Comedy & Laughter: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of comedy & laughter, 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.

• edit (verb) — To prepare written material for publication by correcting or revising

  The manuscript was carefully edited before publication.

  Watch out: "Edit" = revise/correct. "Edition" (noun) = version, "editor" (person).

  Common pairings: edit carefully, editing process, first edition, editor

• feature (noun) — A distinctive characteristic or important part of something

  A key feature of this approach is its flexibility.

  Watch out: "Feature" is a characteristic. "Function" is what something does. A smartphone has features and functions.

  Common pairings: key feature, main feature, distinctive feature, common feature

• rigorous (adjective) — Extremely thorough and careful; strict

  The study underwent rigorous peer review before publication.

  Watch out: "Rigorous" = thorough/strict. "Rigorously" = adverb. "Rigor" = strictness.

  Common pairings: rigorous analysis, rigorous testing, rigorously, rigorous standards

• range (noun) — A variety of different things of the same general type; the limits within which something varies

  The survey covered a wide range of topics related to public health.

  Watch out: "Range" as a verb means to vary: "Prices range from $10 to $50." As a noun, it means variety.

  Common pairings: wide range, range of options, age range, price range

• stability (noun) — The state of being stable; not likely to change or fail

  Political stability is essential for economic growth.

  Watch out: "Stability" (noun), "stable" (adjective), "stabilize" (verb). Related words.

  Common pairings: political stability, economic stability, financial stability, stability of

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• annual (adjective) — Happening once every year; relating to a period of one year

  The annual growth rate has remained stable at approximately 3%.

  Watch out: "Annual" means yearly. "Annually" is the adverb form. Use correctly in different contexts.

  Common pairings: annual report, annual growth, annual income, on an annual basis

• epidemic (noun) — A widespread occurrence of a disease in a community at a particular time

  The obesity epidemic affects millions of people in developed countries.

  Watch out: "Epidemic" = regional spread. "Pandemic" = global spread. Choose correctly.

  Common pairings: obesity epidemic, epidemic proportions, global epidemic, epidemic of

• approximate (adjective) — Close to an exact amount or number but not completely accurate or precise.

  The approximate cost of the construction project is estimated at 2.5 million dollars.

  Watch out: Confusing 'approximate' (adjective) with 'approximately' (adverb). Say 'the approximate value' but 'approximately 50%'.

  Common pairings: approximate value, approximate cost, approximate figure, approximate estimate

• congestion (noun) — Overcrowding or blocking, especially of traffic or people

  Traffic congestion during rush hour costs the economy billions annually.

  Watch out: Two contexts: traffic (road congestion) or medical (nasal congestion). Different meanings.

  Common pairings: traffic congestion, congestion charge, reduce congestion, urban congestion

colleague (noun) — A person with whom one works

I discussed the proposal with my colleagues before the meeting.

Watch out: "Colleague" = work associate. More formal than "coworker".

Common pairings: colleague at work, fellow colleagues, work colleague, close colleague

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• nevertheless (adverb) — In spite of that; however; notwithstanding

  The project faced many obstacles. Nevertheless, the team achieved its goals.

  Watch out: "Nevertheless" = despite what was just said. Stronger than "however".

  Common pairings: nevertheless, it, but nevertheless, nevertheless, the, nevertheless, there

• exhibit (verb) — To show or display a quality, emotion, or ability; to put something on public display.

  Countries that invest in education tend to exhibit higher levels of economic growth.

  Watch out: As a verb, 'exhibit' means to display qualities or behaviour. As a noun, it refers to items on display.

  Common pairings: exhibit signs, exhibit behaviour, exhibit characteristics, clearly exhibit

• cognizant (adjective) — Having knowledge or awareness

  We must be cognizant of the risks involved.

  Watch out: "Cognizant of" = aware of. Formal word. "Cognizance" (noun).

  Common pairings: cognizant of, fully cognizant, cognizance of, take cognizance

• preliminary (adjective) — Coming before a main or more important action or event; preparatory.

  Preliminary research suggests a correlation between diet and mental health outcomes.

  Watch out: Preliminary means initial or early-stage. Do not use for final or conclusive findings.

  Common pairings: preliminary findings, preliminary results, preliminary stage, preliminary investigation

• indigenous (adjective) — Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

  Indigenous cultures often possess valuable knowledge about local ecosystems.

  Watch out: "Indigenous" is more formal/respectful than "native" when referring to peoples.

  Common pairings: indigenous people, indigenous culture, indigenous species, indigenous knowledge

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "indigenous"

  Correct usage: "indigenous" - originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

  "Indigenous" is more formal/respectful than "native" when referring to peoples.

• Incorrect use of "nevertheless"

  Correct usage: "nevertheless" - in spite of that; however; notwithstanding

  "Nevertheless" = despite what was just said. Stronger than "however".

• Incorrect use of "range"

  Correct usage: "range" - a variety of different things of the same general type; the limits within which something varies

  "Range" as a verb means to vary: "Prices range from $10 to $50." As a noun, it means variety.

Practise the words

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

1. The study underwent _______ peer review before publication.
2. The _______ cost of the construction project is estimated at 2.5 million dollars.
3. _______ research suggests a correlation between diet and mental health outcomes.
4. We must be _______ of the risks involved.
5. Political _______ is essential for economic growth.

Answers: rigorous, approximate, preliminary, cognizant, stability

Writing tip

Aim for 260-280 words in Task 2 - quality matters more than quantity.