ielts essay topic related vocabulary

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IELTS Vocabulary

IELTS Topic Related Vocabulary

This IELTS Topic Related Vocabulary will help you to learn useful words and phrases that may come up in the IELTS test or that can be used in essays or speaking.

Each IELTS vocabulary list consists of:

The Definition
An Example Sentence

All vocabulary is useful for IELTS as the test is essentially just testing your English skills, so don't get too focused on specific words that you may need for the test.

However, there are certain topics that come up in the test so it's useful to know different words and phrases connected to them so you can potentially demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and express yourself in the best way possible.

They could be useful for all modules of the test.

You could get these kinds of topics in your speaking test in Section Three and you may get an essay topic related to them.

And of course it helps with your reading to know as many words as possible as they are very complex, and with the final sections of the listening test, which again are likely to have higher level vocabulary.

Words in Context

It's always better to see words as they are used in a sentence rather than just learning a single word or phrase on its own and having no idea how it is used.

If you follow the links, you'll the examples of the words in a sentence, but after each list of words you'll also see a link to essays on the same topic so you can see some of the words in context.

This will help improve your knowledge of the words and show you how they can be used.

Essential Vocabulary for IELTS

Education Vocabulary

Crime Vocabulary

Diet, Health & Fitness Vocabulary

Work Vocabulary

Information Technology Vocabulary

Environment Vocabulary

Science Vocabulary

The Arts Vocabulary

Children & The Family Vocabulary

Travel and Tourism Vocabulary

History and Heritage Vocabulary

More on IELTS Vocabulary:

Collocation in the IELTS Test

Using collocations in IELTS can improve your score as it will show you have a good understanding of how to use lexis or vocabulary.

Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS

Learn how phrasal verbs can be used in the IELTS Test. The meaning of these verbs are explained and there are quizzes to practice them.

Ultimate Vocabulary Builder for IELTS

Ultimate IELTS vocabulary building course to help you learn over 400 words for IELTS.

Using Idioms in the IELTS Test

Using idioms in the IELTS test can help you to boost your score if you know how to use them correctly, but you need to take care.

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Vocabulary to help prepare for common IELTS topics

Build your everyday vocabulary to improve your ability to talk or write about a range of topics. Having a wider range of vocabulary will help you to communicate your ideas more clearly. See how mind maps can help build vocabulary.

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In our previous article on using mind maps to build your vocabulary we told you what mind maps were, and how they can be used to increase your range of vocabulary.

Being able to talk about a range of everyday topics is important for everyday communication. We are all aware of what is happening around us in the world and we can communicate about these topic areas easily in our own languages. However, it can be difficult to discuss topics in the same way when we have to use English. By increasing your range of English vocabulary, it is easier to think of what to say quickly and it helps to understand the topics you are listening to, reading, writing, or speaking about.

We mentioned that you can build your vocabulary resource by reading daily, watching English programmes and movies, singing in English and by studying word lists. You can also build your vocabulary by using mind maps.

What is a mind map?

Mind maps are a visual representation of a topic area including words and phrases connected to this topic. By arranging the words and phrases in a pattern, this helps us to remember the text more easily than if it was presented in lists.

If you organise language and ideas in a way that makes it easier for you to remember and use on test day, this will boost your performance. It will not only help you prepare for the IELTS test, but it will also mean that you can communicate better and understand more using a wider range of English vocabulary.

What does a wider range of vocabulary mean?

In order to reach a band 7 and higher, you need to have a flexible resource that is used to discuss a variety of topics. You also need to show that you can use some less common and idiomatic vocabulary, showing an awareness of style and collocation. If you can't access the right words, you need to use paraphrase to express what you are trying to say. Look at the following links to read descriptions of the different band scores for IELTS Speaking and Writing .

What do the terms in the band 7 lexical resource description mean?

flexible resource: being able to access the right words and phrases to talk about a range of different topics (without pausing or using the wrong words)

less common and idiomatic language: being able to use less common words , or phrases that have idiomatic meaning .

awareness of style and collocation: Using words that go together correctly and that are grammatically correct. For example, 'environmental pollution', 'steep rise', 'an improvement in'.

uses paraphrase successfully: being able to fill a vocabulary gap successfully by using other words and phrases ( synonyms or antonyms ) to communicate. For example, 'disappointed' - I felt so sad when my holiday was cancelled, I wasn't happy , I was sad about it because it happened again.

So, being able to access a range of words and phrases about different topics will make it easier for you to reach a higher band.

What are common IELTS topics?

In our last article on building your vocabulary with mind maps, we asked you to explore some topic areas and to create mind maps from the list we gave you. Our previous article showed you two mind maps; 'the environment' and 'hobbies and interests'. We also created a third mind map for you in our article on how to perform at your best in the part 3 discussion in the IELTS Speaking test.

This mind map explores vocabulary related to famous people and celebrities.

In our article today, we will share two more mind maps with you - tourism and travel and health and diet .

the environment

hobbies and interests

famous people and celebrities

tourism and travel

health and diet

How do I make a mind map?

When you make a mind map, the visual representation of the topic should contain a number of areas. Ask yourself the following questions to make sure you brainstorm enough vocabulary to be able to extend appropriately when asked about it.

What are the common words connected to this topic?

Are there any idiomatic phrases used when talking about this topic?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this topic area?

Are there famous names and places connected to this topic area?

Are there some good (recent/famous) examples of this topic area?

What does the government do to support this topic area?

Are there any future developments that might happen in this topic area?

What other topic areas might be linked to this topic area?

When you decide on your answers, create a mind map using squares, or circles, or any shapes that might help you to remember the topic more easily.

Two more mind maps

The following mind maps show a range of vocabulary and ideas related to Tourism and travel, and Health and diet.

If you want to see a larger image, right-click on the image and open it in a new tab.

For Tourism and travel, we have looked at the advantages and disadvantages of the tourism industry for domestic (in your home country) and international tourism. We have also looked at some idiomatic language that might be used with this topic, as well as some terms related to government policy.

Look at the common questions that you might be asked on this topic, and then use the language in the mind map to answer them.

For Health and diet, we have looked at a few areas:

reasons for why we might be unhealthy

reasons for why we may not be fit

possible results of being unhealthy

possible solutions for being healthy

ways that the government can increase the health of the nation

Now, it's your turn!

Now that you can see how mind maps are designed, have a look at the rest of the topic list and try and make up your own visual representation of the topic areas.

learning and education

the internet

leisure and entertainment

crime and punishment

social media

sport and competition

art and music

modern lifestyles and societal changes

traditions and customs

fashion and advertising

Increasing your vocabulary over a wide range of topics will help when you read, write, listen and speak to people. You will also be more prepared on a test day, being able to access the language and ideas you need more easily to communicate more clearly.

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Academic practice
General practice
Task 1 Academic
Task 1 General
Task 2 (essay)

IELTS essay vocabulary

In my opinion, …
Personally, I think that …
It seems to me that ...
I believe/suppose that ...
I cannot deny that …
As I see it, …
As far as I'm concerned, …
I would argue that ...
I'd like to point out that …
In my experience, ...
I am sure that …
I am convinced that ...
I am certain that ...

Example : I would argue that computers are rather beneficial for kids.

to attest, ...
to prove, ...
this (fact) is attested/proven by ...
this (fact) is evidenced by ...
this (fact) is testified by ...
this (fact) is endorsed/supported by...
this (evidence) establishes that ...

Example : Consuming moderate amounts of sweets can be good for health. This is evidenced by a number of cases when people improved their health conditions by eating chocolate.

It is (generally) claimed that …
It is (generally) said that …
It is (generally) thought that ...
It is (generally) considered that ...
A common opinion is that ...
A popular belief is that ...

Example : It is considered that rigorous diets are very unhealthy.

The fact is that …
It is obvious that …
It is clear that …
There is no doubt that …
This proves that …

Example : It is obvious that deforestation has no positive effects.

Generally speaking, ...
On the whole, ...
Typically, ...
By and large ...

Example : Generally speaking, smoking is a bad habit.

For example, ...
For instance, ...
A good illustration of this is ...
Evidence for this is provided by ...
We can see this when ...

Example : A lot of wild animals are endangered. Evidence for this is proved by decreasing number of species.

To summarise, ...
In conclusion, ...
Overall, ...
On balance, ...
Taking everything into consideration, ...

Example : Overall, no parents should neglect their children.

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

words to use in IELTS Writing Task 2 - image by Magoosh

Using the right vocabulary in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is on key to success. In this post, I’ve gathered useful words and phrases for you to learn and use. First, we’ll look at the most common vocabulary that you can use to raise your band level. Then, I’ll share where you can find more IELTS resources to strengthen your vocabulary!

Most Common Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you’ll be writing a formal essay. This could ask you anything from your opinion on an current public issue, to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a solution to an issue, to coming up with solutions to an issue on your own!

Whether you’re sitting for the Academic or the General Training IETLS exam, you can use this most common vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 in almost any situation.

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Introduction

At the beginning of Writing Task 2, you’ll need to restate the prompt, give your thesis, and provide an overview of the essay. Here’s the most common vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 2 to do that.

It appears that…
It may seem that…
I/This essay will show that…
I/This essay will argue that…
To examine this issue, this essay will examine both….and…
Firstly, this essay will…and secondly, it will….

What does this look like in practice? Here are a few examples!

It appears that exercise has both physical and mental benefits. It may seem that studying the arts is useless, but the opposite is true. This essay will show that smartphones are actually beneficial. I will argue that the government should play a larger, not a smaller, role in public health. To examine this issue, this essay will examine both the social and physical effects of family meals. Firstly, this essay will describe the advantages of this policy and secondly, it will explain the disadvantages of this policy.

Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Paragraphs

Within each body paragraph, you need a clear topic sentence. Sometimes, these will be as simple as listing examples, but you can also use words and phrases to illustrate conflicts and contradictions between ideas. Here’s the most common vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 2 to do that.

First of all,
In addition,
For example,
For instance,
Conversely,

First of all, the government takes a strong role in limiting gambling and other forms of entertainment, so it should also take a larger role in sports. In addition, employees may find that no further opportunities are available for them at the same company past a certain point. For example, self-checkout options lead to the loss of jobs within the community. For instance, electric cars damage the environment far less than cars that run on petrol. Conversely, the energy involved in producing electric cars may outweigh the overall energy savings. However, it is important to acknowledge the negative impacts of smartphones, particularly on mental health.

Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Conclusion

You’ll need to transition to your final paragraph (your conclusion) smoothly. Rather than just restating the thesis statement right away, use transition words and phrases to wrap up. Here’s the most common vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 2 to do that.

To summarise,
In the end,
On balance,

Finally, young people should welcome advice from their elders. To summarise, junk food is an unnecessary burden on public health and should be regulated. In the end, universities should make history courses requirements for graduation. On balance, the recent dependence on the Internet is a positive development. Therefore, the government should more strictly regulate violent content in films and other media.

Linking Words, Phrases, and Paraphrasing

Within each paragraph, you’ll need to include linking words and phrases, as well as paraphrases of important ideas, to make the essay read fluently. Here are a few resources to check out for examples you can try!

IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Linking Words
How to Paraphrase on the IELTS
IELTS Writing 2 Practice: Get Paraphrasing Feedback [VIDEO]

Podcasts for Learning Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2

Sometimes, it’s more useful to hear words spoken to integrate them into your vocabulary. This is also a great way to learn a variety of vocabulary words and phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2 quickly. Here are Magoosh’s top IELTS podcasts for learning new terms to use in different scenarios!

Podcast 1: Information
Podcast 2: Technology
Podcast 13: School
Podcast 11: Work
Podcast 10: Travel

Vocabulary Lists and Resources

Because the topics on IELTS Writing Task 2 can be so varied, the words to use in IELTS Writing Task 2 are also varied! Here are a few resources, both general and specific, to help you out in different scenarios.

IELTS Science Vocabulary
IELTS Vocabulary: University Classes and Learning
Complete Guide to IELTS Vocabulary: PDF
IELTS Vocabulary Flashcards
The Complete Guide to IELTS Vocabulary

How to Learn New Vocabulary

Of course, just sitting and staring at a bunch of words isn’t going to help you much on test day. Here are some resources to help you learn vocabulary for IELTS Task 2 in a way that will actually help boost your score!

5 Ways to Learn and Remember English Vocabulary
IELTS Prep: Is It Useful to Memorize?
Study at Home Tips (Using IELTS Vocabulary) [VIDEO]

A Final Word

When it comes to which words to use in IELTS Writing Task 2, there are a handful of terms you can memorize to set yourself up for success. However, more than just learning the most common vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 2, practicing with that vocabulary will be key to your success! So try a few practice sentences each time you learn a new phrase to better integrate it before test day.

If you’re ready to study vocab from other IELTS sections, check out our free guides to IELTS Speaking vocabulary , IELTS Listening and Reading words , and IELTS Writing Task 1 language and vocabulary . Good luck!

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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IELTS Topic Vocabulary & Exercises

Click on a topic below to go to a list of 20 key advanced words and phrases for each topic. These include a selection of B2 - C2 words, phrasal verbs and idioms. You'll find definitions and example sentences and then a selection of exercises to help you memorise the vocabulary. With this advanced vocabulary you will be better prepared to reach above band 7 for lexical resource in IELTS Speaking and Writing.

Practice 20 key advanced words and phrases for each IELTS topic:

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IELTS Vocabulary Mastery: Essential Words, Tips & Techniques

IELTS Vocabulary is not assessed as a separate module on the test but does comprise 25% of your total score on the Writing and Speaking tests, and is therefore essential. The examiners will assess your ability to use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and use those words accurately.

What Does Band 9 IELTS Vocabulary Look Like?

IELTS Vocabulary: Free Mini-Course

In this free 3-day mini-course, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about IELTS Vocabulary so that you can improve your skills from home and get the score you need.

By the end of this mini-course, you’ll understand:

Why your vocabulary is so important.
Myths that could LOWER your IELTS score (and how to avoid them).
What Band 7 vocabulary looks like.
How to use vocabulary to score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

Watch until the end to get my free Vocabulary Improvement Plan!

Learn IELTS Vocabulary in 6 Steps

Find a source you enjoy. Choose a book, TV show, radio show, podcast, YouTube series or magazine that interests you. People learn more effectively when they enjoy what they are doing, so don’t pick something boring!
Get a new notebook. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just somewhere for you to record your notes every day.
Consume your source. Read/watch/listen to whatever you chose in Step 1, and pick out 15 words you don’t understand. Try to guess what they mean from the context. (This step is very important because it will help you remember the new words.)
Note down new words. Note the 15 new words in your notebook.
Look up the meaning. Look up the new words in an online dictionary. Beside each word, note the meaning, an example sentence or two, collocations, synonyms, antonyms, and pronunciation. You can also draw pictures – whatever helps you to remember the word.
Review your new words. Review the new words after one week, two weeks and then one month. Practice using them in a sentence.

Follow this simple strategy for 5 days a week, and you will have 300+ new words in your notebook after just 1 month. After 6 months, you will have learned almost 2000 new words!

How Word Lists Can Lower your Score

If you type ‘IELTS vocabulary’ into Google, you’ll find 1000s of websites with long lists of complicated words. Most of these websites will let you believe that their ‘Word Lists’ or ‘Band 7 Vocabulary’ will boost your IELTS score…

But these websites are NOT helping you.

After years of marking IELTS essays, I can promise you that learning a few words from a list you found online will never increase your score.

The only way to effectively learn new words and use them properly is by learning them from context, or in other words, from real sources of information. NOT lists.

Did you know?

The human mind can only effectively remember around 15 new words in a foreign language per day – any more, and you won’t learn them properly and make mistakes.

What happens if I learn IELTS word lists?

In the past, many of my students have downloaded long lists of words or ‘Band 7 Vocabulary’ with the hopes that they could learn new words by memorising them. The result was always the same: they would try to use these new words in a sentence and get them completely wrong.

It doesn’t matter how ‘complicated’ your vocabulary is – IELTS examiners can tell when you use a word incorrectly and will give you a lower mark if you make lots of mistakes.

How should I learn new IELTS Vocabulary?

In my experience, the 6-Step Plan above is the most effective way of improving your IELTS Vocabulary. It has helped thousands of my students get the scores they need!

You can also click the button below to download my FREE IELTS Vocabulary Improvement Plan:

IELTS Vocabulary Word Circles

I analysed all of the Task 2 papers from the last few years and established that there are 10 common topics.

Below you will find a list of these common topics – click on them to find 20 words linked to each.

Here is an example:

Each word is visually represented, and I have also included synonyms, antonyms, meanings, collocations and example sentences.

Below is a list of topics of common IELTS vocabulary:

Technology Vocabulary
Education Vocabulary
Environment Vocabulary
Health Vocabulary

Note that these are not definitive lists or a complete set of words that will help you get a high score in the test. These are to demonstrate how I use the vocabulary improvement methods outlined on this page to analyse common topics.

Is Vocabulary Important?

Vocabulary makes up 25% of your total mark in the Writing and Speaking tests, so the answer is yes.

Also, did you know that the Listening and Reading tests are really vocabulary tests too? Take a look at the table below:

You’ll find words in the question from an official IELTS reading test in the left column. On the right, you’ll find words that were used in the text.

As you can see, many synonyms are used in the IELTS exam and are needed to answer the question. Therefore, you MUST have a wide-ranging vocabulary to do well on the Listening and Reading tests.

Get more help with synonyms here.

Do Idioms Improve Your IELTS Score?

We’ve helped hundreds of students get a Band 9. We analysed their practice tests and found 18 common idioms, but did they improve their score? Check out the article below to find out.

Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Online Sources of Information

I know that many of you might live in countries with a limited number of good English bookshops. However, there are lots of online sources that you can use. The great thing about using online materials is that you can choose exactly what you want and never get bored.

Below are a few of my favourite websites for reading online, and all of them are connected to the most common topics :

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

NEW SCIENTIST

THE ECONOMIST

HISTORY TODAY

COSMOPOLITAN

You can also keep up to date with current events by reading the news every day. The news always uses relevant vocabulary:

BBC WORLD NEWS

Finally, podcasts are an invaluable and entertaining source of information. Check out my article below on how you can use podcasts to help you improve your English (it also includes a list of my favourites!).

BEST PODCASTS FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

The infographic below is a quick summary of how to learn new vocabulary before your IELTS test.

Vocabulary for IELTS Essay (Writing Task 2)

Updated On Apr 19, 2023

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Vocabulary for IELTS Essay (Writing Task 2)

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Vocabulary enables every individual to express their thoughts and opinions. When a person learns a new language or takes a language proficiency examination like IELTS , it is essential to emphasize on it. Since vocabulary or lexical resource is an evaluation criterion for the writing module, in this article, we will focus on vocabulary for IELTS essay, which is the Task 2 for IELTS Writing.

General Structure of the Essay

In IELTS, the contribution of lexical resource or vocabulary in the Speaking and Writing modules is 25% each. But before we jump into the vocabulary for IELTS essay, let us revise the structure of the essay that the candidate has to write for Task 2 .

Introduction

The introduction should contain a general statement about the subject, the paraphrased question statement, the thesis statement, and the essay’s outline.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are crucial, since this is where ideas or opinions are developed.

The points raised in the body paragraphs are summarized in the conclusion.

In order to understand the structure in a detailed way, check out the samples for each of the types given above.

Vocabulary for IELTS Essay

Now that the structure of the essay is clear, check some important vocabulary for IELTS essay that will enable the candidate to make the most of the 25% of the Lexical Resource criterion.

Connectors/Linking Words

Connectors or linking words are used in sentences to contrast ideas, add information, provide examples, summarise, and give an explanation. Other reasons why using connectors will help in increasing the writing score are:

Highlight the test taker’s lexical capabilities and knowledge.
Establish a connection between the parts of one or more sentences.
Serve as a grammatical device to improve the coherence and fluency of written discourse.
Make it easier for the reader to understand the meaning one is trying to convey.

So, here are some important connectors/linking words that candidates can use for the mentioned purpose:

For Expressing Opinion

In my opinion…
I strongly agree with the idea that/I strongly opine that…
I’d like to point out that …
I am convinced that …/I am certain that …
As far as I’m concerned, …
From my viewpoint,… / From my perspective …
My own view on the matter is…
It seems to me that…
It appears that…

For Showing Contrast

On the contrary …
Alternatively…
Nevertheless/Nonetheless …
In spite of …/ In spite of the fact…/ Despite the fact …
In contrast to this…

For Outlining Facts

The fact is that …
It is obvious that …/It is clear that …
There is no doubt that …
This proves that …

For Providing Examples

For example…/For instance
…could be a good example here.
As an example…
To illustrate…
With respect to…

For Conclusion

To sum up…
In short…
In a word…
To put it simply…
That is to say…
To repeat in short…
To summarise…

For more such connectors/linking words with examples, click on this link .

Related Vocabulary to Increase your IELTS Band Score

Beside connectors, there are various other lexical resources that a candidate can use to enhance his/her writing skills for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Sometimes, students need a comprehensive activity-based workbook that can not only teach them new words but also ways to apply them in the right context. Keeping that in mind, IELTSMaterial has created a vocabulary workbook . This master book comprises topic-specific vocabulary , related exercises, a student space to make important notes or add words they have learnt from other sources, and many more.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, given below are some important resources that an aspirant can use while preparing for IELTS essays .

Advanced Vocabulary – It is a word list (A-Z) comprising words, their meanings and their usage to help the candidate score a band score of 7.5 and above.
Topic Specific Vocabulary – IELTS essays are generally based on broad topics which are commonly repeated, like environment , crime , government , etc. Test-takers can use these words or phrases while answering their Task 2 for IELTS.
List of important collocations – A collocation is a grouping of two or more frequently occurring words. Native English speakers use these combinations as they simply sound “correct”. So, incorporating collocations in writing will definitely boost your writing score.
Synonyms and Antonyms – Repetition of words is regarded as a faux pas in IELTS Writing (and Speaking as well). Therefore, learn synonyms and antonyms from various sources to avoid any kind of repetition and showing off your word power appropriately.

As vocabulary is vital for a good score in IELTS Writing and Speaking, candidates should take time to brush up their word power on a daily basis. Ways to do that is to prepare their own vocabulary list for each topic, go through various articles and fiction, follow various sources for word of the day , buy vocabulary specific books , etc.

Explore IELTS related articles

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Advanced IELTS

Education Vocabulary: Word Lists and Pronunciation

This is the essential vocabulary for education about schools, subjects, studying and university. There is an audio to listen to the pronunciation of the words. These are the most common words and collocations which you will need to learn in order to talk or write about school or university successfully. After each section of vocabulary, there are exercises for you to practice using the words.

Click here to download the PDF version of this page: Education Vocabulary PDF . Please note that the PDF does not contain the answers – you must check your answers on this page.

Educational Institutions

kindergarten = pre-school education
primary school
secondary school
college = further education
higher education = university education = tertiary education
post-graduate school = university for students studying beyond degree level

School Subjects

natural science
religious studies
information technology (IT)
physical education (PE)
cookery = domestic / food science
handicrafts

Vocabulary Exercises: School Subjects

One of the reasons that I didn’t like ……………… was because of the lab work which sometimes involved dissection.
I’ve always enjoyed learning about how chemicals react with one another so I decided to choose …………. as one of my main subjects.
When I was a child, we practiced ………………… three times a week which was fine in summer but was freezing during the winter when you have to football or hockey outside.
My teacher encouraged us to take part in ……………………… in order to develop skills beyond what is taught in scheduled lessons.
I used to find complicated calculations difficult as well as algebra but when we got a new ………… teacher, it all become much easier to understand.
One of my favourite subjects was …………………… because you had a chance to get out of the classroom and learn more about the environment.
Teachers were really strict on ……………… in exams. The exam invigilators won’t even let you have your bag in the exam room.
Poetry should be taught more in ………………. lessons in order to help students develop a deeper understanding of their language and culture.
I always loved studying maps. We spent a lot of time in our ……………. lessons tracing the borders of countries and learn the capital cities of different countries.
My worst subject at school was …………… because I was completely tone deaf.
physical education
extra curricular activities
math’s

Useful Language & Collocations

lab work = laboratory experiments
dissection = cutting up animals for scientific research
scheduled lessons = lessons which are planned and written into a school curriculum
algebra = formulas and equations in mathematics
to give out or assign homework / to do or complete homework
to complete high school / to graduate high school
to do, to participate or to take part in school activities or sport
tracing = copying, outlining in pencil
tone deaf = without an ear for music = unable to appreciate or hear different music and notes

Types of Schools – Same-Sex & Co-Ed Schools

Watch this video to learn the advantages or single-sex schools and the plus points of mixed schools. This video contains ideas and vocabulary to help you express your ideas clearly.

University Vocabulary

University Courses

BA / BSc = Bachelor of Arts Degree / Bachelor of Science Degree
MA / MSc = Masters of Arts / Masters of Science
PhD = Doctorate

Other Courses

Certificate = a lower level qualification often offered at colleges rather than universites. This is also the word used the for documentation received for completing any type of course or degree (she received her certificate for her BA degree).
Online Course
Distance Learning Course
Vocational course = a course which teaches you skills for a specific job, for example engineering.
Non-vocational course = a course which is not related to a job but to a general subject instead, such as Biology.

Useful Verbs & Nouns for University

to graduate from a university = complete a degree course / to finish university
to enroll on a degree course = put your name down for a degree course
to major in physics = to choose physics as your main subject at university
to attend a lecture = to go to listen to a speaker at university often with a large audience in a lecture theatre
to attend a tutorial = to go to a meeting with a professor usually in small group held in his/her office
deliver a lecture = to give a talk or presentation
to lecture in media studies = to talk about media studies or to teach media studies at university
the faculty of business = a department specialising in business at university
to read history = to study history
to do or complete coursework = doing project work or assignments as part of your course
undergraduate (n) = someone currently doing their first degree
graduate (n) = someone who has completed a degree course
note-taking = being able to take notes in a lecture while the lecturer is talking
keeping up with the work load = being able to maintain the level of studying required
fall behind with studies = fail to keep pace with the school / university work

University Work

presentations
dissertation
project work

Vocabulary Exercises: Universities

Complete the following sentences are university education using no more than one word.

People who have ……….. from university stand a better chance of finding a good job.
I hope to enroll ………. a degree in law next year in the UK.
There is a lot of competition to get a ……………….. but without it I won’t be able to afford the universities fees.
One of the keys to successful ……………. is knowing where to look for information and how to judge which information is most current and relevant. Knowing the best sources of materials is essential.
scholarship

Other Useful Vocabulary for Education

literate = to be able to read and write
illiterate = unable to read and write
the literacy rate = the percentage of people in a country or region able to read and write
comprehensive education = a well-rounded, broad education covering a variety of subjects
scholarship = an award of either free or supported education for high achievers
student loan = money taken by a student to pay for their education which they must pay back after graduating
pay off a student loan = to repay money borrowed for university education
intensive course = a course which runs over a short period of time but contains a lot of information and training
play truant / truancy = not attending school / being absent from school without permission
gap year = to take a year out between high school and university

Vocabulary Exercises: Useful Education Vocabulary

Complete the sentences using no more than two words.

The rate of …………… is higher in developed countries than in under developed countries.
Schools should offer a ………………… which includes subjects relating to all minority groups.
The rise in university fees has led to a large proportion of students taking out ………………… which can often be difficult to pay back.
Students who take a …………… often find it difficult to get back into their studies again.
Rather than the government offering free university education for all people, they should, instead, ensure that a certain number of gifted individuals receive a ……………….
comprehensive education
student loans

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Hi Liz. I am Andre Fatur from Indonesia. i would say thank you cause i have a lot of knowledge about vocabulary in Education.

I’m glad it was helpful 🙂

Hi Liz , i’m really glad that i found your website and actually one of my teachers showed me you . your vocabs and the voices you have for them is the best specially for the ones who aren’t local englishman and are learning english as a second one just like me . me and my friends see your videos every session in our class . I wish you all the best

So glad you enjoy my lessons 🙂 Best wishes to you and your classmates 🙂

Great. Thank you so much, it help me a lot. Stay blessed

You’re welcome 🙂

Its a great help. Thank you so much Liz. May god bless you with all happiness…

I’m glad it’s helpful 🙂

Hi I am currently enrolled in school for nursing and I feel very uncomfortable when it comes to my vocabulary, I had brain surgery twice & suffered with seizures for 3years, I am happy to say I am better now and the Tumor is gone completely ,however I am depressed when it comes to my vocabulary because I don’t remember much at all and I often get my words mixed up when speaking so this is a big deal for me to learn and expand my vocabulary, thank you but I have no clue of where to begin at this point. I love to read so I have been reading a lot on your website, I must say I have learned some information just reading the comments. what do you suggest? thanks (my name is MINDY)

Hi Mindy, I do sympathise. I know what it is like to have language impairment due to neurological problems. The key is to take it slow and start incorporating the new words in your daily language until they become part of your natural English. Try my ideas e-book – it includes useful vocabulary and ideas for over 150 essay topics (which are also speaking topics). It’s on 55% discount this week: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . There’s also a grammar e-book which might help a lot as it also contains great vocab. But don’t rush through it. Aim to absorb 70% of the vocab for each topic. Use those words daily by a) speaking to yourself about the topic – express your thoughts, have debates with yourself b) write an essay about it c) read further on google about the topic. Continue to repeat this until some words stick in your mind. Then repeat the process over and over again. The other thing I want to you do is not push yourself and do NOT give yourself any pressure or fixed goals. The learning must be natural and come from the pleasure of learning. Learn for enjoyment, not because you have a goal. This will make a huge difference. The harder you push yourself, the further away your goal often gets. Do small amounts each day and no more. Take breaks as often as you need. To learn IELTS exam techniques, see my Advanced Lessons in my store and also review all my free lessons and tips. I hope this helps. Good luck 🙂

Thank you very much Liz. I always follow your IELTS lesson to use not only for myself but also for my students. All your materials are helpful to improve my English for an IELTS exam. All the best.

Glad my site is useful. Wishing you all well 🙂

Thanks a million for the strenuous efforts you exerted.

I admire you how Being a good teacher. You are the best, no need to follow others for IELTS . love Zeliha

Thanks for your kind comment 🙂 I hope your IELTS preparation is going well 🙂

Lovely ! Thanks a lot Liz.

What does it mean “I can’t stress enough” ?

It means I am stressing the importance of something. It is an expression in English 🙂

Many thanks!

That’s an awsome work! I really admire ur job here 🙂

You are so important to us that I can` just thank you enough.

THANKS A LOT!

Hi Liz! I have a plan to do the academic IELTS test , I live in the UK , in the speeking test if I used contraction or words like ,wanna ,gonna would that be acceptable or I have to say Iam going ,Cannot etc…

See this page for your answer: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/ . All main pages are accessed through the RED BAR at the top of the website.

Hello Liz, Please I am a stay-at-home mom so I’d like to know how to construct my answer when I’m asked to talk about my work. please note that i have worked as a consultant in an agricultural firm, but i was made redundant.

IELTS speaking is not a trick test. It is an informal chat with the examiner. Just be open, honest and chatty: “I used to work as a consultant in an agricultural firm, but now I’m a stay-at-home Mom.”. When you give this answer, the examiner will note your use of two grammar tenses and good vocabulary. The examiner will then decide whether to continue to talk about your work in the past, or change it and talk about your home. This will be the examiner’s choice – the examiner makes the decisions of topics. So, be open, friendly and chatty at all times.

You are really touching lives. Thank you sooo much.

Indeed she is!

Thank you so much Liz , I find this lesson really helpful .

It is the first time I access there. It involves a wide range of vocabulary. Thanka to all the leaders

In my point of view, there is no subject name MATHS. It is Mathematics and we call it as math.

The word “math” is US English. The word “maths” is UK English.

Thank you for clarifying me 🙂

Hi Liz, You talked about math’s teacher. If it would Science or English then also we will use ” ‘s “?

In British English we say “maths”, in US English it is “math”.

There’s this slight confusion I’ve got. There are some words which can be used with an S as well as a Z, for e.g Realized, Exercize. Which one is correct?

“z” is american spelling and “s” is British English spelling. Don’t mix them. Choose which spelling you will use and stick with it.

What is the difference between agree or disagree and to what extent do you agree or disagree types question?

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-instructions-agree-disagree-to-what-extent/

Hello… Take my cordial thanks Liz. I purchased your writing videos and I find it very useful. I’m looking for at least 6.5 band before I thought that it was too difficult to get 6.5 in writing segment but after watching these videos my confident level is increased. And your all tips and lessons are wonderful, to be honest. That is why, again thanks s lot 😘😘😊😊❤️❤️

Make sure you aim for accuracy in your writing – all errors reduce marks. Also spend time analysing the question, you must address all issues directly. Avoid using learned phrases – all sentences must be your own. So, you can learn vocab and linking words but not phrases. Good luck !! 🙂

The work that you do for us, learners of English from all over the world, cannot be valued. Thank you for putting your heart and soul in making us more literate in English! I wish you luck and success!

what is best way of writing process chart

See all my tips for writing task 1 on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I am so grateful to you that I can know everything about IELTS from your website. It is a very useful and perfect one for me.You are a great teacher.

Best Regards, Mai

I achieved 6.5 with the help of you because I watched your all video. It’s very beneficial thanku so much u are great teacher

Well done !

your lessons are amazing and very useful, thank you

Hello Liz , You are the great teacher in the world..I spentmy whole day on this site.there many things which help me in many situations..m so happy that I have great great teacher..May God bless youuu😊☺️..thnx a lot Liz

Thanks so much for telling me you find my site useful 🙂

My exam will be held on 13 october nd m weak in listening nd reading . pls mam u send me some listening Mp3 in my email

You can find online listening on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/

HI liz my name is nyom nyom i am from Indonesia could you help me how the way to improve my writing skill? please send in my email thanks before

See my advanced lessons if you need help with writing task 2: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore

Thanks to my best teacher!

hi i am going to appear for my ilets exam next week but i am not sure about my reading skills. can you give me some good tips to improve my skills in reading

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-how-can-i-improve-my-score/

Dear Liza, Hello Liz, I am Totok Eko Suwito, I am an English teacher in Indonesia, I want to practice my listening especially because I ‘m going to have the IELTS test, if you don’t mind, Would you send me the script and audio MP3 of the listening above to my email. thank a lot your sincerely Totok Eko Suwito

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

Hello Liz, Please liz l wonder when I want to get 7 score I found different types of vocabulary for examle the 8or 9 band’s vocabulary in some video more different than band7??

There is no such thing as band 7 vocab and band 9 vocab. Your vocab score is not marked in that way. It is based on range, accuracy, collocations and also the number of errors – and spelling.

I am so weak in listening vocabulary. Give me some tips.

That is really superlative vocabulary and it can play an indispensable role in IELTS test. Thanks Liza and i would like to say one thing more, your expressions are really appreciated. All the best. Mazhar Ishfaq

Thanks Liz. I accidentally came upon your site and found my essay shared by someone on your blog. I liked your feedback. I have rewritten this essay for the next edition of my book – A Wealth of Academic IELTS Essays.

Great. Good to know my feedback is useful 🙂 Liz

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Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

Finance & Money
Communication
Climate Change
Social Media
Entertainment
Transportation
Environment
Crime and Policing
IELTS Vocab

Learning new vocabulary and understanding how your Lexical resource band score is determined in the IELTS test will help you to achieve the best possible result. This vocabulary guide will show you useful tips and strategies to improve your vocabulary, and point you in the right direction of our other vocabulary guides on common IELTS writing topics .

What is Lexical Resource?

2.1 Avoiding repetition

2.2 using common and uncommon vocabulary, 2.3 avoiding spelling mistakes, 2.4 accurately using collocations.

2.5 Using topic-specific vocabulary

2.6 Communicating clearly

3.1 discovering new words, 3.2 deciding which words to practice, 3.3 reviewing new words, 1. what is lexical resource.

Vocabulary in the IELTS writing test is referred to as your Lexical resource and it makes up 25% of your overall score in both the writing and speaking parts of the exam.

Many candidates say their biggest problem when preparing for the IELTS test is their vocabulary . Have you ever found yourself trying to learn long lists of words? Or trying to cram in as many words as you can into your memory moments before the test? We are going to share some advice on the best ways to learn and remember vocabulary effectively.

2. How Your Lexical Resource Score is Decided

The examiner will mainly focus on the range and accuracy of vocabulary you use in your speaking and writing. This means that you need to:

Avoid repetition
Use a mixture of common and uncommon vocabulary
Avoid spelling mistakes

There are also other things the examiner will be looking for. These are:

Accurate use of collocations
Range and accurate use of topic-specific vocabulary
Clear communication

Using a range of vocabulary also includes avoiding words and phrases given to you in an IELTS statement , as well as repeating your own ideas .

Being able to paraphrase is a key skill to help you avoid repetition throughout your writing and speaking.

Take a look at our guide to paraphrasing for top tips and examples.

You also need to refer back or forward to people, places and things you mention in your responses. Compare these two examples:

Children should be able to choose the subjects children want to study.
Children should be able to choose the subjects they want to study.

In the second example, we have used the pronoun ‘they’ to replace the noun ‘children’. This is a simple example, but it is often the case that test takers do not take the time to look through their work to notice the repetition of words and phrases that could be replaced with a synonym or pronoun. Five minutes at the end of the test could make a big difference.

The reason we are mentioning both common and uncommon vocabulary here is that it is unnatural to use only uncommon or academic vocabulary in your speech and writing. Have a look at these examples:

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace.
The intimidation of atomic accouterments cultivates global reconciliation.

In the second example, we have run nearly every word through a thesaurus. Note how it sounds very unnatural, even though ‘uncommon vocabulary’ has been used. You need to feel confident using this language and strike a balance between common and more unusual vocabulary.

Uncommon vocabulary, like idioms and phrasal verbs , are more appropriate in the speaking section of the exam than writing. For the writing section of the exam, we suggest you avoid phrasal verbs and idioms (although some idiomatic expressions may be appropriate for writing task 2).

Spelling is important in the written section of the exam. The fewer spelling mistakes you make, the higher your score in Lexical resources could be.

Candidates often ask ‘ how many spelling mistakes ’ they can make for each band score, but the answer is not as simple as this. Basically, If you make so many spelling mistakes that it causes difficulty for the examiner to understand your writing then you will likely score a band score 5.0 in Lexical resources . If your spelling errors are very infrequent , you may be able to achieve a band score 7.0 and above .

Your spelling mistakes are something that you need to take responsibility for. A teacher can highlight your mistakes, but you need to put in the hard work to learn the correct spelling. Spelling errors are often referred to as ‘ fossilised errors ’ which means that, just like the fossil of a dinosaur, the mistake has been formed a long time ago and can only be changed through practice and repetition .

To improve your spelling you could consider:

Recording your mistakes in a notebook
Creating flashcards of common errors
Ask a teacher, or even a family member or friend to test you on your mistakes

Remember, it is a great idea to look at common spelling mistakes made by IELTS candidates, but some errors will be unique to you… write them down, memorise, hide the word, write… repeat . Repetition is really helpful to undo fossilised errors.

Collocation just means a frequent/common combination of words .

A typical example would be that you ‘make’ your bed (the verb ‘make’ and the noun ‘bed’ are a verb-noun collocation). However, you don’t ‘do your bed’… this is an incorrect verb-noun pairing.

Collocations are a relationship between words that need to be practiced and learned. There is no specific ‘rule’ to learn… practice makes perfect and will help you to sound more natural (as well as increase your Lexical resource score in the IELTS test.

One tip to learn collocations is to practice by topic . A common error is to try and learn long lists of collocations from memory. This will be overwhelming and often ineffective. When the exam comes and you get given a topic, you want to recall the vocabulary and collocations that are linked to the topic, not try to sift through long lists (that you will likely not remember under pressure).

2.5 Using topic-specific vocabulary

You need to prepare yourself with vocabulary that is relevant to the topic you are given. We have put together comprehensive guides on a range of common IELTS topics to help you do just this.

Take a look at the following topics :

Jobs & Work
Government/Politics
Pets and Animals
News and Media
Money and Finance
Science and Technology
The Environment

Being able to communicate clearly in your writing (and speaking) means that the examiner can understand the meaning you are trying to convey.

One way that vocabulary causes confusion for the reader is the wrong choice of word. You could have used the wrong word which has made the meaning of your sentence unclear. Some candidates often take a risk in the test and decide to use words that they are not exactly sure of the meaning of. This could result in you using the word incorrectly and causing difficulty for the reader. Don’t use the test to try using words for the first time, it is more important to communicate clearly and accurately.

Reference is often an issue, for example, you may have referred back to a previous part of your paragraph or speech using the pronoun ‘it’, but it is not clear what ‘it’ refers to.

3. Learning New Vocabulary

As soon as you have decided that you are taking your IELTS test, you should be actively looking to expand your vocabulary

We recommend that you create a book or electronic copy of all your new words and phrases.

You should also read or listen to English texts as often as you can. These texts could be:

Newspaper articles
Youtube videos (preferably with English subtitles to improve your reading skills)

Do not simply add every new word you read to your list of vocabulary. Also, be careful when using a thesaurus. It is often difficult to find exact synonyms in English, and a thesaurus will give you a long list of similar words that may not be appropriate in the context you want to use them. For example, two synonyms of‘ big ’ taken from a thesaurus of are:

If we want to replace big in the sentence ‘ the building is big ’, it is correct to say ‘the building is enormous’ but the sentence ‘ the building is boastful ’ is not appropriate .

We recommend you always create an example sentence of new words in context and a definition . A Learner Dictionary is a great place to find clear definitions for learners of English.

A good example of new words to note down are words that you have seen a few times before in a text, but do not fully understand. The frequency of these words show that they are common in English.

A great way to learn new vocabulary is by topic . Group new words, phrases, collocations, and uncommon vocabulary linked to a common theme. This will make it much easier to remember under pressure.

Do not try to learn a list of technical language or specialist words and phrases . Although topics, such as science or technology, might come up during the test, you are not expected to have specific knowledge of these subjects. Remember, the IELTS exam is a test of your English language ability.

Reviewing new vocabulary is the key to remembering it, and a step that candidates often miss.

It would be very rare to just write down new words, look at them once and be able to recall them in the exam. You need to review new words regularly to commit them to memory .

You also need to actively use a new vocabulary: set yourself a goal of using words and phrases you have learned in real life.

Here are just some ideas to review new vocabulary:

Create flashcards
Make a new vocabulary notebook
Create a mind map
Put posters around your home
Record yourself using new vocabulary

There is no right or wrong way to review language, do what works for you .

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Master Lexical resources in IELTS Writing exam

Master Lexical Resources in IELTS Writing exam

Lexical resource or vocabulary range is one of the four criteria that assess your IELTS writing exam.

Today, we will talk about vocabulary to be used in both writing tasks.

If you want to get a high band score, you need to be able to use a wide range of vocabulary.

In this article, IELTS Game will also touch on the assessment of lexical resource in both writing tasks.

Table of Contents

Vocabulary Range

Paraphrasing

Collocations
Common words
Topic-related vocabulary

The official exam paper says that lexical resources involve the ability to use a wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; when rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips.’

IELTS Vocabulary Range

First of all, let’s try to understand what we mean by vocabulary range.

Our range of English vocabulary shows how rich our language is in terms of words that we can understand and use correctly in different situations.

Vocabulary range is closely connected with using synonyms. Good knowledge of synonyms will help you in all IELTS sections.

For instance, instead of using the word “car” throughout your essay, you might also use a vehicle, automobile, means of transport, etc.

A wide range of English vocabulary for IELTS helps you fluently and skilfully convey a distinct message throughout the essay and persuade the examiner that you have an advanced vocabulary .

While preparing for IELTS , I recommend that you spend some time making lists of synonyms for the most common words used in IELTS writing.

For instance, important – vital, crucial, principal, key, essential, significant , etc. To make such lists, use Oxford Dictionary where you only have to type a word and you will see the possible synonyms.

Make sure you feel comfortable using some of them at the IELTS test ; there is no need to memorize all of them.

When to use synonyms?

Using synonyms can be tricky since they may have slightly different meaning and cannot always be used interchangeably.

The best advice is to follow the “100% rule”: only use a synonym for a word if you are 100% certain that the new word has 100% the same meaning as the original word.

If you are less than 100% certain, use the same word and try other ways to demonstrate your vocabulary range.

Now, let’s take a look at the example with some very common words and choose most appropriate synonyms for them.

Out of four options given, one cannot substitute the underlined word. Which one is it?

A social network is a helpful tool to keep in touch with friends and family.

advantageous

The answer is “ advantageous” because, according to Oxford learner’s dictionary, advantageous means “good or useful in a particular situation”.

For example, A free trade agreement would be advantageous to both countries. OR This plan could be advantageous for people on low incomes.

But our statement is a general description that applies to any social network.

And here are definitions of the other three options:

useful – that can help you to do or achieve what you want;
beneficial – improving a situation; having a helpful or useful effect;
effective – producing a successful result.

So, it is easy to imagine that a useful, beneficial or effective tool helps you to do something and produce an intended result.

See also: 14 days plan to master IELTS Vocabulary | Day 1

Another important tip to master lexical resources is to develop a paraphrasing skill.

Ability to paraphrase is crucial for both writing task 1 and 2 since you shouldn’t repeat the sentences from the exam paper and even your words more than one or two times.

Effective paraphrasing includes 2 types of changes in the original statement:

Changing words
Changing the structure of the sentence
Changing both words & sentence structure

1. Changing words

There are several ways to change words in a sentence. First of all, do not forget to use synonyms .

We already know that synonyms can be tricky so use one only if you are 100% sure what it means. Let’s look at this example.

Pay attention to how each part of a sentence is replaced by a synonymous phrase.

Original: Global warming is mostly caused by emissions from internal combustion engines.

Paraphrase: Climate change is mainly caused by the release of fumes from motor vehicles.

Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing exam

Another way of paraphrasing words is changing word forms . This means changing nouns to verbs, adjectives to adverbs, and so on.

So, you should practice word formation both with words you already know or are going to learn. For example:

Original: The number of rich people has increased noticeably in the past 50 years.

Paraphrase: The increase in the number of rich people has been noticeable in the past 50 years.

The verb in Present Perfect tense “has increased” has been changed into a noun “the increase,” and the adverb “noticeably” is transformed into an adjective “noticeable.”

Also, notice that when changing word forms, you need to make other necessary changes as well, such as adding a verb in a new sentence, “has been”; or restructuring the sentence by making “the increase” the subject of the sentence.

2. Changing the structure of the sentence

It is not enough to replace original words with others; you should also make changes to the sentence structure.

There is a variety of ways to do that. One very common way is converting active to passive voice. For example:

Active : Many schools require their students to wear uniforms.

Passive : Students are required to wear uniforms in many schools.

Read Also: Master Punctuation marks in IELTS Writing exam

However, remember that passive voice does not always sound natural; you should use it when the doer of the action is either unknown or unimportant.

Another way of changing structure is to combine 2 sentences into 1 with the help of relative clauses. For example:

Original : Sportspeople earn much more money than people in other professions do. This creates a lot of dissatisfaction among many members of the public.

Paraphrase : Sportspeople earn much more money than people in other professions do , which creates a lot of dissatisfaction among many members of the public.

There is a range of other ways to change sentence structure using numerous conjunctions such as while, although, because , etc.

For example:

Original : Many people consider social networks are a menace to normal human communication. Others think they are a viable alternative enabling more frequent and close contact.

Paraphrase : Many people consider social networks are a menace to normal human communication while others think they are a viable alternative enabling more frequent and close contact.

3. Changing both words and structure

So far we’ve talked about ways of changing words in a sentence and using alternative structures.

However, you should keep in mind that an effective paraphrase does both – uses different words and structure at the same time.

Original : More and more people these days prefer social networks to keep in touch with friends and family.

Paraphrase : Nowadays, social networks are preferred increasingly often for contacting friends and family.

Related: How to use linking words in IELTS Writing exam? [Examples]

Look at how synonyms have been used:

More and more – increasingly often
these days – Nowadays
to keep in touch with – for contacting

Notice that “friends and family” are not changed at all, and “people” is not mentioned because the structure is changed with the help of passive voice, which makes the doer of the action clear and unnecessary to point out.

These paraphrasing methods will only help you in the IELTS exam if you practice using them.

Try finding some sample writing questions and paraphrasing them using these methods.

You can practice each method separately to become confident and then combine a few at the same time.

The more you work on paraphrasing, the easier the process will be, the more natural your sentences will sound.

Using Collocations

One distinctive feature of native speech is a use of collocations, which are set expressions of two words that typically go together, for example, give a chance, take an exam, make a presentation, etc.

The examiner will be judging your lexical resources on the correct use of such combinations.

For example, here is what the IELTS public band descriptors say for an IELTS band 7 for lexis (vocabulary): “uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation .”

So to achieve a band 7 in this criteria, you need not only use some less common words, but you also need to show to some extent that you know how to use other words not to affect the meaning or the message of the statement.

Avoid using common and simple words

There is usually a better or advanced synonym for almost all words.

Your choice of words will determine whether you state your position skilfully and fluently.

And also do not forget that advanced vocabulary used accurately will definitely increase your band score.

These are the so-called strong word lists. For example,

to say – announce, command, declare, emphasize, explain;
to get – achieve, acquire, attain, borrow, buy, earn, obtain, receive;
to do – accomplish, achieve, complete, execute, fulfill, perform.

The other side of the coin is that many of strong words might slightly differ in the context they can be used, so be very careful.

You don’t need to show off your knowledge of extremely difficult or uncommon words.

Otherwise, your writing will suffer from having a bunch of advanced words with confusing meaning.

Learn Topic-Related Vocabulary

In order to show a good range of vocabulary, you need to know specific topic-related words .

It will help you in writing your essay and speaking section too.

There are some basic topics which are covered by the IELTS writing section, including but not limited to:

Crime and punishment
Food, Fitness and Health
Information Technology
Environment
The Arts and painting
Business and money
Communication and personality
Family and children
Media and advertising
Space exploration

I’d recommend that you learn basic words connected with each topic and think over the common challenges or mostly discussed questions in each area.

For instance, when we have an essay topic related to the environment, we might need to discuss such issues as animal extinction, protection of endangered species, conservation programs, environmental problems, etc.

So you need to be ready not only to use appropriate vocabulary but also discuss the issues connected with the topic.

Lexical Resources Summary

So, now let’s make a summary. We have covered 5 basic topics related to a lexical resource that is essential in preparation for IELTS exam.

Use a wide range of vocabulary in your writing tasks.
Paraphrase effectively.
Use collocations appropriately.
Do not use common and simple words; use advanced vocabulary instead.
Be able to use topic-related vocabulary and discuss common topics.

I hope this article will prove useful in your studies and wish you good luck with your exam!

Vocabulary for IELTS: Education, Environment, Food

Vocabulary for ielts: crime, space, art, vocabulary for ielts: money, travelling, media.

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Traditionally in the U.S. secondary education refers to school studies (grades 9 to 12) and culminates in a High School Diploma.

A typical next academic milestone is what is called higher education . Higher education is studies beyond high school.

Example : Higher education in the Western world is usually voluntary.

As a result of your studies you will hopefully receive an official recognition in the form of some qualification. General types of qualifications are:

Certificate – for short academic programs Diploma – university level programs shorter than a degree Degree – relatively long academic programs covering specific areas in great depth

Traditionally the first degree you acquire is the Bachelor’s . You can then apply for Master’s and PhD (doctorate).

Example : PhD courses may be a mix of theory and practice in your chosen subject.

To start your studies in a recognized university you normally have to meet specific requirements. Let’s talk about them using specific vocabulary.

Entry Admissions are requirements for prospective students and could be expressed as your minimum grade level during your previous studies, minimum score in specific standardized tests (like IELTS, TOEFL, ACT, GMAT, etc.). Another way to say it is entrance requirements.

While choosing your future institution you consider a number of aspects such as university rankings and curricula . Let’s stop here! Curriculum is another superpopular term. It means the content taught in a specific academic program. By curriculum we often mean courses offered by a school.

Example : Curriculum is one of the foundational elements of effective teaching.

Let’s continue. Another important thing you usually have to carefully consider is tuition and cost of attendance . Basically it’s money you have to invest in your studies. Tuition fees are what you pay directly to the university and the cost of attendance includes food, housing, transportation, books, and supplies. Top-tier institutions (another very useful expression which means leading or prestigious institutions) often charge thousands of dollars yearly. To ease the burden on their budget many students apply for financial aid. It could come in the form of a scholarship (scholarship is money for your education awarded based on various criteria defined by a sponsor).

Example : There are a number of scholarship schemes run by governments, charities, and other organizations.

There are other forms of financial aid which include bursaries, grants, fellowship, and scholarship.

Scholarships are awarded for scholastic achievement.
Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need, so it is a certain type of social financial help.
Grants are funds provided by a certain party, often a government department, corporation, or foundation to an individual or institution.
Fellowships usually refer to grants in support of post baccalaureate projects, or to pre baccalaureate projects pursued outside the standard curriculum.

All scholarships and fellowships are grants and need not to be repaid.

Example: Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called for cutting student debt.

Now let’s talk about learning modes. The typical decision for most students is to study full-time , but for those who work part-time studying can be a more realistic solution. You can also choose to study distantly or via some trendy online program (e-learning) . Or you might prefer a combination of on campus and distance studying which is called the blended mode .

Talking about online programs I will mention some other hot terms and concepts.

MOOC is a recent development in distance education rapidly gaining popularity. It stands for Massive Open Online Course. It is an online course that has open access and interactive participation published on the web.

Example : Coursera, which emerged thanks to Stanford University professors in 2012, has by far the largest number of offered courses.

Educational verbs

to revise – to make changes especially to correct or improve (something); to study (something) again;
to enroll (in a degree course) – to enter (someone) as a member of or participant in something;
to take (someone) as a member or participant; to become a member or participant
to review – to look at or examine (something) carefully especially before making a decision or judgment; to study or look at (something) again; to describe or show (a series of things or events from the past)
to research – to study (something) carefully; to collect information about or for (something)
to attend (classes) – to go to or be present at some event
to major in a subject – to pursue an academic major
to deliver a lecture – to carry out/conduct a lecture
to graduate (from a university) – to earn a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university
to keep up with (your studies) – to go or make progress at the same rate as others
to demonstrate academic gains – to show academic progress/education achievement
to broaden horizons – to enlarge / expand someone’s scope
to fall behind (with studies) – lag behind
to evaluate – to determine or fix the value of something; to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study to procrastinate – to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done
And there is also a short list of great words that don’t fit into any category. You might already know some of them, others might appear to be new to you. Try to remember them or write them into your notepad and think of some examples with them! Practice makes perfect.
Campus – the area and buildings around a university, college, school, etc.
Essay – a short piece of writing that tells a person’s thoughts or opinions about a subject
Debate – a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something
Attendance – the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc. the act of being present at a place; a record of how often a person goes to classes, meetings, etc.
Compulsory – required by a law or rule; having the power of forcing someone to do something
Inquisitive – tending to ask questions; having a desire to know or learn more asking too many questions about other people’s lives
Dissertation – a long piece of writing about a particular subject that is done to earn an advanced degree at a university
Discipline – a field of study Faculty – a branch of teaching or learning in an educational institution
Peer – a person who belongs to the same age group or social group as someone else Literacy – the ability to read and write; knowledge that relates to a specified subject
Alumnus (pl.-i-) – someone who was a student at a particular school, college, or university
Assignment – a specified task or amount of work assigned or undertaken as if assigned by authority
Thesis – a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done to earn a degree at a university

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IELTS Topic-based vocabulary: education; with definitions/meanings and example sentences

This post focuses on a shortlist of some most common words used in IELTS Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening . Here, IELTS candidates can learn and practice education- related words and phrases. All the words are given here with definitions/meanings and their use in example sentences. This vocabulary list will help you write essays and speak on education, education-related problems and their solutions etc.

Vocabulary list on ‘Education’ :

Academic year – the time of the year throughout which students attend school or university, usually considered from the beginning of the autumn term to the end of the summer term – He joined his new school at the beginning of the new academic year .

Acquire – obtain something for oneself – Hannah acquired a cheque of $500.

Admission test/entrance exam – a test designed to identify students who are capable of admitting a school or college – He obtained the highest mark in the admission test/entrance exam.

Analyse – inspect (something) systematically and thoroughly, typically in order to explain and interpret it – We need to analyse any new idea before coming to a conclusion about it.

Assignment – a specific task or amount of work assigned or undertaken by an authority – They had loads of homework assignments.

Audio – of or relating to the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast – She listened to the audio script carefully.

Bachelor’s degree – a degree after four years’ study in a college or university – She earned a bachelor’s degree in law in 2018.

Coeducational school – a school where boys and girls study together – I studied in a coeducational school .

Cognitive – relating to conscious mental activities (such as thinking, understanding, learning and recalling) – She developed her cognitive abilities in her secondary school.

Compulsory / major – subject/subjects that you must study to obtain a degree – She had four compulsory /major subjects in her first year of Bachelor of Arts in English.

Cramming – the act of try ing to learn a lot very quickly before an exam – Cramming right before the exam is not a good idea.

Credit – a unit that represents a successfully finished part of an educational course – The students attended all the classes because each of those classes was worth two credits .

Curiosity – the desire to know about something or someone – The design of the building aroused my curiosity .

Curriculum – all the different courses offered by a school/college/university – Spanish is one of the optional foreign language on the curriculum .

Curriculum vitae / Resume – a summary of a person’s personal demographics, experience and skills – The Company has asked for complete curriculum vitae / resume of every participant.

Dean – the head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school – All the students much like the new dean after his visit to their dormitory.

Dictionary – a book or an electronic resource that catalogs the words of a particular language (usually in alphabetical order) and provides their meaning, or gives the comparable words in another language, often providing information about pronunciation, origin, and usage as additional information – I don’t have a Spanish to English dictionary .

Diploma – a qualification awarded to a student by a university or college or a high school – She’s achieved two diplomas in social work and child safety.

Discipline – a field of study – She was previously a student in science discipline at Stanford University.

Dissertation – a long piece of writing/article about a specific subject that is done to receive an advanced degree – The students submitted their dissertation on British Politics to their mentor before deadline.

Distance learning – a system of studying in which lectures are transmitted or lessons are conducted by correspondence, where the student does not need to be present at a school or college – Computer has helped enormously to spread distance learning all over the world.

Doctorate / PhD – the highest degree that is given by a university – She’s applied for a doctorate degree/ PhD in British Law in Queensland University.

Dormitory – a building or facility on a school campus where students can live – St. Gregory College has two large and separate dormitories for boys and girls.

Drop out – ditch or dump a course of study – She dropped out of college due to financial crisis.

Elementary education / primary education – the early stages of studying – We should give importance on elementary education seriously.

Encyclopedia – a book or set of books giving information on diverse subjects or on different aspects of one subject and typically arranged alphabetically – I have an encyclopedia of prehistoric animals in my collection.

Evaluation / assessment – the construction of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something – Many education specialists resent the evaluation/assessment methods used in the prevailing education system.

Faculty – a cluster of university departments concerned with a major division of knowledge – The Faculty of Arts in Cambridge University is extremely famous.

Higher education – any of various types of education following secondary education – Universities and colleges both propose higher education opportunities for a diversity of students.

Inquisitive – tending to ask questions; having a desire to know to learn more – She seems to be quite an inquisitive woman.

Interview – a meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation – I had an interview with the board last night.

Itinerary – a designed route or journey – All the students were given an itinerary before leaving the bus.

Language skills – skills relate to diverse aspects of using language; such as listening, reading, writing or speaking – Candidates in the IELTS exam are given band-scores on their English language skills .

Lecture – an instructive talk to an audience, especially one of students or teachers in a university – Today we have to attend three lectures about social changes and demographics.

Literacy – the capability to read and write – Many countries have experienced an upward trend in their literacy rate.

Master’s degree – a one/two years’ degree after achieving a bachelor’s degree – She’s also achieved a master’s degree in law this year.

Memorise – to learn something so that you will remember it exactly – I recall clearly that some of our primary school teachers forced us to memorise some poems.

Multimedia classroom – a classroom equipped with advanced technology such as laptops, tabs, projectors, digital chalkboard etc. – Nowadays most of the schools in developed country have multimedia classrooms .

Optional / non-major – parallel to the flat surface of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical – She studied Political Science as an optional / a non-major subject in her second year.

Pedagogy – the process and exercise of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept – A teachers’ training college is indeed a school of pedagogy .

Peer pressure – the strain of thinking about or doing something because other people in the same group do it – One of the main reasons of drug addiction is peer pressure .

Postdoctoral – a work that is done after achieving a PhD – She will go on working on a postdoctoral study in transformation of laws in the 20 th century.

Portfolio – a compilation of materials that exemplifies one’s beliefs, skills, qualifications, education, training and experiences – This portfolio presents excellent insights into her personality and work.

Practical – of or concerned with the real doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas – I liked Mr Chao’s classes because he’d always had a practical approach to discuss a topic.

Presentation – a speech or talk in which a new product, idea, or piece of work is shown and explained to an audience – The company official has delivered a PowerPoint presentation on how to use the product.

Procrastinate – holdup or postpone an action; put off doing something – Many students fail to achieve their goal in time because they procrastinate intentionally or unintentionally.

Professor – a university scholar of the maximum rank; the holder of a university chair – The old professor passed away suddenly.

Pupil – student, one who has been taught – She had some successful pupils who keep contact with her regularly.

Put down – record something in writing – She put down the gist of the speech beautifully in her notebook.

Qualification – skill or experience or knowledge that makes someone appropriate to do a specific job or activity – All the applicants with best qualifications are requested to participate in the coming exam.

Reference – supply (a book or article) with citations of sources of information – He used reference from at least 8 prominent articles.

Research – careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something – This research on chimpanzees will change the course of studying animal behaviour.

Scholarship / grant – a payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the foundation of educational or other achievement – Reeha has got a $10000 scholarship/grant for excellent academic record.

Secondary education – the stage of education following primary education – Success in secondary education is highly dependent on elementary education.

Seminar – a gathering in which people receive information on and training in a specific subject matter – They arranged a seminar on how to develop the lifestyle of rural people.

Single-sex school – a school where either boys or girls can study – My sister studied in a single-sex school .

Stipend – a particular amount of money that is paid regularly to someone – All the pupils from poor family background get a £250 monthly stipend from the school.

Survey – to ask many people a set of questions in order to gather information about most people’s insight on something – The outcome of the survey in the rural areas is quite bizarre.

Syllabus – subjects studied in a particular course – The syllabus for English Literature in developing countries is rather confusing.

Term – one of the periods into which a year is divided at school , college , or university – She finished her term in the university successfully.

Theory – a supposition or a system of proposals intended to make something clear, especially one based on general principles free of the thing to be explained – According to conspiracy theory , there is no obvious end game for countries with natural resources.

Thesis – a long original essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate for a university degree – They submitted their thesis to the professor.

Tuition fee – money that is paid to a school/college/university for the right to study there – Her tuition fee for the course is $4500 a year.

Tutor – a teacher; particularly works with one student – Mr Stephen is Graham’s tutor .

Tutorial – a period of teaching given by a university or college tutor to an individual or very small group – I joined the new tutorial on macro-photography.

Undergraduate – a student in a college or university who is yet to earn a degree, especially a bachelors’ degree – Roger is an undergraduate at Yale School of Law.

Verbal – spoken; not written – We had a verbal exam before commencing our third year in college.

Visual – of or relating to vision – This automation visual navigation is designed by a complicated software.

Vocational – (of education or training) aimed at a particular profession and its skills – Many countries are now leaning on vocational education to solve unemployment problem.

Viva voce – an oral examination, typically for an academic qualification – The candidates were called for viva voce .

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Crime and Punishment’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Environment’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Science and Technology’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Pandemic/epidemic/medical crisis’

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IELTS writing vocabulary: the law

Home » IELTS vocabulary » IELTS writing vocabulary: the law

Collocations and examples sentences

Violent offender : The violent offender was arrested and taken to jail.

Ultimate goal : The runner’s ultimate goal was to win the race.

Small confines : The puppy was placed in small confines so he would not use the bathroom in his cage.

Cell blocks : The cell blocks of the prison held inmates of all shapes and sizes.

General population : She was very smart compared to the knowledge of the general population.

Social contact : The toddler needed more social contact with other toddlers in order to learn how to share and be kind.

Disruptive behavior : I was kicked out of the classroom for my loud antics and disruptive behavior.

Emergency response : The girl collapsed on the floor and we dialed 999 for the emergency response team.

Correctional facility : The purpose of the correctional facility was to try and teach prisoners to behave better and be less violent.

Brute force : We had to use brute force to open the rusty door.

Training academy : The soldier had to go through a training academy in order to become part of the Army.

Internal politics : The school’s internal politics involving finding a new principal caused the faculty to fight with one another.

Controversial component : The issue of electing a woman president has become a big controversial component in the 2016 election.

Intimidation technique : The school bully used an intimidation technique of

Safe environment : The church provided a safe environment for members who were feeling threatened at home.

5 questions eliciting the collocations:

1. How does Dan describe the conditions of the prison he visited and what were his first reactions and feelings to this environment?

2. How does the initial protocol of “contain and control” using the “hole” cause prisoners to become worse as opposed to making them better?

3. What are the consequences of meeting violence with force and chaos with chaos? Dan relates this tactic to putting out fire with fire.

4. What strategies did Dan’s team of officers apply in order to prevent violence and bad behavior in prisons?

5. How does Dan prove that prisons can help inmates live meaningful lives?

Video: Listen to the topic vocabulary in use

Task 2 sample essay - with collocations removed (gap fill task).

It is a common viewpoint in today’s society that someone who has been labeled as a criminal for committing illegal activity is unable to change his or her identity and will always be considered a criminal. Does this viewpoint align with yours? Support your argument with specific reasoning.

Many people in today’s society believe that criminals cannot change their identity and will remain criminals forever. However, there is reason to believe that this viewpoint is false. With increased ______ _______ between prisoners as well as officers, a ____ ___________ can be created in which prisoners can improve themselves and change who they are. This essay will discuss why it may be possible for criminals to abandon their past and live meaningful lives in their future.

Firstly, people always have the power to change their situation and their lives for the better. A criminal’s life is not fixed forever and prison can help these _______ _________ better themselves, hence the titling of most prisons as “____________ ___________.”

For example, a recent study showed that when the _______ __________ interacted with prisoners before prison and again after prison, they could tell a positive difference in the prisoner’s demeanor. Therefore, it is possible for prisoners to change with the help of prison.

Secondly, people outside of prison have proven change is possible is everyday life and because criminals are human like everyone else, change is possible for them as well. Various prisons strive to make inmates’ lives more meaningful, because they believe in the power of change.

For example, many prisons have abandoned ____________ __________ and the use of _____ _____. Instead, the ________ ____ of officers is to combat __________ ________ with nonviolence strategies. These radical techniques have resulted in great success and have proven that criminals can change for the better.

In conclusion, while some individuals in prison may not have the power to improve themselves, many criminals have gone through prison and proven that they can abandon their past and live meaningful lives.

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Education Vocabulary

It’s very common for candidates to be asked about their school, college or university experience, so a good range of education vocabulary is something you definitely need to develop.

This page should make that easy for you as it contains over 150 everyday words and phrases related to study, education and teaching. For each, I’ve included an explanation and added a sample sentence to show it in context. This will help you to learn how to use it correctly.

Don’t try to learn them all. Look at my suggestions below as to the best way to use this extensive list of education vocabulary.

Here are some of the categories covered:

Educational institutions
Course types & levels
Qualifications
People in education
Subjects & facilities
Academic work

As well as your own experience of education, you could be asked your opinion on wider issues such as the quality of teaching or education system in your country, equal opportunities, technology in schools and many other related topics. The list of education vocabulary will equip you to create answers for these types of subjects as well.

Also on this page are three other things that will help you prepare for questions about education:

IELTS-style questions on the topic of education
Sample answers
Links to online reading & listening resources

You’ll find PDF downloads of both the questions and sample answers and the education vocabulary list at the bottom of the respective sections.

The questions relate to the Speaking test because this part of the exam offers the broadest range of possible questions on the topic of education. They give the best opportunity for me to demonstrate the vocabulary and for you to practise using it.

I’ve included IELTS-style questions and answers for all three parts of the Speaking test. I've highlighted key words and phrases in bold .

You'll find these words and phrases, and many others, in the vocabulary list beneath. There’s an audio to listen to their pronunciation.

The education vocabulary list contains words and phrases relevant to all parts of the IELTS exam.

Finally, at the bottom of the page I've added links to topical articles, short videos and podcasts that will help you to improve both your education vocabulary and your reading and listening skills.

Let’s begin with the sample questions.

IELTS-Style Speaking Test Questions and Answers

Common education vocabulary is highlighted in bold .

1) At what age do children begin school in your country?

Formal education starts at five years of age but most children go to preschool when they are around three. This isn’t compulsory but really helps them to develop socially.

2) What kind of school did you go to as a child?

My family moved around a lot when I was growing up so I went to many different schools including three primary schools , a grammar school and a co-educational comprehensive school . I even attended a private school for a year.

3) Did you enjoy your time at school?

I can’t say that I particularly enjoyed my early education . With changing schools so often, I was always the new kid which I found hard.

4) Would you say you were a good student?

Yes, I was definitely a good pupil . I was a quiet, shy child who never caused my teachers any trouble or played truant . I worked hard on my coursework and got on well with my peers .

5) Did you do any extra-curricular activities?

Back in my day, there weren’t many opportunities to do extra-curricular activities . However, I was in the school choir at my secondary school . We use to put on concerts and one year we did a tour of Germany.

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

when and where you started studying it
what lessons were like
what made it different from other subjects

and explain why you enjoyed the subject.

There There were three subjects I particularly enjoyed at school, English , geography and P.E. but if I had to choose a favourite, I guess it would be geography .

I suppose you start learning about the natural features around you and other countries in primary school but geography first appeared on the curriculum as a specific subject in secondary school . I’d been fascinated with other places and cultures for as long as I could remember. My dad had travelled a lot and had a large map on the wall with pins in all the countries he’d been to. I loved looking at it so perhaps that’s where my interest in geography first started.

The geography classroom was great; full of globes, atlases and books about places that were very different to where I lived. We had a nice teacher called Mrs Rose who used lots of pictures and maps in her lessons . This was perfect for me as I’m a visual learner. If Mrs Rose had just talked all the time, as some of our teachers did, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed the subject so much or learnt so easily.

I even liked doing geography homework . I can remember sitting at my desk at home spending hours carefully drawing maps and adding all the features. When my mum took me to the library on a Saturday morning, I’d look for adventure stories set around the world or books on how people live in other countries.

When I reached the sixth form and had to choose just three subjects to study, geography was one of them, although I actually failed my final exam. My family moved house yet again just before I took it and I was very unsettled. I had a private tutor for a few months then retook the exam and got a good grade.

At university , I trained as a teacher myself. I chose primary education so taught geography along with many other subjects. However, during one of my training placements, the headteacher asked me to spend three weeks teaching the subject to every class in the small village school, from 5 year olds up to 11 year olds. It was one of the happiest times in the whole of my career even though I hadn’t even got my teaching qualification yet.

1) What impact do universities have on the places where they’re located?

I believe that the presence of a university in a town or city has a significant positive impact on the area. For a start, it's often the largest employer, offering jobs at all levels from cleaners and maintenance staff to lecturers and top academics .

Large educational institutions like this bring in lots of investment from around the world from foreign students and for important research projects. The presence of thousands of students during term times is also a massive boost to the local economy.

In addition to the financial benefits, there several ways in which universities contribute socially. For example, university towns and cities tend to be vibrant, with a great social life due to the large numbers of young adults living there. What’s more, the campus itself usually has a number of facilities that can be used by local people. A university city I used to live in had an excellent theatre that attracted top plays, shows and performers from around the country.

2) What is it more important for academics to do, research or teaching?

It was only recently, after reading an article about a local university , that I realised just how much research goes on in them. It was about a new facility in the medical faculty and outlined the important research they will now be able to carry out on stem cells and brain tumours. This type of work is vital if we are to combat illness and disease in the future.

For most people though, universities are places of learning where you go to get your degree and prepare for your future career, so teaching must have a high priority. As teachers , academics have the role of passing on knowledge to the next generation.

Weighing it up, I think that the teaching side of their work is the most important because unless they instruct and inspire their students , there will be no-one to fill the most important jobs in society or to carry on the research work the academics do.

3) What are the advantages of studying a distance learning course?

For many people, especially mature students who work, distance learning is the ideal way to study. There are several benefits that immediately come to mind. Firstly, the cost is far less than it would be to attend a college or university with their high tuition fees .

Secondly, you can study anywhere and in your own time and at your own pace. Some students , myself included, find that this method of learning suits them better than sitting in lectures or going to tutorials . You do have to be self-motivated to keep up with the coursework though, and you still get assignments to write and sometimes a dissertation , but you can fit these around your daily life.

Thirdly, there’s a huge range of correspondence courses and online courses available these days so you can take almost any subject you want to and even study for a degree qualification this way. So all in all, distance learning courses have many advantages over other methods of study.

Click this link to get a PDF download of these practise questions & sample answers.

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* Important

Do not try and learn this list of education vocabulary.
Identify the vocabulary you find useful for answering practise questions about this topic.
Record it in your vocabulary notebook and practise using it regularly.

I recommend that you create your own answers to the Speaking questions on this page. You will find many other IELTS-style practise questions by searching online.

For help on how to learn vocabulary, what to learn and how to record it, visit these pages:

How to Learn Vocabulary for IELTS

Top 6 Types of IELTS Vocabulary & Topic Word Lists

Education Vocabulary – Common Words & Phrases

Education Vocabulary Set 1: Key Definitions

education – the process of teaching or learning, especially in a school, college or university, or the knowledge that you get from this

- Education is a low priority for the governments of some developing countries.

- Most children receive their education in schools but some are taught at home.

to educate – to give someone intellectual, moral or social instruction, typically at a school, college or university

- At the school I visited in Kenya the children are educated in classes of over 60 pupils.

educational – relating to the provision of education

- When I was at school we had an educational visit to the British Museum in London to see Tutankhamun’s treasures.

educational institution – a place where people gain an education, such as a school

- We are fortunate to have many excellent educational institutions in our area.

formal education – education normally delivered by trained teachers in a systematic way in a school, college or university.

- In Norway, formal education starts when children reach the age of six.

compulsory education – the legally-required period of time that children are expected to attend school. In the western world, these laws generally require that children attend school from the ages of 5 to 16 or 18.

- One day, a formal education will hopefully be compulsory for all children.

Education Vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 2: Educational institutions

preschool – a school for children who are too young to begin their formal education

- Most children in the UK go to a preschool but it isn’t compulsory.

nursery school (UK)/ kindergarten (US) – preschool education

- In the UK, most children begin nursery school at the age of four.

primary school (UK)/ elementary school (US) – the type of school for children ages 5-11

- Bindi was so excited about starting primary school when the new term started in September.

primary education – the education of 5-11 year olds

- In an ideal world, primary education would be compulsory in every country.

secondary school (UK)/ high school (US) – the type of school for children age 11 to 16, sometimes 18

- I want to teach in a secondary school when I finish my teacher training as I really enjoy working with older pupils.

co-educational/mixed – a school where girls and boys are taught together.

- These days, most schools in the UK are co-educational .

single-sex school – a school for either male or female students but not both

- Both my parents went to single-sex schools but it’s more normal these days to go to a mixed school.

state school – a school that is funded and controlled by the government and for which no fees are charged

- The government is facing growing criticism for the underfunding of state schools .

comprehensive school – a state school that accepts pupils regardless of their level of academic ability or achievement

- There is an ongoing debate as to whether all young people should attend comprehensive schools or if schools that select pupils on academic ability are still relevant.

grammar school (UK) – state secondary school that selects their pupils by means of an examination taken by children at age 11

- Although many people are against selective education where some school places go to the most academically able pupils, grammar schools are still popular.

private school – a school that is not supported by government money, where education must be paid for by the children’s parents

- Jonah’s parents decided to pay for him to go to a private school because most classes only had 20 pupils in.

private education – education parents have to pay for

- Only a small percentage of parents can afford to give their children a private education .

public school (UK) – an exclusive, expensive school, run independently

public school (US) – a school which is free and paid for by the government

higher education (also called tertiary education ) – education beyond the age at which it is compulsory, usually in a college or university

- Most of Vijay’s friends wanted to leave school and get a job as soon as possible but he was determined to go on to higher education to improve his career prospects.

boarding school – a school where students live and study during the school term.

- Yu Yang hated boarding school as she missed her family and felt very homesick.

college – a place of higher education where people study specialized subjects or undertake vocational training for a skilled job

- Hugo applied for a place at the local college to train to be a chef.

university – a high-level educational institution where students study for degrees and academic research is done.

- Fuyuko wanted to study nursing at university in Australia but had to get a band 7 in her IELTS exam to be accepted.

Education Vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 3: Course types & levels

course – a series of lessons in a particular subject

undergraduate – studying for a degree but having not yet achieved it.

postgraduate – having achieved a degree and now studying for a higher qualification, possibly a professions qualification

vocational – education or training directed at a particular occupation and its skills, often requiring practical skills

intensive – fast-paced courses which give a lot of information quickly and in a short time

Education Vocabulary Set 4: Qualifications

qualification – an official record showing that you have achieved a certain level of education or skill in a particular subject or skill area

- Riya was determined to leave school with good qualifications so she could get a well-paid job to support her family.

certificate – an official record of achievement, generally issued for a short course

- Shona was delighted to be presented her TEFL certificate on passing her course to become an English teacher.

diploma – issued for a higher education course that is shorter than a degree

- Greg did so well in his two-year engineering diploma that his tutor persuaded him to study for another year to qualify for a degree.

bachelor’s degree / or just degree ( BA/BSc etc) – qualification issued by a university or college at the end of three or four years of study

- I’m studying for a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.

- I’m studying for a BA in history.

master’s degree /or just master’s ( MA/MSc etc) – qualification issued by a university when the student has completed further study beyond a degree, often in a more specialisn'ted field than a bachelor’s degree

- Alonso wanted to stay on at university an extra year to study for his master’s but his parents couldn't afford the fees.

doctorate ( PhD ) – the highest level of degree qualification issued by a university

- I’m so proud of my sister for achieving a PhD in biochemistry.

fellowship – a teaching or research post given to a person studying for an advanced degree.

- Being awarded a research fellowship at my university is a dream come true as it enables me to stay on and study for my doctorate.

Education vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 5: People in education

headteacher/ principal – the person in charge of a school

- Our headteacher had been principal for 12 years when he retired.

teacher – a person who teaches, especially in a school

- My favourite teacher at school was Mr Webber because he made lessons so interesting.

tutor – a teacher who works privately with one student or a small group

- Our son struggles with maths so we’ve got him a private tutor to help him with his work.

lecturer – a person who teaches at a college or university.

- My cousin is a lecturer in physics at the University of London.

professor – a teacher of the highest rank in a department of a British university, or a teacher of high rank in an American university or college

- Professor Stephen Hawking was one of the most influential figures in modern science.

an academic – a person who teaches in a college or university and continues to research and increase knowledge about their specialist subject

- She was such a bookworm at school and always in the library researching some topic or other, so it’s no surprise that she became an academic .

pupil – a person, usually a child at school, who is being taught

- The pupils loved Miss Lefebvre’s French lessons as she gave them fun learning games to play.

student – a person, usually a college or university, who is being taught

- The beginning of the academic year was so busy with all the new students starting their college courses.

mature student – an adult student who attends college or university some years after leaving school

- Jose was so grateful for the chance to study for a degree as a mature student having left school with very few qualifications.

a graduate – a person who has finished their college or university education

- University graduates can usually get higher paid jobs than people with vocational skills.

peer – a person who is in the same class, age group or social group as someone else

Pupils these days are under a lot of pressure to dress and behave like their peers .

Education Vocabulary Set 6: School subjects

curriculum – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

- Her parents chose the school because it offered a broad curriculum including drama and dance which were her favourite subjects.

syllabus – an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course

- The new syllabus included environmental science which was becoming more popular as a school subject.

maths/math/mathematics – the study of numbers, shapes and space

literature – the study of written works (such as poems, plays, and novels) that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance

the three R's – the basic educational skills of r eading, w r iting and a r ithmetic (maths)

- Most schools put a high priority on teaching the three R's .

language – a system of communication used by a particular country or community often studied as a subject by non-native speakers

- To her surprise, Jenna found that she was quite good at languages at school.

humanities – studies about human culture, such as literature, languages, philosophy, and history.

- Tuma couldn’t decide whether to study history or philosophy at university so opted for a degree in humanities .

science – the study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, divided into subjects such as physics, biology and chemistry

physics – the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy
biology – the study of living organisms
chemistry – the branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed

geography – the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these

religious studies – the study of religion and belief systems

history – the study of past events, particularly in human affairs

information technology (IT or ICT) – the study of the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data

physical education (PE) – instruction in physical exercise and games, especially in schools

art – the study of artistic techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. or the appreciation of works of art

music – the study of how to play a musical instrument or sing, how to read music, how to compose music, etc

drama – the study of acting and theatrical performance

home economics – cooking and other aspects of household management, especially as taught at school

Education Vocabulary Set 7: School vocabulary

to play truant – to be absent without permission from parents or teachers

- Helios was always playing truant from school which he regretted when he failed his exams and struggled to find a good job.

to skip classes – to be absent from lessons you are supposed to attend

- I was never brave enough to skip classes as my parents would have been furious if they’d found out.

bookworm – a person who loves reading and/or studying

- My best friend is a real bookworm but is a great person to have on your quiz team because his general knowledge is excellent.

rote learning – a teaching style based on learning by memorisation through repetition

- My parents’ education was based on rote learning but there was more emphasis on learning by investigation by the time I went to school.

literacy – the ability to read and write, sometimes use as a subject title for reading and writing

- Afghanistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world with just 28% of people able to read and write.

literate – to be able to read and write

- In the past 20 years, the proportion of adults in the world who are literate has increased from 75% to 84 % which is a great improvement.

illiterate – to be unable to read and write

- There are many children in the poorest countries of the world who have little or no access to education and are illiterate .

remedial – involving pupils who need extra help with a particular area of study or subject

- Pupils who got poor grades use to be put in a remedial class but now they are given extra support from a learning assistant.

additional needs/ special needs – related to students who need special help due to a learning or physical difficulty

- Shona spend the later part of her teaching career working in a school for students with additional needs .

extra-curricular activities – activities or subjects offered in addition to the normal curriculum usually offered outside normal class hours, such as art, cooking or computer clubs and extra sporting activities

- The most popular extra-curricular activities at Westcroft School were pottery, badminton and computer programming.

school uniform – a particular set of clothes that has to be worn by pupils

- Do Hyan looked so smarting setting off for school on his first day wearing his new school uniform .

discipline – a set of rules governing conduct or behaviour

- Schools where a high level of discipline is maintained, generally have above average exam results

impose discipline
maintain discipline
lack of discipline

timetable – a chart showing times of particular events, such as lesson times in the school day

- Ruby wasn’t very happy with her new timetable as she had double maths followed by double science on a Monday, both subjects she found hard.

Education Vocabulary Set 8: Facilities

classroom – where lessons take place in a school

- The noisy classroom fell silent when the headteacher walked through the door.

lecture theatre/ hall – a room or hall for lectures with seats in tiers

- There was excitement in the lecture theatre as the famous actor stood up to give the drama students a lecture on method acting.

studio – a room where students studying art, photography, media studies, etc. create work

- The studio was set up with recording equipment for the students to practice editing techniques.

library – a building or room containing collections of books, professional journals and other academic literature and material relevant to student's studies

- Sabiha spent all day in the university library doing research for her essay on globalisation.

laboratory – a room or building with scientific equipment for doing scientific tests or for teaching science

- Kate’s favourite part of her degree course in molecular biology was the laboratory work.

campus – the buildings and grounds of a university or college

- It took me a long time to find my way around the campus when I first started at university.

halls of residence – a college or university building where students live

- In his first year at college, Somchai lived in a hall of residence , but in his second year, he rented a house with some other students.

student accommodation – living accommodation for college or university students

- The university offered a range of student accommodation including studio apartments, flats, halls of residence and shared houses.

Education Vocabulary Set 9: Academic work

assignment – a piece of work given to someone as part of their studies

- I have three more written assignments to complete this term.

coursework – written or practical work done by a student during a course of study, often assessed in order to count towards a final mark or grade

- Helga was really bad at exams so she chose a course where 50 per cent of the overall marks came from assessed coursework .

dissertation – is a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree.

- It was hard getting my dissertation finished by the deadline and I handed it in on the very last day.

thesis – a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher degree

- Adao wrote his PhD thesis on the effect of organic fertilizers on soil fertility in tropical climates.

presentation – a speech or talk given in front of an audience

- As part of their end of year assessment, the students had to give a presentation on the theories of learning for children under 3 years of age.

lecture – a formal talk on a subject given to a large group of students who would normally take notes

- She was so pleased that the lecture was cancelled as it gave her time to catch up on some coursework.

tuition – teaching or instruction, especially of individual pupils or small groups

- Dana was unable to get to lectures after breaking her leg but the college provided individual tuition for her until she recovered.

tutorial – a small group study session with a tutor often following a lecture

- He always found tutorials helpful as it was a chance to ask questions about what they’d heard in the lecture.

seminar – a class at university in which a specific topic is discussed by a teacher and a small group of students

- At university, I found seminars far more useful than lectures as I learn best in a small group.

lesson – a period of learning or teaching, usually in a school

- Walter was late for the history lesson and got into trouble with the teacher.

homework – additional coursework work given to pupils to complete in their own time outside school hours

- Most pupils hate homework as they’d rather be out with their friends or playing computer games than studying.

correspondence course – a course of study in which student and tutors communicate by post

- Juan’s local college didn’t offer a course in accountancy but he found a good correspondence course to give him the qualification he needed.

distance learning – a way of studying in which lectures are broadcast or lessons are conducted by post or via the internet without the student needing to attend a school or college or have in-person teacher interaction

- I prefer to study by distance learning as I can work when I want and at the pace I want.

online learning – Similar to distance learning but done 100% via the internet and often involving in-person interaction with a teacher online

- I find online learning ideal for preparing for my IELTS exam and enjoy connecting with my teacher via Skype.

to sit an exam – to take an exam.

- I want to carry on learning for the rest of my life but after I finish my training I hope I never have to sit an exam again.

Education Vocabulary Set 10: The cost of education

tuition fees – the money paid for a course of study, especially at a private school or a college or university

- High tuition fees mean that many young people can’t afford to go to university.

a grant – money given by the government to support a student while studying

- Bernice was successful in her application for a grant which meant that she could attend her local university.

a student loan – money which a student can borrow while they are studying, but which has to be repaid

- Geraint took out student loans of £9000 a year to pay for his tuition of fees and left university heavily in debt.

a scholarship – money given to someone, often by the institution they are studying at, to help pay for their tuition

- He was overjoyed to receive a scholarship to Oxford University as his parents couldn’t afford to pay the fees.

internship – a period of work experience (often unpaid) offered by an employer to give students and graduates experience of working in an industry related to their field of study

- All students on the course were expected to secure an internship during the long vacation between the second and third years of their degree course.

Education Vocabulary Set 11: Common terms related to college or university

unconditional offer – the offer of a place at an educational institution for which you already meet the entry requirements

- Mustafa was delighted to receive an unconditional offer from his first choice university and accepted immediately.

conditional offer – the offer of a place at an educational institution which requires you to meet certain entry requirements, usually specific exam grades

- She was fairly confident that she would get the exam grades she needed to take up the conditional offer at Bristol University.

to major in – to choose as your main subject

- I want to major in primary education with a specialism in science.

to read (a subject) – to study a specific subject

- Hans read geology at university and is now working for an oil company in the States.

faculty – department in a university that specialises in a specific subject

- It was a proud day for the university when the faculty of science move into the new, state-of-the-art building.

research – a detailed study of a particular subject

- I’m really enjoying this research project on the migratory behaviour of the golden eagle.

conduct research
carry out research

Education Vocabulary Set 12: More common words, phrases & expressions

to work your way through university – to have a paid job while studying to support yourself financially

- With the steep increase in tuition fees, many students are forced to work their way through university .

to keep up with your studies – to not fall behind with your work

- Giang would have to limit his time socializing with his friends if he was going to keep up with his studies .

to fall behind with your studies – to not get your coursework and assignments done in the time allowed

- She was a hard-working student but fell behind with her studies after catching pneumonia and having to spend time in hospital.

to learn something by heart – to memorise it

- By the end of his first week learning English, Elisha had learnt all the days of the weeks and months of the year by heart .

gap year – a period, typically an academic year, taken by a student as a break between school and university or college education

- Many students spend their gap year travelling to get more experience of life before they settle down to studying for a degree.

to take a year out – to take a gap year

- Before going to the university, I took a year out to travel and also earn some money.

to enrol – to officially register on a course at a college or university

- She didn’t know an old friend had enrolled on the same course until they met up on the first day.

- Having signed up for the photography course, she now had to ask her brother if she could borrow his camera.

to drop out – to leave a course before completing it

- Hiran was forced to drop out of university when his father became ill and he had to take over the family business to support his family.

a dropout – a student who fails to complete a course of study and leaves the educational institution with no qualifications

- Many famous and very wealthy entrepreneurs are college dropouts , which proves that you don’t need a degree to succeed in life.

well-educated – someone who has received a high level or good standard of education

- You could tell that he was well-educated by the way he spoke.

to meet a deadline – to complete a piece of work by the required date

- I didn’t think I’d get my essay written in time but I just met the deadline .

note-taking – to take notes in a lesson or lecture when the teacher is talking

- I find note-taking in a lecture really difficult as I miss much of what is being said while I’m writing.

to revise – study or read something again in order to remember it better, often before exams

- No matter how hard I revise , my mind goes blank as soon as I get into the exam room.

to review – to read over something again. Similar to revise, but generally done just after a lesson or lecture rather than in preparation for an exam

- Bella found that reviewing her notes just before going to sleep helped her to remember the key points.

workload – the amount of work that has to be done

- The course workload felt overwhelming at first but became more manageable once the students had covered the theory and moved on to the more practical part of the course.

to pass with flying colours – to pass an exam or test easily and with excellent result

- He was sure he was going to fail his maths exam but passed with flying colours .

scrape through – to just pass an exam

- She ran out of time in the exam and left many questions unanswered but just scraped through with a pass mark.

to resit/retake an exam – to take an exam again in order to get a better result

- Madee needed band 7 in her IELTS Speaking test but only got 6.5, so she had to retake the exam .

Click this link to get a PDF download of this list of education vocabulary.

Other Useful Education Vocabulary

It’s also a good idea to create your own list of education vocabulary related to any courses you are currently taking so that you are ready to talk about them if asked.

Ways to Improve Your Education Vocabulary

One of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is through reading. Watching topic related YouTube videos and listening to podcasts is also hugely beneficial.

Here are some online resources I recommend.

Education Articles

BBC News – Education

The Independent

New York Times

The Conversation

I love TED Talks. They are short videos with a powerful message and are generally very interesting. They’re ideal for improving your vocabulary and give valuable listening skills practise.

Search YouTube TED Talks - Education to help you improve your education vocabulary.

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IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do.

Updated on
Jun 3, 2024

IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do.

Brainstorming Ideas

Refer to the following brainstorming ideas to get a better understanding of the answer.

Reasons Critics believe that directors of organizations have higher salaries is unfair:

It is unfair as it can demotivate ordinary employees.
Fosters a sense of inequality.
All employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the success of an organization.

Reasons of people supporting high salaries for directors:

These individuals bear significant responsibilities.
They help in making strategic decisions for the entire organisation and its stakeholders.
Directors possess unique skills and experiences that are critical to the organisation’s success.
The nature of their work, the responsibilities they shoulder, and the unique skills they bring to the table justify their higher remuneration.

Q. Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do. Some people think it is necessary, but others believe that it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Ans . The disparity in earnings between directors of large organizations and ordinary employees is a topic of intense debate. While some people argue that it is necessary, others state that it is unjust. In my view, directors should indeed earn higher salaries because they have more responsibilities on their shoulders than ordinary employees.

Critics of the wage gap argue that it is inherently unfair as it can demotivate ordinary employees and foster a sense of inequality within the organization. They believe that all employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the success of an organization and therefore should be compensated more equally. For example, an assembly line worker in a car manufacturing company is essential to the production process; without their contribution, the company would be unable to produce or sell cars.

On the other hand, those who support high salaries for directors argue that these individuals bear significant responsibilities. They make strategic decisions for the entire organization and its stakeholders. For instance, a director’s decision can impact the company’s stock prices, which can significantly affect shareholders’ investments. Furthermore, directors often possess unique skills and experiences that are critical to the organization’s success. Their remuneration reflects the value they bring to the company.

In my opinion, directors should indeed earn higher salaries. The nature of their work, the responsibilities they shoulder, and the unique skills they bring to the table justify their higher remuneration. Moreover, their decisions have far-reaching implications, affecting not only the organization but also its employees and shareholders.

In conclusion, while it is vital to ensure fair compensation for all employees, the unique responsibilities and skills of directors have extensive effects, influencing not just the organization but also its employees and shareholders. Therefore, directors deserve higher salaries.

Paraphrased Statement: The disparity in earnings between directors of large organizations and ordinary employees is a topic of intense debate. While some people argue that it is necessary, others state that it is unjust.

Thesis Statement: In my view, directors should indeed earn higher salaries because they have more responsibilities on their shoulders than ordinary employees.

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: Critics of the wage gap argue that it is inherently unfair as it can demotivate ordinary employees and foster a sense of inequality within the organization.

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: They believe that all employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the success of an organization and therefore should be compensated more equally. For example, an assembly line worker in a car manufacturing company is essential to the production process; without their contribution, the company would be unable to produce or sell cars.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: On the other hand, those who support high salaries for directors argue that these individuals bear significant responsibilities. They make strategic decisions for the entire organization and its stakeholders.

Body paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: For instance, a director’s decision can impact the company’s stock prices, which can significantly affect shareholders’ investments. Furthermore, directors often possess unique skills and experiences that are critical to the organization’s success. Their remuneration reflects the value they bring to the company.

Body Paragraph 3- Topic sentence: In my opinion, directors should indeed earn higher salaries.

Body paragraph 3- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: The nature of their work, the responsibilities they shoulder, and the unique skills they bring to the table justify their higher remuneration. Moreover, their decisions have far-reaching implications, affecting not only the organization but also its employees and shareholders.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while it is vital to ensure fair compensation for all employees, the unique responsibilities and skills of directors have extensive effects, influencing not just the organization but also its employees and shareholders. Therefore, directors deserve higher salaries.

Vocabulary in Use

Linkers and connectors used:.

Following are the linkers and connectors used:

While
On one hand
For example
On the other hand
For instance
Furthermore
In my opinion
In conclusion

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T he IELTS Cue Cards are part of the second task in the speaking test of the IELTS examination. While answering these questions, one is expected to have some skills and one of the important skills is framing answers which is based on the topic.

A cue refers to a prompt or signal which serves as a reminder or guide for an action. In the context of the IELTS Exam, the cue is a short phrase or sentence that introduces the topic one will speak on. Let us learn more in the article!

IELTS Cue Card Topics 2024

What is a Cue?

A cue is a prompt or a card with instructions that candidates receive for IELTS Speaking Part 2, known as the Long Turn. It contains a topic or scenario, along with key points or guiding questions related to that topic. The cue card also includes instructions on how much time is given for preparation (1 minute) and speaking (1-2 minutes).

The cue is a crucial component of the IELTS Speaking test, as it allows examiners to assess the candidate’s ability to speak spontaneously, coherently, and effectively on a given topic.

Analysing IELTS Cue Card Topics

The sample cue cards provided below are organized by various topics. These represent the most recent cue card topics that have been used in actual exams, along with their answers.

This categorization is intended to help you easily navigate through the list and select speaking cue cards that interest you.

These are the cue cards that ask you about things you like.

Describe your favorite Picture or Photography you like
A song that has special meaning to you
a story/ novel interests you
Describe A Special or favorite Toy you liked in your childhood
Describe a favorite song that you like
Describe a restaurant you like(to go to)/ that impresses you
Exciting Sport
Describe an Indoor Game that you would like to play
Describe an area of science you like or are interested in
Describe A free time activity you like to do after study or work

These are the cue cards that ask you to talk about events that occurred in the past/present and future.

A Subject at School
Things You Want to Buy in the Future
An age/stage in your life you enjoyed most

These are types of cue cards where you will ask about your friend or a guide.

A Person You Admire/Love Essay
Describe someone you consider a good leader
Describe one of the Family members you Spend The Most Time With
An Occasion You Unexpectedly Met Someone for the first time
Describe Someone in the news you like to meet
Someone/Something Made A Lot Of Noise
An Older Person Who You Admire
A Good/Best Friend
Describe an Old Friend
Describe a Family Member
An Interesting Neighbor You Like
talk about an interesting conversation you had with a stranger
A Person Speak A Second (Foreign) Language Well
A Time When You Waited For Something or someone to arrive

In these types of cue cards, you will asked to talk about your family.

Describe Your Family
Describe a family event you are looking forward to
Describe a family picnic or tour you have had

These are the cue cards in which you will be asked about things like objects.

Describe a picture or photograph in your home
A Gift You Gave That Took A Long Time To Choose
Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful
A Time You Borrowed Something Useful
A house/apartment you like to live in
A Product You Were Happy With
An item of clothing that someone bought for you
Describe a painting or work of art
Describe a time someone or something made noise

These are the cue cards in which you will be asked to talk about the places which you are going to visit or already visited.

A Place you remember well that is Full of Color
A country you have not been to yet
A street that you like to visit
Describe a polluted place
A place near water you visited
Describe a place where you often go to relax

In the following list of items, you’ll find cue cards related to work and study.

A Project at Work or Homework Assignment
A Course You Like to Study and Found Useful
Describe a piece of work you did quickly
Describe your Dream/ideal/Perfect Job
Describe something that you want to learn more

Emotions/ Aspirations

These are the cue cards in which you will be asked to talk about different kinds of emotions that one feels and various aspirations.

Ambition You Have Not Yet Achieved
Describe something A Child that Made You Laugh
A Paid Job You/A Friend Enjoyed Doing
An experience you had as a member of a team
A disagreement you had with a friend
a recent activity or event that made you happy
a difficult decision you made in your life
A TV Program That Made You Laugh
A Goal that You Have
Describe the Best and most exciting experience in your life
Describe an exciting or Interesting Thing You Did
Describe an Advertisement that you found very persuasive
A Time You Used Your Imagination
A Time You Need to Use Imagination
A book that had a major influence on you
Describe a success your friend has had or achieved
A special and memorable meal you have had
A situation made you angry
Describe an experience you spent time with a child that you know
A positive experience when you were a teenager
Describe an unusual/unforgettable meal
Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like
Describe an ambition you have not achieved yet

These are the cue cards in which you will be asked to talk about certain occasions that you attended and celebrated.

An Occasion When You Got Up Very Early in the morning
Describe a birthday party celebration that you attended

How to Approach an IELTS Cue Card?

When handling an IELTS cue card during the Speaking test, consider these steps:

Read the cue card thoroughly : Spend a few seconds to fully understand the topic, instructions, and questions on the cue card.
Plan your response : Use the one-minute preparation time effectively to organize your thoughts and outline your response.
Speak fluently and coherently : When prompted by the examiner, start speaking confidently and clearly, ensuring you address all aspects of the topic.
Use relevant vocabulary and grammar : Showcase your language skills by incorporating a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and accurate grammatical structures.
Manage your time : Keep the time limit (usually 1-2 minutes) in mind and make sure to complete your response within the given time frame.

IELTS Cue Card Marking Criteria

The IELTS speaking test includes a section where you will receive a cue card with a topic to discuss. You will have 11-15 minutes for this discussion, and your performance will be judged based on these criteria:

Fluency and Coherence : This assesses your ability to speak English smoothly and clearly, avoiding pauses, repetitions, and interruptions.
Lexical Resource : This evaluates your vocabulary, focusing on the range of words you use and their appropriateness in different contexts.
Grammatical Range : This criterion examines the variety of grammatical structures in your speech, including correct usage of tenses, parts of speech, and sentence construction.
Pronunciation : This measures your ability to pronounce English words accurately, considering sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation, irrespective of your native language.

Different Parts of IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English in everyday situations. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner, and it consists of three parts:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

This part lasts between 4 to 5 minutes.

The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your job, your studies, your interests, and other familiar topics.

Part 2: Cue Card

This part lasts between 3 to 4 minutes.
You will be given a task card with a particular topic and some prompts.
You will have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, and then you will have to speak for 1 to 2 minutes on the given topic.

The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

The examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic from Part 2.
You will be expected to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and discuss abstract ideas.

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English, including your fluency, coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Tips for Acing IELTS Speaking Cue Card Round

If you’re gearing up for the IELTS Speaking test, mastering Cue Card topics is crucial. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Understand the Task : Make sure you fully comprehend what the Cue Card topic is asking. Carefully read the topic and note any specific instructions.
Plan Your Response : Spend a few moments organizing your thoughts before you begin speaking. Consider what you want to convey and how you’ll structure your response.
Use the Prompts : The Cue Card will provide prompts to help structure your answer. Use these prompts to guide your response effectively.
Speak Clearly and Confidently : Maintain clear and confident speech, and keep a natural pace. Take your time with your response, but manage your time wisely.
Use Examples : Incorporate examples to support your points and make your response more engaging. This also showcases your language skills.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise IELTS Exam Paper Pattern, Question Types IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section-Wise): Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking IELTS Eligibility 2024: Check Minimum Age Limit, Qualification & Score Required

IELTS Speaking Cue Card- FAQs

What is a cue card.

A cue card is a prompt or a card with instructions that candidates receive for IELTS Speaking Part 2, known as the Long Turn. It contains a topic or scenario, along with key points or guiding questions related to that topic.

How much time is given for the cue card task?

Candidates have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, and then they must speak for 1-2 minutes on the given topic.

What are some common cue card topics?

Common cue card topics include describing a person, place, event, experience, skill, gift, journey, or celebration, as well as discussing a book, movie, or piece of art.

What is the purpose of Part 3 of the Speaking test?

Part 3 is a two-way discussion lasting 4-5 minutes, where the examiner engages the candidate in a more abstract discussion related to the topic from Part 2. Candidates are expected to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and discuss abstract ideas.

How is the IELTS Speaking test scored?

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates a candidate’s fluency, coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Candidates receive an overall band score on a scale of 0-9.

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Video: Listen to the topic vocabulary in use Task 2 sample essay - with collocations removed (gap fill task) It is a common viewpoint in today's society that someone who has been labeled as a criminal for committing illegal activity is unable to change his or her identity and will always be considered a criminal.
IELTS Education Vocabulary
Education Vocabulary - Common Words & Phrases. Education Vocabulary Set 1: Key Definitions. education - the process of teaching or learning, especially in a school, college or university, or the knowledge that you get from this. - Education is a low priority for the governments of some developing countries.
IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Some people think dangerous sports should be
Paraphrased Statement: It is often argued that dangerous sports should be prohibited because of their risks. Thesis Statement: However, I disagree with this viewpoint as they are important for personal development and teaching life skills. Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that every sport carries certain ...
IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Directors of large ...
Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: Critics of the wage gap argue that it is inherently unfair as it can demotivate ordinary employees and foster a sense of inequality within the organization. Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: They believe that all employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the success of an ...
40+ IELTS Cue Card Topics 2024 With Sample Answers
A cue is a prompt or a card with instructions that candidates receive for IELTS Speaking Part 2, known as the Long Turn. It contains a topic or scenario, along with key points or guiding questions related to that topic. The cue card also includes instructions on how much time is given for preparation (1 minute) and speaking (1-2 minutes).

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IELTS essay vocabulary

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Vocabulary for IELTS Essay (Writing Task 2)

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Education Vocabulary: Word Lists and Pronunciation

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