The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests, and a strong vocabulary is key to excelling in the exam. A good vocabulary helps you communicate more clearly and accurately, both in speaking and writing, and it allows you to express your ideas more effectively. While there is no specific list of words to study for the IELTS exam, there are certain words and phrases that are commonly used in the test and will help you improve your performance.
Here are 20 vocabulary words that are useful for IELTS candidates, along with their meanings and example sentences to demonstrate how they can be used in context. These words will help you build your vocabulary, improve your speaking and writing scores, and feel more confident during the exam.
1. Advantageous
- Meaning: Beneficial or helpful in achieving a particular goal.
- Example: “It is advantageous to have strong communication skills when applying for a job.”
2. Cumbersome
- Meaning: Large, heavy, or difficult to manage or handle.
- Example: “The cumbersome paperwork took much longer than expected to complete.”
3. Discrepancy
- Meaning: A difference or inconsistency, especially between two things that should be the same.
- Example: “There is a significant discrepancy between the two reports, which needs to be addressed.”
4. Inevitable
- Meaning: Certain to happen; unavoidable.
- Example: “The changes in the economy are inevitable, and we must adapt to them.”
5. Implement
- Meaning: To put into effect or carry out.
- Example: “The government is planning to implement new policies to reduce pollution.”
6. Meticulous
- Meaning: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: “She was meticulous in organizing the event, ensuring everything went smoothly.”
7. Obsolete
- Meaning: No longer in use because something newer or more efficient has been developed.
- Example: “With the rise of digital technology, many traditional forms of communication have become obsolete.”
8. Plausible
- Meaning: Reasonable or likely to be true.
- Example: “The explanation provided by the witness was plausible and supported by the evidence.”
9. Sustainable
- Meaning: Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without depleting resources.
- Example: “Using renewable energy sources is key to creating a sustainable future.”
10. Compelling
- Meaning: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a way that makes something difficult to resist.
- Example: “The documentary provided a compelling argument for the need to protect endangered species.”
11. Subsequent
- Meaning: Coming after something in time or order.
- Example: “The subsequent chapters of the book provide a deeper analysis of the topic.”
12. Predominantly
- Meaning: Mainly or mostly.
- Example: “The population of the city is predominantly young, with most people under 30 years old.”
13. Viable
- Meaning: Capable of working successfully; practical and feasible.
- Example: “The proposed plan is viable and can be implemented within the current budget.”
14. Fluctuate
- Meaning: To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
- Example: “The price of oil tends to fluctuate depending on global economic conditions.”
15. Integral
- Meaning: Necessary to make something complete or whole.
- Example: “A healthy diet is an integral part of maintaining overall well-being.”
16. Exacerbate
- Meaning: To make a problem, situation, or feeling worse.
- Example: “The lack of action will only exacerbate the environmental issues we face today.”
17. Alleviate
- Meaning: To make something less severe or more bearable.
- Example: “The new policies are designed to alleviate the pressures on the healthcare system.”
18. Prolific
- Meaning: Producing many works, results, or offspring.
- Example: “The prolific author published over 50 books during his career.”
19. Conducive
- Meaning: Making a certain situation or outcome more likely to happen.
- Example: “A positive and supportive environment is conducive to learning.”
20. Deteriorate
- Meaning: To become worse or decline in quality over time.
- Example: “The condition of the building started to deteriorate after years of neglect.”
How to Use These Words in the IELTS Exam
In Writing:
A strong vocabulary is essential for the writing section of the IELTS exam. These words can help you sound more formal and academic, which is ideal for the Task 2 essay. For example, instead of saying “bad for the environment,” you can use “detrimental” or “harmful.” Instead of saying “good for the environment,” try “beneficial” or “advantageous.”
In Speaking:
In the speaking section, using a varied vocabulary demonstrates your language proficiency. For example, if you’re discussing technology in modern society, instead of saying “many people use it,” you could say “a large proportion of the population relies on it.” Using words like “meticulous,” “viable,” and “plausible” shows your ability to express ideas clearly and thoughtfully.
In Listening and Reading:
While these sections focus more on comprehension, understanding a wider range of vocabulary will help you more easily interpret complex questions or passages. You’ll be able to pick up on subtle meanings, which will help you answer questions more accurately.
Tips for Learning and Retaining Vocabulary:
- Contextual Learning: Whenever you come across a new word, make sure to learn it in context. This helps you understand its meaning and how it fits into a sentence.
- Use Flashcards: Flashcards can be a great tool for memorizing vocabulary. Write the word on one side and the definition and an example sentence on the other side.
- Practice in Sentences: It’s important not just to memorize words, but to practice using them in sentences. This helps reinforce the words in your memory and ensures you know how to use them appropriately.
- Review Regularly: Regular review of vocabulary is essential for retention. Make it a habit to go over new words every week.
- Read Widely: The more you read, the more vocabulary you’ll be exposed to. Reading newspapers, books, magazines, and academic articles will help you build a strong vocabulary base.
Conclusion
A strong vocabulary is a key component of achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. The 20 words listed above are commonly used in both the academic and general training versions of the test and will help you sound more polished and confident in both speaking and writing. Practice using these words, and keep expanding your vocabulary by reading, writing, and listening to English content regularly. With consistent practice, you’ll improve not only your vocabulary but also your overall English proficiency, setting you up for success on the IELTS exam.