TLDR;
This video provides a list of 69 commonly used words by IELTS band 7, 8, and 9 students to improve vocabulary and writing scores. It explains each word's meaning, synonyms, collocations, and usage in sample essays. The video also emphasizes the importance of using a variety of words accurately and appropriately, rather than just trying to include as many high-level words as possible.
- Introduces 69 commonly used words for IELTS writing.
- Provides definitions, synonyms, and collocations for each word.
- Gives examples of how to use the words in essays.
- Stresses the importance of accurate and appropriate word usage.
- Debunks the myth that high-level words are the only way to improve writing scores.
Viable [0:30]
"Viable" means able to work or succeed, with synonyms like feasible, workable, or possible. It's an adjective often used in collocations like "viable option" or "viable alternative." For example, "The project is not a viable option without more funding." In essays, it's useful for discussing solutions or alternatives, such as "A viable solution is to heavily punish lawbreakers."
Schooling [1:16]
"Schooling" refers to the education received at school, with synonyms like education, learning, or training. Common collocations include "primary schooling" and "secondary schooling." For instance, "Good primary schooling is important for a child's future." In essays, particularly on education topics, it's a useful synonym for "education," as seen in the example: "The average class size is 20 students, which makes it difficult for educators to provide proper schooling for each student."
Renowned [2:01]
"Renowned" means famous or respected, with synonyms like well-known, famous, and celebrated. It's an adjective often used in collocations like "renowned expert" or "renowned for." This word is particularly useful in examples, where you might refer to someone well-known to support your point. For example, "He is a renowned expert in the field of biology." A student used it effectively by saying "local graduates were thrilled by the good news of being accepted to work under this renowned company".
Prime [3:00]
"Prime" means the best or most important, with synonyms like best, top, or main. As an adjective, it's often used in the collocation "prime example," but can also be used with words like "advantage," "disadvantage," "solution," or "reason." For example, "This is a prime example of excellent customer service." In essays, it can be used to describe something as the best or most important, such as "The prime disadvantage is that these companies use the natural resources of developing nations recklessly."
Prone [4:05]
"Prone" means likely to do or experience something, with synonyms like likely, inclined, and susceptible. It's an adjective commonly used in the collocation "prone to errors," but can be used with other experiences as well. For example, "Children are prone to making mistakes when they are learning." In essays, it can be used to describe tendencies, such as "people that have a diet based on plants and seeds are more prone to have a healthier life".
Officials [5:35]
"Officials" refers to people in authority or in the government, with synonyms like authorities, leaders, or administrators. Common collocations include "government officials" or "public officials." This word is useful in Task 2 essays that discuss the government and government policy. For example, "I do not support the argument of new newspapers publishing the information of government officials".
Output [6:10]
"Output" means the amount produced of something, with synonyms like production or yield. As a noun, common collocations include "industrial output" or "total output." This word is useful when writing about companies and their production in Task 2 essays. For example, "The Factor's output has increased this year" or "helps to increase the output of companies".
Intellect [7:08]
"Intellect" refers to the ability to think and understand, with intelligence as a synonym. Common collocations include "his intellect," "her intellect," or "a child's intellect." This word is particularly useful in questions about education, especially concerning children. For example, "Her sharp intellect makes her a great scientist" or "Educational programs on television can help a child's intellect".
Incentives [8:00]
"Incentives" are things that encourage you to do something, with synonyms like motivation, reward, and encouragement. Common collocations include "provide incentives" or "offer incentives." This word often comes up when discussing education or how companies are run. For example, "The company offers Financial incentives to its best workers" or "if they are given incentives they are more likely to take the time to vote".
Irrespective [9:14]
"Irrespective" means without considering something, with synonyms like regardless and despite. As an adverb, the most common collocation is "irrespective of," followed by the thing being ignored. This word is useful when balancing or considering two views, especially in conclusions. For example, "Irrespective of the outcome, we must try our best" or "adult life brings more joy because of Life fulfillment irrespective of more responsibilities".
Fundamental [10:06]
"Fundamental" means important, with synonyms like important, essential, or primary. As an adjective, common collocations include "fundamental principle" and "fundamental change." This word is a great way to convey the importance of something in your essays. For example, "Learning to read is a fundamental skill for children" or "It is the fundamental right of every human being to have their privacy".
Disclose [11:42]
"Disclose" means to make something known, with synonyms like reveal, show, and tell. As a verb, the most common collocation is "to disclose information." This word is often used when writing about the government and corruption. For example, "The company must disclose any risk to its investors" or "publishing details of Private Affairs discloses the corruption of politicians".
Detrimental [12:23]
"Detrimental" means to cause harm or damage, with synonyms like harmful, damaging, or bad. As an adjective, the most common collocation is "detrimental effect." This word is useful when discussing negative or bad things in your essays. For example, "Smoking has a detrimental effect on health".
Adolescence [13:10]
"Adolescence" refers to young people, typically between the ages of 13 and 19, with "teenager" as a synonym. It's important to use this word carefully and only when writing about teenagers going through puberty. For example, "Adolescents often experience many changes in their lives".
Accountable [14:46]
"Accountable" means responsible for your actions, with synonyms like responsible, answerable, and liable. As an adjective, common collocations include "accountable to something" or "unaccountable for something." This word is often used when writing about people in authority or everyone in general. For example, "Managers should be held accountable for their decisions" or "politicians build Public Image through such news and they could be held accountable for any wrongdoings".
Addressed [15:50]
"Addressed" means to fix an issue or problem, with synonyms like tackled, deal with, handled, and fixed. As a verb, common collocations include "address a problem" or "address an issue." This word can be used in problem-solution essays or in various other ways. For example, "The teacher addressed the issue of bullying in the classroom" or "this can easily be addressed by making people aware and also by making new laws".
Affluence [16:56]
"Affluence" means having a lot of money, with synonyms like wealthy, rich, and prosperous. As an adjective, common collocations include "an affluent society" or "an affluent country." This word is useful when writing about money and people becoming more successful. For example, "many residents have an opportunity to become affluent".
Allocate [17:42]
"Allocate" means to distribute resources or duties, with synonyms like assign, distribute, and allot. As a verb, the most common collocation is "to allocate resources." For example, "The manager will allocate resources for the new project" or "they decided to allocate at least 40% of their leading positions to women".
Awareness [18:13]
"Awareness" means knowledge about something, with synonyms like knowledge or understanding. As a noun, common collocations include "to raise awareness" and "awareness campaigns." These are very useful when talking about solutions to problems. For example, "We need to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking" or "encouraging youth participation in politics and awareness campaigns can be possible solutions to tackle these problems".
Bullying [19:03]
"Bullying" means repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt someone, with synonyms like harassment, intimidation, and abuse. It can be used as a noun or a verb. Common collocations include "school bullying" and "cyber bullying." For example, "School bullying can seriously affect a child's self-esteem" or "the increase of cyber bullying and hate crimes".
Burden [19:38]
"Burden" means a heavy load or responsibility, with synonyms like load or responsibility. As a noun, the most common collocations are "heavy burden" and "financial burden." For example, "The financial burden of college can be overwhelming for some students" or "cope with the financial burden of buying new clothes".
Capabilities [20:28]
"Capabilities" refers to the ability to do something, with synonyms like abilities, skills, or talents. Common collocations include "their capabilities" or "its capabilities." For example, "The company's technological capabilities are impressive" or "exceed their physical capabilities".
Commonly [21:29]
"Commonly" means frequently or usually, with synonyms like often, usually, and regularly. As an adverb, a common collocation is "commonly used." For example, "This word is commonly used in academic writing" or "it can be commonly seen in many schools".
Consumption [22:04]
"Consumption" refers to the act of using something, with synonyms like use and usage. As a noun, common collocations include "energy consumption," "human consumption," and "consumption of." For example, "Reducing energy consumption can help protect the environment" or "sold to supermarkets and butchers for human consumption".
Competence [22:57]
"Competence" is the ability to do something well, with synonyms like ability, skill, and proficiency. As a noun, common collocations include "professional competence" and "competence in something." For example, "Her professional competence was evident in her excellent work" or "companies would reach a higher competence level".
Corruption [23:42]
"Corruption" means dishonest or illegal behavior by those in power, with synonyms like dishonesty, fraud, and bribery. As a noun, the most common collocation is "political corruption." For example, "The investigation revealed widespread political corruption" or "eventually exposing his corruption with the public money".
Downsides/Drawbacks [24:47]
"Downsides" and "drawbacks" both refer to the negative aspects of something, with synonyms like disadvantages and negatives. Both are nouns. The most common collocation for "downsides" is "potential downsides," and for "drawbacks," it's "major drawbacks." For example, "The potential downsides of the new policy include increased costs" or "One of the major drawbacks of this method is its high cost".
Deficiency [25:47]
"Deficiency" refers to a lack of something, with synonyms like a lack, a shortage, or an insufficiency. As a noun, a common collocation is "a vitamin deficiency" or "deficiency in." For example, "A vitamin deficiency can cause health problems" or "without meat people may have a protein deficiency".
Embrace [26:39]
"Embrace" means to accept something with enthusiasm, with synonyms like accept, welcome, and adopt. As a verb, the most common collocation is "to embrace change." For example, "We need to embrace change to stay competitive" or "gain knowledge and embrace other cultures".
Enhance [27:23]
"Enhance" means to improve something, with synonyms like improve, boost, and increase. As a verb, common collocations include "to enhance performance" or "enhanced by." For example, "The new software will enhance our performance" or "it helps to enhance confidence".
Emissions [28:04]
"Emissions" refers to gases or substances sent out into the air, most commonly carbon dioxide emissions. A synonym is output, and it is a noun. Common collocations include "carbon emissions" or "carbon dioxide emissions" and "reduce emissions." For example, "Reducing carbon emissions is vital to combat climate change" or "carbon emissions can be reduced".
Establishments [28:49]
"Establishments" refers to a business or an organization, with synonyms like institutions, organizations, and firms. It is a noun. The most common collocation, especially for writing task 2 essays, is "educational establishments." For example, "Universities are important educational establishments".
Expenditure [29:35]
"Expenditure" means money spent on something, with synonyms like spending, costs, or outlay. It is a noun and is often associated with government expenditure or public expenditure. For example, "Government expenditure on Health Care is increasing" or "the increase in expenditure of organizations".
Exceed [30:34]
"Exceed" means to go beyond a limit or standard, with synonyms like surpass, go beyond, or outdo. It is a verb. The common collocations are "exceed expectations" or "exceed a number." For example, "The team managed to exceed expectations this quarter" or "exceed their physical capabilities".
Harassment [31:07]
"Harassment" means aggressive pressure or intimidation, with synonyms like bullying, intimidation, or abuse. It is a noun. Common collocations are "workplace harassment" and "sexual harassment." For example, "The company has policies to prevent workplace harassment" or "the sexual harassment allegations against him".
Hence [32:29]
"Hence" means for this reason or therefore, with synonyms like therefore, thus, and so. It is an adverb. A common collocation is "hence the need" or "hence the need for." For example, "The project is behind schedule, hence the need for extra workers" or "hence the more sports facilities will be available to the public".
Informative [33:51]
"Informative" means to provide useful information, with synonyms like educational, enlightening, and instructive. It is an adjective and is normally used within educational contexts to describe programs, courses, or TV shows. For example, "The lecture was very informative and helped me understand the topic better" or "kids who watch informative and educational shows learn to solve problems".
Infrastructure [34:30]
"Infrastructure" means the basic systems and structures needed for a society or organization. A synonym is a system, and it is a noun. Common collocations are "transport infrastructure" and "infrastructure projects." For example, "Good transport infrastructure is essential for economic growth" or "good infrastructure".
Insights [35:04]
"Insights" refers to the understanding or knowledge about something, with synonyms like understandings, perceptions, and intuition. It is a noun. Common collocations are "valuable insights" and "provide insights into." For example, "The survey provided valuable insights into customer preferences" or "lessons at school can provide children with valuable insights".
Insufficient [35:33]
"Insufficient" means not enough, often related to money or resources, with synonyms like inadequate, lacking, and deficient. It is an adjective. The most common collocation is "insufficient funds" or "insufficient resources." For example, "The project was cancelled due to insufficient funds" or "insufficient support for the poorest".
Innate [36:03]
"Innate" means existing from birth or is natural, with synonyms like inborn, inherent, and natural. It is an adjective. The most common collocation is "innate ability." For example, "She has an innate ability to learn languages quickly" or "combine their innate ability with hard work".
Inappropriate [36:47]
"Inappropriate" means not suitable or proper, with synonyms like unsuitable, improper, and unfit. It is an adjective. The most common collocation is "inappropriate behavior." For example, "His inappropriate behavior at the meeting was not acceptable" or "inappropriate clothes for their work".
Merit [37:30]
"Merit" means the quality of being good or worthy, with synonyms including worth, value, and excellence. It is a noun. Common collocations are "academic Merit" or "on Merit." For example, "Scholarships are often given based on academic Merit" or "selecting employees should be based on Merit".
Mediocre [38:37]
"Mediocre" means not very good or pretty average, with synonyms including average, ordinary, and so-so. It is an adjective. For example, "His performance was mediocre, not meeting expectations" or "Star athletes who started off as mediocre in the beginning".
Notable [39:53]
"Notable" means worthy of attention or important, with synonyms like remarkable, significant, or noteworthy. It is an adjective. Common collocations are "a notable achievement," "a notable exception," and "a notable example." For example, "Her notable achievements in science earned her several Awards" or "notable people's lives will be in danger".
Numerous [40:54]
"Numerous" means many in number, with synonyms including many, several, and various. It is an adjective. A common collocation is "numerous times." For example, "She has traveled to Paris numerous times" or "workforce in numerous developed Nations".
Peers [41:37]
"Peers" are people of the same age or status, with synonyms including equals, colleagues, and contemporaries. It is a noun. Common collocations are "peer pressure" and "their peers." For example, "Adolescents often face peer pressure from their peers" or "outperform their peers on tests".
Phenomenon [42:27]
"Phenomenon" means something that happens or exists, especially something unusual or interesting, with synonyms including event, occurrence, and happening. It is a noun. Common collocations are "natural phenomenon" and "social phenomenon." For example, "The northern lights are a natural phenomenon" or "This phenomenon may result in younger people being apathetic towards politics".
Proportion [42:36]
"Proportion" means a part of a whole or a percentage, with synonyms like part, portion, or fraction. It is a noun. Common collocations are "large proportion" or "small proportion." For example, "A large proportion of the population supports the new law" or "a certain proportion of these vacancies should be allocated to females".
Revenue [44:48]
"Revenue" means income from business or government activities, with synonyms like Income, earnings, and profits. It is a noun. Common collocations are "annual revenue," "revenue from," and "tax revenue." For example, "The company's annual revenue has grown steadily" or "States generate lots of Revenue".
Resent [46:01]
"Resent" means to feel angry or bitter about something, with synonyms like begrudge, dislike, or be annoyed by. It is a verb. Common collocations are "resent the implication" or "resent the fact." For example, "He began to resent the implication that he was not working hard enough" or "children will not resent them".
Sector [46:41]
"Sector" means parts or divisions of a larger group or area, with synonyms like divisions, segments, or areas. It is a noun. Common collocations are "the public sector," "the private sector," and "the voluntary sector." For example, "The public sector employs many people in healthc care and education" or "science and Technology sectors".
Workforce [47:29]
"Workforce" means all the people who work in a company or country, with synonyms like staff, employees, and labor force. It is a noun. A common collocation is "a skilled Workforce." For example, "A skilled Workforce is key to a company success" or "they employ a large Workforce".
Gifted [47:53]
"Gifted" means having a special talent or ability, with synonyms like talented, skilled, and exceptional. It is an adjective. The common collocation is "a gifted child" or "gifted children." For example, "The school has programs for gifted children in the Arts and Sciences" or "children who are gifted with a particular born Talent".
Nutritional [48:38]
"Nutritional" means relating to the nutrients in food, with synonyms like dietary, nutritious, and nourishing. It is an adjective. Common collocations are "nutritional value" and "nutritional deficiencies." For example, "It is important to consider the nutritional value of your diet" or "vegetarian diets may cause nutritional deficiencies".
Thrive [49:18]
"Thrive" means to grow or develop well, with synonyms including flourish, prosper, and succeed. It is a verb. A common collocation for this word is "to thrive in." For example, "Children thrive in a loving and supporting environment" or "people to thrive in some areas like music or Sports".
Unsafe [50:04]
"Unsafe" means not safe or dangerous, with synonyms including dangerous, risky, or hazardous. It is an adjective. A very common collocation is "unsafe conditions." For example, "The building was evacuated due to unsafe conditions" or "creates an unsafe environment".
Unwind [51:14]
"Unwind" means to relax after work or some kind of tension, with synonyms including relax, rest, or de-stress. It is a verb. An uncommmon collocation is "unwind after." For example, "It is important to unwind after a long day at work" or "it helps people to unwind".