IELTS Vocabulary: Lexical Resource, and Topic specific vocabulary

Welcome to the IELTS Vocabulary page! If you’re preparing for the IELTS exam, you already know that a strong vocabulary is crucial for success.

Here we put together lists of topic-specific vocabulary and the way you can use them in the exam.

You’ll find detailed explanations and an IELTS vocabulary list to practice and improve your vocabulary.

How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS?
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking topics
Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task
Video: How to Expand Your Writing Vocabulary (+ 10 words)
What is a vocabulary collocation?
Important Vocabulary to learn for IELTS
What is the best way to learn topic-specific collocations?
VIDEO: IELTS Topic Specific Vocabulary and Collocations
Other IELTS Vocabulary Lessons
Audio Tutorial

Vocabulary or lexical resource is responsible for 25% of your final grade, in both the speaking and writing sections.

Here we have a list of the topics you can expect to find on the exam, we are updating it each week.

It’s common to be stuck with an IELTS exam score of 6.5 and believe in order to get a band 7 they need to improve their IELTS vocabulary.

However, without feedback, evaluation or expert exam help, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which area you need to get help for.

How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS?

Constantly build your passive vocabulary word lists by reading and listening. Then move these words into your active vocabulary by using them when speaking or writing.

To improve faster, when reading, listening or watching English material, try to capture new words in a phrasebook. If you have time add the context too.

The next time you write an essay, review it and look for opportunities to add the words from your list into your text.

Likewise, when speaking try to incorporate your new vocab into your conversations, don’t force them though because it will sound odd!

Idioms can be extracted from films and English podcasts, however, I’d recommend audio material because there are no visual clues, making listening a little harder.

Active reading is a great habit to develop and a vital exam preparation skill. Active reading is where you circle, underline and mark the text you are reading, so as to ease comprehension.

If you want to accelerate your learning, have a look at some tutorials about vocabulary acquisition. This page includes how to use a vocabulary phrase book and flashcards.

Take a look at our article which will provide tips and strategies to improve your vocabulary.

Vocabulary for IELTS speaking topics

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task

IELTS vocabulary for the writing section refers to the academic style and word choice (lexical resource) when writing your essay.

Below we have put together tutorials with word lists to help you improve your IELTS score.

What is a vocabulary collocation?

A collocation is a group of words that has an above-average possibility of being found together.

Using collocations in your writing and IELTS speaking helps to make your language sound more natural and fluent. This in turn makes your writing flow and helps you get a better scoring essay.

Important Vocabulary List to learn for IELTS

We have compiled a list of the most essential vocabulary words and phrases you need to know to perform well on the exam.

Our expertly curated list covers a range of topics commonly found on the IELTS exam, from education and technology to travel and the environment.

With our guide, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary and improve your overall score on the IELTS.

Modern Technology

Labour-saving devices
State-of-the-art technology
Internet-enabled
Rocket scientist
Computer crashed
Shut down the computer
Wireless hotspots
Computer literate
Hacking into the Internet
Artificial intelligence

Global Warming

Political issue
Climate crisis
Green consumer
Carbon emissions
Historical average
Carbon footprint
Climate solutions
Current levels
Global warming
Environmental problems

Food and Nutrition

Nutritious food
Refined carbohydrates
Food preparation
Packed with vitamins
Home cooked meal
A balanced diet
Daily consumption
Savouring the food
Seasonal fruits
Homemade food

Travel

Travel abroad
Affordable travel
Holiday destinations
Out-of-season travel
Exotic destinations
Off the beaten track
Self-catering accommodation
Spectacular beaches and lush forests
Travelling light
Magnificent landscapes

Immigration

Middle-income countries
Western countries.
Public opinion
Increased movement
Refugee group
Multicultural society
Global situation
Developing world
International community
Immigration policies

What is the best way to learn topic-specific collocations?

The best way to learn topic-specific collocations is to look for them being used in context. We in the lists above, extracted collocations from Ted Talks, so you can identify how they are used in context.

Using topic-specific vocabulary, collocations and words from the academic vocabulary list will help considerably.

Below is a free PDF ebook of lexical resources with lots of vocabulary lists and examples to learn new vocabulary for your English language study. If you are still struggling then check out the Jump to Band 7 or its Free IELTS Course.

Click here for a free master list of collocations!

Other IELTS Vocabulary Lessons

Audio tutorial

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

To improve your vocabulary you could get feedback from an ex-IELTS examiner, our service offers very detailed IELTS essay feedback on your vocabulary and word choice.

However, if you are on a budget and need instant feedback then try our online IELTS writing evaluation, fast and free!