Learning Languages: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of learning languages, 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.

• generic (adjective) — Characteristic of a whole group; not specific or branded

  Generic medication is often cheaper than branded alternatives.

  Watch out: "Generic" = general/unbranded. "Generically" = adverb form.

  Common pairings: generic term, generic product, generic name, generic brand

• community (noun) — A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests

  Local communities play a vital role in preserving cultural traditions.

  Watch out: "Community" refers to a group with something in common. "Society" is broader and means all people in a country.

  Common pairings: local community, community service, online community, community members

• boundary (noun) — A line marking the limits of an area; a dividing line

  The river forms the natural boundary between the two countries.

  Watch out: "Boundary" = physical/abstract limit. "Border" typically for countries.

  Common pairings: set boundaries, push boundaries, boundary line, within the boundaries

• ensure (verb) — To make certain that something happens or is done

  Governments must ensure that all citizens have access to basic healthcare.

  Watch out: "Ensure" means make certain. "Insure" means protect with insurance. "Assure" means tell someone confidently.

  Common pairings: ensure that, ensure quality, ensure success, ensure safety

• secure (adjective) — Safe and protected from danger or loss; confident and free from worry

  People need secure employment to plan for their future with confidence.

  Watch out: "Secure" can be adjective (safe) or verb (obtain, make safe). Context determines meaning.

  Common pairings: secure employment, financially secure, secure environment, job security

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• condense (verb) — To make more concentrated or compact

  The report was condensed into a two-page summary.

  Watch out: "Condense" = make shorter/denser. "Condensed" (adjective).

  Common pairings: condense information, condensed version, condense into, condensation

• investigate (verb) — To try to find out the facts about something by careful study

  Scientists are investigating the link between diet and mental health.

  Watch out: "Investigate" is formal and thorough. "Research" is the study itself. "Look into" is informal.

  Common pairings: investigate the cause, investigate the link, thoroughly investigate, investigate further

• insert (verb) — To put something into something else; to add something to a document or text.

  The editor inserted a clarifying paragraph to improve the article's readability.

  Watch out: Pronunciation: verb is /ɪnˈsɜːt/, noun is /ˈɪnsɜːt/. Do not stress them the same way.

  Common pairings: insert a clause, insert data, insert into, insert a paragraph

• symbol (noun) — Something that represents or stands for something else, especially an idea or quality.

  The dove has become a universal symbol of peace across many cultures.

  Watch out: Confusing 'symbol' with 'sign'. A symbol represents an abstract idea; a sign gives information or instructions.

  Common pairings: symbol of, status symbol, cultural symbol, national symbol

code (noun) — A system of rules, principles, or laws, or a system of words, letters, or symbols used to represent others.

The building code requires all new constructions to meet specific safety standards.

Watch out: Using 'code' only for computer programming. In academic contexts, it often refers to rules or standards.

Common pairings: code of conduct, dress code, building code, ethical code

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• sedentary (adjective) — Characterized by much sitting and little physical exercise

  A sedentary lifestyle is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

  Watch out: Pronounced "SED-en-ter-ee". Often misspelled as "sedetary".

  Common pairings: sedentary lifestyle, sedentary job, sedentary behavior, increasingly sedentary

• contrary (adjective) — Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning

  Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children.

  Watch out: "Contrary to" introduces an opposite view. "On the contrary" refutes a previous statement. Use correctly.

  Common pairings: contrary to, on the contrary, contrary evidence, contrary to expectations

• restore (verb) — To bring back a previous condition, practice, or situation; to repair or renovate.

  Efforts to restore damaged ecosystems require long-term commitment and substantial resources.

  Watch out: Restore means to bring back to a previous state, not just to repair or fix.

  Common pairings: restore balance, restore confidence, restore order, restore to

• mitigate (verb) — To make something bad less serious, less painful, or less harmful

  Governments must take action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

  Watch out: Do not mix up with "mediate" (to help people agree) or "militate" (to work against).

  Common pairings: mitigate risks, mitigate the effects, mitigate climate change, mitigate damage

• conscientious (adjective) — Wishing to do what is right; careful and thorough

  She is a conscientious worker who always meets deadlines.

  Watch out: "Conscientious" = careful/thorough. "Conscientiousness" (noun).

  Common pairings: conscientious about, conscientious effort, conscientiously, conscientious worker

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "ensure"

  Correct usage: "ensure" - to make certain that something happens or is done

  "Ensure" means make certain. "Insure" means protect with insurance. "Assure" means tell someone confidently.

• Incorrect use of "boundary"

  Correct usage: "boundary" - a line marking the limits of an area; a dividing line

  "Boundary" = physical/abstract limit. "Border" typically for countries.

• Incorrect use of "conscientious"

  Correct usage: "conscientious" - wishing to do what is right; careful and thorough

  "Conscientious" = careful/thorough. "Conscientiousness" (noun).

Practise the words

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

1. Local communities play a vital role in preserving cultural traditions.
2. Governments must _______ that all citizens have access to basic healthcare.
3. The river forms the natural _______ between the two countries.
4. The building _______ requires all new constructions to meet specific safety standards.
5. A _______ lifestyle is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Answers: community, ensure, boundary, code, sedentary

Speaking tip

Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.