Animal Intelligence: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of animal intelligence, grouped by the band they belong to. Each one comes with a definition, a sentence showing it at work, and the mistake examiners see most often.

Band 6 words

Five words at band 6.

• distribute (verb) — To give or spread out something to several people or places

  The government aims to distribute resources more equally across regions.

  Watch out: "Distribute" means to spread among many. "Allocate" means to assign for a specific purpose. They overlap but differ.

  Common pairings: distribute resources, evenly distributed, distribution of wealth, distribute information

• paragraph (noun) — A distinct section of a piece of writing, dealing with a single theme

  Each paragraph should contain one main idea supported by relevant examples.

  Watch out: A paragraph is NOT just any block of text. It should have one clear topic/idea.

  Common pairings: opening paragraph, body paragraph, concluding paragraph, paragraph structure

• respond (verb) — To say or do something as a reaction to something else

  Governments must respond quickly to environmental challenges.

  Watch out: "Respond to" is the correct phrase. Do not say "respond at" or "respond for".

  Common pairings: respond to, respond positively, respond quickly, fail to respond

• culture (noun) — The beliefs, customs, arts, and way of life of a particular group or society

  Globalisation has led to the spread of Western culture around the world.

  Watch out: "Culture" is uncountable when talking about the arts. It is countable when talking about different cultures.

  Common pairings: cultural differences, popular culture, cultural heritage, work culture

• constant (adjective) — Happening all the time or repeatedly; staying the same

  The constant pressure to perform can lead to stress and burnout.

  Watch out: "Constant" means unchanging or continuous. "Consistent" means regular or reliable. They differ.

  Common pairings: remain constant, constant change, constant pressure, at a constant rate

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• ethic (noun) — A moral principle that governs behaviour; a set of moral values.

  A strong work ethic is often cited as essential for professional success.

  Watch out: Confusing 'ethic' (singular, a principle) with 'ethics' (plural, the study of morality or a set of principles).

  Common pairings: work ethic, professional ethics, ethical standards, code of ethics

• obvious (adjective) — Easily seen, recognised, or understood; clear and apparent to everyone.

  The obvious solution to traffic congestion is to invest in public transportation systems.

  Watch out: Overusing 'obvious' can sound condescending. Use sparingly and consider 'clear' or 'evident' as alternatives.

  Common pairings: obvious reason, obvious choice, immediately obvious, become obvious

• combat (verb) — To take action to reduce or prevent something bad

  New measures were introduced to combat climate change.

  Watch out: "Combat" as verb (fight against) or noun (fighting). Different pronunciations.

  Common pairings: combat poverty, combat crime, combat climate change, combat the problem

• logic (noun) — A system of reasoning based on principles and evidence; the quality of being reasonable.

  The logic behind the government's decision has been questioned by several economists.

  Watch out: Using 'logics' as a plural. Logic is usually uncountable. Say 'the logic' not 'the logics'.

  Common pairings: sound logic, flawed logic, the logic behind, follow the logic

entrepreneur (noun) — A person who starts and runs a business, taking financial risks

Successful entrepreneurs often identify needs that others overlook.

Watch out: French origin. Pronounced "on-truh-pruh-NUR". "Entrepreneurial" is the adjective.

Common pairings: young entrepreneur, successful entrepreneur, entrepreneurial spirit, serial entrepreneur

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• caustic (adjective) — Severely critical or sarcastic

  The review contained caustic remarks about the performance.

  Watch out: "Caustic" = biting/harsh (comment) OR chemically burning (substance).

  Common pairings: caustic remarks, caustic wit, caustic criticism, caustic comment

• adversary (noun) — An opponent or enemy

  The two companies have been adversaries in the market for decades.

  Watch out: "Adversary" = opponent. "Adversarial" (adjective) = relating to conflict.

  Common pairings: political adversary, adversarial relationship, worthy adversary, formidable adversary

• implicit (adjective) — Implied but not directly stated; understood without being openly expressed

  There was an implicit assumption that all participants had prior knowledge.

  Watch out: "Implicit" is not stated. "Explicit" is clearly stated. They are opposites.

  Common pairings: implicit assumption, implicit meaning, implicit bias, implicit understanding

• accentuate (verb) — To make more noticeable or prominent

  The new policy accentuates existing inequalities in the system.

  Watch out: "Accentuate" = emphasize/highlight. "Accent" related but different use.

  Common pairings: accentuate the positive, accentuate differences, accentuated by, further accentuate

• vehicle (noun) — A thing used to transport people or goods; a medium through which something is expressed or achieved.

  Education is often seen as the primary vehicle for social mobility.

  Watch out: Vehicle can be literal (transport) or metaphorical (means of achieving). Context determines meaning.

  Common pairings: vehicle for change, motor vehicle, electric vehicle, vehicle for expression

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "constant"

  Correct usage: "constant" - happening all the time or repeatedly; staying the same

  "Constant" means unchanging or continuous. "Consistent" means regular or reliable. They differ.

• Incorrect use of "obvious"

  Correct usage: "obvious" - easily seen, recognised, or understood; clear and apparent to everyone.

  Overusing 'obvious' can sound condescending. Use sparingly and consider 'clear' or 'evident' as alternatives.

• Incorrect use of "respond"

  Correct usage: "respond" - to say or do something as a reaction to something else

  "Respond to" is the correct phrase. Do not say "respond at" or "respond for".

Practise the words

Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.

1. The _______ behind the government's decision has been questioned by several economists.
2. Successful entrepreneurs often identify needs that others overlook.
3. New measures were introduced to _______ climate change.
4. The new policy accentuates existing inequalities in the system.
5. The _______ pressure to perform can lead to stress and burnout.

Answers: logic, entrepreneur, combat, accentuate, constant

Listening tip

If you miss an answer, move on - don't let it affect the next questions.