We have two types of IELTS test: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to enter universities or other higher education institutions, while the General Training test is for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or work in a professional setting.
IELTS academic vocabulary contains the specific set of words that are frequently used in academic contexts. These words are essential for students who are planning to take the IELTS Academic test, as they will be tested on their ability to understand and use this vocabulary in their reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks.
IELTS Academic Vocabulary
Here are some examples of IELTS academic vocabulary based on category:
| Category | Words (25) |
|---|---|
| Nouns | Phenomenon, Analysis, Methodology, Hypothesis, Conclusion, Implication, Paradigm, Anomaly, Discourse, Framework, Perspective, Tendency, Corollary, Axiomatic, Empirical evidence, Intangible concept, Heterogeneous group, Homogeneous population, Nomenclature system, Apparatus (equipment), Terminology (specific words), Proposition (theory), Delineation (description), Postulate (assumption), Dichotomy (division) |
| Verbs | Investigate, Evaluate, Analyze, Critique, Argue, Hypothesize, Substantiate, Refute, Correlate, Delineate (describe), Postulate (suggest), Categorize, Emphasize, Confer (discuss), Illustrate (explain), Acknowledge, Differentiate, Negotiate, Formulate (express), Synthesize (combine), Evaluate, Deduce (conclude), Induce (persuade), Extrapolate (infer), Implement (put into action) |
| Adjectives | Significant, Relevant, Critical, Controversial, Complex, Comprehensive, Concise, Abstract, Concrete, Objective, Subjective, Vague, Ambiguous, Implicit, Explicit, Novel (new), Paradigm (typical), Equivocal (ambiguous), Hypothetical, Empirical, Theoretical, Methodological, Quantitative, Qualitative, Limited (restricted) |
| Adverbs | Consequently (as a result), Furthermore (additionally), However (in contrast), Conversely (on the other hand), Nevertheless (in spite of that), Significantly (importantly), Subsequently (later), Evidently (clearly), Presumably (supposedly), Potentially (possibly), Inevitably (unavoidably), Conversely (on the other hand), Paradoxical (seemingly contradictory), Ironically (in a way that is contrary to what is expected), Generally (in most cases), Gradually (slowly), Substantially (considerably), Comparatively (in relation to something else), Ultimately (in the end), Conversely (on the other hand), Ethically (morally), Logically (using reason), Systematically (in a planned way), Chronologically (in order of time), Theoretically (in theory) |
It’s the right time to learn about some more academic IELTS words related to different academic areas. Now it’s your task to sort them under different categories.
Table 1: Research and Analysis
| Analysis | Methodology |
| Framework | Hypothesis |
| Data | Conclusion |
| Implication | Anomaly |
| Paradigm | Empirical evidence |
| Quantitative | Qualitative |
| Literature review | Correlation |
| Deduction | Extrapolate |
| Variables | Validity |
| Reliability | Ethical considerations |
Table 2: Communication and Argument
| Left Column | Right Column |
|---|---|
| Discourse | Argue |
| Critique | Substantiate |
| Refute | Counterargument |
| Persuasive | Objective |
| Subjective | Elicit |
| Ambiguous | Explicit |
| Connotation | Denotation |
| Logical fallacy | Analogy |
| Rhetoric | Tone |
| Cohesive | Coherent |
| Left Column | Right Column |
|---|---|
| Community | Culture |
| Socialization | Stratification |
| Deviance | Social mobility |
| Equity | Access |
| Pedagogy | Curriculum |
| Assessment | Learning styles |
| Motivation | Engagement |
| Inclusion | Differentiation |
| Literacy | Numeracy |
| Critical thinking | Problem-solving skills |
Table 4: Business and Economics
| Left Column | Right Column |
|---|---|
| Market | Consumer |
| Supply and demand | Investment |
| Financial literacy | Cost-benefit analysis |
| Marketing strategy | Globalization |
| Sustainability | Ethical business practices |
| Human resources | Management |
| Innovation | Entrepreneurship |
| Competition | Monopoly |
| Economic development | Fiscal policy |
| Monetary policy |
Table 5: Science and Technology
| Left Column | Right Column |
|---|---|
| Experiment | Hypothesis |
| Independent variable | Dependent variable |
| Observation | Data analysis |
| Scientific method | Theory |
| Technology | Innovation |
| Artificial intelligence | Machine learning |
| Sustainability | Environmental impact |
| Biodiversity | Climate change |
| Ethical considerations | Scientific progress |
Using a wide range of IELTS academic vocabulary in your test will help you to demonstrate your English language proficiency and achieve a higher score. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn IELTS academic vocabulary. You can also find practice tests that will help you to get used to using this vocabulary in an academic context.