The Health topic is one of the more challenging themes in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. It often requires strong preparation in vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures. Recent IELTS questions tend to focus on the impact of the pandemic on health or the government's role in public healthcare.
To help you score high in both parts of the test, IDP has compiled a list of essential IELTS health vocabulary below. Let’s explore and expand your word bank now.
1. Vocabulary for Healthy Lifestyle
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Balanced diet | A well-rounded and healthy eating plan |
Organic food | Food produced without chemicals |
Intense workout | High-intensity exercise |
Stay hydrated | Keep your body properly hydrated |
Health-conscious | Aware and mindful of health |
Have regular check-ups | Attend routine health examinations |
Disease prevention | Actions taken to avoid illness |
Optimistic mindset | Positive thinking and mental attitude |
Speed up my metabolism | Increase the body's energy-burning rate |
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables | Consume healthy, unprocessed plant-based food |
Limit sugar intake | Reduce the amount of sugar consumed |
2. Vocabulary for Pandemic
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Screening | Medical tests to detect illness |
Quarantine | Isolation to prevent disease spread |
Social distancing | Keeping physical distance from others |
Protective measures | Precautionary actions to prevent infection |
Self-isolate | Voluntarily separate yourself to avoid infection |
Social bubble | A limited group of people for safe social contact |
Work from home | Remote working from residence |
Personal protective equipment | Safety gear like masks and gloves |
Global health crisis | Worldwide medical emergency |
Fully vaccinated | Completely immunized with required doses |
Halt the spread of the virus | Stop virus transmission |
Face an existential threat | Encounter a life-threatening danger |
Experience financial hardship | Face economic difficulties |
3. Vocabulary for Health Care
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Disseminate information | Distribute or spread knowledge |
Early diagnosis | Detect disease at an initial stage |
Treatment | Medical care for illness |
Prescription | Doctor-issued medication order |
Organize medical workshops | Hold seminars or training for healthcare |
Advanced medical facilities | Modern and well-equipped healthcare centers |
Take the full responsibility | Accept complete accountability |
Enhance medical workers' competency | Improve healthcare professionals' skills |
4. Vocabulary for Unhealthy Habits
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Eating disorder | Abnormal or disturbed eating behavior |
Narcotic | Illegal or addictive drugs |
Fast / processed foods | Quick, ready-to-eat meals |
Junk food | Unhealthy snacks with low nutrition |
Taking drugs | Using illegal substances |
Chronic disease | Long-term health condition |
Sedentary lifestyle | Inactive daily routine |
Highly addictive ingredients | Components that cause dependency |
Excessive consumption of | Overuse or over-eating of something |
5. Common Collocations for the Health Topic
Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
Prevention is better than cure | It's better to prevent than to treat illness |
Burden on society | Social and economic pressure |
Upgrade medical competency | Improve healthcare expertise |
Reduce personal financial stress | Lower individual money worries |
Easy organization of activities and campaigns | Simplify planning of health-related events |
Alleviate pain or symptoms | Relieve discomfort |
Reduce stress levels | Lower mental pressure |
Take full responsibility | Be fully accountable |
Lead a sedentary lifestyle | Live without regular physical activity |
Reduce meat intake | Eat less meat |
Prevalence of fast food and processed food | The popularity of unhealthy eating options |
6. Sample IELTS Writing Answer: Health Topic
Task: It is argued that providing more sports centers or health clubs would be the most effective method for improving public health. From my point of view, however, proper health education would be a better measure.
Sample Answer:
On one hand, people’s health has been significantly enhanced through participation in fitness centers. It is undeniable that physical activity improves fitness levels. As a result, the increasing popularity of gym classes and sports clubs gives people more chances to stay healthy. For example, many residents in my neighborhood attend yoga sessions after work to maintain physical and mental well-being.
On the other hand, simply building more sports facilities may not have a strong effect on public health. Many individuals buy annual gym memberships but stop going after a short time. Therefore, I believe educating citizens on basic health awareness is more impactful. A well-informed person is less likely to adopt harmful habits. For instance, children who learn about the dangers of smoking may avoid it as they grow older. Public campaigns and awareness programs are essential in spreading this knowledge.
In conclusion, while sports centers play an important role in improving public health, I personally believe that educating the public through health campaigns is a more effective long-term strategy.
We hope this collection of IELTS Health Vocabulary helps you gain more ideas and words to use in both your Speaking and Writing tests. In addition to the above list, IDP is here to support you throughout your IELTS journey.
Still wondering where to start? Don’t worry!
Explore IDP’s free IELTS resources including the IELTS by IDP app, mock tests, and free English classes to boost your language skills.
If you’re ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today!