IELTS Reading Vocabulary

40 Common Vocabulary Words in IELTS Reading

Here are 101 common vocabulary words often encountered in IELTS reading exams, along with their definitions and examples:

  1. Analyse (verb): Examine something methodically in detail, typically for the purpose of explanation or interpretation.
    Example: In the essay, the author analyses the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
  2. Approach (noun/verb): A way of dealing with something or a method of doing something.
    Example: The government is considering a new approach to tackling unemployment.
  3. Assess (verb): Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
    Example: Teachers regularly assess students’ progress through tests and assignments.
  4. Assumption (noun): A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
    Example: The report is based on the assumption that crime rates will continue to rise.
  5. Contrast (noun/verb): The state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association.
    Example: The contrast between the two political parties’ policies was evident during the debate.
  6. Contribution (noun): The act of giving or doing something.
    Example: Her contribution to the project was crucial for its success.
  7. Define (verb): State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of.
    Example: The dictionary defines “democracy” as a system of government by the whole population.
  8. Demonstrate (verb): Show by example.
    Example: The scientist demonstrated the effects of gravity using a simple experiment.
  9. Distinguish (verb): Recognize or treat (someone or something) as different.
    Example: It’s important to distinguish between facts and opinions in a research paper.
  10. Emerge (verb): Move out of or away from something and come into view.
    Example: The sun emerged from behind the clouds, brightening the sky.
  11. Emphasis (noun): Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
    Example: The speaker placed great emphasis on the need for environmental conservation.
  12. Enable (verb): Make possible or easy.
    Example: The new software will enable us to track inventory more efficiently.
  13. Establish (verb): Set up (an organization, system, or set of rules) on a firm or permanent basis.
    Example: The company was established in 1995 and has since grown into a global enterprise.
  14. Evaluate (verb): Form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.
    Example: The teacher evaluates students’ essays based on clarity, organization, and content.
  15. Evidence (noun): The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
    Example: There is overwhelming evidence to support the theory of evolution.
  16. Examine (verb): Inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition.
    Example: The doctor will examine your throat to see if you have strep throat.
  17. Explain (verb): Make (an idea or situation) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
    Example: The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis to her students.
  18. Factor (noun): A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome.
    Example: One factor contributing to global warming is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
  19. Identify (verb): Establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is.
    Example: Can you identify the main themes in the novel?
  20. Illustrate (verb): Provide (a book, newspaper, etc.) with pictures.
    Example: The textbook is illustrated with diagrams and photographs.
  21. Implication (noun): The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.
    Example: The implication of her statement was that she would resign if her demands were not met.
  22. Indicate (verb): Point out; show.
    Example: The signpost indicates the direction to the nearest town.
  23. Interpret (verb): Explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions).
    Example: The judge must interpret the law as it applies to this particular case.
  24. Method (noun): A particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one.
    Example: The scientific method involves observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.
  25. Obtain (verb): Get, acquire, or secure (something).
    Example: It can be difficult to obtain accurate information in a fast-paced environment.
  26. Percent (noun): A fraction or ratio with a denominator of 100.
    Example: Seventy-five percent of the students passed the exam.
  27. Principle (noun): A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. Example: Honesty is one of the guiding principles of his life.
  28. Process (noun): A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
    Example: The process of photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy.
  29. Role (noun): The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation.
    Example: What role does technology play in shaping our society?
  30. Structure (noun): The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
    Example: The structure of the molecule determines its properties and behavior.
  31. Theory (noun): A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
    Example: The theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.
  32. Underlying (adjective): Existing beneath or at the deepest level.
    Example: There may be underlying reasons for his sudden change in behavior.
  33. Beneficial (adjective): Favorable or advantageous; resulting in good.
    Example: Regular exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
  34. Capacity (noun): The maximum amount that something can contain or produce.
    Example: The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 people.
  35. Characteristic (noun): A feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it.
    Example: One characteristic of tropical climates is high humidity.
  36. Community (noun): A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
    Example: The local community organized a clean-up event in the park.
  37. Consequence (noun): A result or effect of an action or condition.
    Example: The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly severe.
  38. Constitute (verb): Be (a part) of a whole.
    Example: These factors constitute the main reasons for the decline in bee populations.
  39. Criteria (noun): A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
    Example: The selection committee has established strict criteria for the scholarship applications.
  40. Cultural (adjective): Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
    Example: Learning about different cultural traditions can promote understanding and tolerance.

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