Birds: Masters of the Sky: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of birds: masters of the sky, 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.

• require (verb) — To need something; to officially demand or order something

  This position requires a minimum of five years of experience.

  Watch out: "Require" is followed by a noun or -ing form: "requires attention" or "requires doing", not "requires to do".

  Common pairings: require attention, require effort, legally required, require approval

• restrict (verb) — To limit or control the size, amount, or range of something

  Some countries have restricted the use of single-use plastics to reduce pollution.

  Watch out: "Restrict" implies putting limits on. "Limit" is similar but broader. "Ban" means completely prohibit.

  Common pairings: restrict access, restrict movement, strictly restricted, impose restrictions

• research (noun) — A careful study done to find facts or learn new things

  Recent research suggests that regular exercise can improve mental health outcomes.

  Watch out: Using "researches" as a plural. In academic English, we say "research" for one study or many studies.

  Common pairings: conduct research, research findings, research suggests, scientific research

• complex (adjective) — Made of many different parts that are connected; difficult to understand

  Climate change is a complex issue that requires international cooperation.

  Watch out: "Complex" means having many parts. "Complicated" means difficult to deal with. They are similar but not identical.

  Common pairings: complex issue, complex system, highly complex, complex relationship

• proportion (noun) — A part or share of a whole; the relationship in size between different things

  A significant proportion of the population lives below the poverty line.

  Watch out: "Proportion" shows relationship to whole. "Percentage" is specifically out of 100.

  Common pairings: large proportion, significant proportion, in proportion to, proportion of

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• benchmark (noun) — A standard or point of reference against which things are compared

  The study uses industry standards as a benchmark for comparison.

  Watch out: "Benchmark" = standard for comparison. Can be noun or verb.

  Common pairings: set a benchmark, benchmark against, industry benchmark, benchmarking

• internal (adjective) — Existing or occurring inside a person, object, or organisation; relating to the inside.

  Internal migration from rural to urban areas has accelerated in many developing countries.

  Watch out: Using 'internal' and 'interior' interchangeably. Internal refers to systems or processes; interior refers to physical spaces.

  Common pairings: internal affairs, internal migration, internal factors, internal structure

• access (noun) — The opportunity or right to use or benefit from something

  All citizens should have equal access to quality healthcare.

  Watch out: "Access to" is correct. Do not say "access of" or "access for" when talking about availability.

  Common pairings: access to education, gain access, provide access, equal access

• expose (verb) — To make something visible by uncovering it; to reveal hidden information; to put at risk.

  The investigation exposed serious flaws in the safety inspection procedures.

  Watch out: Confusing 'expose' with 'exposes' in academic writing. Also, 'be exposed to' means experience something.

  Common pairings: expose the truth, expose to risk, be exposed to, expose weaknesses

conscious (adjective) — Aware of and responding to one's surroundings

Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental issues.

Watch out: "Conscious" = aware. "Conscience" (moral sense) is different.

Common pairings: conscious of, self-conscious, conscious effort, conscious decision

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• sole (adjective) — Being the only one; not shared with others

  Economic factors are not the sole cause of migration patterns.

  Watch out: "Sole" means the only one. "Soul" is the spiritual part of a person. They are homophones with different meanings.

  Common pairings: sole responsibility, sole purpose, sole reason, sole focus

• commensurate (adjective) — Corresponding in size or degree; proportionate

  The salary should be commensurate with experience.

  Watch out: "Commensurate with" = proportional to. Formal word.

  Common pairings: commensurate with, commensurate to, salary commensurate, commensurate increase

• underlie (verb) — To be the cause or basis of something

  Several factors underlie the recent increase in prices.

  Watch out: Past: "underlay". Past participle: "underlain". "Underlying" (adjective) = fundamental.

  Common pairings: underlying cause, underlying problem, underlying factors, underlying principle

• deforestation (noun) — The clearing or removal of forests, typically for agricultural or urban development

  Deforestation in the Amazon has accelerated due to demand for agricultural land.

  Watch out: Uncountable noun. "Deforestation is..." not "A deforestation is...".

  Common pairings: rate of deforestation, combat deforestation, illegal deforestation, deforestation rates

• guideline (noun) — A general rule, principle, or piece of advice that provides direction or guidance.

  The government has issued new guidelines for reducing workplace emissions.

  Watch out: Guidelines are recommendations, not strict rules. Do not confuse with 'regulations' which are mandatory.

  Common pairings: follow guidelines, issue guidelines, strict guidelines, within guidelines

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "commensurate"

  Correct usage: "commensurate" - corresponding in size or degree; proportionate

  "Commensurate with" = proportional to. Formal word.

• Incorrect use of "internal"

  Correct usage: "internal" - existing or occurring inside a person, object, or organisation; relating to the inside.

  Using 'internal' and 'interior' interchangeably. Internal refers to systems or processes; interior refers to physical spaces.

• Incorrect use of "deforestation"

  Correct usage: "deforestation" - the clearing or removal of forests, typically for agricultural or urban development

  Uncountable noun. "Deforestation is..." not "A deforestation is...".

Practise the words

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

1. This position requires a minimum of five years of experience.
2. The investigation exposed serious flaws in the safety inspection procedures.
3. Several factors _______ the recent increase in prices.
4. _______ in the Amazon has accelerated due to demand for agricultural land.
5. Economic factors are not the _______ cause of migration patterns.

Answers: require, expose, underlie, deforestation, sole

Reading tip

For True/False/Not Given questions, look for exact matches or contradictions in the text.