Deserts: Not So Empty: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of deserts: not so empty, 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.

• category (noun) — A class or group of things having shared characteristics

  The responses fell into three main categories based on age group.

  Watch out: "Category" is a group with shared features. "Type" is more informal. Use "category" for formal classification.

  Common pairings: main category, fall into a category, broad category, age category

• convince (verb) — To persuade someone to believe or do something

  The evidence was not enough to convince the committee.

  Watch out: "Convince" someone (of something/to do something). "Convincing" (adjective).

  Common pairings: convince someone to, convinced that, convincing argument, convince yourself

• strategy (noun) — A plan designed to achieve a particular long-term goal

  Companies need to develop effective strategies to compete in global markets.

  Watch out: "Strategy" is a long-term plan. "Tactic" is a short-term action. Strategy is bigger than tactics.

  Common pairings: marketing strategy, effective strategy, develop a strategy, long-term strategy

• comment (noun) — A spoken or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction

  The minister refused to comment on the recent policy changes.

  Watch out: "Comment" can be noun or verb. As a verb, say "comment on" not "comment about".

  Common pairings: make a comment, no comment, comment on, brief comment

• physical (adjective) — Relating to the body rather than the mind; relating to things you can touch

  Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health.

  Watch out: "Physical" relates to body or matter. "Physiological" relates to body functions. They differ.

  Common pairings: physical activity, physical health, physical environment, physical appearance

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• occupy (verb) — To fill or take up space, time, or a position; to live in or use a place.

  Service industries now occupy a dominant position in most developed economies.

  Watch out: Using 'occupy' only for physical spaces. It can also refer to time, attention, or positions.

  Common pairings: occupy space, occupy a position, occupy time, occupy attention

• predominantly (adverb) — Mostly; more than anything else

  The workforce is predominantly female, with women comprising 75% of employees.

  Watch out: Watch the spelling: "predominantly" not "predominently" or "predominatly".

  Common pairings: predominantly male/female, predominantly urban, predominantly used, predominantly found

• drama (noun) — A play or performance for theater, television, or radio; exciting or emotional events

  The drama program at the school helps students develop confidence and creativity.

  Watch out: "Drama" can mean theatrical performance OR exciting/emotional situations. Context matters.

  Common pairings: TV drama, drama school, courtroom drama, create drama

• multinational (adjective) — Operating in or involving several countries

  Multinational corporations often have more economic power than small nations.

  Watch out: "Multinational" = many countries. "International" = between nations. Subtle difference.

  Common pairings: multinational corporation, multinational company, multinational enterprise, multinational firm

promote (verb) — To help something develop or become more successful; to encourage

Schools should promote healthy eating habits among students.

Watch out: "Promote" means to encourage growth or support. "Advertise" means to tell people about a product. They are different.

Common pairings: promote awareness, promote growth, promote health, promote equality

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• refine (verb) — To improve something by making small changes; to remove impurities from a substance.

  Researchers continue to refine their methodologies to achieve more accurate results.

  Watch out: Refine means to improve through subtle changes, not to completely change or replace.

  Common pairings: refine the process, refine methods, continually refine, refined approach

• amalgamate (verb) — To combine or unite to form one organization or structure

  The two departments were amalgamated to improve efficiency.

  Watch out: "Amalgamate" = merge/combine. "Amalgamation" (noun).

  Common pairings: amalgamate into, amalgamation of, amalgamated company, amalgamate with

• notion (noun) — An idea, belief, or concept, especially one that may be vague or incorrect

  The notion that money alone brings happiness has been widely challenged.

  Watch out: "Notion" often suggests the idea might be wrong or oversimplified. "Concept" is more neutral.

  Common pairings: challenge the notion, preconceived notion, the notion that, traditional notion

• proliferation (noun) — A fast increase in the number or amount of something

  The proliferation of social media has transformed how people communicate.

  Watch out: Do not use for slow or small increases. Proliferation means fast growth, often in a worrying way.

  Common pairings: nuclear proliferation, proliferation of, rapid proliferation, prevent proliferation

• highlight (verb) — To draw special attention to something; to emphasise or make prominent.

  The report highlights the urgent need for investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

  Watch out: Highlight means to emphasise important points, not simply to mention. Use it purposefully.

  Common pairings: highlight the importance, highlight the need, highlight issues, clearly highlight

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "category"

  Correct usage: "category" - a class or group of things having shared characteristics

  "Category" is a group with shared features. "Type" is more informal. Use "category" for formal classification.

• Incorrect use of "highlight"

  Correct usage: "highlight" - to draw special attention to something; to emphasise or make prominent.

  Highlight means to emphasise important points, not simply to mention. Use it purposefully.

• Incorrect use of "refine"

  Correct usage: "refine" - to improve something by making small changes; to remove impurities from a substance.

  Refine means to improve through subtle changes, not to completely change or replace.

Practise the words

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

1. The two departments were amalgamated to improve efficiency.
2. The minister refused to _______ on the recent policy changes.
3. The _______ of social media has transformed how people communicate.
4. The _______ that money alone brings happiness has been widely challenged.
5. The _______ program at the school helps students develop confidence and creativity.

Answers: amalgamate, comment, proliferation, notion, drama

Speaking tip

Practice speaking for 2 minutes on random topics to prepare for Part 2.