IELTS

 IELTS Vocabulary

IELTS vocabulary you need to do well in the IELTS test.

Here you'll get all the words you need with practice exercises around key academic words, idiom practice, topic related words and other important vocabulary.  

Good IELTS vocabulary is particularly important for those wanting to achieve a band 7 or higher. 

There are common themes that appear in the IELTS test, so it can help to learn new words related to these themes so you can use them in the writing and speaking if that topic arises.

These are some common themes we will look at:

• Education
• Crime
• Diet, Fitness and Health
• Work
• Information Technology
• Environment
• Science
• The Arts

IELTS Education Vocabulary

These are useful words and phrases area based around education vocabulary, a common topic in IELTS. This vocabulary will help you with all parts of the test if the topic arises.

As with the other vocabulary on these pages, although common word forms are given, not all word forms are here, so remember that once you understand the word you should study it further to make sure you understand exactly how it is used in different contexts.

Education Vocabulary for IELTS

Graduate	To complete a first university degree successfully
	I graduated from the University of Salford in 2009. My graduation ceremony was in 2009.
Curriculum	The group of subjects studied in a school, college, etc.
	Schools must ensure they have an excellent curriculum.
Qualification	An official record showing that you have finished a training course or have the necessary skills, etc
	Good qualifications are really important if you want to get a well-paid job. I am qualified to teach English.
Coursework	Regular work done by students as part of a course, but assessed independently of formal exams.
	The coursework on my degree was really difficult.
Co-educational	When male and female students are taught together in the same school or college rather than separately
	Co-educational schools prepare students for their future better than single-sex schools.
Cheat	To behave in a dishonest way in order to get what you want
	He did really well in his exams but he cheated. He copied from a friend. Cheating on exams is not recommended.
Literacy	The ability to read and write.
	Literacy rates have declined considerably in Western countries over the last decade. However, most children are literate.
Illiterate	Unable to read and write
	Many children in the poorest countries are illiterate.
Primary (elementary) Education	First years of formal education from around age 5 to 11.
	A good primary education is crucial for a child's development.
Secondary Education	Education during the time as a teenager.
	I loved it at my secondary school as I had so many friends.
Higher (tertiary) Education	Non-compulsory education after finishing school, such as university, as well as vocational education and training at colleges.
	60% of children now go into higher education after they finish school.
Concentrate	To direct your attention or your efforts towards a particular activity, subject or problem
	It is difficult to concentrate on my work if there is a lot of noise. I keep losing concentration due to the noise.

IELTS Crime Vocabulary

Crime Vocabulary

Legislation	A law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament.
	There needs to be changes to crime-related legislation.
Deter	To make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by threatening bad results if they do it.
	Tougher prison sentences may be a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Offender	Someone who is guilty of a crime.
	Prison should not be used for first-time offenders.
Punish	To cause someone who has done something wrong or committed a crime to suffer, by hurting them, forcing them to pay money, sending them to prison, etc
	Those responsible for serious crimes must be punished.
Prevention	When you stop something from happening or stop someone from doing something.
	The government should focus on the prevention of crime rather than introducing harsher prison sentences.
Commit	To do something illegal or something that is considered wrong.
	People who commit serious crimes should be given lengthy (long) prison sentences.
Criminal	A person who commits a crime.
	Criminals who commit violent crimes should not be given probation.
Probation	A period of time when a criminal must behave well and not commit any more crimes in order to avoid being sent to prison.
	Probation is a good way to reduce prison overcrowding, but it must only be used for those who have committed minor crimes.
Rehabilitate	To return someone or something to a good or healthy condition, state or way of living.
	It is important to rehabilitate criminals while they are in prison otherwise they may re-offend (commit a crime again) when they are released from prison.
Guilt	Having done something wrong or committed a crime.
	If jurors (the members of a jury) find a defendant guilty, then that person must be punished.
Jury	A group of people chosen to decide in a court of law if someone is guilty of a crime or not.
	To ensure fairness in a criminal trial, there must be a jury.

Convict	To decide officially in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime.
	He has been convicted of arson (starting a fire intentionally to damage something) two times now.
Fine	Being made to pay money for breaking the law.
	Motorists should be given a fine if they are caught speeding.
Imprisonment	Being put in prison.
	Murderers are usually given life imprisonment.

Community Service	Work that people do to help other people without payment, and which young criminals whose crime was not serious enough for them to be put in prison are sometimes ordered to do.
	Community service is a good alternative to prison for minor offences.
Justice	Fairness in the way people are dealt with.
	Those who commit assaults must be imprisoned because the victims want justice.

Victim	Someone who has suffered because of the actions of someone else.
	The victims of crime often need help and support to recover from their bad experience.

Fitness, Diet and Health Vocabulary

Overweight	Fat
	70% of the population is now overweight according to official figures.
Obesity	Extrememly fat or overweight.
	Obesity is now a real problem for teenagers. Teenagers who are obese are often bullied at school.
Eating Disorder	A mental illness in which people eat far too little or far too much food and are unhappy with their bodies.
	Bulimia and anorexia are types of eating disorder. Both are becoming more common.
Nutrients	Any substance which plants or animals need in order to live and grow.
	A healthy diet should consist of all the essential nutrients. This meal is very nutritious.
Diet	The food and drink usually eaten or drunk by a person or group. OR When someone eats less food, or only particular types of food, because they want to become thinner or for medical reasons.
	It is important to have a healthy diet. People must eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. I've been on a diet now for four weeks, and I've lost about one kilo.
Overeating	Eating more than your body needs.
	There is evidence that overeating is one of the main causes of obesity..
Ingredients	A food that is used with other foods in the preparation of a particular dish.
	The ingredients of the dish include nuts, raisins, and parsley.
Allergy	A condition that makes a person become ill or develop skin or breathing problems because they have eaten certain foods or been near certain substances.
	Allergies are becoming more common, and this could be connected to diet. If I eat nuts, I have an allergic reaction. I cannot breath properly.
Additive	A substance which is added to food in order to improve its taste or appearance or to preserve it.
	This food is full of additives so I'm not going to eat it.
Prevent	To stop something from happening.
	Lots of exercise will prevent a heart attack. The prevention of health problems should be encouraged by the government. For example, they could ban the advertising of fast food to children.
Variety	Often changing and being different.
	When preparing meals, you need to think about variety and taste as well as nutritional value.

Appetite	When you want to eat food.
	All that exercise has given me an appetite.
Fibre	A substance in foods such as fruit, vegetables and brown bread, which travels through the body as waste and helps the contents of the bowels to pass through the body easily.
	A diet that is high in fibre is important in order to maintain a healthy body.
Regular	Happening or doing something often.
	Regular physical exercise is important for good health.

Vitamins	Any of a group of natural substances which are necessary in small amounts for the growth and good health of the body.
	Many people take vitamin supplements these days in order to keep their body healthy.
Diabetes	A disease in which the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood.
	Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent ( = common or widespread) amongst children.

Health

The condition of the body and the degree to which it is free from illness, or the state of being well.

Fruit has several health benefits. Elderly people can have many health problems. The health care in the country is deteriorating ( = getting worse). There may be health risks from eating too much red meat. Health education is very important if we are to prevent illness and reduce medical costs. Sweden has one of the best health systems in the world. _____________________________________________ The population of the country is in good health. Lack of exercise can lead to poor health. _____________________________________________ He has a very healthy diet. I have a healthy appetite.

Work Vocabulary

Employee	Someone who is paid to work for someone else.
	The company has several hundred employees.
Employer	A person or organization that employs people.
	Employers monitor their employees very carefully these days.
Employment	When someone is paid to work for a company or organization.
	Due to the recession, there are thousands of people looking for employment. I was employed in the company for several years.
Unemployment	Not working.
	Levels of unemployment in the economy have been rapidly increasing. He has been unemployed for 6 months now.
Commute	To make the same journey regularly between work and home
	It is taking longer for people to commute to work because of traffic problems. Commuting to work everyday by bus is tiring.
Occupation	Formal way to say 'job'.
	What is your occupation?
Career	Working life or a particular job during one's working life that gets better in terms of salary and position.
	He is retired now but he had an amazing career ( = succesful working life). He hopes to have a career in the army
Profession	Any type of work which needs special training or a particular skill, often one which is respected because it involves a high level of education.
	The teaching profession is not as good as it used to be because salaries have decreased.
Salary / Wages	Money paid each month to an employee for their work.
	Public sector salaries are not keeping up with inflation. He receives a good wage because he works for a prestigious company.
Public Sector	Businesses and industries that are owned or controlled by the government.
	You get a good pension if you work for the public sector, but the salary is not always so good.
Private Sector	Businesses and industries that are privately owned.
	Most graduates hope to work in the private sector when they finish university as there are more opportunities and the pay is better than the public sector.

Retire	To stop working because of old age or ill health.
	The retirement age in most countries is 65. He had to retire early due to ill health.
Flexitime	Working a fixed number of hours but having flexibility with start and finish times.
	They have introduced flexitime at my work place so I usually start at 10am now and finish at 6pm.
Resign / Quit	To leave a job.
	He resigned from his job yesterday. Don't quit your job unless you have another one to start.

Fire / Sack / Dismiss	To remove someone from their job, especially because they have done something wrong
	He was fired / sacked / dismissed because he was late for work every day.
Vacancy	A job position that is not filled and so is available.
	I spoke to the company and they said they had several vacancies.

Overtime	Working more than your contracted hours.
	The employees often work overtime but they are not given extra money so it is not fair.

Shift	The time worked in a job that is not normal hours.
	She is a nurse so she has to work in shifts. One week she does the morning shift, and then the next week she will do the night shift. Shift work can be very tiring.

Information Technology Vocabulary

Access	The right to use or look at something
	Everybody should have access to the internet.
Advanced	Modern and well developed
	Technological advances have brought many benefits to the world. Japan has very advanced technology (not 'high' technology!).
Automation	To make a process in a factory or office operate by machines or computers, in order to reduce the amount of work done by humans and the time taken to do the work
	The automation of production processes has led to increased unemployment. Many production processes these days are automated.
Connection	When something joins or is joined to something else, or the part or process that makes this possible
	Most people are connected to the internet these days. Having a connection to the internet is important. I often have problems connecting to the internet.
Communication	The act of communicating with people
	Email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. Communicating with people by email is very easy.
Device	An object or machine which has been invented for a particular purpose
	It is important to have some kind of communication device such as a mobile telephone or the internet.
Innovation	A new idea or method
	Smart phones are the latest innovation in computer technology. Steve Jobs was a great innovator.
Invention	Something which has never been made before, or the process of creating something which has never been made before
	The world changed rapidly after the invention of the telephone. Many useful devices have been invented over the last few decades.
Machine	A piece of equipment with several moving parts which uses power to do a particular type of work
	Factories now make use of machines to do a lot of the work humans used to do. Machinery does most of the work in factories.
Up-to-date	Modern, recent, or containing the latest information
	Teenagers think it is important to have the most up-to-date technology.
User-friendly	If something, especially something related to a computer, is user-friendly, it is simple for people to use
	Modern mobile phones such as the i-phone are very user-friendly.

Environment Vocabulary

The Environment	The air, water and land in or on which people, animals and plants live.
	More must be done to protect the environment from pollution. Environmental problems are becoming very severe in many countries.
Climate	The weather conditions generally present in an area or over a long period.
	The mediteranean region tends to have a mild climate over the winter.
Climate Change	The change in global climate patterns which appeared from the mid to late 20th century onwards, caused mainly by the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
	The climate around the world has been changing rapidly over the last decade. Climate Change is one of the most serious problems that the world is facing today.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)	The gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out.
	The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which leads to global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide.
Fossil Fuels	A natural fuel such as coal, gas, or oil formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
	Some people do not believe that human's reliance on fossil fuels is to blame for global warming.
Global Warming	A gradual rise in the world's temperatures caused by polluting gases such as carbon dioxide which are collecting in the air around the Earth and preventing heat escaping into space.
	Deforestation is contributing to global warming because trees absorb carbon dioxide.
Deforestation	Cutting down and clearing areas of forest.
	Deforestation is destroying animal habitats.
Habitat	The natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives.
	With so many areas of woodland being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing its natural habitat.
Ecosystem	All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment.
	The world has a delicately balanced ecosystem, and pollution can damange this. The marine (= related to the sea) ecosystem was baldy damaged by the oil spill..
Biodiversity	The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.
	The rich and diverse biodiversity of our planet must be protected.
Contamination	To make something less pure by exposing it to poisonous or polluting substances.
	The water has been contaminated by the release of toxic chemicals into the river. The water supply is being tested for contamination.

Toxic / Toxin	Poisonous / A poisonous substance
	The dumping (= disposing of something in a careless way) of toxic waste has contaminated the area. Leaded fuel from cars releases toxins into the air which can affect the brain.
Waste	A material or substance which is eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required after the completion of a process.
	The Green Party opposes any kind of nuclear waste being dumped at sea.
Emission	The production and discharge of something.
	Emissions from car exhausts cause pollution around cities. Carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced.

Erosion	To graually reduce or destroy.
	Over-farming causes soil erosion.
Drought	A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
	The severe drought this year has led to the loss of many lives.

Pollution	Damage caused to water, air, land etc. by harmful substances or waste.
	Environmental pollution must be a top priority of governments. The air around the factory is very polluted.

Sustainable	Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.
	Countries need to promote sustainable development in order to protect the environment from further damage.

Science Vocabulary

Placebo	A drug which has no physical effects, used in pharmaceutical tests to compare the physical effects of taking a real drug from its psychological effects.
	She was given a placebo, not the real drug, but she said she felt much better.
Placebo Effect	The placebo effect is when someone's condition improves because they think they are taking medicine.
	She was given a placebo, not the real drug, but she said she felt much better- that's the placebo effect.
A side effect	An extra, usually bad, occurrence caused by taking a drug.
	Drugs should not be tested on animals because there are many possible side effects. Much of today's modern medicine has side effects. I prefer alternative therapies.
Proof	To show a particular result after a period of time.
	The amount of evidence that scientists now have proves that climate change is being caused by humans. We now have proof that climate change is caused by human activity.
Experiment	A test done in order to learn something or to find out whether something works or is true
	Experimenting on animals is necessary in order to discover if new drugs are dangerous or not. Scientists are conducting experiments to test the effectiveness of the new drug.
Gene	A part of the DNA in a cell which contains information in a special pattern received by each animal or plant from its parents, and which controls its physical development, behaviour, etc
	Genes are an important factor in personaility development. The doctors think his illness was genetic. It came from his mother because she had the same illness when she was young.
Genetic Engineering / Modification	Changing the structure of the genes of a living thing in order to make it healthier or stronger or more useful to humans.
	There is evidence that genetically modified food is harmful to humans. Some plants have been genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)	Plants, animals or micro organisms that have changed through genetic engineering.
	Most commercialised GMO crop plants are insect resistant and/or herbicide tolerant.
Clone	A plant or animal which has the same genes as the original from which it was produced
	The first animal to be cloned was Dolly the sheep. I believe that cloning humans is unethical.
Geoengineering	The deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system, in order to try and control global warming
	Some scientists believe geoengineering is the only way to reduce the warming of the climate. Controlling the weather by geoengineering is a possible solution to climate change, but it is controversial.
Cyber	A prefix for things related to computers, especially the internet.
	Cyberbulling via social media such as Facebook has become a major problem. A cybercafe is a place where you can buy drinks and use computers at the same time.

High-Tech / Hi-Tech	Using the most advanced and developed machines and methods.
	Japan is a very high-tech country. Everyone has all the latest electronic gadgets.
Theory	A formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas which are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation
	There are two opposing theories on the causes of climate change - one says it is caused by humans, the other believe it is a natural cycle.

The Arts Vocabulary

The Arts	Art forms created by humans, divided into visual, literary, and performing.
	The govenment should not waste money on the arts. This should be spent on public services instead.
Culture	The systems of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion that are shared by a relatively large group of people.
	The culture of a country is reflected in its art. Cultural differences can cause problems if you do business in another country.
Creative	Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
	He is an incredibly creative person - he's written many books and plays and he can paint as well.
Classical	Music that is considered to be part of a long especially formal tradition and to be of lasting value.
	I prefer classical music such as Mozart and Bach to modern day pop music.
Musical	A play or film in which part of the story is sung to music (noun). OR A skill in or great liking for music (adjective)
	"The Phantom of the Opera" is one of the best musicals that I have ever seen. Everyone in the family can play an instrument - they are very musical.
Opera	An art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and music, usually in a theatre.
	Opera is not very popular amongst young people these days.
Theatre	A building, room, or outside structure with rows of seats, each row usually higher than the one in front, from which people can watch a performance or other activity.
	My hometown does not have any theatres. There are many in the capital though.
Performance	A show or action involving the entertaining of other people by dancing, singing, acting, or playing music.
	His performance as MacBeth was amazing. There will be a performace of a famous play at the Lyceum Theatre tonight.
Festival	An organized set of special events, such as musical, art or film performances.
	The Cannes Film festival has some great movies this year. The local council organizes a music festival in my town every year.
Exhibition	An event at which objects such as paintings are shown to the public.
	There will be an exhibition at the weekend to show all of his latest paintings. His paintings were exhibited at the local art gallary over the weekend.
Sculpture	The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood.
	The museum has many life-sized sculptures of past Kings and Queens of England.

Abstract	A type of painting, drawing, or sculpture that uses shapes, lines, and colour in a way that does not try to represent the appearance of people or things.
	Jackson Pollock is one of the most famous abtract artists. He famous for dripping and splattering paint onto his canvas
Display	A collection of objects or pictures arranged for people to look at, or a performance or show for people to watch (= being shown).
	Jackson Pollock's most famous paintings are on display at the Tate Modern Art Gallery in London for 10 days.
Inspired	To be filled with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
	Shakespears plays have inspired many young people to take up writing and acting. His method of acting really inspires me.

Artefact	An object that is made by a person, such as a tool or a decoration, especially one that is of historical interest.
	The museum in town has many artefacts that were found in the local area. Most are tools from the Stone Age.
Choreograph	Compose the sequence of steps and moves for a ballet or other performance of dance.
	Their dance routines had been carefully choreographed so there would be no mistakes.

Children and the Family Vocabulary

Nuclear family	Family group consisting of a pair of adults and their children
	Most households in the Western world tend to be nuclear families.
Extended family	Larger than the nuclear family - consisting of aunts, uncles, and cousins all living nearby or in the same household.
	If you live with your extended family they can help to look after the children.
Single-parent	A parent, not living with a spouse or partner, who has most of the day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or children.
	Some people believe that it is not good for children to grow up in a single-parent household.
Relatives	Group of people related by blood or marriage
	Relatives, such as grandparents, can play an important role in helping to raise children.
Siblings	Brothers or sisters
	I have three siblings – one brother and two sisters.
Adolescent	A young person who is developing into an adult
	Children can sometimes cause more problems for their parents when they become adolescents.
Dependants	Someone who depends on you for financial support, such as a child or family member who does not work
	My dependants will be well-looked after when I die as I have left a lot of money to them in my will.
Authoritarian	Demanding that people obey completely and refusing to allow them freedom to act as they wish
	His father was very authoritarian and he used to scare me quite a lot.
Strict	Strongly limiting someone's freedom to behave as they wish, or likely to severely punish someone if they do not obey.
	Some parents believe that they have to be very strict with their children to ensure they behave well.
Birth control / Contraception	(the use of) any of various methods intended to prevent a woman becoming pregnant
	One of the reasons for the falling number of births in developing countries is birth control. Medical clinics often distribute free contraception.
Birth Rate	The number of babies born over a given time
	The birth rate has been falling in many countries.
Bring Up / Upbringing	To care for a child until he or she is an adult, often giving him or her particular beliefs
	Children should be brought up to respect their parents. I had a very good upbringing.
Raise	To take ​care of a ​person (or an ​animal or ​plant) until they are ​completely ​grown
	Her parents raised her very well as she is now a very kind and considerate young woman.
Child Development	The biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence
	There is no doubt that there are factors external to the family that significantly impact on a child's development.
Childcare	Care for children provided by either the government, an organization, or a person, while parents are at work or are away for another reason
	Cheap childcare is very important in order to allow mother's to return to work.
Divorce	An official or legal process to end a marriage
	My parents divorced when I was 15. Divorce is very common these days.
Separation	An arrangement, but not necessarily done legally, by which two married people stop living together as a couple
	Me and my partner are having a trial separation. Hopefully we can sort things out.
Child Neglect	A form of child abuse where there is an ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs, such as being left without adequate food, clothes, shelter, medicine etc.
	Social services will intervene if a child has been neglected.
Dysfunctional Family	A family where there is conflict, misbehavior, and often child neglect, resulting in poor emotional and physical health
	The child comes from a very dysfunctional family. The father was violent and is now in prison and the mother has a drugs problem.
Emotional Security	To feel happy and secure from having enough love, acceptance and respect
	The most important factor leading to a fulfilled and happy life for a child is emotional security.
Well-adjusted	Reasonable and has good judgment and their behaviour is not difficult or strange
	A child brought up by responsible parents and provided with emotional security will grow up to be very well-adjusted.
Responsible Parent	Having good judgement and the ability to act correctly when bringing up a child e.g. ensuring they are not in any danger
	If you have children it is very important to be responsible parents.
Formative years	A period of a person's life, usually childhood, that has a big influence on the person they become and the rest of that persons life
	If things go wrong for someone in their formative years, it can have an impact on their adult life.
Adoption	Taking on the legal responsibilities as parent of a child that is not one's biological child
	If a couple can't have a child they may decide to adopt.
Fostering	Taking on the responsibilities for a child in place of the child's natural parents but without legally adopting the child.
	Fostering a child can be a very fulfilling experience. They have decided to become foster parents.
Nurture	Care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing
	It is the family that can provide a supportive, secure, and nurturing environment, which is crucial to the way in which a child becomes an adult.
Overprotective Parents	Wishing to protect a child too much
	Children who have had overprotective parents do not build up a strong character to deal with the outside world on their own.
Spoiled Child	A child who shows bad behaviour from overindulgence by their parents
	Children who are given everything that they demand from their parents may become very spoiled.