Changing Family Structures: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of changing family structures, 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.

• remove (verb) — To take something away from a place or position

  The new policy aims to remove barriers to economic growth.

  Watch out: "Remove" is more formal than "take away". Related: "removal", "removable".

  Common pairings: remove barriers, remove obstacles, completely remove, removal process

• estimate (verb) — To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, or extent of something

  Experts estimate that the global population will reach 10 billion by 2050.

  Watch out: As a noun: ES-ti-mit. As a verb: ES-ti-mayt. The pronunciation changes with the part of speech.

  Common pairings: rough estimate, conservative estimate, estimate that, estimated at

• core (noun) — The central or most important part of something

  Critical thinking is at the core of academic success.

  Watch out: "Core" means central part. "Corps" (pronounced the same) means a group of people. Different words.

  Common pairings: core values, core skills, at the core, core curriculum

• approach (noun) — A way of doing something or dealing with a problem

  The government has adopted a new approach to tackling unemployment.

  Watch out: Saying "approach to do" is wrong. Say "approach to doing" or "approach to + noun".

  Common pairings: new approach, different approach, holistic approach, systematic approach

• major (adjective) — Very large, important, or serious; greater than others of the same kind

  Pollution is a major problem in many developing countries.

  Watch out: "Major" means very important. "Main" means most important. Major is one of several; main is the most.

  Common pairings: major factor, major problem, major change, major role

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• phase (noun) — A distinct period or stage in a process of change or development

  The project is currently in its initial phase of implementation.

  Watch out: "Phase" is a stage with a beginning and end. "Stage" is more general. "Period" is a length of time.

  Common pairings: initial phase, final phase, in phases, transition phase

• dimension (noun) — A particular aspect or feature of a situation; a measurement of size or extent

  The social dimension of urban planning is often overlooked.

  Watch out: "Dimension" can mean physical size (three dimensions) or aspect (political dimension). Both are common.

  Common pairings: new dimension, social dimension, various dimensions, add a dimension

• ratio (noun) — The relationship between two amounts showing how many times one value contains another.

  The student-to-teacher ratio in primary schools has improved significantly over the past decade.

  Watch out: Confusing 'ratio' with 'rate'. Ratio compares two quantities; rate measures something per unit of time.

  Common pairings: student-teacher ratio, ratio of, debt-to-income ratio, in the ratio of

• retain (verb) — To continue to have or keep; to not lose or give up

  It is important to retain qualified employees through competitive salaries.

  Watch out: "Retain" means to keep what you have. "Maintain" means to keep in good condition. They differ in focus.

  Common pairings: retain information, retain employees, retain control, retain the right

challenge (noun) — A difficult task or problem that tests your abilities

Addressing climate change remains one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Watch out: A "challenge" is something difficult but possible. A "problem" is something wrong. Challenges can be positive.

Common pairings: face a challenge, major challenge, overcome challenges, pose a challenge

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• adjunct (noun) — Something added to something else as a supplementary element

  The new program will serve as an adjunct to existing services.

  Watch out: "Adjunct" = addition/supplement. Also used for part-time academics.

  Common pairings: adjunct to, adjunct professor, adjunct therapy, serve as adjunct

• credible (adjective) — Able to be believed; convincing

  The witness provided credible evidence to support the case.

  Watch out: "Credible" = believable. "Creditable" = deserving praise. Different meanings.

  Common pairings: credible evidence, credible source, credible threat, highly credible

• append (verb) — To add something to the end of a document or piece of writing

  The researchers appended additional data tables to support their conclusions.

  Watch out: Formal/technical word. Related: "appendix" (plural: appendices). More formal than "add" or "attach".

  Common pairings: append to, appended document, append a note, as appended

• paradox (noun) — A seemingly contradictory statement that may be true

  The paradox of choice suggests that more options can lead to less satisfaction.

  Watch out: "Paradox" = apparent contradiction. "Paradoxical" = adjective form.

  Common pairings: paradox of, paradoxically, apparent paradox, resolve the paradox

• deterrent (noun) — Something that discourages or prevents an action

  Some argue that harsh punishments act as a deterrent to crime.

  Watch out: "Deterrent" (noun/adjective). "Deter" (verb). "Acts as a deterrent", "deter someone from".

  Common pairings: act as a deterrent, effective deterrent, crime deterrent, nuclear deterrent

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "dimension"

  Correct usage: "dimension" - a particular aspect or feature of a situation; a measurement of size or extent

  "Dimension" can mean physical size (three dimensions) or aspect (political dimension). Both are common.

• Incorrect use of "credible"

  Correct usage: "credible" - able to be believed; convincing

  "Credible" = believable. "Creditable" = deserving praise. Different meanings.

• Incorrect use of "estimate"

  Correct usage: "estimate" - to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, or extent of something

  As a noun: ES-ti-mit. As a verb: ES-ti-mayt. The pronunciation changes with the part of speech.

Practise the words

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

1. The project is currently in its initial _______ of implementation.
2. Pollution is a _______ problem in many developing countries.
3. Critical thinking is at the _______ of academic success.
4. The _______ of choice suggests that more options can lead to less satisfaction.
5. The student-to-teacher _______ in primary schools has improved significantly over the past decade.

Answers: phase, major, core, paradox, ratio

Listening tip

Use the time before each section to read the questions carefully.