IELTS Vocabulary List: Topics, Examples & Exercises
1. Education
● Curriculum – The subjects included in a course of study.
Example: The school follows a national curriculum.
Synonyms: syllabus, program
Collocation: core curriculum
Common Mistake: Incorrect – The curriculum are difficult. (Use "The curriculum is difficult.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: syllabus, subject, exam, teacher, student
- Band 6.5-7.5: curriculum, assessment, academic, discipline
- Band 8+: pedagogical approach, experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "The school revised its _________." (a) curriculum (b)
discipline (c) faculty
2. Economy
● Inflation – The rise in prices of goods and services over time.
Example: Inflation reduces the purchasing power of consumers.
Synonyms: price rise, cost increase
Collocation: high inflation rate
Common Mistake: Incorrect – Inflation are increasing every year. (Use "Inflation is increasing.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: money, price, salary, job
- Band 6.5-7.5: inflation, recession, investment, entrepreneurship
- Band 8+: economic disparity, monopolization, fiscal policies, market volatility
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "Inflation leads to an increase in _________." (a) prices
(b) wages (c) forests
3. Environment
● Deforestation – The clearing of forests for human activities.
Example: Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.
Synonyms: logging, forest clearance
Collocation: widespread deforestation
Common Mistake: Incorrect – Deforestation help global warming. (Use "Deforestation causes
global warming.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: trees, pollution, weather, animals
- Band 6.5-7.5: deforestation, climate change, biodiversity, conservation
- Band 8+: ecological degradation, carbon footprint, sustainable development,
environmental resilience
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "One of the major causes of climate change is
_________." (a) deforestation (b) urbanization (c) recycling
4. Technology
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Example: AI is transforming many industries.
Synonyms: machine learning, automation
Collocation: AI-powered systems
Common Mistake: Incorrect – AI replace many jobs. (Use "AI replaces many jobs.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: computer, internet, phone, data
- Band 6.5-7.5: automation, innovation, cybersecurity, algorithm
- Band 8+: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, disruptive technology, digital
transformation
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "The use of _________ has increased efficiency in the
workplace." (a) artificial intelligence (b) manual labor (c) traditional methods
5. Health
● Obesity – A medical condition involving excessive body fat.
Example: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease.
Synonyms: overweight, excessive weight gain
Collocation: childhood obesity
Common Mistake: Incorrect – Obesity are common. (Use "Obesity is common.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: weight, exercise, diet, food
- Band 6.5-7.5: obesity, metabolism, nutrition, sedentary lifestyle
- Band 8+: cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, public health crisis, preventive
healthcare
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "A poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to
_________." (a) obesity (b) fitness (c) wellness
6. Food & Restaurants
● Gourmet – High-quality or exotic food.
Example: The restaurant is known for its gourmet cuisine.
Synonyms: fine dining, delicacy
Collocation: gourmet meal
Common Mistake: Incorrect – The gourmet are delicious. (Use "The gourmet meal is delicious.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: food, meal, cook, restaurant
- Band 6.5-7.5: cuisine, gourmet, buffet, hospitality
- Band 8+: gastronomy, culinary expertise, Michelin-starred dining, epicurean experience
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "A person who enjoys fine food is called a _________."
(a) gourmet (b) chef (c) waiter
7. Travel & Tourism
● Itinerary – A planned route or journey.
Example: The travel agency prepared a detailed itinerary.
Synonyms: schedule, travel plan
Collocation: travel itinerary
Common Mistake: Incorrect – The itinerary are too long. (Use "The itinerary is too long.")
Band-wise Vocabulary:
- Band 5-6: trip, journey, hotel, sightseeing
- Band 6.5-7.5: itinerary, tourism, backpacking, adventure
- Band 8+: cultural immersion, sustainable tourism, hospitality industry, ecotourism
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "The company provided a detailed _________ for the
business trip." (a) itinerary (b) map (c) ticket
8. Work & Employment
● Entrepreneurship – The process of starting a business.
Example: Many people turn to entrepreneurship for financial independence.
Synonyms: startup culture, self-employment
Collocation: entrepreneurial mindset
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "Successful _________ requires creativity and
risk-taking." (a) entrepreneurship (b) employment (c) management
9. Social Issues
● Discrimination – Unfair treatment based on characteristics like race or gender.
Example: Discrimination in the workplace affects productivity.
Synonyms: bias, prejudice
Collocation: racial discrimination
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "Laws are in place to prevent _________." (a)
discrimination (b) freedom (c) equality
10. Science & Innovation
● Breakthrough – A significant discovery or development.
Example: The new drug was a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
Synonyms: discovery, advancement
Collocation: scientific breakthrough
Exercise: Choose the correct synonym: "A recent _________ in physics has changed our
understanding of the universe." (a) breakthrough (b) delay (c) theory
