500+ IELTS Vocabulary Words & List with Exercises

Expanding your IELTS vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to improve your band score. This guide offers a curated list of over 500 IELTS words, along with idioms, collocations, and vocabulary relevant to various topics. By mastering these, you’ll be better prepared to express complex ideas confidently across all IELTS sections.

Topic-wise vocabulary words for IELTS

Learning IELTS vocabulary by topic helps you respond more naturally in Speaking and Writing, and understand context better in Reading and Listening.

Popular IELTS vocabulary topics:

• Advertisement

• Art

• Body language

• Business

• Crime

• Education

• Environment

• Family, travel and work

• Fashion

• Film

• Food

• Government

• Health

• Music

• Newspaper

• Personality

Idioms for IELTS Vocabulary with Meanings

Idioms can make your Speaking and Writing responses sound natural and fluent.

Idioms for vocabulary for IELTS

Collocations for IELTS Vocabulary

Collocations are word combinations commonly used in English. They demonstrate native-like fluency.

Collocations for IELTS vocabulary

15 Tips to prepare for IELTS with relatable vocabulary

Here are the top tips to prepare for IELTS with a wide range of vocabulary related to common topics:

1. Understand the test format: Get to know the structure of the IELTS test, including the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Familiarising yourself with the format will help you feel more comfortable on test day.

2. Build your vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary with topics you'll likely face in the test. Use relatable and everyday words to practice:

3. Listening: Focus on words related to conversations, announcements, and lectures.

4. Reading: Learn words used in articles, reports, and essays.

5. Writing: Practice words for describing, comparing, and arguing.

6. Speaking: Use words that describe opinions, experiences, and plans.

7. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key. Set aside time each day to work on each section of the test. Use practice tests and sample questions to get a feel for the types of questions you'll get.

8. Improve your listening skills: Listen to a variety of English audio sources such as podcasts, news programs, and audiobooks. Focus on understanding different accents and note-taking.

9. Enhance your reading skills: Read a variety of English materials, including newspapers, magazines, and books. Practice skimming and scanning for information and understanding the main ideas and supporting details.

10. Develop your writing skills: Practice writing essays and reports. Focus on clear structure, coherent arguments, and relevant examples. Pay attention to grammar and punctuation.

11. Boost your speaking confidence: Engage in English conversations with friends or language partners. Practice speaking on different topics, and focus on fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

12. Use relatable resources: Include vocabulary from daily activities in your preparation.

13. Grocery shopping: Words like ingredients, budget, and receipt.

14. Traveling: Terms such as itinerary, destination, and accommodation.

15. Work: Vocabulary including meetings, deadlines, and presentations.