Famous Explorers: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of famous explorers, 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.

• transfer (verb) — To move something or someone from one place to another

  Skills learned in one job can often be transferred to another.

  Watch out: As a noun, stress the first syllable: TRANS-fer. As a verb, stress the second: trans-FER.

  Common pairings: transfer skills, transfer knowledge, money transfer, transfer to

• journal (noun) — A serious magazine or newspaper about a particular subject; a written record of daily events

  The findings were published in a leading scientific journal.

  Watch out: An academic "journal" is different from a "magazine". Journals contain peer-reviewed research.

  Common pairings: academic journal, scientific journal, peer-reviewed journal, journal article

• create (verb) — To make something new; to cause something to happen or exist

  Technology has created new opportunities for people to work remotely.

  Watch out: "Create" implies making something new. "Make" is more general. Use "create" for new things.

  Common pairings: create jobs, create opportunities, create problems, create awareness

• equate (verb) — To consider one thing to be the same as or equal to another

  Many people equate success with wealth, but this view is overly simplistic.

  Watch out: Use "equate A with B" not "equate A to B". The pattern is "equate X with Y".

  Common pairings: equate with, equate success, wrongly equate, cannot be equated

• previous (adjective) — Existing or occurring before in time or order

  Previous research has shown a strong link between exercise and mental health.

  Watch out: "Previous" comes directly before. "Prior" is more formal. "Former" refers to the first of two things.

  Common pairings: previous research, previous studies, previous experience, as previously mentioned

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• manual (adjective) — Done with the hands; requiring physical skill and energy; operated by hand rather than automatically.

  Manual labour has largely been replaced by automation in manufacturing industries.

  Watch out: Using 'manual' only as a noun (instruction book). As an adjective, it describes work done by hand.

  Common pairings: manual labour, manual work, manual operation, instruction manual

• parameter (noun) — A limit or boundary that defines the scope of something; a variable that affects the outcome.

  The study established clear parameters for what constitutes acceptable environmental impact.

  Watch out: Confusing 'parameter' with 'perimeter'. Parameter is about limits or variables; perimeter is the boundary around a shape.

  Common pairings: set parameters, within parameters, key parameters, operating parameters

• generate (verb) — To produce or create something, especially energy, ideas, or profits

  Wind farms can generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes.

  Watch out: "Generate" is more formal than "make" or "produce". Use it for energy, income, ideas, or interest.

  Common pairings: generate income, generate electricity, generate interest, generate employment

• licence (noun) — Official permission to own, use, or do something; a document showing this permission.

  The company obtained a licence to operate in three additional countries last year.

  Watch out: British spelling: 'licence' (noun), 'license' (verb). American English uses 'license' for both.

  Common pairings: driving licence, licence fee, grant a licence, licence agreement

device (noun) — A thing made for a particular purpose; a piece of equipment or a mechanism.

Mobile devices have transformed the way people access information and communicate.

Watch out: Confusing 'device' (noun) with 'devise' (verb). Device is a thing; devise means to plan or invent.

Common pairings: electronic device, mobile device, safety device, literary device

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• synthesize (verb) — To combine elements to form a coherent whole

  The paper synthesizes findings from multiple research studies.

  Watch out: "Synthesize" = combine into whole. "Synthesis" = the combination.

  Common pairings: synthesize information, synthesis of, synthesize findings, synthesize data

• codify (verb) — To arrange laws or rules into a systematic code

  The committee worked to codify the new regulations.

  Watch out: "Codify" = organize into formal code. "Codification" (noun).

  Common pairings: codify laws, codify rules, codify principles, codification of

• inherent (adjective) — Naturally part of something; always there and cannot be removed

  There are inherent risks in any investment strategy.

  Watch out: Say "inherent in" not "inherent to". The correct word after inherent is "in".

  Common pairings: inherent risk, inherent problem, inherent value, inherent in

• rehabilitation (noun) — The process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training

  Prison rehabilitation programs aim to reduce reoffending rates.

  Watch out: Can refer to criminals, patients, or buildings. "Rehabilitate" is the verb.

  Common pairings: rehabilitation program, rehabilitation center, physical rehabilitation, drug rehabilitation

• abstraction (noun) — A general idea or quality rather than a specific example

  Justice and freedom are abstract concepts that mean different things to different people.

  Watch out: "Abstraction" = general concept. "Abstract" (adjective/noun).

  Common pairings: level of abstraction, abstract concept, pure abstraction, in the abstract

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "codify"

  Correct usage: "codify" - to arrange laws or rules into a systematic code

  "Codify" = organize into formal code. "Codification" (noun).

• Incorrect use of "licence"

  Correct usage: "licence" - official permission to own, use, or do something; a document showing this permission.

  British spelling: 'licence' (noun), 'license' (verb). American English uses 'license' for both.

• Incorrect use of "device"

  Correct usage: "device" - a thing made for a particular purpose; a piece of equipment or a mechanism.

  Confusing 'device' (noun) with 'devise' (verb). Device is a thing; devise means to plan or invent.

Practise the words

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

1. There are _______ risks in any investment strategy.
2. The paper synthesizes findings from multiple research studies.
3. Wind farms can _______ enough electricity to power thousands of homes.
4. Technology has created new opportunities for people to work remotely.
5. The company obtained a _______ to operate in three additional countries last year.

Answers: inherent, synthesize, generate, create, licence

Listening tip

Write answers as you hear them - don't wait until the end.