Vocabulary for IELTS is an essential part of any language. Vocabulary is to language what life is to humans. Vocabulary accounts for 25% of IELTS Writing and Speaking marks, and it is also important in the Listening and Reading tests. Due to a lack of vocabulary, you will find yourself repeating words within a passage and running out of words while conversing with your examiner. Because IELTS is an English Language Proficiency Test, doing vocabulary homework will help you improve your overall score.
- How Can You Improve Your IELTS Vocabulary?
- IELTS Topic Specific Vocabulary
- The Phrasal Verb
- Tips for Improving IELTS Vocabulary
How Can You Improve Your IELTS Vocabulary?
By reading and listening, you can constantly expand your passive vocabulary word lists. Then, by actively using these words when speaking or writing, you can incorporate them into your active vocabulary.
To improve faster, try to record new words in a phrasebook while reading, listening, or watching English material. If you have time, include the context as well. When you write an essay, go over it again and look for ways to incorporate the words from your list.
Similarly, when speaking, try to incorporate your new vocabulary into your conversations; however, don’t force it because it will sound strange. Idioms can be extracted from films and English podcasts, but I prefer audio because there are no visual cues, making listening a little more difficult. Active reading is a great habit to cultivate and a necessary exam preparation skill. Active reading is when you circle, underline and mark the text you’re reading to help you understand it better.
If you want to speed up your learning, look into some vocabulary acquisition tutorials. On our website page, you can take a look at the instructions for using a vocabulary phrase book and flashcards.
IELTS Topic Specific Vocabulary
Candidates should have a broad vocabulary for IELTS to discuss a variety of topics and achieve a band score of 7 or higher. If one is unable to use the appropriate words, this becomes a major disadvantage and can lower one’s overall score.
We have identified the most recent and popular topics used in the IELTS exam. You will find topic-specific vocabulary words in the list below, along with their meaning and usage, for a better understanding.
- Advertisement
- Business
- Culture and Ethics
- Environment hazard
- Fashion view
- Personality
- Covid-19 pandemic
- Education
- Traveling
- Food review
- Knowledge
- Heritage
- Entrepreneurship
- Creativity
- Places
- Festivals
- Vehicles
The Phrasal Verb
A phrasal verb is made up of two or three words from various grammatical groups. When all of them are combined, a new meaning emerges, which must be applied according to the context. Furthermore, phrasal verbs are included in the vocabulary for the IELTS list, and candidates can use them to demonstrate their command of the English language.
Before that, the candidate must attempt to comprehend the meaning of the phrasal verb, as incorrect usage can result in a lower band score.
Here is a list of IELTS vocabulary words and meanings that the candidate can use:
- Dispute or disagree with something: I am not quarreling with their idea, but I believe there are other options.
- The favorite romped in and easily won the first race.
- Save money by salting it away: She makes a lot of money but salts it away rather than spending it.
- Set out: Go somewhere safe or comfortable: We could leave once the storm has passed.
- We should stick to our original idea rather than change it.
- Starting or launching an event: The new project will get underway next month.
- Time passes: Ten years passed before we saw each other again.
- Rather than going out tonight, we intend to relax by watching television.
- Prepare for: Get ready for something that will require a lot of effort: They’re getting ready for the end of the fiscal year.
- Compare to: Evaluate or judge by comparison: When compared to what our competitors have done, the work does not look good.
- Excuse me: Ignore and refuse to engage: Let’s ignore what they said and move on.
- Remove the peel: Leave a group by going in the opposite direction: They stepped away from the crowd and took a side road.
Common Phrases
Many people find the Vocabulary for the IELTS speaking section difficult. However, it is in this section that candidates can demonstrate their language fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Furthermore, idioms help us express our ideas more clearly and make them sound more natural.
However, candidates must not use idioms without understanding their meaning, as this will result in a grade reduction. As a result, it is recommended that candidates use it in tasks only when they are certain of its meaning and context.
We’ve compiled a list of IELTS idioms that can be used in the speaking section. Remember that when used correctly, they will result in a high band score.
- Being on top of the world
- Being on cloud nine
- If my memory serves me correctly,
- I’m overjoyed
- Every once in a while
- It’s as simple as that.
- A drop in the bucket
- to have two tails like a dog
- It causes my blood to boil.
- One’s mind can be changed.
- Let’s call it a day.
- Place all of your eggs in one basket.
- Inadvertent blessing
- Words are not as effective as actions.
- I reached the limit.
IELTS Listening Session Vocabulary
Ears can do amazing things. They have an unusual ability to retain information that they are frequently forced to listen to. So, through authentic sources, listen to podcasts, speeches, and audios of native English speakers. After some time, you will notice a significant improvement in your vocabulary. Familiarize yourself with the words commonly used by native speakers. How can an English movie help you learn English?
- Choose a film
- If possible, watch the film in your native language.
- Rewatch the film with English subtitles or dual subtitles of English and native language
- Choose an interesting scene and use the pause button if it moves too quickly. Understand the scene completely.
- Watch the movie several times, each time with a different twist. Try watching the movie without the subtitles ( both English and your native language)
- Your ears will work their magic, connecting to your memory and making you say what you heard frequently in the movie.
- You can look up the definitions of unfamiliar words in a dictionary.
This is one way to improve your listening skills.
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IELTS Writing and Reading Vocabulary
Vocabulary for reading and writing
The majority of candidates lose marks because they do not use synonyms in the reading and writing sections. To help you expand your vocabulary for the IELTS reading and writing sections, here is a list of popular words and their synonyms.
Synonyms of words
- Words: Synonyms
- Amazing: Incredible
- Answer: Respond
- Awful: Bad
- Beautiful: Pretty
- Begin: Start
- Come: Arrive
- Cool: Frosty
- Dangerous: Risky
- Decide: Settle
- Definite: Certain
- Delicious: Savory
- Wrong: Mistaken
- Tell Narrate: Inform
- Show: Display, Exhibit
- New: Recent, current
- Neat: Clean
- Interesting: Intriguing
- Important: Vital, Crucial
- Help: Assist
- Happy: Content
- Famous: Well-known
- Funny: Amusing
- Place: Procedure
Tips for Improving IELTS Vocabulary
Following the tips mentioned here, you can improve your IELTS Vocabulary to a greater level. They are explained in the below modules
Establish Good Study Habits
You can improve your IELTS vocabulary by developing good study habits. At every opportunity, read, listen to, and speak English. Read English newspapers or magazines regularly, preferably daily. You will encounter new words, which you can then collect and study. You can read and listen to news reports in the ‘Words in the News’ section of the BBC Learning English website, among other things.
Use Your Dictionary to its Full Potential
Look for more than just the definition. You have a lot more options than this. Examine the word form, pronunciation, and usage. You may not understand the phonemic characters provided, but you can listen to and practice the sounds on the British Council interactive phonemic chart.
In All Circumstances, Avoid Memorizing
Word memorization is an activity that should be avoided because the meaning of words changes depending on their context.
Aside from the list of vocabulary words for IELTS, candidates can supplement their preparation with audio and video. It is also critical to adhere to the syllabus for each section.
Keep Track of Any New Words You Come Across
As previously stated, you will undoubtedly have your study habits and method of recording vocabulary, and the best method for you will be determined by the type of learner you are. If you’re a visual learner, you might like to use mind maps or vocabulary trees. You could use some of the ideas and templates on our EnglishGrammerNotes.com website. If you don’t always have a notebook with you, record new words on your phone and look them up later.
Be Consistent
Take your time learning new vocabulary. It will take time to build your vocabulary, so be patient and keep working on it. The average person can learn 5 to 10 words per day. However, learning 5 thoroughly is preferable to learning 10 only partially. And you must put the new words and phrases into practice. Get out of your comfort zone and take chances. Mistakes can be fixed. Learning new vocabulary is a complete waste of time if it is not used. Only by learning how to use it correctly and appropriately will it become useful.
Final Thoughts
You can increase your vocabulary skill by learning new words every day and incorporating them into your everyday conversations. You can also learn more about the IELTS Exam and how to prepare for IELTS Exam by visiting our website. Always be confident when presenting yourself, because confidence can help you overcome your fear. Best wishes for your exam.