Top 20 Vocabulary for IELTS For Band 7 Or Higher
Are you aiming for a high score on your IELTS exam? If so, mastering key vocabulary for IELTS is crucial. Vocabulary plays a significant role in both the speaking and writing sections, and having a strong command of words can make all the difference in achieving a band 7 or higher.
In this blog, we will introduce you to the top 20 vocabulary words for IELTS that can help you with your upcoming exams. These words are not only useful but also commonly tested. Whether you’re just starting your preparation or looking to refine your skills, this list of vocabulary for IELTS is essential for your aim. Let’s get started!
Top 20 Vocabulary for IELTS
Topic Education
- Curriculum
Next, we have a word about the subjects in a school or college and what each subject includes.
Example 1: The school revises its curriculum yearly to input more technology courses.
Example 2: Curriculum is very important which decides if the knowledge is updated.
- Cognitive
“Cognitive” is a vocabulary for IELTS that is used to say when things are connected with thinking or mental processes.
Example 1: Our school focuses on cognitive development when designing lessons.
Example 2: Cognitive skills are important for problem-solving.
- Didactic
This adjective is used to describe the aim of teaching, especially for a moral lesson.
Example 1: She has a didactic approach to teaching.
Example 2: Didactic lessons helped students understand what are the right things to do.
- Pedagogy
This is one of the most common vocabulary for IELTS, which means the study of the methods and activities of teaching.
Example 1: She always tries to find new pedagogy to make her students more interested in lessons.
Example 2: Modern pedagogy focuses on students’ learning experiences, not results.
- Proficiency
The next vocabulary for IELTS is commonly used as the fact of having the skill and experience for doing something.
Example 1: Students must show proficiency in mathematics to advance.
Example 2: She is outstanding among students in the class thanks to her English proficiency.
- Algorithm
The Algorithm is used to describe a step-by-step set of rules or instructions for solving a problem or completing a task, especially by a computer.
Example 1: The app’s algorithm recommends videos based on your interests.
Example 2: I don’t understand Facebook algorithms, and don’t know how Facebook works.
Being a common topic in the IELTS exams, this term shows the process of using computers to do tasks that usually need human intelligence.
Example 1: Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries by automating complex tasks.
Example 2: The development of AI brings both advantages and disadvantages.

- Cybersecurity
This term is used to talk about the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from online threats.
Example 1: Strong passwords are important for cybersecurity.
Example 2: More and more companies pay attention to cybersecurity to prevent data hacking.
- E-commerce
E-commerce or electronic commerce is a vocabulary for IELTS describing companies or individuals that buy/sell products/services over the internet.
Example 1: Some of the most popular e-commerce platforms are Amazon, eBay, Shopee, etc.
Example 2: Many businesses use e-commerce to reach customers worldwide.

- Internet of Things (IoT)
It is a network of physical devices connected to the internet, allowing them to collect and share data.
Example 1: The Internet of Things allows smart home devices to communicate.
Example 2: IoT enables real-time monitoring and control.
Topic Environment
- Biodiversity
Usually appearing in the IELTS exams, biodiversity is used to describe the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example 1: The rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity, there are many species.
Example 2: Protecting biodiversity is the most important task for the government.
- Carbon footprint
The next vocabulary for IELTS shows the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities.
Example 1: Reducing your carbon footprint can help fight climate change.
Example 2: Walking instead of driving is one way to lower your carbon footprint.
- Deforestation
This term describes the clearing or thinning of forests by humans by, for example, cutting down trees.
Example 1: Deforestation can lead to loss of wildlife habitats.
Example 2: Efforts are being made to combat deforestation through replanting programs.

- Ecosystem
It is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Example 1: Climate change is affecting ecosystems around the world.
Example 2: With a lot of plants and animals living here, the ecosystem in this forest is amazing.
- Sustainability
The next vocabulary for IELTS shows the quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.
Example 1: The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Example 2: Sustainability is a must to compromise the ability of future generations to have a healthy living habitat.
Topic Health
- Health-conscious
Being health-conscious means paying attention to what you eat, how much you exercise, and making decisions that help you stay well.
Example 1: She is health-conscious, so she has a balanced diet and exercises every day.
Example 2: Being health-conscious is being careful in considering what you will eat daily
- Immunity
It is the protection against a disease or illness by particular substances in the blood.
Example 1: Vaccines help boost your immunity to certain diseases.
Example 2: Good nutrition is important for maintaining strong immunity.
- Nutrition
This term is used to talk about the substances that you take into your body as food and the way that they affect your health.
Example 1: Good nutrition is essential if patients are to make a quick recovery.
Example 2: There are children out there lacking the nutrition needed to grow healthy.
- Pandemic
Perhaps this is a vocabulary for IELTS that has been widely used in the past few years, which describes a disease that spreads across a large region, or even worldwide.
Example 1: The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people globally.
Example 2: Vaccination is crucial in controlling a pandemic.
- Sedentary
This adjective describes a lifestyle that involves little exercise or physical activity.
Example 1: My doctor says I should start playing sports because my lifestyle is too sedentary.
Example 2: It is an alarming situation that there are more and more people are becoming sedentary.
Road to IELTS Band 7 or Higher
Practicing these top 20 vocabulary for IELTS daily can improve your chances of achieving a Band 7 or higher. But remember, it is not just about knowing the words – it’s about using them effectively in your speaking. To truly master this vocabulary for IELTS, regular practice is key.
That’s where ELSA Speak comes in. ELSA Speak is an AI-powered English-speaking coach that helps you improve your pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary. By practicing with ELSA, you can ensure that these IELTS words become a natural part of your language skills. Moreover, ELSA Speak provides you with IELTS courses which makes it easier than ever to prepare for the IELTS exam and achieve your desired score.
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