To do well on the IELTS vocabulary section, candidates should focus on academic or social/workplace-related vocabulary depending on the test type. Using past papers and vocabulary enrichment books, practicing online tests, and immersing oneself in English language activities are all helpful strategies.
Doing well on the vocabulary section of the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS vocabulary, is a matter of strategy and study. Candidates for the academic portion of the test would do well to focus on the academic word lists that have been compiled specifically for this purpose, in addition to the broader resources. Candidates for the general IELTS test would do better to focus on vocabulary related to social and workplace contexts.
The IELTS is an English language proficiency test, divided into four components – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Doing well on the IELTS vocabulary is very similar to doing well on any vocabulary test. Access to past test papers is invaluable as the vocabulary is often repeated over the years. It may be that the same words are not used for a year or two, but then there is a tendency towards recycling in most test papers. Using old papers is also an excellent way to understand the level required for the test.
It is recommended that you use a vocabulary enrichment book, especially those written specifically to cater for IELTS stakeholders. Depending on what level the test taker is at, up to an hour a day of vocabulary work should yield results. There are books available that cover all sections of the test including vocabulary and also those that focus only on IELTS vocabulary. For less disciplined students who find it difficult to work on their own, a course may be a better bet.
There are online vocabulary tests that can be used to practice relevant vocabulary. The Internet is an invaluable resource for IELTS vocabulary success in other ways as well. Reading newspapers and listening to online news broadcasts opens your mind to world issues and the level of vocabulary used in serious media is an interesting way to study for IELTS. Any unfamiliar words that keep appearing in reports are likely to be important words for everyday communication and therefore should be noted down and researched for meaning.
Other indirect methods of preparing for IELTS vocabulary are other reading or listening activities. Reading an interesting fiction or non-fiction book is a generally painless way to absorb new vocabulary, like watching movies or listening to music without subtitles. Any activity that requires English language immersion will help the IELTS test taker not only pass the test, but also improve their level for the professional or personal life they want to pursue in an English-speaking country.
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