For those of you who are preparing for the IELTS exam, the topic of Study & Work is quite popular and often appears in the IELTS exam. However, this topic is quite broad, so the questions can revolve around different aspects (sub-topics). To help you be more confident in communicating as well as easily score high in the IELTS exam, refer to the vocabulary set on the topic of Work & Study to impress the examiner!
1. IELTS Vocabulary on Study & Work
This section covers key vocabulary in small subtopics like school terms, majors, and education systems. Each word includes an example for easy memorization and accurate use.
1.1 Study-Related Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
research report | academic findings summary | This research report was completed after three months of study. |
academic transcript | official grade record | I submitted my academic transcript with my application. |
curriculum | course structure | Math is my favorite subject in the curriculum. |
cheat sheet | unauthorized notes | John was caught with a cheat sheet and got detained. |
distance education | online study program | Course materials are essential for distance education. |
plagiarize | copy someone else’s work | Never plagiarize another author’s text. |
class observation | observing a lesson | I joined the class observation at the preschool. |
graduation ceremony | event marking completion | The school’s graduation ceremony was formal. |
boarding school | residential school | He attended a boarding school in the countryside. |
private school | fee-based school | Many elite students attend a private school. |
postgraduate courses | advanced studies | She enrolled in postgraduate courses overseas. |
candidate-doctor of science | PhD equivalent | He earned a candidate-doctor of science degree. |
gap year | year off before college | She took a gap year to travel before university. |
1.2 Work-Related Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
freelancer | self-employed worker | He has worked as a freelancer for five years. |
financial analyst | finance data specialist | She is now a certified financial analyst. |
nine‑to‑five job | standard office hours | He dislikes nine‑to‑five jobs. |
desk job | office-based position | After the accident, he accepted a desk job. |
on probation | trial period at work | New hires are on probation for three months. |
job satisfaction | job contentment | I’m not rich but enjoy job satisfaction. |
job prospect | career opportunity | Strong networking boosts job prospect. |
2. Useful Expressions for Study & Work
Collocations
Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
extracurricular activity | school group or sport activity |
put theory into practice | apply what you learned |
fall behind with study | lag academically |
participate in school activities | join school clubs or sports |
assign homework | give students tasks to complete at home |
have a good grasp of computer skills | understand computer tools |
have a knack for something | be naturally gifted at a skill |
develop a passion for | grow more interested in something |
move up the career ladder | earn higher positions at work |
be among the top | rank in the highest performers |
be content with something | feel satisfied with a situation |
work alongside somebody | collaborate professionally |
be stuck behind a desk | feel unhappy in office job |
take early retirement | retire before usual age |
lay off staff | dismiss employees |
Idioms
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
get the sack | lose your job |
pull an all-nighter | stay up all night to study |
learn something by heart | memorize thoroughly |
pass with flying colors | succeed easily in a test |
cramming for a test | study intensively at the last minute |
tell tales out of school | reveal someone’s private matters |
make ends meet | earn enough money for expenses |
bread and butter | primary source of income |
3. How to Improve Your IELTS Score
Use these collocations and idioms naturally: e.g., "move up the career ladder", "pull an all-nighter", "make ends meet".
Build your own example sentences using terms like freelancer, financial analyst, distance education, job satisfaction, and gap year.
Mix formal and conversational style for better band score in both speaking and writing.
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