Coral Reefs: Rainforests of the Sea: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 49
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of coral reefs: rainforests of the sea, 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.
density (noun) — The degree of compactness of a substance; quantity per unit area
Urban areas typically have higher population density than rural regions.
Watch out: "Density" = compactness. "Dense" = adjective. "Densely" = adverb.
Common pairings: population density, high density, low density, densely
negate (verb) — To cause something to have no effect; to deny the existence of something
Poor planning can negate the benefits of increased investment.
Watch out: "Negate" means cancel out or deny. "Negative" is the adjective. "Negation" is the noun.
Common pairings: negate the effects, negate the benefits, negate the impact, cannot negate
illustrate (verb) — To explain or make something clear by giving examples; to provide pictures
The chart illustrates the relationship between income and educational attainment.
Watch out: "Illustrate" can mean explain with examples OR provide pictures. Context determines meaning.
Common pairings: clearly illustrate, illustrate the point, as illustrated, well illustrated
element (noun) — A basic or essential part of something; a component
Trust is a key element in building successful business relationships.
Watch out: "Element" is a basic part. "Component" is a part of a larger system. "Factor" influences outcomes.
Common pairings: key element, essential element, element of, various elements
clarity (noun) — The quality of being clear and easy to understand
The report was praised for its clarity and logical structure.
Watch out: "Clarity" = clearness. "Clarify" = to make clear.
Common pairings: clarity of thought, with clarity, gain clarity, lack of clarity
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
pollutant (noun) — A substance that contaminates air, water, or soil
Industrial pollutants have been found in the drinking water supply.
Watch out: "Pollutant" is the substance. "Pollution" is the condition. "Pollute" is the verb.
Common pairings: air pollutants, harmful pollutants, major pollutant, release pollutants
stress (verb) — To emphasise the importance of something; to give special attention to
Experts stress the importance of early childhood education.
Watch out: "Stress" as a verb means to emphasise. As a noun, it can mean pressure or emphasis. Context determines meaning.
Common pairings: stress the importance, stress the need, stress that, it should be stressed
literacy (noun) — The ability to read and write; competence in a particular area
Improving adult literacy rates is essential for economic development.
Watch out: "Literacy" now extends beyond reading: "digital literacy", "financial literacy".
Common pairings: literacy rate, digital literacy, financial literacy, adult literacy
confer (verb) — To give an official title, honour, or right to someone; or to have discussions before making a decision.
The university confers honorary degrees upon distinguished individuals who have contributed to society.
Watch out: Confusing 'confer' with 'confirm'. Confer means to give or to discuss; confirm means to verify.
Common pairings: confer a degree, confer with, confer status, confer benefits
publication (noun) — The act of making something publicly known; a book, magazine, or other published work.
The publication of the research findings sparked considerable debate among scientists.
Watch out: Using 'publication' only for printed materials. It also refers to the act of publishing information.
Common pairings: academic publication, date of publication, publication of, recent publication
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "confer"
Correct usage: "confer" - to give an official title, honour, or right to someone; or to have discussions before making a decision.
Confusing 'confer' with 'confirm'. Confer means to give or to discuss; confirm means to verify.
Incorrect use of "illustrate"
Correct usage: "illustrate" - to explain or make something clear by giving examples; to provide pictures
"Illustrate" can mean explain with examples OR provide pictures. Context determines meaning.
Incorrect use of "element"
Correct usage: "element" - a basic or essential part of something; a component
"Element" is a basic part. "Component" is a part of a larger system. "Factor" influences outcomes.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- The _______ of the research findings sparked considerable debate among scientists.
- Improving adult _______ rates is essential for economic development.
- The chart illustrates the relationship between income and educational attainment.
- Industrial pollutants have been found in the drinking water supply.
- The report was praised for its _______ and logical structure.
Answers: publication, literacy, illustrate, pollutant, clarity
Reading tip
Underline key words in questions to help you locate answers quickly.
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These words are from Week 49: Coral Reefs: Rainforests of the Sea of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.