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10 High-Scoring IELTS Vocabulary Words You Should Actually Use (and How to Use Them Naturally)

  • Sep 14
  • 4 min read

When preparing for the IELTS exam, vocabulary plays a crucial role in boosting your score. Many learners rely solely on lists of high-scoring words, but understanding how to use these words naturally in conversation and writing is key. This post highlights ten high-scoring IELTS vocabulary words, providing context and relevant examples to help you incorporate them into your language use seamlessly.


Close-up view of a book open to a page filled with notes and highlights
An open book with highlighted text and notes

Let’s jump in!


1. Ubiquitous


Meaning: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.


Using "ubiquitous" can elevate your language, especially when discussing trends or phenomena.


Example Sentence: "Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, with approximately 80% of the global population owning one."


Think about how certain items or ideas saturate everyday life—this is where "ubiquitous" fits perfectly.


2. Alleviate


Meaning: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.


This word is particularly useful when discussing solutions or improvements.


Example Sentence: "The new policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families by providing direct assistance to over 2 million households."


Use "alleviate" when talking about reducing issues or challenges, particularly in social or economic contexts.


3. Cognizant


Meaning: Having knowledge or being aware of.


Being cognizant is crucial in discussions about awareness and understanding.


Example Sentence: "It’s important to be cognizant of the cultural differences when traveling to countries with distinct traditions, such as Japan and India."


Utilize "cognizant" to express awareness in various contexts, from personal experiences to broader societal issues.


4. Mitigate


Meaning: To make less severe, serious, or painful.


"Mitigate" is often used in discussions about risks or negative impacts.


Example Sentence: "The government is investing over $500 million to mitigate the effects of climate change, focusing on renewable energy and conservation projects."


When discussing strategies or actions, "mitigate" conveys a proactive approach to problem-solving.


5. Paradigm


Meaning: A typical example or pattern of something; a model.


This word is great for discussions about theories or frameworks.


Example Sentence: "The new research challenges the existing paradigm in the field of psychology, suggesting a need for a shift towards more holistic approaches."


Use "paradigm" when discussing shifts in thinking or approaches in diverse fields such as science, education, or sociology.


6. Empirical


Meaning: Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.


"Empirical" is useful in academic discussions or when presenting evidence.


Example Sentence: "The study provides empirical evidence collected from over 5,000 participants to support the hypothesis that exercise improves mental health."


Incorporate "empirical" when discussing research findings or practical applications of theories.


7. Inherent


Meaning: Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.


This word is often used to describe qualities or traits.


Example Sentence: "There are inherent risks involved in investing in the stock market, with studies showing that about 20% of investors lose money."


Use "inherent" to discuss qualities that are fundamental to a subject or situation, such as risks or benefits.


8. Juxtapose


Meaning: To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.


"Juxtapose" is excellent for discussions about comparisons or contrasts.


Example Sentence: "The artist juxtaposes light and dark colors in her paintings to create a striking visual effect, capturing the viewers' attention."


Incorporate "juxtapose" when discussing comparisons in art, literature, or everyday situations.


9. Resilient


Meaning: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.


This word is particularly relevant in discussions about personal growth or challenges.


Example Sentence: "Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for, with studies indicating that around 70% of kids bounce back following challenging situations."


Use "resilient" to describe the ability to recover from adversity in various contexts, from personal experiences to community initiatives.


10. Sustainable


Meaning: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; avoiding depletion of natural resources.


"Sustainable" is a key term in discussions about the environment and development.


Example Sentence: "The company is committed to sustainable practices, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% within the next five years."


Incorporate "sustainable" when discussing practices or solutions that are environmentally friendly or long-lasting.


Practice Exercise


Now that you’ve learned these high-scoring vocabulary words, it’s time to practice!


Fill in the Blanks


  1. The rise of social media has made misinformation __________, affecting public opinion.

  2. To __________ the impact of poverty, community programs are being implemented.


  3. Being __________ of your surroundings can enhance your travel experience.


  4. Scientists are working to __________ the risks associated with new technologies.


  5. The shift in educational __________ has led to new teaching methods.


  6. The research is based on __________ data collected over several years.


  7. There are __________ challenges that come with urban living.


  8. The author __________ themes of love and loss in her latest novel.


  9. Many people find that they are more __________ than they initially believed.


10. The goal is to create a __________ future for the next generation.


Answers


  1. ubiquitous

  2. alleviate

  3. cognizant

  4. mitigate

  5. paradigm

  6. empirical

  7. inherent

  8. juxtaposes

  9. resilient

10. sustainable


Final Thoughts


Incorporating high-scoring vocabulary into your IELTS preparation can significantly enhance your speaking and writing skills. By understanding the context and usage of words like "ubiquitous," "alleviate," and "sustainable," you can express your ideas more clearly and effectively.


Remember, the key to sounding natural is to practice using these words in your everyday conversations. So, don’t just memorize the list—make these words a part of your language toolkit. Happy studying, and good luck with your IELTS preparation!




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