A wide and appropriate vocabulary is one of the most crucial factors in improving your English proficiency—especially for high-stakes international exams like IELTS. Learning vocabulary by band score helps you express your ideas more clearly and accurately, while also leaving a strong impression on examiners through flexible and natural communication.
In this article, IDP has compiled a list of useful English vocabulary categorized by IELTS band scores to support your preparation for both the Speaking and Writing sections.
1. Band-Based Vocabulary Lists for IELTS
Below is a list of basic English vocabulary compiled by IDP to help you communicate effectively in everyday life. The vocabulary table also provides detailed transcriptions according to IPA standards, helping you pronounce English more accurately and confidently.
Band 8.0+ Vocabulary
These advanced academic words are ideal for expressing complex ideas and achieving top scores.
Vocabulary | IPA | Meaning |
explicate (v) | /ˈeksplɪkeɪt/ | to explain in detail |
culminate in (v) | /ˈkʌlmɪneɪt ɪn/ | to reach a peak or final result |
metamorphose (v) | /ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəʊz/ | to transform completely |
unequivocally (adv) | /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli/ | clearly, without doubt |
ideology (n) | /ˌaɪdiˈɒlədʒi/ | system of ideas |
ecological balance (n) | /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/ | environmental equilibrium |
environmental degradation (n) | /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ | deterioration of the environment |
pristine (adj) | /ˈprɪstiːn/ | untouched, pure |
holistic education (n) | /həʊˈlɪstɪk ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn/ | all-rounded education |
pedagogical methods (n) | /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl ˈmeθədz/ | teaching techniques |
Band 7.0 Vocabulary
Ideal for describing global, technological, or social topics with precision.
Vocabulary | IPA | Meaning |
significant (adj) | /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ | important |
biodiversity (n) | /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ | variety of life forms |
inequality (n) | /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ | unfairness |
vocational training (n) | /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ | job-based education |
globalization (n) | /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ | global integration |
artificial intelligence (n) | /ˌɑːrtɪfɪʃəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ | AI |
promotion prospects (n) | /prəˈmoʊʃn ˈprɒspekts/ | career growth opportunities |
Band 6.0 Vocabulary
Suitable for general discussions about travel, lifestyle, hobbies, or jobs.
Vocabulary | IPA | Meaning |
hard-working (adj) | /ˈhɑːrd ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/ | diligent |
assertive (adj) | /əˈsɜːrtɪv/ | confident in communication |
accommodation (n) | /əˌkɒməˈdeɪʃn/ | place to stay |
sightseeing (n) | /ˈsaɪtsiːɪŋ/ | visiting tourist places |
cuisine (n) | /kwɪˈziːn/ | food culture |
carpenter (n) | /ˈkɑːrpəntər/ | woodworker |
Band 5.0 Vocabulary
Basic yet essential vocabulary for familiar topics such as family, school, daily activities, and places.
Vocabulary | IPA | Meaning |
family (n) | /ˈfæməli/ | a group of related people |
animal (n) | /ˈænɪml/ | living creature |
dictionary (n) | /ˈdɪkʃəneri/ | reference book |
traffic light (n) | /ˈtræfɪk laɪt/ | road signal |
entrepreneur (n) | /ˌɑːn.trə.prəˈnɝː/ | business founder |
comedian (n) | /kəˈmiː.di.ən/ | person who makes others laugh |
Band 4.0 Vocabulary
Foundational words suitable for beginners and basic communication needs.
Vocabulary | IPA | Meaning |
climate (n) | /ˈklaɪ.mət/ | weather conditions |
forecast (n) | /ˈfɔː.kɑːst/ | weather prediction |
laboratory (n) | /ləˈbɒr.ə.tər.i/ | research room |
seafood (n) | /ˈsiː.fuːd/ | edible sea creatures |
smartphone (n) | /ˈsmɑːrt.foʊn/ | mobile phone |
tradition (n) | /trəˈdɪʃ.ən/ | cultural practice |
2. Effective Vocabulary Learning Techniques
Learn by theme: Group words by topic like "Environment", "Education", or "Health" to strengthen contextual memory.
Use images or mind maps: Visual aids boost retention and recall.
Apply Spaced Repetition: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to review words at optimized intervals.
Use English learning platforms: Duolingo, Memrise, and WordUp are great for thematic, interactive vocabulary building.
3. Why Advanced Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
Boosts your Lexical Resource score: High-level vocabulary allows you to express nuance, clarity, and precision in both Writing and Speaking tasks.
Enables complex ideas: For example, instead of saying very big problem, you could say a severe issue or a pressing concern.
Makes your writing stand out: Using less common collocations and synonyms (e.g., adverse consequence, tangible benefit, counterproductive solution) sets your response apart from others.
4. Practice Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Choose the correct word
Jane never helps her mom with the housework. She’s so ……… A. Lazy
My sister was very ……… when a thief broke in. A. Scared
He gave a vivid ……… of his trip. A. Account
His stomach began to ……… from bad food. C. Ache
He was full of ……… for her bravery. B. Admiration
He felt ……… after failing many interviews. B. Rejected
They are twins and look ……… A. Alike
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with correct vocabulary
This job is too stressful
I can handle it
I was hired last month
They fired two people
I work in sales
My commute is short
The company treats employees well
I eat outside, not in the lunchroom
The dress code is casual
I’m thinking about quitting
I get along with my colleagues
I got a promotion
He’s not productive
I’m pretty content
Everyone got a raise
Exercise 3: Fill in with basic vocabulary
I wake up early in the morning
My family has two kids
She wears a nice dress
It's hot today
I need to study
My new computer is fast
We go to the park
I feel happy
My dog loves to play
I like to read books
Learn and Apply with IDP
Mastering vocabulary by band level gives you a strategic advantage in your IELTS journey. From everyday words to academic expressions, the more precisely and flexibly you can use English, the better your results will be in all four IELTS skills.
When you're ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP. Whether you choose Academic or General Training, our flexible test dates, professional support, and modern test centers will help you achieve your target band score.
Visit the IDP website or contact your nearest center to book your test today!