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How to use these IELTS flashcards
- Read the meaning and the topic, then type the missing word in the sentence. Some cards accept more than one answer (for example soar or surge).
- Read the note. It shows the grammar pattern (contribute to, prevent somebody from doing), which is what examiners check.
- Say the sentence out loud, then use the word in your next practice essay or speaking answer.
The vocabulary topics
| Topic | Useful for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Trends | Writing Task 1 charts and graphs | soar, plummet, fluctuate, peak, account for |
| Academic verbs | Task 1 and Task 2 | analyse, alleviate, exacerbate, foster |
| Environment | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | sustainable, renewable, biodiversity |
| Education | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | curriculum, vocational, lifelong learning |
| Technology | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | automate, reliance, digital divide |
| Health | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | sedentary, prevention, life expectancy |
| Work and economy | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | productivity, skills shortage, outsource |
| Society and media | Task 2, Speaking Part 3 | infrastructure, urbanisation, misinformation |
| Linking and opinion | All writing and speaking | moreover, arguably, outweigh, detrimental |
How vocabulary is marked in IELTS
Lexical Resource is 25% of your Writing and Speaking scores. Examiners look at:
- Range: do you use a variety of words, or repeat the same ones (big, good, important)?
- Precision: is each word the right one? Alleviate a problem, not alleviate a person.
- Collocation: do you use natural word partners? Make a decision, heavy traffic, pose a threat.
- Spelling and word form: economy / economic / economical are different words.
Don't force difficult words into every sentence. One precise word used correctly scores better than three rare words used wrongly. Check your writing with the free IELTS writing checker, and practise word partners with the collocation flashcards.
Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.
Frequently asked questions
Which vocabulary do I need for IELTS band 7?
Band 7 Lexical Resource needs 'less common' vocabulary used accurately, with awareness of style and collocation. That means precise words (alleviate, outweigh, fluctuate) used in the right patterns, not long rare words used wrongly.
How many words should I learn for IELTS?
Quality matters more than quantity. Learning 10 useful words a day, with an example sentence and the words they go with, is more effective than memorising long lists.
How does the spaced repetition work?
Cards you get right come back after 1, 3, 7, 14 and then 30 days. Cards you get wrong come back in the same session. Progress is saved only if you turn it on, and only in your browser.