Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of artificial intelligence in daily life, 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.

• establish (verb) — To start or create something that is meant to last; to prove something is true

  The university was established in 1850 and has since become a leading institution.

  Watch out: Do not say "establish up" - just "establish". Also, "set up" is less formal than "establish".

  Common pairings: establish a link, firmly established, establish contact, establish guidelines

• theme (noun) — The main subject or topic being discussed or described

  The recurring theme throughout the novel is the conflict between tradition and modernity.

  Watch out: "Theme" is the underlying idea, not just the topic. A theme is deeper than a subject.

  Common pairings: main theme, central theme, recurring theme, theme park

• final (adjective) — Coming at the end; last in a series; not to be changed

  The final stage of the process involves quality control checks.

  Watch out: "Final" means last with no more to come. "Last" can just mean most recent. "Final" is more definite.

  Common pairings: final stage, final decision, final result, final point

• consumer (noun) — A person who buys goods or services for personal use

  Consumer spending drives economic growth in many countries.

  Watch out: "Consumer" = buyer. "Consume" (verb), "consumption" (noun).

  Common pairings: consumer spending, consumer goods, consumer confidence, consumer demand

• document (noun) — An official paper or record that provides information or evidence

  Historical documents provide valuable insights into past societies.

  Watch out: As a noun, stress the first syllable: DOC-ument. As a verb, stress the second: doc-U-ment.

  Common pairings: official document, legal document, document evidence, key documents

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• rational (adjective) — Based on or in accordance with reason or logic

  Rational decision-making requires careful analysis of available data.

  Watch out: "Rational" = logical/reasonable. "Rationale" (noun) = reason behind something.

  Common pairings: rational approach, rational decision, rational thinking, perfectly rational

• concurrent (adjective) — Happening or existing at the same time; running parallel.

  The study ran concurrent experiments to verify the initial findings.

  Watch out: Confusing 'concurrent' with 'consecutive'. Concurrent means at the same time; consecutive means one after another.

  Common pairings: concurrent sessions, run concurrently, concurrent events, concurrent with

• commence (verb) — To begin or start something, especially a formal activity or process.

  Construction work is scheduled to commence in the spring of next year.

  Watch out: Using 'commence' in informal contexts. It is very formal; use 'start' or 'begin' in everyday situations.

  Common pairings: commence proceedings, commence operations, commence work, commencement date

• parallel (adjective) — Happening at the same time or in a similar way; lines or surfaces that are always the same distance apart.

  There are striking parallel developments in education systems across different countries.

  Watch out: Spelling error: 'paralell' or 'parralel'. Remember: one 'r', two 'l's.

  Common pairings: draw parallels, run parallel, parallel development, in parallel

diminish (verb) — To make or become smaller, less, or less important.

The influence of traditional media has diminished with the rise of social platforms.

Watch out: Using 'diminish' and 'decrease' interchangeably. Diminish often implies gradual reduction in importance or value.

Common pairings: diminish in importance, diminishing returns, greatly diminished, diminish over time

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• contravene (verb) — To violate or go against a law or rule

  The actions contravene international law.

  Watch out: "Contravene" = violate. "Contravention" (noun).

  Common pairings: contravene the law, in contravention of, contravention of, directly contravene

• confirm (verb) — To establish the truth or correctness of something; to verify

  Recent studies confirm the link between air pollution and respiratory diseases.

  Watch out: "Confirm" proves something is true. "Affirm" is to state positively. "Verify" is to check accuracy.

  Common pairings: confirm findings, studies confirm, confirm the hypothesis, confirmed by

• demarcate (verb) — To set the boundaries or limits of

  The treaty demarcates the border between the two nations.

  Watch out: "Demarcate" = mark boundaries. "Demarcation" = the boundary line.

  Common pairings: demarcate boundaries, line of demarcation, clearly demarcated, demarcation

• aspiration (noun) — A strong hope or ambition to achieve something

  Education helps people achieve their career aspirations.

  Watch out: "Aspiration" = ambition/goal. "Aspire" (verb), "aspiring" (adjective).

  Common pairings: career aspirations, aspirational, aspire to, fulfill aspirations

• connectivity (noun) — The state of being connected or interconnected, especially via the internet

  Poor internet connectivity in rural areas limits access to online education.

  Watch out: Uncountable. "Internet connectivity" not "internet connectivities".

  Common pairings: internet connectivity, global connectivity, improve connectivity, wireless connectivity

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "establish"

  Correct usage: "establish" - to start or create something that is meant to last; to prove something is true

  Do not say "establish up" - just "establish". Also, "set up" is less formal than "establish".

• Incorrect use of "connectivity"

  Correct usage: "connectivity" - the state of being connected or interconnected, especially via the internet

  Uncountable. "Internet connectivity" not "internet connectivities".

• Incorrect use of "final"

  Correct usage: "final" - coming at the end; last in a series; not to be changed

  "Final" means last with no more to come. "Last" can just mean most recent. "Final" is more definite.

Practise the words

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

1. _______ decision-making requires careful analysis of available data.
2. The _______ stage of the process involves quality control checks.
3. There are striking _______ developments in education systems across different countries.
4. The study ran _______ experiments to verify the initial findings.
5. The influence of traditional media has diminished with the rise of social platforms.

Answers: rational, final, parallel, concurrent, diminish

Reading tip

Pay attention to transition words like "however" and "therefore" - they signal important information.