HOW TO BUILD VOCABULARY FOR THE IELTS EXAM

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

Vocabulary is an important part of the IELTS exam as it directly affects your performance in the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections. It helps you understand complex texts, express your ideas clearly, and respond confidently to questions. However, the process of learning new words is not easy, and the right strategies are required. This article discusses practical ways to build and expand your vocabulary for the IELTS exam.

Memorizing word lists is not enough; you need to understand how words are used in reality. Reading newspapers, magazines, and books can help you see words in context. Some of the best sources for vocabulary for the IELTS exam include:

 

BBC News – Great for formal and academic vocabulary.

The Guardian – Facilitates in understanding different styles of writing.

Cambridge IELTS Books – Provides vocabulary for the IELTS exam.

TED Talks – Exposes you to diverse topics and academic language to get some insight into vocabulary for the IELTS exam. The TEDX videos can be found on YouTube.
Aeon Essays– Informative essays of 6000-7000 words about philosophy, science, psychology, society, and culture. 

When reading, make a habit of noting down new words along with their meanings and example sentences to learn new vocabulary for the IELTS exam.

We would suggest keeping a Vocabulary journal/diary to reinforce learning for vocabulary for the IELTS exam. Write down new words, their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. Organize words into categories such as:

 

Education (curriculum, syllabus, academic, discipline)

Environment (pollution, conservation, sustainability, ecosystem)

Technology (innovation, artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity)

Review your notes regularly and use the words in your speaking and writing practice to learn vocabulary for the IELTS exam

Flashcards are one of the effective ways to memorize and recall vocabulary for the IELTS exam. Physical flashcards or digital apps to learn vocabulary for IELTS exam, such as:

 

Anki – A customizable flashcard app with spaced repetition.

Quizlet – Allows you to create and review word lists.

Memrise – Provides interactive vocabulary courses.

Using flashcards daily will help you remember vocabulary for the IELTS exam more effectively.

IELTS tests your ability to express ideas in more ways. Don’t use words repeatedly, but say words through synonyms and alternatives. For example,

 

Important → crucial, essential, significant, vital

Increase → rise, surge, grow, expand

Problem → issue, challenge, obstacle, difficulty

Practicing paraphrasing will help in both the Writing and Speaking sections and will benefit in learning vocabulary for IELTS exam.

Listening to English audio sources will improve your understanding of word usage and pronunciation can help you learn vocabulary for IELTS exam. Some great listening resources include:

• BBC Learning English – Short lessons with explanations.
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests – Available on the official IELTS website.
• Podcasts (e.g., The English We Speak, The British Council Podcast) – Helps with casual and academic vocabulary.

After listening, try using new words in your own sentences to learn vocabulary for IELTS exam. Speaking regularly in English is the best way to internalize vocabulary for IELTS exam. You can:

• Join language exchange programs.
• Participate in IELTS speaking forums and online groups such as HighBrow coaching.
• Practice with friends or record yourself speaking on different IELTS topics.

The more you use new words in conversation, the more naturally they will come to you during the exam. While these are some common techniques you can use, we would also suggest relying on Mnemonics to learn new vocabulary for IELTS exam. Example:-

Gregarious (meaning sociable) → Imagine “Greg” at a party talking to everyone.

Tenacious (meaning determined) → Think of “ten” athletes never giving up in a race.

Building a strong vocabulary for IELTS exam requires consistent effort and practice. By reading regularly, keeping a vocabulary notebook, using flashcards, listening to English content, engaging in conversations, and practicing writing, you can expand your word bank effectively. The key is not just to learn new words but to actively use them in context. With dedication and the right strategies, you can improve your vocabulary and boost your IELTS score. 

BY JANVI