COMMON PHRASES FOR IELTS BY 18 TOPICS

In every IELTS test, candidates are required to have the ability to combine vocabulary and apply it in context, along with clear pronunciation and correct grammar structures. Understanding this, azVocab has compiled common IELTS vocabulary phrases for the 18 most common topics in this test. This will help candidates understand how to combine individual words into correct collocations and use them effectively when taking the IELTS test.

Why Learn Vocabulary in Phrases?

A single word in English often has multiple meanings, and there are many words with similar meanings but different nuances. Therefore, learning vocabulary in phrases is a way for learners to understand how words are combined and how to use them in specific contexts appropriately.

Word groups that often go together are common for the IELTS test because you can see them in each section of the test, especially in Speaking and Writing. Therefore, learning vocabulary phrases is a way for you to earn more points on the test, as vocabulary phrases that are relevant to the topic and will leave a good impression on the examiner regarding your word usage skills.

Effective Methods for Learning Vocabulary Phrases

Summarize and Take Notes of Phrases

Before applying phrases in context, you need to know what phrases are related to a particular topic, and their meanings, and then take notes to remember them initially. azVocab has compiled the most common phrases in the IELTS test through its series of articles. Take notes to start learning. An effective note-taking method that helps you easily recall phrases in your memory is to use words in combination with images or specific examples in each context where you encounter these phrases.

Currently, azVocab has introduced the azVocab Dictionary extension, which allows you to quickly look up the meaning of words while also saving vocabulary words in your personal wordbook for future learning and revision. You can combine azVocab’s extension during the process of summarizing and note-taking to save time.

>> Learn more: azVocab Dictionary – Look Up and Add Words While Browsing the Web

Review the Noted Vocabulary Phrases

After you have taken notes and learned words to add to your memory, your next task is to periodically review them. Remember that memorization of words can only occur within a limited time frame, as your brain will continue to receive more vocabulary and information during your learning period. Reviewing vocabulary after a certain period to prevent them from “disappearing” from your memory is extremely important.

To calculate the review time for vocabulary phrases effectively and help you remember them better, you can consider the spaced repetition technique. azVocab has also applied this method to its website to optimize the vocabulary learning process.

>> Learn more: Applying the Spaced Repetition Technique to Vocabulary Learning with azVocab

Apply in Real-Life Situations

You may be able to remember vocabulary phrases, but if you can’t use them in specific contexts, you’ve only learned 50% of those words. Therefore, make sure to use the phrases you’ve memorized regularly. You can practice using these phrases by incorporating them into your answers for IELTS Speaking questions or using them in Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.

Using vocabulary phrases regularly will help you remember them for a long time and almost form a natural reflex when communicating. These phrases will come out very naturally when you speak or write. Don’t forget that “Practice makes perfect”!

Common IELTS Vocabulary Phrases by Topic

Below, azVocab has compiled common vocabulary phrases for the IELTS exam based on the 18 most common topics. These are carefully selected vocabulary phrases provided with complete examples so that you can understand how to use them in specific contexts.

1. People and Relationships
2. Education
3. Time and History
4. Crime and Law
5. Place and Building
6. Travel and Transport
7. Science and Technology
8. Business and Economics
9. Fame and Media
10. Entertainment and Art
11. Health and Fitness
12. Language and Communication
13. Culture and Society
14. Food and Drink
15. Nature and Environment
16. Festival and Tradition
17. Inventions and Discoveries
18. Work and Lifestyle

Some Sources to Learn Vocabulary Phrases

There are many sources for learning phrases in English. In addition to studying based on the topics compiled on azVocab, you can choose some useful sources to increase your vocabulary. Here are a few suggestions for expanding your vocabulary:

Books, Newspapers, and Videos

Reading is the fastest way to increase your vocabulary, especially for phrases because they often appear frequently in real texts. Therefore, spend more time reading English content to learn useful phrases. Some reputable newspapers with content written in English that you can refer to include:

• E-news: This is a website that provides English-language news specifically for English learners. Each news article on the website has three corresponding versions for three different proficiency levels: Advanced, Intermediate, and Elementary. In each version, important vocabulary words or phrases are highlighted in different colors to make them easy to notice. This is a very useful website for learning vocabulary phrases in English.
• The Learning Network of The New York Times: This is a section of The New York Times newspaper dedicated to helping people learn English. Therefore, the content on this page is written in a style that is easy to understand, and suitable for those who prefer the American-English style. This is also a useful source for learning vocabulary and phrases, especially for those who want to pursue the American-English style.
• The Guardian: This is a highly diverse English-language news source with content in three English styles: British-American, British-British, or British-Australian. The topics of news on The Guardian are extremely diverse, covering politics, culture, business, lifestyle, and more. However, since this is a newspaper primarily serving native speakers, the language and style may not be easy for English learners to understand, and it may require at least an intermediate or advanced level to fully comprehend.
• The New York Times minutes: This is a source of short videos on current issues, providing in-depth analysis from The Times’ reporters and editors. The videos are not too long, usually less than 2 minutes, making them suitable for those who want to practice listening to English. While listening, try to pay attention to useful phrases and take notes to learn from them.

In addition, if you are particularly interested in a specific field, such as sports, travel, celebrities, etc., you can choose relevant news sources to read and learn phrases from them. This way, you will be more motivated to learn.

Movies and TV Shows

Movies and TV shows are also very useful sources for learning English phrases, as these phrases are often used in everyday communication. The key is to choose movies and TV shows that match your proficiency level to learn effectively.

We hope that through this article, you will have access to useful materials for learning IELTS phrases efficiently, remembering them, and applying them effectively. Wish you success in the upcoming IELTS exam!