Can I have a list of IELTS Vocabulary?

There isn’t an official list of words for IELTS because the test measures general English ability and not memorisation of specific words. So, all English words, phrases, collocations, and expressions are potentially relevant to the test depending on what topic you are discussing, and the context of what you want to communicate.

Having said that, there are some practical ways to build a strong set of vocabulary for the test.

A good starting point is to read and listen to English every day. When you come across new words or phrases, write them in your vocabulary notebook. Look up definitions, write example sentences, and note common collocations. It’s also worth doing the same with academic words that are used more in academic writing. The example answers on our site for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays are a good source of academic language and so are the mock test Reading texts, especially those for IELTS Academic Training.

You should also focus on topic-specific vocabulary. The IELTS Reading texts and example answers for speaking and writing on the site often use words related to common IELTS topics like the environment, technology, health, and education. Try writing these words down in your notebook, organised by topic, and then try expanding your knowledge of vocabulary in these common topical areas.

You can also learn language based on functions that you may need to perform using English. For example, if a question in the test requires you to make suggestions about something, you can learn phrases such as “Well, I’d recommend …” or “If it was me, I’d …”. You can then combine this functional language with the topic-specific language to discuss many different topics. This is especially useful for the IELTS Speaking test.

Of course, you will need to do more than write down new words. You will also need to use the words actively. So, practise including new language in your Speaking and Writing tasks at every opportunity. The more you use a word correctly, the more likely you are to remember it.

Finally, remember that the real IELTS vocabulary list is the one you make for yourself. Daily study and practice will gradually expand your vocabulary and help you feel more confident on test day.