropriate for the context.
Use of informal language
Avoid informal languages like slang, contractions, and casual expressions in your writing. You must maintain a formal tone.
Lack of variety in sentence structures
Use variety in the sentence structure, which shows a higher level of language proficiency. You must avoid limiting yourself to simple sentences.
The most important IELTS vocabulary words
There is no definite list of the most important IELTS vocabulary words. However, you can focus on some of the high-frequency words to boost your score. Here’s the list of popular words that’ll be useful in academic and general training modules.
Academic or analytical
achieve, accurate, adapt, analyse, approach, appropriate, assess, benefit, complex, consistent, crucial, debate, definite, demonstrate, determine, develop, distribute, emphasise, establish, evaluate, evident, factor, function, identify, impact, implement, improve, structure, theory, transfer, variety
Environment and society
environment, resource, factor, impact, contribute, influence, promote, respond
Education and research
analyse, assess, establish, evaluate, interpret, method, theory, participate, research, develop
Communication and argument
debate, emphasise, demonstrate, approach, discuss, respond, contribute
General useful verbs
achieve, adapt, obtain, maintain, improve, transfer, distribute, promote, implement
Practice exercises to test your understanding
Exercise 1: Synonym matching
Match the IELTS vocabulary word on the left with its closest synonym on the right:
| Word | Synonym options |
| 1. Achieve | a) Obtain b) Lose c) Ignore |
| 2. Promote | a) Hinder b) Encourage c) Stop |
| 3. Accurate | a) Approximate b) Correct c) Vague |
| 4. Debate | a) Discuss b) Agree c) Neglect |
| 5. Influence | a) Affect b) Ignore c) Prevent |
(Answers: 1-a, 2-b, 3-b, 4-a, 5-a)
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Use the appropriate IELTS word from the list to complete the sentences:
(words: method, contribute, evaluate, consistent, significant)
- It is important to ______ the effectiveness of the new teaching method.
- He showed ______ improvement in his English speaking skills after daily practice.
- Everyone is expected to ______ to the group project equally.
- The scientist developed a new ______ to analyse the data.
- Climate change has a ______ impact on the environment.
Resources to help you prepare for IELTS
The resources below can help you improve your IELTS vocabulary significantly.
- IELTS Academic Wordlist PDF
- Cambridge English Vocabulary List
- IELTS Vocabulary PRO (iOS and Android)
- Magoosh IELTS Vocabulary Flashcards
Books for Improving IELTS Vocabulary
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS (Intermediate and Advanced editions), Vocabulary for IELTS by Pauline Cullen, English Vocabulary in Use (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced) by Cambridge University Press.
Final thoughts
Learning new IELTS vocabulary words with meaning is essential for success with the IELTS exam. Through reading, memorisation techniques, and learning about idioms and collocations, you can make sure you have an adequate understanding of the English language skills necessary to achieve a high score.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the hardest section in IELTS?
The hardest section in IELTS is the writing section. Most candidates find the writing section hard due to the time pressure and strict scoring criteria.
How can I improve my vocabulary in IELTS?
To enhance your vocabulary for IELTS, engage in extensive reading of newspapers, magazines, academic texts, and online articles. Regularly listen to English podcasts, watch movies or documentaries, and engage in conversations to reinforce your word usage and comprehension skills.
Can I write 500 words in IELTS essays?
While there's no strict word count requirement for IELTS essays, it's recommended to write around 250 to 300 words for Task 2 essays to ensure you fully address the topic and maintain clarity. Exceeding 500 words might lead to overloading your essay with unnecessary content, potentially affecting the coherence and focus of your response.
Is 150 words good enough for the IELTS Task 2 essay?
150 words in IELTS would be considered too short for a Task 2 essay. In Task 2, you are expected to write around 250 to 300 words to provide a thorough analysis of the topic and support your arguments effectively.
How many vocabulary words should I learn for IELTS?
There's no specific number of vocabulary words required for IELTS, but aiming to learn and effectively use around 2,000 to 3,000 words can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you tackle a variety of topics in the test.
Is there an IELTS vocabulary test?
IELTS itself doesn't have a separate vocabulary test. However, the test assesses your vocabulary skills through the four main language components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Is 7.5 a good score?
A score of 7.5 in IELTS is generally considered very good and can open doors to various educational and employment opportunities.
Is IELTS vocabulary important?
Yes, IELTS vocabulary is crucial. Demonstrating a wide-ranging vocabulary in your writing and speaking tasks can positively impact your score by showcasing your language proficiency, clarity of expression, and ability to discuss complex topics effectively.
How can I memorise new words effectively?
Establish associations between new words and familiar concepts to make the memorisation process more effective. Creating a story around a group of words can help you recall them. Furthermore, actively practice using the words in sentences by integrating them into your daily language use. This approach solidifies your understanding of the words and enhances your ability to recall and employ them appropriately during the exam.
How many vocabulary words do I need to learn for a 7.0 IELTS score?
There’s no precise number of words you should learn for a 7.0 IELTS score. However, it’s recommended to develop a vocabulary of 5,000 to 7,000 words.