During IELTS preparation, you will likely feel frustrated at times when you don't have sufficient vocabulary and grammar to express your arguments while completing tasks. Or in Reading and Listening tests, an unfamiliar word can prevent you from answering correctly and inadvertently cause you to lose unnecessary points.
The article below will suggest effective vocabulary learning methods and some popular topics you may encounter in the IELTS test.
1. The importance of vocabulary in IELTS test
In addition to the skills and knowledge that help you achieve a perfect score in the IELTS test, vocabulary is certainly an important weapon that each candidate needs to equip themselves with.
When assessing the Writing and Speaking skills of the IELTS test, vocabulary is a scoring criterion you need to pay attention to, and it accounts for up to 25% of the total score you receive. Even for the two remaining skills including Reading and Listening, you also need to possess a diverse vocabulary to be able to conquer the most perfect score range.
In all test sections, vocabulary is frequently transformed into synonyms, noun phrases, and idioms. Therefore, you need to equip yourself with a rich vocabulary to be able to solve the test easily.
2. Effective Methods for Learning IELTS Vocabulary
An effective method to learn vocabulary is to apply them in a specific context. In simple terms, you should learn vocabulary related to a specific group of topics, limiting rote memorization through listing methods.
2.1. Learn vocabulary by topic
It's not by chance that teachers often encourage you to learn English vocabulary by topic. This learning method will help you memorize a large amount of vocabulary in groups, improving your natural reflexes when communicating. Additionally, you will reduce the stress of having to remember individual, disconnected words, thereby learning to connect and understand the meanings of words faster.
Example: In the food topic, you will learn vocabulary about appetizers, main courses, desserts, fast food, and other common idioms revolving around this theme.
Read more:IELTS vocabulary by common IELTS topics
2.2. Learn from synonyms/antonyms
In the IELTS test, candidates are often challenged by synonyms of the given words. Applying synonyms in your test will make your writing more interesting and diverse compared to repeatedly using a limited vocabulary.
For example, instead of using the word "beautiful" repeatedly in your text, you can use synonyms such as "gorgeous," "stunning," or "ravishing" to paint your description in a truly distinctive way.
2.3. Learn by word families
Besides learning words by topic, learning by word families is also a good way to memorize vocabulary.
Example:
| Word form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Able | Adj | Can | Unfortunately she wasn't able to come. |
Ability | Noun | Capability | I'll complete the work to the best of my ability |
Enable | Verb | Make something happen | The tests enable early detection |
Disable | Verb | Make someone disabled | It's an injury that could disable somebody for life |
Disability | Noun
| Impairment, disability | Disability increases with age |
2.4. Learn words through Crosswords or Word Searches
One of the ways to help you accumulate new vocabulary even while relaxing is through doing word searches or crosswords. You can invite friends or family to practice and improve your quick-thinking skills while competing with others.
If you want to create your own crosswords or word searches to play with others, you can simply visit https://crosswordlabs.com or https://thewordsearch.com.
If you want to explore new vocabulary by specific topics (Environment, Technology, Health...), you can visit https://www.wordsearch365.com with games divided into different difficulty levels.
2.5. Learn through E-flashcards
Learning IELTS vocabulary through flashcards is a method applied by many students. You can buy paper flashcard sets, but you can also create your own flashcards through the Quizlet app. This is a learning application widely used by students.
3. Resources for learning IELTS vocabulary
When starting the review process, you should clearly identify your own level. From there, you will easily choose the appropriate route and resources for effective practice.
3.1. Academic vocabulary from books, dictionaries
For those who are just starting to learn English, you can refer to the following books:
English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate & Intermediate
Destination B1 Grammar & Vocabulary
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS
4000 Essential English Words
For those with a level of IELTS 6.5 or above, you should accumulate vocabulary while practicing individual skills in the IELTS test. You can refer to the following books:
Check your vocabulary for IELTS
English Collocations in Use – Cambridge
Collins Vocabulary for IELTS
Oxford Word Skills
Get IELTS Band 9 Vocabulary Secrets
3.2. Read official news websites
Besides learning vocabulary, you should also understand the context to apply words accurately. You need to pay attention to factors such as word meaning, word usage, and collocations that help you score points in your work. You can learn new words through official English news sites such as:
www.thesun.co.uk
www.usatoday.com
www.dailymail.co.uk
www.nytimes.com
http://washingtonpost.com/
YouTube channels and podcasts that help learn IELTS vocabulary effectively:
Voice of America Learning English
ESL Podcast
Podcast in English
American English Pronunciation Podcast
Splendid Speaking
Reallife Radio
4. Common IELTS vocabulary topics encountered in the exam
Typically, IELTS exams revolve around specific themes. Therefore, to prepare for the exam, you can study topics such as:
There are many methods to learn and memorize vocabulary. Hopefully, the above learning techniques will help you remember vocabulary effectively and score high on your test. If you're having trouble studying and practicing English, let IDP IELTS accompany and support you in your practice!
Ready to score high with a solid vocabulary and grammar!
For any test, the key to success always comes from thorough preparation of knowledge, vocabulary, grammar, and maintaining diligent daily practice.
Start today with IDP. Visit our IELTS Prepare to practice and achieve the score you desire soon!
In addition to the tips to help you build your vocabulary for the exam, you can refer to IDP's existing IELTS preparation materials, including IELTS Workshops and Events, Preparation Courses and tips from international IELTS experts. This will help you familiarize yourself with the test structure, learn how to allocate time wisely, helping you be as prepared as possible for the tests.
And when you're ready, register for IELTS with IDP today!
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