1.
IELTS Reading Vocabulary: What is it All About?
IELTS reading vocabulary is a crucial aspect of the exam, which tests your ability to understand and interpret written texts in the English language.
Doing well in IELTS Reading requires a strong vocabulary. It's not about memorising boring lists but understanding a range of words and how to use them. As part of the marking criteria, IELTS assesses your range of vocabulary, known as "Lexical Resource”. It contributes to 25% of your overall IELTS scores.
Here’s what it checks:
- Are you able to grasp the main ideas and key details?
- Are you able to identify the writer's purpose and tone?
- Are you able to make inferences and understand the implied meaning?
- Are you able to recognise and understand different text types?
Basically, it's all about the important words and phrases that you need to know for the reading section of the IELTS exam. Having a good grasp of these words is really important for you to understand the texts and answer the questions well. This includes both academic and general words, as well as the common ones you'll come across.
So, nailing down this vocabulary is key to getting a high score on the reading part of the test.
Now, let’s explore the list of IELTS reading common vocabulary words you need to know.
2.
IELTS Academic Reading Vocabulary List
For the Academic Reading test, you'll find texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Therefore, having an extensive academic vocabulary is key to comprehending the passages effectively.
Here’s the type of vocabulary you can expect:
- You'll need to understand academic language and complex texts.
- Think journal articles, research papers, and that sort of thing.
- You'll need to learn vocabulary related to various subjects like science, technology, and social sciences.
Below is a list of IELTS Reading vocabulary words arranged as per categories/topics!
Topic Wise IELTS Academic Reading Vocabulary List
1. Travel
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Itinerary | A planned route or journey | Our itinerary includes visits to several museums. |
| Excursion | A short journey or trip | We went on an excursion to the nearby island. |
| Baggage | Luggage | Make sure your baggage is not overweight. |
| Destination | The place to which someone is going | Our destination this summer is Paris. |
| Transit | The act of passing through a place | We had a long transit in Istanbul. |
| Tourism | The commercial organisation of holidays | Tourism is the main industry in this region. |
| Passport | An official document for international travel | Don't forget your passport when you travel. |
| Souvenir | A thing kept as a reminder of a place | I bought a souvenir from each city I visited. |
| Accommodation | A place where one stays | We booked our accommodation in advance. |
| Expedition | A journey undertaken for a specific purpose | The expedition to the Arctic was challenging. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Check-in | Register at a hotel or airport | We need to check in two hours before the flight. |
| Set off | Begin a journey | We set off early to avoid traffic. |
| Pick up | Collect someone or something | I'll pick you up from the airport. |
| Drop off | Leave someone at a particular place | I’ll drop you off at the hotel. |
| Getaway | Go on vacation | We decided to get away for the weekend. |
| Look around | Explore what is near | We had some time to look around the city. |
| Check out | Leave a hotel | We need to check out by 11 a.m. |
| Take off | Leave the ground (plane) | The plane will take off in 30 minutes. |
| Touch down | Land (plane) | The plane touched down safely. |
| See off | Go to say goodbye at departure | We went to the station to see her off. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Travel light | Travel with minimal luggage | I prefer to travel light and avoid checked bags. |
| Hit the road | Begin a journey | Let's hit the road early in the morning. |
| Off the beaten path | In a remote or less-known location | We found a great little café off the beaten path. |
| Travel bug | Strong desire to travel | After my trip to Europe, I caught the travel bug. |
| Itchy feet | Desire to travel | I've got itchy feet and need to explore. |
| Call it a day | Stop what one has been doing | We decided to call it a day and go back to the hotel. |
| Make tracks | Leave or move quickly | We need to make tracks if we want to catch the train. |
| On the road | Travelling, often for a long period | I've been on the road for three weeks now. |
| Pack one's bags | Get ready to leave | I'm packing my bags for the trip tomorrow. |
| Take in the sights | Visit famous or interesting places | We took in the sights and sounds of the city. |
2. Education
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Curriculum | The subjects comprising a course of study | The school has a diverse curriculum. |
| Syllabus | An outline of the subjects in a course of study | The syllabus for this course is quite extensive. |
| Scholarship | Financial aid awarded to a student | She received a scholarship to study abroad. |
| Pedagogy | The method and practice of teaching | Modern pedagogy focuses on interactive learning. |
| Matriculate | Enrol in a college or university | He matriculated at the university in 2020. |
| Dissertation | A long essay on a particular subject | She is writing her dissertation on mediaeval history. |
| Seminar | A meeting for discussion or training | We attended a seminar on educational technology. |
| Lecturer | A person who gives lectures | The lecturer explained the theory clearly. |
| Tuition | The fee for instruction | Tuition fees are quite high at private universities. |
| Thesis | A statement or theory put forward to be maintained | Her thesis was on the impact of social media. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Brush up | Improve knowledge or skill | I need to brush up on my French before the exam. |
| Drop out | Leave school before completing it | He dropped out of college to start a business. |
| Keep up with | Stay at the same level as | It's hard to keep up with all the assignments. |
| Catch up | Reach the same standard as others | She worked hard to catch up with the class. |
| Read up on | Study or learn by reading | I need to read up on the history of art. |
| Sign up | Enrol in a course or activity | She signed up for a computer science course. |
| Hand in | Submit an assignment | Don’t forget to hand in your essay by Friday. |
| Go over | Review or check something | Let’s go over the main points before the exam. |
| Fall behind | Fail to keep up with the work | He fell behind in his studies after missing classes. |
| Figure out | Understand or solve something | It took me a while to figure out the solution. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Learn the ropes | Learn how to do a particular job or task | It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes. |
| Hit the books | Study hard | I need to hit the books tonight for tomorrow’s test. |
| A quick study | Someone who learns things quickly | Despite having no prior experience with coding, Jane proved to be a quick study, mastering the basics of Python in just a few days. |
| The school of hard knocks | Learning through difficult experiences | He graduated from the school of hard knocks. |
| Bookworm | Someone who reads a lot | My sister is a real bookworm, always reading. |
| Pass with flying colours | Do very well on a test or task | She passed the exam with flying colours. |
| Eager beaver | Someone who is very enthusiastic | He is an eager beaver when it comes to learning new things. |
| A for effort | Recognition for trying hard | He didn’t win but got an A for effort. |
| Make the grade | Meet the required standard | Despite the tough competition, he worked hard and managed to make the grade. |
| Brainstorm | Generate ideas or solutions | We need to brainstorm some new ideas for the project. |
3. The Arts and Culture
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Aesthetic | Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty | The painting has great aesthetic value. |
| Artisan | A worker in a skilled trade | The market was full of artisans selling their crafts. |
| Curator | A keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection | The curator gave us a tour of the exhibition. |
| Exhibition | A public display of works of art or items of interest | The exhibition runs until the end of the month. |
| Genre | A category of artistic composition | My favourite genre of music is jazz. |
| Heritage | Property that is or may be inherited | The city's cultural heritage is very rich. |
| Installation | A work of art consisting of multiple components | The museum's new installation is very intriguing. |
| Sculpture | The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms | The sculpture was carved from marble. |
| Vernissage | A private viewing of paintings before public exhibition | We attended the vernissage of the new gallery. |
| Ephemeral | Lasting for a very short time | Ephemeral art can be quite powerful. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Break down | Analyse in detail | Let’s break down the components of this piece. |
| Bring out | Highlight or emphasise | The new lighting brings out the colours in the painting. |
| Draw on | Use as a resource | The artist draws on personal experiences for inspiration. |
| Give away | Reveal something hidden | The ending of the play gives away the twist. |
| Look up to | Admire or respect | Many young artists look up to him. |
| Pick up | Learn a new skill or information | She picked up painting very quickly. |
| Put together | Assemble or create | They put together a fantastic exhibition. |
| Show off | Display something with pride | The artist loves to show off her latest work. |
| Stand out | Be noticeable | His work stands out because of its bold colours. |
| Work on | Improve or develop | She is working on her next sculpture. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Art for art's sake | Art created for the purpose of beauty alone | He believes in creating art for art's sake. |
| Behind the scenes | Out of public view | The behind-the-scenes tour was fascinating. |
| Brush with fame | A brief encounter with a famous person | She had a brush with fame at the art opening. |
| Cut from the same cloth | Very similar | These two artists are cut from the same cloth. |
| Draw a blank | Fail to get an answer or result | I tried to remember the name but drew a blank. |
| Jump on the bandwagon | Join others in doing something fashionable | He jumped on the bandwagon and started painting too. |
| Picture-perfect | Exactly right in appearance or character | The setting was picture-perfect for the photo shoot. |
| Steal the show | Attract the most attention and praise | Her performance really stole the show. |
| Worth a thousand words | Convey a complex idea better than words | A picture is worth a thousand words. |
| Under the spotlight | Receiving a lot of public attention | The new artist is under the spotlight this season. |
4. Music
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Melody | A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying | The melody of the song is very catchy. |
| Harmony | The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes | The choir sang in perfect harmony. |
| Rhythm | A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound | The rhythm of the drums was infectious. |
| Genre | A category of artistic composition | My favourite genre of music is jazz. |
| Orchestra | A group of instrumentalists | The orchestra played a beautiful symphony. |
| Symphony | An elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra | Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is very famous. |
| Acoustic | Pertaining to sound or the sense of hearing | The band performed an acoustic set. |
| Improvisation | The act of creating something spontaneously | Jazz music often involves a lot of improvisation. |
| Tempo | The speed at which a passage of music is played | The tempo of the piece was very fast. |
| Ballad | A slow song that tells a story | The singer's ballad moved everyone to tears. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Tune in | Watch or listen to a broadcast | Tune in next week for the concert. |
| Play along | Join in playing music | He played along with the band on his guitar. |
| Sing along | Sing with someone else who is already singing | Everyone sang along to the popular song. |
| Join in | Participate in | Feel free to join in with the singing. |
| Fade out | Gradually decrease in volume | The song fades out at the end. |
| Come in | Start playing or singing | The drums come in after the first verse. |
| Belt out | Sing loudly and forcefully | She belted out the high notes perfectly. |
| Break into | Start doing something suddenly | He broke into song unexpectedly. |
| Strike up | Begin to play music | The band struck up a lively tune. |
| Keep time | Maintain the correct tempo | The drummer keeps time for the band. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Face the music | Confront the consequences of one's actions | It's time to face the music and admit your mistake. |
| Music to one's ears | Good news, something one is happy to hear | The news of her promotion was music to her ears. |
| Blow your own trumpet | Boast about one's achievements | He loves to blow his own trumpet about his successes. |
| Change your tune | Change your opinion or attitude | He changed his tune after seeing the benefits. |
| Strike a chord | Cause someone to feel sympathy or enthusiasm | Her speech struck a chord with the audience. |
| Hit the right note | Do something in an appropriate way | The new policy hit the right note with the staff. |
| March to the beat of your own drum | Act independently and uniquely | She marches to the beat of her own drum. |
| Play it by ear | Deal with a situation as it develops | We don’t have a plan; we'll just play it by ear. |
| Sound like a broken record | Repeat something over and over | He sounds like a broken record with his complaints. |
| Strike up the band | Start an activity | Let's strike up the band and get this party started! |
5. Environment and Science
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms | The forest ecosystem is very diverse. |
| Biodiversity | The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat | Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health. |
| Conservation | The protection and preservation of the environment | Conservation efforts are vital for endangered species. |
| Climate | The weather conditions prevailing in an area | Climate change is a pressing global issue. |
| Sustainability | The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Sustainable practices help protect our planet. |
| Renewable | Capable of being renewed | Solar power is a renewable energy source. |
| Habitat | The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or another organism | The wetlands are a critical habitat for many species. |
| Pollutant | A substance that pollutes something | Factories release pollutants into the air and water. |
| Hypothesis | A proposed explanation made based on limited evidence | The hypothesis was tested through experiments. |
| Data | Facts and statistics collected for analysis | The scientist analysed the data from the study. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Break down | Decompose | Organic matter breaks down into compost. |
| Carry out | Conduct | Scientists carry out research on climate change. |
| Clean up | Remove dirt or pollution | Volunteers help clean up the beach. |
| Cut down | Reduce the size, amount, or quantity | We need to cut down on our use of plastic. |
| End up | Finally, reach a state, place, or action | Plastic often ends up in the ocean. |
| Give off | Emit | Cars give off harmful emissions. |
| Run out | Exhaust the supply | We will run out of fossil fuels eventually. |
| Set up | Establish | The lab was set up to study marine life. |
| Take over | Assume control | The invasive species took over the ecosystem. |
| Use up | Consume entirely | We are using up our natural resources too quickly. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Acid test | A crucial test of the value of something | The new policy will be the acid test for the company. |
| A drop in the ocean | A very small amount compared to what is needed | His contribution was just a drop in the ocean. |
| Bite the dust | Fail or come to an end | Many old technologies have bitten the dust. |
| Clear the air | Resolve a problem or disagreement | We need to clear the air about our differences. |
| Footprint | Impact or effect of an activity, especially environmentally | We should reduce our carbon footprint. |
| In hot water | In trouble or difficulty | The company is in hot water over pollution issues. |
| Leave no stone unturned | Try every possible means | Scientists will leave no stone unturned in their research. |
| Make waves | Cause a significant change or controversy | The new discovery is making waves in the scientific community. |
| Out of the blue | Unexpectedly | The findings came out of the blue. |
| Take root | Become established | The idea of conservation has taken root in society. |
6. Books and Films
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Genre | A category of artistic composition | My favourite genre of books is mystery. |
| Protagonist | The main character in a story | The protagonist of the novel is a young detective. |
| Plot | The main events of a story | The plot of the movie was very engaging. |
| Synopsis | A brief summary of a story | The book's synopsis intrigued me. |
| Sequel | A work that continues the story of an earlier one | The movie has a sequel coming out next year. |
| Adaptation | A film, television drama, or stage play adapted from a written work | The movie is an adaptation of a classic novel. |
| Director | The person who oversees the making of a film | The director did an excellent job with the film. |
| Screenplay | The script of a movie | The screenplay was written by a famous author. |
| Cinematography | The art of making motion pictures | The cinematography in the film was breathtaking. |
| Critique | A detailed analysis and assessment of something | The critique of the book was very positive. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Bring out | Publish or release | The author will bring out a new book next month. |
| Come out | Become available to the public | The new movie comes out next week. |
| Read up on | Learn about something by reading | I need to read up on the history of cinema. |
| Write up | Record in detail | She wrote a great review of the film. |
| Turn down | Reject an offer | He turned down the role in the new movie. |
| Run through | Go over or rehearse quickly | Let's run through the script one more time. |
| Take in | Watch or experience | We took in a late-night movie. |
| Look into | Investigate | The producers are looking into new film locations. |
| Give away | Reveal a secret or surprise ending | The trailer gave away too much of the plot. |
| Carry on | Continue | The director decided to carry on with the project. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Judge a book by its cover | Form an opinion based on appearance | Don't judge a book by its cover; the story inside is amazing. |
| In the limelight | Receiving a lot of public attention | The actor has been in the limelight since his first film. |
| Hit the books | Study hard | I need to hit the books for my exams. |
| Page-turner | A book that is very interesting | Her latest novel is a real page-turner. |
| On the edge of one's seat | Very excited and interested | The movie had us on the edge of our seats. |
| Read between the lines | Understand the hidden meaning | You need to read between the lines to get the full story. |
| Best of both worlds | All the advantages | The movie offers the best of both worlds – action and comedy. |
| Break a leg | Good luck | The director told the cast to break a leg before the premiere. |
| Once in a blue moon | Very rarely | A film like this comes along once in a blue moon. |
| The plot thickens | The story becomes more complicated | Just when you think you know the ending, the plot thickens. |
7. Holidays
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Celebration | The action of marking one's pleasure at an important event | We have a celebration every New Year's Eve. |
| Festivity | The celebration of something in a joyful and exuberant way | The town was filled with festivity during the holidays. |
| Tradition | The transmission of customs or beliefs | It's a tradition to have turkey on Christmas. |
| Reunion | A social gathering of people who have been separated | Our family reunion is held every summer. |
| Festival | A day or period of celebration | The music festival attracts thousands of visitors. |
| Vacation | A period of time spent away from home for pleasure | We're planning a vacation to the beach. |
| Holiday | A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done | Christmas is my favourite holiday. |
| Ritual | A religious or solemn ceremony | The wedding ritual was beautiful. |
| Pilgrimage | A journey to a sacred place | They went on a pilgrimage to Mecca. |
| Custom | A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something | It's a custom to give gifts during Hanukkah. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Set off | Begin a journey | We set off early to avoid traffic. |
| Look forward to | Anticipate with pleasure | I'm looking forward to the holidays. |
| Get together | Meet socially | Our family gets together every Christmas. |
| Take off | Leave the ground (plane) | The plane takes off at noon. |
| Check-in | Register at a hotel or airport | We need to check in at the hotel by 3 PM. |
| Check out | Leave a hotel | We checked out of the hotel this morning. |
| Drop off | Leave someone or something at a particular place | I’ll drop you off at the airport. |
| Pick up | Collect someone or something | We need to pick up some souvenirs. |
| Wind down | Relax after a period of work or tension | It's time to wind down and enjoy the holidays. |
| Look around | Explore what is near | We had some time to look around the city. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Holiday spirit | The mood of joy and excitement associated with holidays | Everyone is in the holiday spirit. |
| Deck the halls | Decorate for the holidays | We decked the halls with lights and ornaments. |
| Home for the holidays | Return home to celebrate the holidays | I'll be home for the holidays this year. |
| Travel light | Travel with minimal luggage | I prefer to travel light and avoid checked bags. |
| The more, the merrier | The more people involved, the better | Bring your friends – the more, the merrier! |
| Ring in the new year | Celebrate the start of the new year | We rang in the new year with fireworks. |
| Tis the season | It's the time of year when holidays are celebrated | Tis the season to be jolly. |
| Winter Wonderland | A beautiful, snowy landscape | The town turned into a winter wonderland overnight. |
| Spread holiday cheer | Share joy and goodwill during the holidays | Let's spread holiday cheer by donating to charity. |
| Have a blast | Have a great time | We had a blast at the holiday party. |
8. Information Technology
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Algorithm | A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations | The algorithm improved the search results. |
| Bandwidth | The amount of data that can be transmitted | High bandwidth is necessary for streaming videos. |
| Cybersecurity | Measures taken to protect a computer system | Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting personal data. |
| Encryption | The process of converting information into code | Data encryption helps secure sensitive information. |
| Firewall | A security system for protecting against unauthorised access | The firewall blocked the malicious attack. |
| Hardware | The physical parts of a computer | The hardware upgrade improved performance. |
| Software | The programs and other operating information used by a computer | The new software update fixed the bugs. |
| Network | A group of interconnected computers | The office has a secure network for data sharing. |
| Database | A structured set of data held in a computer | The company maintains a customer database. |
| Interface | A point where two systems meet and interact | The user interface is very intuitive. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Log in | Enter a computer system by identifying oneself | You need to log in to access the files. |
| Log out | Exit a computer system | Remember to log out when you're done. |
| Set up | Arrange or configure | We need to set up the new software. |
| Back up | Make a copy of the data | It's important to back up your files regularly. |
| Boot up | Start a computer | The computer takes a while to boot up. |
| Plugin | Connect to an electrical outlet | Make sure to plug in your laptop. |
| Run on | Operate using | The program runs on all major operating systems. |
| Shut down | Turn off a computer | Please shut down the computer before leaving. |
| Hack into | Gain unauthorised access | Someone tried to hack into the system. |
| Break down | Stop functioning | The server broke down during the update. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Cutting-edge | Highly advanced or innovative | The new phone features cutting-edge technology. |
| Light years ahead | Far more advanced | This new software is light years ahead of the old one. |
| On the same wavelength | Thinking in a similar way | The IT team is on the same wavelength about the project. |
| Rocket science | Very complicated | Fixing this bug is not exactly rocket science. |
| Bite the bullet | Accept a difficult situation | We'll have to bite the bullet and deal with the security breach. |
| Bug in the system | A problem or flaw in a computer program | There's a bug in the system that needs fixing. |
| Go viral | Spread rapidly online | The video went viral within hours. |
| In the loop | Informed and involved | Keep me in the loop about the project status. |
| Pull the plug | Terminate or discontinue | They decided to pull the plug on the old software. |
| State-of-the-art | Using the latest technology | The new data centre is state-of-the-art. |
9. Advertisement
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Campaign | An organised course of action to promote a product | The ad campaign was very successful. |
| Slogan | A short and striking phrase used in advertising | The company's slogan is very memorable. |
| Target audience | A particular group at which an advertisement is aimed | The target audience for this product is teenagers. |
| Brand | A type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name | The brand is known for its quality. |
| Endorsement | An act of giving one's public approval or support | Celebrity endorsements help sell products. |
| Commercial | A television or radio advertisement | The commercial was aired during prime time. |
| Billboard | A large outdoor board for displaying advertisements | The billboard can be seen from the highway. |
| Marketing | The action or business of promoting and selling products | The marketing team launched a new strategy. |
| Promotion | Activities to advertise and sell a product | The promotion increased sales significantly. |
| Jingle | A short, catchy song used in commercials | The jingle stuck in everyone's mind. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Bring out | Publish or release | They are bringing out a new product next month. |
| Take off | Become successful very quickly | The new ad campaign took off immediately. |
| Catch on | Become popular | The slogan caught on with young people. |
| Turn off | Repel, make uninterested | The advertisement turned off many potential customers. |
| Bring up | Mention or introduce in a conversation | They brought up the new campaign during the meeting. |
| Get across | Communicate effectively | The message didn't get across to the audience. |
| Put off | Discourage | The high prices put off many customers. |
| Drum up | Generate interest | They drummed up a lot of interest with the teaser campaign. |
| Sell out | Sell all of a particular item | The new smartphone sold out in just a day. |
| Roll out | Launch a new product or service | They rolled out the new line of products last week. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Ahead of the curve | Better than average | Their marketing strategy is always ahead of the curve. |
| Beat around the bush | Avoid the main topic | Stop beating around the bush and get to the point. |
| Break the bank | Cost too much | The new campaign didn't break the bank. |
| Corner the market | Dominate a particular market | They managed to corner the market on sportswear. |
| In the bag | Certain to succeed | The contract is in the bag after the successful pitch. |
| Jump on the bandwagon | Follow a trend | More companies are jumping on the bandwagon of social media advertising. |
| Raise the bar | Increase standards | Their innovative ad campaign has raised the bar. |
| The big picture | The overall perspective | Don't focus on the details; think about the big picture. |
| Word of mouth | Information spread by people talking | The restaurant relies on word of mouth for advertising. |
| Out of the blue | Unexpectedly | The success of the campaign came out of the blue. |
10. Business and Work
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Entrepreneur | A person who sets up a business | The young entrepreneur started her own company. |
| Revenue | Income generated from normal business operations | The company's revenue increased last quarter. |
| Profit | Financial gain | They made a substantial profit from the deal. |
| Merger | Combination of two companies | The merger created the largest company in the industry. |
| Stakeholder | A person with an interest or concern in a business | The stakeholders attended the annual meeting. |
| Internship | A temporary position with on-the-job training | She completed an internship at a law firm. |
| Productivity | The effectiveness of the productive effort | Improving productivity is key to business success. |
| Outsourcing | Obtain goods or services from an external provider | The company is outsourcing its customer support. |
| Networking | Interacting with others to exchange information and develop contacts | Networking is important for career growth. |
| Innovation | The act of introducing something new | Innovation drives the tech industry. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Set up | Establish | They set up a new branch in the city. |
| Take over | Assume control | The company was taken over by a larger corporation. |
| Branch out | Expand into new areas | They are branching out into new markets. |
| Cut back | Reduce | They had to cut back on spending. |
| Deal with | Handle | He deals with customer complaints. |
| Fill in | Substitute | She filled in for the manager while he was away. |
| Look into | Investigate | They are looking into the matter. |
| Lay off | Dismiss from employment | The company laid off 100 workers. |
| Break down | Analyse in detail | Let's break down the costs involved. |
| Run by | Get someone's opinion | I need to run this idea by my boss. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| A tough break | An unfortunate event | Losing the contract was a tough break for the company. |
| Back to the drawing board | Start over | The proposal was rejected, so it's back to the drawing board. |
| Behind the scenes | Not seen by the public | Much of the work happens behind the scenes. |
| Corner the market | Dominate a particular market | They hope to corner the market with their new product. |
| Get down to business | Start working seriously | Let's get down to business and discuss the report. |
| In the black | Profitable | The company has been in the black for the last three years. |
| Learn the ropes | Learn the basics | It took him a few weeks to learn the ropes. |
| Red tape | Excessive bureaucracy | We need to cut through the red tape to get things done. |
| Time is money | Time is valuable | Let's not waste time; time is money. |
| Win-win situation | A situation where everyone benefits | The agreement is a win-win situation for both companies. |
11. Food, Diet and Fitness
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Nutrition | The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health | Good nutrition is essential for growth. |
| Calorie | A unit of energy | Counting calories can help with weight loss. |
| Metabolism | The chemical processes that occur within a living organism | Exercise can boost your metabolism. |
| Protein | A nutrient found in food that is essential for body growth and repair | Meat, beans, and nuts are good sources of protein. |
| Carbohydrate | A nutrient that is a major source of energy | Bread, rice, and pasta are rich in carbohydrates. |
| Vitamin | Organic compounds that are essential for body functions | Vitamins are crucial for maintaining health. |
| Fitness | The condition of being physically fit and healthy | Regular exercise contributes to overall fitness. |
| Diet | The kinds of food that a person habitually eats | She maintains a balanced diet. |
| Hydration | The process of causing something to absorb water | Proper hydration is important during exercise. |
| Endurance | The ability to endure prolonged physical activity | Running long distances builds endurance. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Work out | Exercise | I work out at the gym every morning. |
| Cut down on | Reduce the intake of | I need to cut down on sugar. |
| Fill up | Eat enough to be full | Make sure to fill up on healthy foods. |
| Bulk up | Gain muscle mass | He wants to bulk up for the competition. |
| Burn off | Use up energy by exercising | Running helps to burn off calories. |
| Warm-up | Prepare the body for exercise | Always warm up before exercising. |
| Cool down | Allow the body to return to normal temperature | Cooling down is important after a workout. |
| Stay off | Avoid | Stay off junk food for better health. |
| Stick to | Continue doing something | Stick to your fitness routine for the best results. |
| Give up | Stop doing something | I gave up eating fast food. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| In the pink | In good health | She is feeling in the pink after her vacation. |
| An apple a day keeps the doctor away | Eating healthy food keeps you healthy | My grandmother always said, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." |
| Burn the midnight oil | Stay up late working or studying | He had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project. |
| Fit as a fiddle | In very good health | My grandfather is 80 but still fit as a fiddle. |
| Hit the gym | Go to the gym to exercise | I need to hit the gym to get in shape. |
| Out of shape | Not physically fit | I'm out of shape after the holidays. |
| Run out of steam | Lose energy or motivation | He ran out of steam halfway through the race. |
| Spare tyre | Excess fat around the waist | I've been trying to get rid of my spare tyre. |
| Couch potato | A person who spends little time exercising and a lot of time watching TV | Don't be a couch potato; go for a run. |
| Health kick | A period of intense focus on improving health | She is on a health kick and goes to the gym every day. |
12. Fashion
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Couture | The design and manufacture of fashionable clothes | She works for a famous couture house. |
| Trend | A general direction in which something is developing or changing | The new trend is sustainable fashion. |
| Fabric | Material made from fibres | The dress is made of luxurious fabric. |
| Accessory | An item that adds to one's outfit | She bought a matching accessory for her dress. |
| Boutique | A small shop specialising in fashionable items | The boutique offers exclusive designer pieces. |
| Collection | A group of clothes designed for a particular season | The new collection was showcased during fashion week. |
| Vintage | Denoting something from the past of high-quality | She loves to wear vintage clothing. |
| Runway | The stage where models walk to showcase clothes | The models strutted down the runway. |
| Attire | Clothing | His formal attire was very elegant. |
| Designer | A person who plans the look or workings of something | The designer unveiled her latest line of clothes. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Dress up | Wear formal or special clothes | We need to dress up for the gala. |
| Try on | Put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits | She tried on several dresses before choosing one. |
| Take off | Remove clothes | He took off his jacket. |
| Fit into | Be the right size | She finally fit into her old jeans. |
| Go with | Match or suit | These shoes go with your outfit. |
| Put on | Wear | He put on his coat before leaving. |
| Slip-on | Put on quickly or easily | She slipped on her sandals. |
| Show off | Display proudly | She loves to show off her new clothes. |
| Throw on | Put on casually | He threw on a T-shirt and jeans. |
| Pick out | Choose | She picked out a dress for the party. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Dressed to kill | Wearing very fashionable or attractive clothes | She was dressed to kill at the party. |
| Fashion statement | A bold and stylish way of dressing | His colourful socks make a fashion statement. |
| Have a sense of style | Have an understanding of what looks good | She really has a sense of style. |
| In vogue | Currently fashionable | This style is very much in vogue right now. |
| Keep up with the latest trends | Follow the latest fashions | She likes to keep up with the latest trends. |
| A slave to fashion | Someone who is overly concerned with being fashionable | He is a slave to fashion and buys everything new. |
| Dress to the nines | Dress very elegantly | She was dressed to the nines for the wedding. |
| Hand-me-down | Used clothing passed down to someone else | She wore her sister's hand-me-downs. |
| Off the rack | Ready-made clothing | He prefers to buy suits off the rack. |
| In your shoes | In your position | I wouldn't like to be in your shoes when she finds out. |
13. Cities and Towns
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Metropolis | A very large and densely populated industrial and commercial city | New York is a bustling metropolis. |
| Suburb | An outlying district of a city | They live in a quiet suburb. |
| Infrastructure | The basic physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of a society | The city's infrastructure is well-developed. |
| Urbanisation | The process of making an area more urban | Urbanisation has increased rapidly in the last decade. |
| Skyscraper | A very tall building | The city skyline is dominated by skyscrapers. |
| Commute | Travel some distance between one's home and place of work | Many people commute to the city for work. |
| Landmark | An object or feature that is easily recognised and serves as a guide | The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark. |
| Downtown | The commercial centre of a city | The downtown area is full of shops and restaurants. |
| Residential | Designed for people to live in | They moved to a residential neighbourhood. |
| Municipality | A city or town with its own local government | The municipality provides various public services. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Get around | Travel to different places within a city | It's easy to get around the city by bike. |
| Settle down | Start living in a place permanently | They decided to settle down in a small town. |
| Move-in | Begin living in a new home | We moved into our new apartment last week. |
| Move out | Stop living in a particular home | He moved out of his parents' house. |
| Build up | Develop or increase | The area has been built up over the last few years. |
| Go out | Leave home for social activities | They go out every weekend to explore the city. |
| Look around | Explore or search the area | We spent the day looking around the city. |
| Drop by | Visit briefly | We can drop by the new café later. |
| Knockdown | Demolish a building | They plan to knock down the old library. |
| Pop up | Appear suddenly | New shops keep popping up in the area. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Concrete jungle | A city or urban area with many buildings and little green space | Living in the concrete jungle can be exhausting. |
| Heart of the city | The central part of the city | The museum is located in the heart of the city. |
| A stone's throw | A very short distance | The park is just a stone's throw from our house. |
| Hit the town | Go out and have fun in the city | We decided to hit the town to celebrate. |
| In the sticks | In a rural or remote area | They moved to a house out in the sticks. |
| Live it up | Enjoy life to the fullest | They went to Las Vegas to live it up. |
| On the town | Enjoying the nightlife | They spent the night on the town. |
| Paint the town red | Celebrate boisterously | They painted the town red after the victory. |
| Urban sprawl | The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas | Urban sprawl is a major issue for the environment. |
| The city that never sleeps | A city with a vibrant nightlife and activity at all hours | New York is known as the city that never sleeps. |
14. Shopping
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Retailer | A person or business that sells goods to the public | The retailer offers a wide range of products. |
| Discount | A reduction in the usual price | They are offering a 20% discount on all items. |
| Consumer | A person who purchases goods and services | Consumers are becoming more conscious of their choices. |
| Merchandise | Goods that are bought and sold | The store has a variety of merchandise. |
| Bargain | Something bought at a lower price | She found a great bargain at the sale. |
| Aisle | A passage between rows of seats or shelves | The cereal is in aisle 3. |
| Checkout | The area where you pay for goods in a store | She waited in line at the checkout. |
| Receipt | A piece of paper showing proof of payment | Keep your receipt in case you need to return the item. |
| Refund | Money returned to a customer for a returned item | The store offers a full refund policy. |
| Inventory | A complete list of items in stock | The inventory needs to be updated regularly. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Shop around | Compare prices before buying | It's wise to shop around before making a big purchase. |
| Stock up | Buy a large quantity of something | We need to stock up on groceries. |
| Sell out | Have no more of something to sell | The concert tickets sold out within minutes. |
| Try on | Put on clothing to see if it fits | She tried on several dresses before buying one. |
| Ring up | Record an amount on a cash register | The cashier rang up my purchase. |
| Pick out | Choose | He picked out a new pair of shoes. |
| Markdown | Reduce the price of something | They marked down all the winter clothes. |
| Put back | Return something to its place | She decided to put the dress back on the rack. |
| Line up | Wait in line | They lined up outside the store before it opened. |
| Sell off | Sell something quickly and cheaply | The store is selling off its remaining stock. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Shop til you drop | Shop until you are physically tired | They went to the mall to shop till they dropped. |
| Window shopping | Looking at items without intending to buy | She enjoys window shopping on weekends. |
| Cost an arm and a leg | Very expensive | That designer handbag cost an arm and a leg. |
| On a shoestring budget | With very little money | They started the business on a shoestring budget. |
| Buyer's remorse | Regret after making a purchase | She had buyer's remorse after buying the expensive dress. |
| Get a run for your money | Receive good value for money spent | The sale gave customers a run for their money. |
| In the market for | Interested in buying | They are in the market for a new car. |
| Pay through the nose | Pay too much for something | They paid through the nose for the concert tickets. |
| Nest egg | Savings set aside for future use | They used their nest egg to buy a new house. |
| Hit the shops | Go shopping | We plan to hit the shops this afternoon. |
15. Covid-19
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Pandemic | A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world | The pandemic affected millions worldwide. |
| Quarantine | A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease | She was in quarantine for 14 days. |
| Vaccine | A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies | The vaccine rollout has been successful. |
| Social distancing | Keeping a safe distance from others to prevent disease spread | Social distancing measures were enforced. |
| Lockdown | A state of isolation or restricted access | The city was in lockdown for weeks. |
| Symptom | A sign of the presence of disease | Common symptoms include fever and cough. |
| Asymptomatic | Showing no symptoms of the disease | Asymptomatic carriers can still spread the virus. |
| Outbreak | A sudden occurrence of disease | There was an outbreak in the city. |
| Transmission | The act of passing something from one person to another | Transmission rates have decreased. |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment | Healthcare workers must wear PPE. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Come down with | Become ill with | He came down with a mild case of Covid-19. |
| Fight off | Resist illness | She managed to fight off the infection. |
| Stay in | Remain indoors | We were advised to stay in during the lockdown. |
| Bring on | Cause an illness | The cold weather can bring on flu symptoms. |
| Get over | Recover from | It took him weeks to get over the illness. |
| Pass on | Transmit to someone else | He passed on the virus to his family. |
| Take care of | Look after someone | She took care of her sick mother. |
| Shut down | Close temporarily | Many businesses shut down during the pandemic. |
| Stock up on | Buy a large quantity of something | People stocked up on essentials before the lockdown. |
| Keep away | Maintain a safe distance from | Keep away from others if you have symptoms. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Under the weather | Feeling ill | He is feeling a bit under the weather today. |
| Out of the woods | Out of danger or difficulty | He is recovering well and is out of the woods now. |
| A shot in the arm | A boost or encouragement | The new vaccine is a shot in the arm for the fight against Covid-19. |
| On the mend | Recovering | She has been sick, but she is on the mend now. |
| Keep your distance | Maintain a safe space | Keep your distance to avoid spreading the virus. |
| Back on your feet | Recovered from an illness | She is finally back on her feet after the infection. |
| Safe and sound | Unharmed | They made it home safe and sound. |
| Under quarantine | Isolated to prevent the spread of disease | He was under quarantine for two weeks. |
| Spread like wildfire | Spread very quickly | The news about the outbreak spread like wildfire. |
| In the same boat | In the same difficult situation | We're all in the same boat during this pandemic. |
3.
IELTS General Reading Vocabulary List
The General Training Reading test includes passages from advertisements, company guidelines, notices, and newspapers. This requires a more practical and everyday vocabulary.
Here’s the type of vocabulary you can expect:
- You'll need to learn vocabulary related to everyday topics like work, education, and social issues.
- Deals with more general and focused reading texts like shopping, renting an apartment, or social interactions.
Below is a list of IELTS reading vocabulary words arranged as per categories/topics!
Topic Wise IELTS General Reading Vocabulary List
1. Travel
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Journey | A trip from one place to another | The journey from London to Paris was long but scenic. |
| Destination | The place to which someone is going | Our next destination is Venice. |
| Tourist | A person who is visiting a place for pleasure or interest | The city was full of tourists during the summer. |
| Accommodation | A place to live, work, stay, etc., in | The hotel offered comfortable accommodation. |
| Explore | To travel around a new, unknown, or interesting place | We decided to explore the old town on foot. |
| Navigate | To find one's way to a destination, often using a map or GPS | It took us a while to navigate through the city. |
| Itinerary | A detailed plan or route of a journey | Have you finalised the itinerary for our trip? |
| Sightseeing | Visiting interesting places, especially as tourists | We spent the day sightseeing in Barcelona. |
| Backpacking | Travelling or hiking while carrying one's belongings in a backpack | They went backpacking through Southeast Asia. |
| Passport | A document that allows a person to travel to foreign countries | Don't forget to bring your passport to the airport. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Set off | To start a journey | We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic. |
| Check-in | To register upon arrival at a hotel or airport | Remember to check in two hours before departure. |
| Drop off | To take someone to a place and leave them there | He dropped me off at the train station. |
| Take off | To leave the ground and begin to fly (for a plane) | The plane took off on time despite the delay. |
| Getaway | To go on a vacation or a short trip for relaxation | We need to get away from the city for a weekend. |
| Pullover | To stop by the side of the road (for a vehicle) | The driver pulled over to check the map. |
| Check out | To leave a hotel after paying and returning keys | We checked out of the hotel at noon. |
| Drop by | To visit someone briefly, often without an appointment | I'll drop by your place after work. |
| Get around | To move from place to place, especially in a city | It's easy to get around London using the subway. |
| Set sail | To begin a journey by sea | They set sail for the Caribbean last week. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Hit the road | To begin a journey | It's time to hit the road and start our trip. |
| On the go | Always busy; travelling frequently | She is constantly on the go with her job. |
| Break the ice | To make people who have not met before feel more relaxed with each other | Let's play a game to break the ice at the party. |
| A sight for sore eyes | Something or someone that is a pleasure to see | After a long day, my family was a sight for sore eyes. |
| Live out of a suitcase | To travel frequently and stay in hotels | Consultants often live out of a suitcase. |
| Take a rain check | To decline an invitation now but accept it later | I can't come to dinner tonight; can I take a rain check? |
| In full swing | At a stage when an activity or event is at its most active or successful | The festival is in full swing with thousands of attendees. |
| Go off the beaten track | To visit places that are not well-known or popular among tourists | We love to go off the beaten track when we travel. |
| See the sights | To visit famous or interesting places | We're planning to see the sights in Paris next week. |
| Make a getaway | To escape from a place, especially after committing a crime | The thief made a quick getaway before anyone noticed. |
2. Education
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Curriculum | The subjects comprising a course of study | The school's curriculum includes maths and science. |
| Graduate | A person who has successfully completed a course of study | She is a recent graduate of the university. |
| Assignment | A task or piece of work assigned to someone as part of their studies | I have an important assignment due next week. |
| Diploma | A certificate awarded by an educational establishment to show that someone has successfully completed a course of study | He received his diploma in engineering. |
| Seminar | A small group of students discussing a topic with a teacher | The professor led a seminar on modern literature. |
| Plagiarism | Taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own | Plagiarism is strictly prohibited in academic writing. |
| Thesis | A long essay or dissertation involving personal research | She defended her thesis on environmental sustainability. |
| Lecture | An educational talk to an audience, especially to students | The guest lecturer spoke about global economics. |
| Research | The systematic investigation into the study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions | He conducted extensive research for his paper. |
| Graduation | The ceremony at which degrees and diplomas are conferred upon graduates | The graduation ceremony will be held next month. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Catch up (on) | To reach the same level or standard as others by making extra effort | I need to catch up on my studies this weekend. |
| Drop out | To leave school or college before finishing your studies | She dropped out of university to pursue her passion. |
| Fill out | To complete a form with the necessary information | Please fill out this application form. |
| Look up (to) | To respect and admire someone | She has always looked up to her older sister. |
| Study up (on) | To learn a lot about a particular subject in a short period of time | I need to study up on biology for the exam. |
| Brush up (on) | To improve one's knowledge of something already learned | He brushed up on his Spanish before the trip. |
| Write up | To write something in a finished form, usually a report or article | She wrote up her findings in a detailed report. |
| Figure out | To understand or solve something | It took a while to figure out the maths problem. |
| Drop in (on) | To visit someone without an appointment | Feel free to drop in on me whenever you're nearby. |
| Hand in | To submit something, especially a piece of academic work | Please hand in your essays by Friday. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Hit the books | To study hard | I need to hit the books for my exams next week. |
| Pass with flying colours | To succeed easily and with distinction | She passed her exams with flying colours. |
| Teach someone a lesson | To make someone learn from a mistake or experience | He learned his lesson after failing the test. |
| Learn the ropes | To learn how to do a job or activity | It took him a while to learn the ropes of the new job. |
| Class clown | A student who tries to be funny and get attention | He is always joking around in class; he is the class clown. |
| Cut class | To skip school or a class | She got in trouble for cutting class yesterday. |
| Pencil in | To tentatively schedule something | Let's pencil in a meeting for next Tuesday. |
| Do one's homework | To thoroughly prepare for something | Before making a decision, make sure to do your homework. |
| Bury one's head in the books | To study intensely | She buried her head in the books all weekend. |
| Be in one's element | To be in a situation where one feels comfortable and confident | She is in her element when teaching children. |
3. The Arts and Culture
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Art | Creative expression or visual work | The museum features a collection of contemporary art. |
| Culture | Beliefs, customs, and traditions of a specific group or society | The festival celebrates the local culture and heritage. |
| Exhibit | A public display of art or other items | The new exhibit at the gallery attracted many visitors. |
| Sculpture | A piece of art that is created by shaping materials such as stone, metal, or wood | The park is adorned with beautiful sculptures. |
| Performance | A presentation of music, dance, or drama | The ballet performance received standing ovations. |
| Heritage | Cultural traditions and values that are passed down through generations | Preserving our cultural heritage is important. |
| Masterpiece | A work of outstanding creativity, skill, or workmanship | Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is considered a masterpiece. |
| Literature | Written works, especially those considered to have artistic or intellectual value | Shakespeare's works are classics of English literature. |
| Symphony | An elaborate musical composition for orchestra | The orchestra performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. |
| Drama | A play for theatre, radio, or television | The school's drama club is putting on a production. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Brush up on | To improve one's knowledge or skill in a particular area | She decided to brush up on her painting techniques. |
| Bring out | To produce or publish something, especially a creative work | The gallery will bring out a new collection of modern art. |
| Draw on | To use information, experience, or knowledge for a purpose | The artist drew on her travels for inspiration. |
| Look up to | To admire or respect someone | Many young dancers look up to famous ballet performers. |
| Put on | To organise or present a performance or event | They put on a fantastic play at the local theatre. |
| Work on | To spend time producing or improving something | The sculptor is working on a new piece for the exhibition. |
| Turn out | To attend or be present at an event | Hundreds of people turned out for the cultural festival. |
| Take in | To go see and enjoy a performance, exhibit, or show | We took in a concert at the local arts centre. |
| Step up | To increase the level or amount of something | The museum stepped up its efforts to attract visitors. |
| Break into | To succeed in a new area or activity | She broke into the art scene with her unique installations. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Art for art's sake | Creating art for its own beauty, not for a practical purpose | Many artists believe in art for art's sake, focusing on creativity rather than commercial success. |
| Paint a picture | To describe something in a detailed and vivid way | The novel paints a picture of life in the 19th century. |
| A picture is worth a thousand words | A visual image can convey complex ideas more effectively than words | The photograph was so moving because a picture is worth a thousand words. |
| Culture vulture | Someone who is very interested in music, art, theatre, etc. | He is a real culture vulture, always attending the latest exhibitions. |
| Draw the line | To set a limit on what one is willing to do or accept | She draws the line by using non-sustainable materials in her artwork. |
| Muse | A source of inspiration, especially for an artist | The beautiful landscapes of Italy served as a muse for many painters. |
| Masterpiece | A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship | The Mona Lisa is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art. |
| Behind the scenes | In a way that is not apparent to the public, secretly | A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to make the festival a success. |
| Cutting-edge | Highly advanced and innovative | The gallery showcases cutting-edge digital art installations. |
| Starving artist | An artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork | Despite being a talented painter, she lived the life of a starving artist for many years. |
4. Music
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Melody | A sequence of notes that make up a musical phrase or tune | The melody of the song was catchy and uplifting. |
| Rhythm | A regular repeated pattern of sounds or beats in music | The drummer sets the rhythm for the band. |
| Harmony | The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously produces a pleasing effect | The choir sang in beautiful harmony. |
| Lyrics | The words of a song | She wrote the lyrics for the band's new single. |
| Instrument | A tool or device used for producing musical sounds | He plays several instruments, including the piano and guitar. |
| Concert | A live performance of music | We attended a jazz concert last weekend. |
| Composer | A person who writes music, especially as a professional occupation | Beethoven is one of the greatest composers of all time. |
| Orchestra | A large group of musicians who play different instruments together | The orchestra performed a symphony at the concert hall. |
| Solo | A piece of music performed by one person | She played a beautiful piano solo at the recital. |
| Genre | A category or style of music with a particular form, content, or technique | Jazz is a popular genre of music in the United States. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Tune in | To listen to or watch a broadcast | Millions of fans tuned in to watch the live concert. |
| Turn up | To increase the volume | Could you turn up the music? I love this song! |
| Sing along | To join in singing | Everyone sang along with the band during the chorus. |
| Jam out | To play music enthusiastically, often improvising | We jammed out in the garage all weekend. |
| Play by ear | To play music without reading the written notes | He has an amazing ability to play by ear. |
| Break into | To enter a new field, especially with the success | She broke into the music industry with her first hit single. |
| Warm-up | To prepare for a performance by practising | The band warmed up backstage before the concert. |
| Go solo | To perform alone rather than as part of a group | After years with the band, he decided to go solo. |
| Pump up | To increase excitement or energy | The DJ really knows how to pump up the crowd. |
| Drop out | To leave a band or musical group | He dropped out of the band to pursue a solo career. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Music to my ears | Something that is very pleasant to hear | The news of her promotion was music to her ears. |
| Face the music | To accept the consequences of one's actions | After skipping rehearsals, he had to face the music with the band leader. |
| Ring a bell | To sound familiar | That song rings a bell, but I can't remember where I heard it. |
| Change one's tune | To change one's opinion or attitude | He changed his tune after hearing the new album. |
| Blow your own trumpet | To boast about one's own achievements | She doesn't like to blow her own trumpet, but she is an excellent violinist. |
| Fit as a fiddle | To be in good health | Despite his age, the old maestro is still fit as a fiddle. |
| Hit the right note | To do something in a way that is perfectly suitable or effective | The speech hit the right note with the audience. |
| Call the tune | To be in control and make important decisions | In this orchestra, the conductor calls the tune. |
| Strike a chord | To cause someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm | The singer's heartfelt performance struck a chord with the audience. |
| March to the beat of one's own drum | To do things in one's unique way, regardless of others | She has always marched to the beat of her own drum, creating innovative music. |
5. Environment and Science
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Ecology | The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings | The study of ecology helps us understand ecosystems. |
| Conservation | The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting | Conservation efforts have helped save endangered species. |
| Renewable | Able to be replenished or replaced naturally | Solar energy is a renewable source of power. |
| Pollution | The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects | Air pollution is a major concern in many cities. |
| Climate | The weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period | The climate of the region is mild and temperate. |
| Biodiversity | The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem | Rainforests are home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. |
| Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment | Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems that need protection. |
| Sustainability | The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | We need to focus on sustainability to protect the planet. |
| Carbon footprint | The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels | Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial for combating climate change. |
| Global warming | The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth's atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect | Global warming poses a serious threat to polar ice caps. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Clear up | To make something clearer or easier to understand | The professor cleared up our doubts about the experiment. |
| Break down | To divide something into smaller parts or components | The report breaks down the environmental impact of the project. |
| Run out of | To use all of something so that there is none left | We ran out of clean water during the drought. |
| Bring back | To reintroduce something that was popular in the past | They plan to bring back recycling programs in the city. |
| Phase out | To gradually remove or stop using something | The government decided to phase out single-use plastics. |
| Look into | To investigate or examine something | They're looking into alternative energy sources. |
| Cut down on | To reduce the amount of something | They cut down on energy consumption by using LED lights. |
| Give off | To produce or emit something, such as heat or light | The factory gives off toxic fumes into the atmosphere. |
| Take in | To absorb or understand information or ideas | It took me a while to take in all the new scientific theories. |
| Breakthrough | An important discovery or development | The new drug represents a major scientific breakthrough. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| In the pipeline | In the process of being planned or developed | The new solar energy project is in the pipeline. |
| Tip of the iceberg | A small, visible part of a much larger problem or issue | The pollution we see is just the tip of the iceberg; there are deeper environmental concerns. |
| Green thumb | A talent for gardening or growing plants | She has a green thumb and grows beautiful flowers. |
| Carbon footprint | The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels | They're working to reduce their carbon footprint. |
| Down to earth | Practical and realistic; not overly idealistic | His down-to-earth attitude made him popular among colleagues. |
| Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment | The wetlands are a crucial ecosystem for many species. |
| Renewable resources | Natural resources that can be replenished naturally or through human effort | Solar and wind energy are examples of renewable resources. |
| Global warming | A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere | Global warming is a significant environmental challenge. |
| Acid rain | Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution | Acid rain can damage ecosystems and buildings. |
| Go green | To adopt environmentally friendly practices or policies | They decided to go green by recycling and using renewable energy. |
6. Books and Films
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Novel | A fictional narrative book of considerable length | "Pride and Prejudice" is a classic novel by Jane Austen. |
| Plot | The main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work | The plot of the movie kept me on the edge of my seat. |
| Character | A person in a novel, play, or movie | Harry Potter is a beloved character from J.K. Rowling's series. |
| Genre | A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature | Science fiction is a popular genre in books and films. |
| Adaptation | A movie, television drama, or stage play that is based on a book or other work | The film adaptation of the novel was well-received. |
| Sequel | A published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or theme of an earlier one | "The Godfather Part II" is a famous sequel to the original film. |
| Director | A person who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a movie, play, or other show | Steven Spielberg is known for his work as a film director. |
| Dialogue | Conversation between characters in a play, movie, or book | The dialogue in the novel is witty and engaging. |
| Screenplay | The script of a movie, including dialogue and instructions for actors | She wrote the screenplay for the upcoming film. |
| Bestseller | A book or other product that sells in very large numbers | The novel became an international bestseller. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Bring out | To produce or publish something, especially a book or record | The author plans to bring out a new novel next year. |
| Turn into | To change or transform something into something else | The book turned into a successful movie adaptation. |
| Act out | To perform the actions and say the words of a role in a play or movie | The actors acted out the final scene perfectly. |
| Pick up | To start to get better, improve, or increase | The pace of the movie picked up in the second half. |
| Go over | To review or check something carefully | The director went over the script with the actors. |
| Play out | To happen or develop in a particular way, especially a story or scenario | The plot of the movie played out exactly as predicted. |
| Bring in | To introduce a new character or element into a story or movie | They brought in a talented actor for the lead role. |
| Work on | To spend time producing or improving something | The author worked on the manuscript for over a year. |
| Act up | To behave badly or in a troublesome way, especially for children or machines | The camera started acting up during the shoot. |
| Cast in | To select an actor or actress for a particular role | She was cast in the lead role in the upcoming film. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Page-turner | A book or story that is so engaging or suspenseful that one cannot stop reading | The thriller was a real page-turner; I couldn't put it down. |
| Silver screen | The movie industry or cinema | He has always dreamed of working on the silver screen. |
| Plot twist | An unexpected development or turn of events in a story or narrative | The plot twist in the movie completely surprised everyone. |
| Cliffhanger | A dramatic and exciting ending that leaves the audience in suspense | The season finale ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for the next episode. |
| Lost in translation | Misunderstood or not properly conveyed, especially due to language differences | Some jokes are lost in translation when subtitled. |
| Film buff | A person who is very interested in and knowledgeable about films | He is a film buff who can discuss movies for hours. |
| Big screen | The cinema or movie theatre | They watched the latest blockbuster on the big screen. |
| Based on a true story | A narrative that is inspired by real events or people | The movie was based on a true story of survival. |
| Popcorn flick | A movie that is entertaining and enjoyable but not intellectually demanding | Sometimes, you just want to relax with a popcorn flick. |
| Star-studded cast | A cast that includes many famous actors or celebrities | The movie boasts a star-studded cast of Hollywood's finest. |
7. Holidays
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Celebration | The action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in an enjoyable, typically social, activity | The New Year's Eve celebration was filled with fireworks. |
| Tradition | A belief or behaviour passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance | Decorating the Christmas tree is a cherished tradition. |
| Festive | Having to do with a festival, holiday, or celebration | The house was decorated in festive colours for the party. |
| Feast | A large meal, typically a celebratory one | We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast with our family. |
| Parade | A public procession, often including bands and floats, is held in honour of an event, person, or cause | The city held a parade to celebrate Independence Day. |
| Vacation | A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel | We're going on vacation to Europe next month. |
| Tradition | A belief or behaviour passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance | Giving gifts on birthdays is a tradition in many cultures. |
| Festival | An organised series of events, typically celebrating an artistic or cultural theme | The film festival attracts filmmakers from around the world. |
| Independence | The fact or state of being independent | July 4th is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. |
| Celebration | The action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in an enjoyable, typically social, activity | The New Year's Eve celebration was filled with fireworks. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Deck out | To decorate something, especially for a special occasion | They decked out the house with lights for Christmas. |
| Ring in | To celebrate the beginning of something, especially the New Year | We rang in the New Year with fireworks and champagne. |
| Gear up for | To prepare yourself or someone else for an event or activity | They're gearing up for the summer vacation next month. |
| Wind down | To relax and decrease in activity, especially before sleep | They spent the evening winding down by the fireplace. |
| Get together | To meet socially with others, especially for a special occasion | We got together with family for Thanksgiving dinner. |
| Take off work | To be absent from work, often for vacation or personal reasons | She took off work to travel to Europe. |
| Plan out | To carefully consider and create a plan or strategy | They planned out the itinerary for their holiday trip. |
| Fill up | To become full, especially with fuel or food | We filled up the car before heading to the beach. |
| Hang out | To spend time relaxing, often with friends | They hung out by the pool during their vacation. |
| Get away from it all | To escape from daily routines or stress | They rented a cabin in the mountains to get away from it all. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Break the ice | To initiate social interaction or conversation in a situation | He told a joke to break the ice at the party. |
| Paint the town red | To go out and have an enjoyable time, often with drinking and dancing | They painted the town red to celebrate their anniversary. |
| Home away from home | A place where one feels as comfortable and relaxed as one does in one's own home | Their vacation rental felt like a home away from home. |
| Bucket list | A list of experiences or achievements one hopes to accomplish during one's lifetime | Visiting the Grand Canyon is on my bucket list. |
| Take a break | To rest or relax briefly, especially from work or routine | We took a break from sightseeing to have lunch. |
| Living out of a suitcase | To travel often, living in hotels or temporary accommodations | Her job requires her to live out of a suitcase most of the time. |
| Chill out | To relax and unwind | They spent the afternoon chilling out by the pool. |
| Travel light | To pack lightly with minimal luggage | We travelled light for our weekend getaway. |
| Lazy days | Days spent in a relaxed or lazy manner | They enjoyed lazy days on the beach during their vacation. |
| Road less travelled | A less common or unconventional choice or experience | They opted for the road less travelled and explored remote villages. |
8. Information Technology
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Computer | An electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data | She uses her computer for work and entertainment. |
| Software | Programs and operating information used by a computer | Microsoft Office is a popular software suite. |
| Hardware | The physical components of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and CPU | He upgraded the hardware of his gaming PC. |
| Internet | A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities | We use the internet to access information online. |
| Website | A location connected to the internet that maintains one or more pages on the World Wide Web | The company launched a new website for its products. |
| Database | A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways | The database stores customer information securely. |
| Cybersecurity | The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks | Cybersecurity measures are crucial for protecting data. |
| Cloud computing | The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data | Many businesses use cloud computing for flexible storage. |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence | AI technology is advancing rapidly in various industries. |
| Programming | The process of writing computer programs using programming languages | She learned Python programming for data analysis. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Log in (to) | To enter a computer system by typing a username and password | Please log in to your account to access the document. |
| Back up | To make a copy of data to protect against loss | Remember to back up your files regularly. |
| Install | To set up software or hardware on a computer system | He installed the latest version of the operating system. |
| Set up | To prepare a device or system for use, especially by connecting it to other equipment | We need to set up the new printer in the office. |
| Upgrade | To improve the quality or functionality of software or hardware | They plan to upgrade their network infrastructure. |
| Download | To transfer data from a remote computer to one's own computer | She downloaded the latest software update. |
| Upload | To transfer data from one computer to a remote server or another computer | He uploaded the video to the company's server. |
| Log out (of) | To exit from a computer system after completing work | Don't forget to log out of your account when finished. |
| Crash | To suddenly stop working (of a computer system) | The system crashed due to a power outage. |
| Boot up | To start up a computer by loading the operating system into its memory | It takes a few minutes for the computer to boot up. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| In the cloud | Stored on the internet rather than on a physical device | The documents are saved in the cloud for easy access. |
| Plug and play | Able to be used immediately with no special installation required | The new printer is plug and play, so it's easy to set up. |
| Hit the delete button | To remove something from a computer by pressing the delete key | He accidentally hit the delete button and lost his work. |
| Digital footprint | The information about a particular person that exists on the internet because of their online activity | Be mindful of your digital footprint when using social media. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Del | A key combination used to restart a computer or access the task manager | Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to log in to the system. |
| User-friendly | Easy to use or understand, especially for a person unfamiliar with technology | The new software update is more user-friendly. |
| Crash course | A short and intensive training session | She took a crash course in web development. |
| Bug | A flaw or defect in software or hardware | The developer fixed the bug in the latest update. |
| Firewall | A security system designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network | The firewall protects the company's internal network. |
| Digital native | A person who has grown up with digital technology and is familiar with computers and the internet from an early age | Digital natives adapt quickly to new technologies. |
9. Advertisement
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Advertisement | A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event | The advertisement for the new smartphone was eye-catching. |
| Campaign | A series of advertisements, often with a particular theme or goal | The marketing campaign increased sales by 30%. |
| Brand | A type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name. | Nike is a well-known brand in the sportswear industry. |
| Consumer | A person who purchases goods and services for personal use | Consumers have a wide range of choices in the market. |
| Promotion | An activity designed to increase the sales or popularity of a product or service | The store offered a special promotion on electronics. |
| Slogan | A short and striking or memorable phrase used in advertising | "Just Do It" is Nike's famous slogan. |
| Target audience | The specific group of people at which an advertisement, product, or message is aimed | The campaign's target audience is young professionals. |
| Advertiser | A person or company that advertises a product or service | The advertiser created a compelling ad for the new car model. |
| Endorsement | The act of publicly recommending a product or service by a person or organisation | Celebrity endorsements can greatly impact sales. |
| Billboard | A large outdoor board for displaying advertisements | The billboard on the highway promoted a new movie release. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Bring out | To release or launch a new product | The company is bringing out a new line of smartphones next month. |
| Put out | To publish or broadcast an advertisement | They put out a new TV commercial for the holiday season. |
| Hype up | To promote or advertise enthusiastically | The new product was hyped up on social media. |
| Take out | To purchase advertising space or time | They took out a full-page ad in the newspaper. |
| Roll out | To launch or introduce a new product or service | The brand will roll out its new campaign next week. |
| Step up | To increase efforts or intensity in advertising | They stepped up their advertising efforts during the holiday season. |
| Catch on | To become popular or widely accepted | The new slogan quickly caught on with the public. |
| Stand out | To be noticeable or easily recognised | The vibrant colours in the ad helped it to stand out. |
| Turn off | To cause to lose interest | The misleading ad turned off many potential customers. |
| Zero in on | To focus closely on a target or goal | The campaign zeroed in on young consumers. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Hit the target | To successfully reach or achieve a goal | Their latest ad campaign really hit the target. |
| Word of mouth | Information passed by verbal communication | Word of mouth helped spread the news about the new restaurant. |
| Make a splash | To attract a lot of attention | The new advertisement made a splash on social media. |
| Eye-catching | Immediately appealing or noticeable | The billboard's design was very eye-catching. |
| In the spotlight | Receiving a lot of public attention | The innovative ad campaign put the brand in the spotlight. |
| Cut through the noise | To stand out from a lot of competing information | Their unique marketing strategy helped cut through the noise. |
| Pull out all the stops | To use all possible means to achieve a result | They pulled out all the stops for their new product launch. |
| Go viral | To become very popular very quickly online | Their clever video ad went viral within hours. |
| Get the word out | To spread information widely | They used social media to get the word out about their new service. |
| Above the fold | In the most prominent position, especially on a website | The main banner ad was placed above the fold. |
10. Business and Work
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Entrepreneur | A person who starts and manages a business, usually taking on financial risks | Steve Jobs was a successful entrepreneur who founded Apple. |
| Innovation | The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products | Technological innovation drives progress in many industries. |
| Profit | The financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent | The company reported a significant profit this quarter. |
| Investment | The action or process of investing money for profit or material result | They made a smart investment in real estate. |
| Leadership | The action of leading a group of people or an organisation | Effective leadership is crucial for a company's success. |
| Strategy | A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim | The marketing strategy focused on social media engagement. |
| Competition | The activity or condition of competing against others | The competition in the market is fierce. |
| Networking | The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop contacts | Networking events are great for meeting potential clients. |
| Deadline | The latest time or date by which something should be completed | We need to meet the project deadline next week. |
| Workplace | The place where one works, such as an office or factory | The new workplace fosters collaboration among teams. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Call off | To cancel something that was planned | The meeting was called off due to scheduling conflicts. |
| Carry out | To complete or perform a task | They carried out the project with great efficiency. |
| Lay off | To dismiss employees from their jobs | The company had to lay off several workers during the recession. |
| Set up | To establish or start something new | They set up a new branch in the city. |
| Take over | To assume control or responsibility | She will take over as CEO next month. |
| Look into | To investigate or examine something | The manager promised to look into the employee's complaint. |
| Step down | To resign or leave a position | The chairman decided to step down after ten years. |
| Keep up with | To stay informed about something | It's important to keep up with market trends. |
| Scale up | To increase in size or scope | The company plans to scale up production next year. |
| Break into | To enter a new market or area of business | They aim to break into the European market. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Climb the corporate ladder | To advance in one's career within a company | She worked hard to climb the corporate ladder. |
| Think outside the box | To think creatively and unconventionally | We need to think outside the box to solve this problem. |
| Touch base | To make contact with someone briefly | Let's touch base later this week to discuss the project. |
| Hit the ground running | To start a task or job with immediate productivity | The new manager hit the ground running on her first day. |
| Cut corners | To do something in the easiest or most inexpensive way | They cut corners to finish the project on time. |
| Behind the scenes | Working or happening privately without public knowledge | A lot of work was done behind the scenes to prepare for the event. |
| The bottom line | The final result or most important aspect | The bottom line is that we need to increase sales. |
| Burn the midnight oil | To work late into the night | She had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadline. |
| Take the initiative | To act independently and take charge | He always takes the initiative in team projects. |
| In the loop | Informed and up-to-date | It's important to keep everyone in the loop about changes. |
11. Food, Diet and Fitness
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Nutrition | The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth | Good nutrition is essential for a healthy lifestyle. |
| Diet | The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats | She follows a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons. |
| Ingredient | A component part or element of something, especially a mixture | The recipe calls for fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil. |
| Recipe | A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish or meal | She found a delicious recipe for homemade pizza. |
| Protein | A nutrient found in food, such as meat, nuts, and beans, is necessary for the body's growth and repair. | Athletes often consume protein shakes after workouts. |
| Exercise | Physical activity done to maintain or improve health and fitness | Regular exercise helps to keep the body in shape. |
| Calorie | A unit of energy used to measure the energy value of food | The snack contains a low number of calories. |
| Balanced diet | A diet that contains the proper proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water | It's important to maintain a balanced diet for overall health. |
| Vegetarian | A person who does not eat meat or fish for moral, religious, or health reasons | Many restaurants offer vegetarian options on their menu. |
| Fitness | The condition of being physically fit and healthy | She maintains her fitness by jogging every morning. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Work out | To exercise | She works out at the gym every morning. |
| Cut down on | To reduce the amount of something | He is trying to cut down on sugar. |
| Bulk up | To gain muscle mass | He is bulking up for the bodybuilding competition. |
| Cut out | To stop consuming something completely | She cut out all processed foods from her diet. |
| Pig out | To eat a lot, especially in a greedy manner | They pigged out on pizza after the game. |
| Tone up | To make muscles firmer and stronger | She is toning up her arms with weight training. |
| Slim down | To lose weight | He is trying to slim down before the summer. |
| Warm-up | To prepare the body for exercise by doing gentle movements | Always warm up before starting your workout. |
| Burn off | To use energy or calories by being active | You need to burn off more calories than you consume to lose weight. |
| Cool down | To do light exercises to help the body recover after a workout | Don't forget to cool down after your run. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| You are what you eat | Your health is determined by the food you eat | He believes in healthy eating, saying you are what you eat. |
| Fit as a fiddle | In very good health | Despite his age, he is as fit as a fiddle. |
| Watch your figure | To be cautious about what one eats to maintain a slim body | She always watches her figure and avoids junk food. |
| Have a sweet tooth | To like eating sweet foods | He has a sweet tooth and loves chocolate. |
| Couch potato | A person who is lazy and spends a lot of time sitting | He became a couch potato during the winter months. |
| Go the extra mile | To make a special effort to achieve something | She is willing to go the extra mile to stay healthy. |
| In the pink | In very good health | Regular exercise keeps her in the pink. |
| Eat like a horse | To eat a lot | He eats like a horse but never gains weight. |
| Burn the midnight oil | To stay up late working or studying | She burned the midnight oil to prepare for the fitness competition. |
| Apple of one's eye | Someone or something very precious or dear | His daughter's health is the apple of his eye. |
12. Fashion
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Fashion | A popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament | She follows the latest fashion trends in magazines. |
| Designer | A person who plans the form, look, or workings of something before its being made or built. | Chanel is known for its famous fashion designers. |
| Trend | A general direction in which something is developing or changing | High-waisted jeans are currently a popular trend. |
| Style | A particular manner or way in which something is done, created, or performed | Her style is elegant and sophisticated. |
| Accessories | Additional items worn or carried by a person, such as jewellery, handbags, or hats | She bought new accessories to match her outfit. |
| Couture | Fashionable made-to-measure clothing | The designer specialises in couture evening gowns. |
| Runway | A narrow, usually flat platform on which models walk to display clothes | The fashion show featured models on the runway. |
| Wardrobe | A collection of clothes typically belonging to one person | Her wardrobe includes a variety of dresses and suits. |
| Glamorous | Full of glamour or excitement, attractive in an exciting and special way | The actress looked glamorous on the red carpet. |
| Fashionable | Characteristic of, influenced by, or representing a current popular trend or style | She always wears fashionable clothes to work. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Dress up | To wear formal or fancy clothes | They dressed up for the awards ceremony. |
| Try on | To put on clothes to see if they fit or look good | She tried on several dresses before choosing one. |
| Take off | To become popular or successful quickly | The new fashion trend took off among teenagers. |
| Throw on | To put on clothes quickly and carelessly | He threw on a jacket before heading out the door. |
| Keep up with | To stay informed about the latest trends | She likes to keep up with the latest fashion trends. |
| Dress down | To wear casual clothes | On Fridays, they can dress down at the office. |
| Show off | To display something proudly | He loves to show off his designer shoes. |
| Go out of style | To become unfashionable | Bell-bottom jeans went out of style years ago. |
| Mix and match | To combine different pieces of clothing in various ways | She loves to mix and match her outfits. |
| Slip-on | To put on clothes or shoes quickly and easily | She slipped on her sandals and went to the beach. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Fashion statement | A bold or unique way of dressing | Her neon pink coat was quite a fashion statement. |
| Dressed to kill | Wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes | She arrived at the party dressed to kill. |
| In vogue | Currently fashionable or trendy | Skinny jeans are back in vogue this season. |
| Out of fashion | Not trendy or popular anymore | That style of hat has gone out of fashion. |
| Dressed to the nines | Dressed very elegantly or smartly | Everyone was dressed to the nines for the gala. |
| Hand-me-down | Clothes passed down from someone else | She often wears hand-me-downs from her older sister. |
| Fit like a glove | To fit perfectly | The new dress fits her like a glove. |
| Catwalk | The stage where fashion shows take place | The models walked down the catwalk in the latest designs. |
| On a shoestring budget | Spending as little money as possible | They started their fashion business on a shoestring budget. |
| The height of fashion | Extremely fashionable | That designer's dresses are the height of fashion. |
13. Cities and Towns
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Urban | Relating to a city or town | Urban areas tend to have higher population densities. |
| Suburb | An area on the outskirts of a city, typically residential | Many families move to the suburbs for a quieter lifestyle. |
| Downtown | The central part or main business area of a town or city | We visited downtown to explore the shops and cafes. |
| Architecture | The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings | The city is known for its diverse architecture styles. |
| Landmark | An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognised from a distance | The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris. |
| Neighbourhood | A district or community within a town or city typically having distinctive features. | They live in a friendly neighbourhood with good schools. |
| Infrastructure | The basic physical and organisational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise | The city's infrastructure includes roads and public transport. |
| Population | All the inhabitants of a particular town, area, or country | The city's population has grown rapidly in recent years. |
| Avenue | A broad road in a town or city typically having trees at regular intervals along its sides. | The parade marched down the grand avenue. |
| Skyline | An outline of land and buildings defined against the sky | The city's skyline is dominated by tall skyscrapers. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Grow up | To develop or mature in a particular place | She grew up in a small town in the countryside. |
| Settle down | To start living a quiet, stable life in one place | They decided to settle down in the suburbs. |
| Move-in | To begin living in a new home | We moved into our new apartment last week. |
| Move out | To leave one's home to live elsewhere | They moved out of the city to find a quieter life. |
| Spring up | To appear or develop quickly and suddenly | New businesses are springing up all over town. |
| Take over | To gain control of something | A new mayor took over and promised to improve the town. |
| Tear down | To demolish or destroy a building | The old library was torn down to make way for a new park. |
| Run down | To be in a poor or neglected state | Parts of the city have become quite run down. |
| Pop up | To appear or occur suddenly | Pop-up shops have been popping up all over the city. |
| Jazz up | To make something more lively or attractive | They decided to jazz up the town square with new lights. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Concrete jungle | A city area that is characterised by large, ugly buildings and little greenery | Living in the concrete jungle can be overwhelming. |
| Bright lights | The excitement and attractions of a big city | She left her hometown for the bright lights of the big city. |
| At the heart of | In the central or most important part | The new museum is at the heart of the town. |
| Down the road | In the future, nearby | There are plans for a new school down the road. |
| Off the beaten track | In a place where few people go | They found a charming village off the beaten track. |
| The rat race | A way of life in which people compete for wealth and power | He left the rat race to start a farm in the countryside. |
| A stone's throw | Very close or near | The park is just a stone's throw from our house. |
| Town and gown | The relationship between the residents of a town and the students and staff of a university | There has always been a bit of tension between town and gown. |
| Paint the town red | To go out and enjoy oneself flamboyantly | After the exams, they decided to paint the town red. |
| Urban jungle | A city environment viewed as difficult or hostile | Navigating the urban jungle requires a lot of patience. |
14. Shopping
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Shop | A building or part of a building where goods or services are sold | She went to the shop to buy groceries. |
| Retail | The sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption | They specialise in retailing high-end fashion brands. |
| Mall | A large enclosed shopping area containing various shops and restaurants | The mall has a cinema, food court, and many stores. |
| Boutique | A small store selling fashionable clothes or accessories | She found a beautiful dress at a local boutique. |
| Sale | An event at which goods are sold at reduced prices | The store is having a big sale on summer clothes. |
| Customer | A person who buys goods or services from a store or business | The customer asked for help finding the right size. |
| Purchase | The act of buying something | She made a purchase online and received free shipping. |
| Discount | A deduction from the usual cost of something, typically given for prompt or advance payment or to a special category of buyers. | They offered a 20% discount on all items. |
| Brand | A particular type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name. | Adidas is a popular brand for sportswear. |
| Shopping cart | A cart provided by a shop, especially a supermarket, for use by customers inside the shop to transport goods | She filled her shopping cart with groceries. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Try on | To put on a piece of clothing to see how it looks and fits | She tried on several dresses before choosing one. |
| Pick out | To choose or select something, especially after careful consideration | They picked out new furniture for their living room. |
| Shop around | To compare prices of goods at different stores before making a purchase | She likes to shop around for the best deals. |
| Pay for | To give money in exchange for goods or services | He paid for the groceries at the checkout counter. |
| Save up (for) | To keep money in order to buy something in the future | They're saving up for a new car. |
| Stock up (on) | To buy a large quantity of something, especially when it is available at a good price | They stocked up on canned food for emergencies. |
| Check out | To examine or look at something, especially in a store | She checked out the new gadgets at the electronics store. |
| Go shopping | To visit stores with the intention of buying goods | They went shopping for new clothes for the trip. |
| Ring up | To register the cost of goods bought by using a cash register | The cashier rang up the total amount of the groceries. |
| Browse through | To look at goods in a leisurely and casual manner | They browsed through the bookstore on a rainy afternoon. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Shop til you drop | To shop for a long time without stopping until one is exhausted | They shopped till they dropped during the holiday sales. |
| Retail therapy | Shopping as a way to improve one's mood or emotional well-being | She indulged in some retail therapy after a stressful week. |
| Window shopping | To look at goods in store windows without intending to buy anything | They spent the afternoon window shopping downtown. |
| Impulse buy | A purchase made without planning or consideration | The dress was an impulse buy, but she loved it. |
| Bargain hunter | Someone who searches for goods at a lower price or for a better deal | She is a bargain hunter who always finds great discounts. |
| Shopaholic | A person who shops compulsively and excessively | Her sister is a shopaholic who can't resist a sale. |
| Cash or credit? | Asking whether payment will be made in cash or by credit card | The cashier asked, "Cash or credit?" at checkout. |
| Retail Price | The price at which an item is sold in stores | The retail price of the shoes was higher than expected. |
| Out of stock | Not available for purchase because all inventory has been sold | The popular video game was out of stock everywhere. |
| Shop around | To compare prices of goods at different stores before making a purchase | She likes to shop around for the best deals. |
15. Covid-19
Words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Pandemic | An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population | The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countries worldwide. |
| Quarantine | A strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease, often involving a period of time spent in isolation | They were placed in quarantine after returning from abroad. |
| Lockdown | An emergency measure or condition in which people are temporarily prevented from entering or leaving a restricted area or building | The city imposed a lockdown to control the spread of the virus. |
| Social distancing | The practice of maintaining a greater-than-usual distance from other people | Social distancing is recommended to reduce transmission of the virus. |
| Vaccine | A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases | Scientists developed a vaccine to combat COVID-19. |
| Mask | A covering worn on the face to protect oneself and others from respiratory droplets. | She wore a mask while shopping to protect against the virus. |
| Remote work | Work done from a location other than a traditional office | Many companies adopted remote work during the pandemic. |
| Essential worker | A person whose job is necessary for the functioning of society and cannot be done remotely | Doctors and nurses are essential workers during the pandemic. |
| Contact tracing | The process of identifying people who may have met an infected person | Contact tracing helps to prevent further spread of the virus. |
| Isolation | The separation of people who are ill or infected from those who are healthy | They stayed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus. |
Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
| Lockdown | To impose restrictions on movement or activities, often due to a crisis or emergency | The government decided to lock down the city to control the spread of the virus. |
| Wear a mask | To cover one's face with a mask to protect against airborne particles | Everyone is required to wear a mask in public places. |
| Quarantine | To isolate or restrict the movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease | They quarantined travellers arriving from high-risk areas. |
| Self-isolate | To separate oneself from others, usually because one has or may have a contagious disease | She is self-isolating after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. |
| Social distance | To keep a safe physical distance from others to prevent the spread of disease | Remember to social distance when you're in public places. |
| Work from home | To perform work duties remotely from one's residence | Many employees are working from home during the pandemic. |
| Flatten the curve | To reduce the peak number of infections during an epidemic by implementing protective measures | Social distancing measures aim to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases. |
| Get tested | To undergo testing to determine whether one is infected with a disease | It's important to get tested if you experience symptoms. |
| Contact tracing | The process of identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to an infectious disease | Contact tracing helps to track the spread of COVID-19. |
| Roll out | To introduce or launch something on a large scale | They plan to roll out the vaccine to healthcare workers first. |
Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Flatten the curve | To reduce the peak number of infections during an epidemic by implementing protective measures | Social distancing measures aim to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases. |
| Bend the curve | To reduce the rate of increase in infections, especially during a pandemic | By wearing masks, we can help bend the curve of COVID-19 infections. |
| Herd immunity | Resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population that results if a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune to the disease, especially through vaccination or prior illness | Herd immunity is important in preventing widespread outbreaks. |
| Shelter in place | To stay indoors and take immediate refuge in a safe location, often due to emergency circumstances | Residents were advised to shelter in place during the lockdown. |
| Flare-up | A sudden outbreak or increase, especially of a disease or conflict | There was a flare-up of COVID-19 cases in the community. |
| Essential worker | A person whose job is necessary for the functioning of society and cannot be done remotely | Essential workers, such as healthcare professionals, are vital during the pandemic. |
| Frontline worker | A person who works in a critical role that directly provides essential services during an emergency or crisis | Frontline workers risk their health to care for COVID-19 patients. |
| Pandemic fatigue | A feeling of exhaustion, frustration, or burnout due to prolonged exposure to the effects of a pandemic, such as social distancing and remote work | Many people are experiencing pandemic fatigue after months of restrictions. |
| New normal | A way of life or set of circumstances that has become typical or expected, especially due to changes caused by a significant event like a pandemic | Wearing masks and social distancing have become part of the new normal. |
| Stay-at-home order | A directive issued by authorities requiring people to remain in their homes except for essential activities | The government implemented a stay-at-home order to curb the spread of COVID-19. |
Also Read: 350+ Vocabulary words for IELTS
4.
Tips and Tricks to Improve Vocabulary Words for IELTS Reading
Preparing for the IELTS reading section can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to building up your vocabulary. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered.
If you really want to ace the IELTS Reading section, it’s important to work on your vocabulary skills. Here are some great tips and tricks that will help you to level up your word game for the IELTS Reading test.
- Read regularly to expand your vocabulary range. Try to read different types of texts, like news articles, academic papers, and even fiction books. As you read, make a note of unfamiliar words and look them up in a dictionary.
- Learn to understand word meanings in context. Don't just memorise definitions; try to grasp how words are used in various situations. This will help you decipher unknown words in the exam.
- Create your own lists of words that pop up a lot in IELTS Reading. Try to include synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences to deepen your understanding of each word.
- Learn the different forms of a word (noun, verb, adjective) and how they are used differently.
- Don't spend too much time reading the entire text, practice skimming and scanning to grasp the main idea and emphasise keywords.
- Make sure to use correct spelling when transferring your answers on the sheet. Once you nail this, you will be one step ahead in improving your vocabulary skills.
- Finally, practice, practice and practice! The more you read and practice, the more your vocabulary will improve. Try to read a variety of texts, take notes, and review them regularly.
Remember, it's not just about knowing lots of words; it's about using them accurately and appropriately. So, follow these tips and tricks to improve your IELTS reading vocabulary.
