Whether you need to get ready for your IELTS speaking test or want better vocabulary for IELTS essays, we’ve put in the work so you don’t have to. IELTS can be intimidating for some, but you really don’t need to worry. As long as you are comfortable with the English language, you will get a great band (bands are the marking system in IELTS). To make things easier, we’ve assembled a list of common and uncommon vocabulary words for IELTS, along with some phrases.
Why You Need Better Vocabulary for IELTS?
IELTS is a standardized testing system to measure a person’s ability to listen to, read, write and speak in English. This test is taken by people attempting to pursue education, migrate or work in a country where English is the primary language (such as the USA, New Zealand, Australia).
During all sections of this test, you will be asked to read, write, speak and understand English. While you may have some experience speaking English at school or with your friends, it is better to showcase that you have a good grasp of the language. This may help you to get a higher grade during your exams. Note that you should not use words you do not understand, or you’ll end up with a low score.
Your best option is to make yourself familiar with new vocabulary words for the IELTS and keep practicing them.
See Also: TOEFL Exam: A Guide to Success
Topics to Cover in Vocabulary for IELTS
It’s no secret what the most common topics under IELTS are. Topics usually include:
- Family, Home, Hometown
- Personal Interests, Hobbies
- Education, School
- Travel, Tourism
- Crime, Punishment
- Environment
- Technology, Music, Movies, Clothing
As you can see, these are relatively easy topics, so let’s dive right in:
- Family Vocabulary for IELTS
- 10 Basic words – Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Siblings, Cousins, Relatives, Grandmother, Grandfather, Immediate Family
- 5 Intermediate words – Uncle, Aunt, Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, Extended Family
- 5 Advanced words – close-knit family, distantly related, adoptive family, ancestors, descendant
Read more: Route to IELTS Success
Example Question – Q: Is your family large? Can you tell me about them?
Answer: My extended family is quite large, I have uncles and aunts all over the globe but luckily my favorite cousin lives nearby. My immediate family is small, with just my mother and father, me and two siblings. I also consider a distant relation as part of my adoptive family; though we only share ancestors, they have always looked after us, for which I’m very grateful.
- Home Vocabulary for IELTS
- 10 Basic words – House, Flat, Apartment, Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Main Door, Stairs, Lift/Elevator
- 5 Intermediate words – Neighbors, Neighborhood, Basement, Garage, Wardrobe
- 5 Advanced words – Faucet, Laundry Room, Suburbs, Metropolitan, Rural
Example Question – Q: Where are you from? Could you describe the place a little
Answer: I am originally from a rural area, we had a large house and a front yard growing up. Later, we moved into a smaller apartment in the suburbs of a large metropolitan city. It was my first time using an elevator! Even though the flat we stay in is not as large as our previous home, I enjoy both the accommodations. Luckily, we have great neighbors just next door, they’re always ready to help.
- Interests and Hobbies Vocabulary for IELTS
- 10 Basic words – Hobby, favorite pastime, swimming, music, running, talent, sports, baking, art, collecting something
- 5 Intermediate words – free time, crafting, activity, I love/like to,
- 5 Advanced words – leisure, training, have a flair for, a master at, can’t skip a day, have a knack for
Example Question and Answer:
Q: What are your interests in life? Is there a particular hobby you enjoy?
Answer: I have several hobbies that bring me joy and entertainment, particularly running and baking. My favorite pastime lately has been creating music in my free time. It is one of the most satisfying leisure activities I indulge in currently, and although I wouldn’t consider myself a master at music, my friends say I do have a flair for it.
- Education Vocabulary for IELTS
- 12 Basic words – School, classroom, teacher, students, subjects, projects, primary/secondary school, principal, library, university, distance learning,
- 10 Intermediate words – assignment, bachelor’s, professor, graduate, pupil, peers, qualification, tutor, lecturer, retake an exam
- 10 Advanced words – thesis, fellowship, alumni, faculty, curriculum, extracurricular, academic, educational institution, campus, research
Example Question and Answer:
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your education?
Answer: Yes, I can. I went to a girl’s school for my primary education, we had many wonderful teachers and the projects we did were quite interesting. During my secondary schooling, I was awarded a scholarship by the principal during a ceremony. After that, I began pursuing my bachelor’s degree at a state university. Since I was able to manage the curriculum and assignments well, I decided to pursue distance learning simultaneously in a technical field. During my final year, although my professors were great, I needed the help of a tutor with my final assignment. Luckily one of my peers helped me with the research part and I was able to write a thesis, completing the academic portion of my degree. Since we have a large sports arena on campus, I was also involved in extracurricular activities like volleyball and college events. I am forever grateful to the faculty and fellow pupils, they shaped me into the person I am today.
- Travel Vocabulary for IELTS
- 10 Basic words – tourism, holiday, vacation, tour/tourist, sightseeing, travel abroad, visa, transport, flight
- 5 Intermediate words – budget vacation, exotic destination, scenic views, guided tour, out of season
- 5 Advanced words – making memories/memorable experiences, long haul flight, get some peace and quiet, get around, wildlife safari
Example Question and Answer:
Q: Do you enjoy traveling? Tell me about places you’ve been to or would like to visit
Answer: I enjoy a holiday as much as everyone else, but I prefer the vacation itself rather than the traveling bit. Let me explain. Although I like sightseeing, visiting exotic destinations and experiencing scenic views, I’m not one for long haul flights and crowds of tourists. Traveling abroad is something I’ve considered, but right now I’m sticking to budget vacations, these destinations are very affordable and less crowded out of season. One of my favorite holidays was a guided tour of a National Park when I was in my teens, the wildlife safari was a memorable experience. These days, I prefer to plan tours that involve less time on transport and more time enjoying the peace and quiet.
- Crime, Punishment, Environment and Other Vocabulary for IELTS
- Crime and Punishment – scolding, grounding, assault, attack, arson, burglary, theft, drug trafficking, fraud, smuggling, white collar crimes, organized crime, prison sentence, fines, house arrest, license revoked, suspension, community service
- Environment – biodiversity, habitat, ecosystem, pollution, vegetarian, endangered, global warming, climate change, extinct, renewable energy, preservation and conservation, going green, recycling, going solar, deforestation
- Other General Words – maintain, tolerate, investigation, discover, communication, end up, do away with, catch up, appetite, chronic, bizarre, coincidence, feasible, embrace, crucial, delicious
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What’s Next?
Now that you’ve gone through the above examples of vocabulary words for IELTS, select the ones you know and keep using them daily. As you progress, keep adding new words from here and get comfortable writing and speaking them. If you have not found anything challenging in this list of vocabulary words for IELTS speaking and writing, congratulations! You are ready to explore harder words and even English phrases and idioms. If you do find this list challenging, remember to always check the meaning of each word, and see multiple examples of how to use the word correctly. Take it one day at a time and use this guide to help you with your daily practice. Lastly, find other resources online to help you expand your vocabulary further and keep practicing every day. Even with an average vocabulary, you can do well on your test as long as you know the meaning of your words.
Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance. For more information please talk to us @ 9779046382. SIEC is the best Overseas Education Consultants in Delhi to provide the services related to higher education in abroad.
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