Extreme Weather: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 13
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of extreme weather, 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.
interpret (verb) — To explain the meaning of something; to understand in a particular way
Different cultures may interpret the same gesture in different ways.
Watch out: "Interpret" means to explain meaning. "Translate" means to change languages. They are different.
Common pairings: interpret data, interpret results, interpret as, widely interpreted
demonstrate (verb) — To show or prove something clearly; to explain how something works
The study demonstrates a clear link between exercise and mental health.
Watch out: "Demonstrate" is more formal than "show". Use it when presenting evidence or proof.
Common pairings: clearly demonstrate, demonstrate ability, demonstrate that, as demonstrated
data (noun) — Facts or information, especially numbers, collected for study or reference
The data shows a clear correlation between education levels and income.
Watch out: In academic English, "data" can be singular or plural. "The data shows" and "The data show" are both acceptable.
Common pairings: collect data, data suggests, raw data, statistical data
locate (verb) — To find the exact position of something; to be situated in a particular place
The factory is located in an industrial zone outside the city.
Watch out: "Located" describes position. "Situated" is similar but slightly more formal.
Common pairings: located in, centrally located, strategically located, difficult to locate
conclude (verb) — To end something; to decide something after thinking about all the information
The researchers concluded that diet has a significant impact on mental health.
Watch out: "Conclude" is more formal than "finish". Use "conclude" for ending discussions or reaching decisions.
Common pairings: conclude that, to conclude, conclude by saying, reasonably conclude
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
contact (noun) — Communication or a relationship with someone; the state of being in touch.
Regular contact between teachers and parents is essential for student success.
Watch out: Using 'make a contact' instead of 'make contact' or 'establish contact'. Contact is usually uncountable in this sense.
Common pairings: make contact, lose contact, physical contact, point of contact
relevant (adjective) — Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered
Only include information that is directly relevant to the research question.
Watch out: "Relevant to" is correct. Not "relevant with". Say "relevant to the topic".
Common pairings: relevant to, highly relevant, directly relevant, remain relevant
energy (noun) — Power derived from physical or chemical resources; the capacity to do work
Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important for sustainable development.
Watch out: "Energy" is the power to do work. "Power" is the rate of using energy. In casual use, they often overlap.
Common pairings: renewable energy, energy consumption, energy efficiency, energy sources
project (noun) — A planned piece of work with specific aims; an undertaking requiring effort
The research project aims to investigate the effects of social media on teenagers.
Watch out: As a noun: PROJ-ect. As a verb (to predict): pro-JECT. Pronunciation changes with meaning.
Common pairings: research project, project management, pilot project, project aims
mechanism (noun) — A system or process by which something works or is brought about
Effective feedback mechanisms are essential for improving student performance.
Watch out: "Mechanism" is how something works, not just a machine. It can refer to biological or social processes.
Common pairings: defence mechanism, market mechanism, feedback mechanism, coping mechanism
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
route (noun) — A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination; a method of achieving something.
Higher education remains the traditional route to professional careers in many fields.
Watch out: Route can be literal (path) or figurative (method). The British pronunciation is /ruːt/, American /raʊt/.
Common pairings: route to success, alternative route, main route, traditional route
behalf (noun) — In the interests of a person, group, or principle; as a representative of.
The organisation advocates on behalf of workers' rights across the industry.
Watch out: British: 'on behalf of' (representing). American: 'in behalf of' (for the benefit of). Use 'on behalf of' in IELTS.
Common pairings: on behalf of, speak on behalf, act on behalf, on someone's behalf
fluctuation (noun) — An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; variation
Currency fluctuations can significantly affect international trade.
Watch out: "Fluctuation" is the noun form of "fluctuate". Remember: fluctuations go up AND down, not just one direction.
Common pairings: price fluctuations, market fluctuations, significant fluctuation, subject to fluctuation
detrimental (adjective) — Causing harm or damage
Excessive screen time can be detrimental to children's development.
Watch out: "Detrimental to" is correct. Not "detrimental for". Say "detrimental to health".
Common pairings: detrimental effect, detrimental to health, prove detrimental, potentially detrimental
plummet (verb) — To fall or drop straight down at high speed; to decrease rapidly
Share prices plummeted following the announcement of poor results.
Watch out: "Plummet" = fall dramatically and fast. More extreme than "decline" or "fall".
Common pairings: prices plummeted, plummeted to, plummeted by, sales plummeted
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "project"
Correct usage: "project" - a planned piece of work with specific aims; an undertaking requiring effort
As a noun: PROJ-ect. As a verb (to predict): pro-JECT. Pronunciation changes with meaning.
Incorrect use of "conclude"
Correct usage: "conclude" - to end something; to decide something after thinking about all the information
"Conclude" is more formal than "finish". Use "conclude" for ending discussions or reaching decisions.
Incorrect use of "energy"
Correct usage: "energy" - power derived from physical or chemical resources; the capacity to do work
"Energy" is the power to do work. "Power" is the rate of using energy. In casual use, they often overlap.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- Only include information that is directly _______ to the research question.
- Higher education remains the traditional _______ to professional careers in many fields.
- Share prices plummeted following the announcement of poor results.
- Currency fluctuations can significantly affect international trade.
- Excessive screen time can be _______ to children's development.
Answers: relevant, route, plummet, fluctuation, detrimental
Reading tip
Time yourself: spend about 20 minutes per passage in the real test.
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