Music That Changed the World: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of music that changed the world, 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.

• section (noun) — A distinct part or subdivision of something larger

  The next section of this essay will examine the counterarguments.

  Watch out: "Section" is a part of a whole. "Sector" refers to an area of economic activity. Know the difference.

  Common pairings: this section, following section, cross-section, section of society

• potential (adjective) — Possible in the future; having qualities that could develop into something

  Renewable energy sources have the potential to replace fossil fuels entirely.

  Watch out: As a noun, "potential" means ability that could develop. As an adjective, it means possible.

  Common pairings: potential benefits, potential risks, potential impact, reach potential

• normal (adjective) — Usual, typical, or expected; conforming to a standard

  It is normal for teenagers to seek greater independence from their parents.

  Watch out: "Normal" can seem judgmental. In academic writing, "typical" or "common" may be more neutral.

  Common pairings: normal circumstances, normal practice, perfectly normal, return to normal

• sufficient (adjective) — Enough for a particular purpose

  There is not sufficient evidence to support this conclusion.

  Watch out: "Sufficient" means enough. "Efficient" means working well without waste. They are different.

  Common pairings: sufficient evidence, sufficient resources, sufficient time, not sufficient

• emphasis (noun) — Special importance or attention given to something

  Modern education places greater emphasis on critical thinking skills.

  Watch out: The verb is "emphasise" (British) or "emphasize" (American). The plural is "emphases".

  Common pairings: place emphasis, shift emphasis, strong emphasis, particular emphasis

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• diagnosis (noun) — The identification of an illness or problem through examination

  Early diagnosis of the disease significantly improves survival rates.

  Watch out: Singular: diagnosis. Plural: diagnoses (di-ag-NO-sees). "Diagnose" is the verb.

  Common pairings: early diagnosis, accurate diagnosis, medical diagnosis, diagnosis of

• capacity (noun) — The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; ability to do something

  The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators.

  Watch out: "Capacity" is maximum ability or volume. "Capability" is the power to do something. They are related but different.

  Common pairings: full capacity, capacity to, production capacity, seating capacity

• confront (verb) — To face up to and deal with a problem

  We must confront the challenges of climate change.

  Watch out: "Confront" = face/challenge directly. "Confrontation" (noun).

  Common pairings: confront the issue, confronted with, confront challenges, confrontation

• impede (verb) — To delay or prevent by obstructing; to hinder

  Poor infrastructure can impede economic development.

  Watch out: "Impede" = obstruct/hinder. "Impediment" = an obstacle.

  Common pairings: impede progress, impediment to, impede growth, impede development

status (noun) — The relative social, professional, or legal position of someone or something

Education is often seen as a way to improve one's social status.

Watch out: "Status" is position or standing. "State" is condition. They are different words with different meanings.

Common pairings: social status, economic status, status symbol, current status

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• hierarchy (noun) — A system in which people or things are ranked according to status or authority

  Traditional workplace hierarchies are being challenged by flatter organisational structures.

  Watch out: Spelling: "hierarchy" not "heirarchy". The 'ie' is often misspelled.

  Common pairings: social hierarchy, organisational hierarchy, hierarchical structure, at the top of the hierarchy

• restrain (verb) — To prevent someone from doing something; to keep under control or within limits.

  Governments must balance the need to restrain inflation with the goal of promoting economic growth.

  Watch out: Restrain implies holding back or limiting. Do not confuse with 'restrict' (to limit by rules).

  Common pairings: restrain spending, restrain growth, restrain oneself, difficult to restrain

• complacent (adjective) — Showing smug satisfaction with oneself without awareness of dangers

  We cannot afford to be complacent about the economic situation.

  Watch out: "Complacent" = self-satisfied (negative). "Complacency" (noun).

  Common pairings: become complacent, complacency, no complacency, complacent about

• contradict (verb) — To say or state the opposite of something; to be so different as to be inconsistent with something.

  The latest findings appear to contradict the conclusions of earlier research.

  Watch out: Contradict means to oppose directly. Do not use it for slight differences; use 'differ from' instead.

  Common pairings: contradict each other, directly contradict, contradict the evidence, seem to contradict

• disparity (noun) — A great difference between things, especially one that seems unfair

  There is a significant disparity in income between urban and rural areas.

  Watch out: "Disparity" implies unfairness. "Difference" is neutral. Use "disparity" when the gap seems unjust.

  Common pairings: income disparity, gender disparity, growing disparity, reduce disparity

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "normal"

  Correct usage: "normal" - usual, typical, or expected; conforming to a standard

  "Normal" can seem judgmental. In academic writing, "typical" or "common" may be more neutral.

• Incorrect use of "complacent"

  Correct usage: "complacent" - showing smug satisfaction with oneself without awareness of dangers

  "Complacent" = self-satisfied (negative). "Complacency" (noun).

• Incorrect use of "diagnosis"

  Correct usage: "diagnosis" - the identification of an illness or problem through examination

  Singular: diagnosis. Plural: diagnoses (di-ag-NO-sees). "Diagnose" is the verb.

Practise the words

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

1. We must _______ the challenges of climate change.
2. The next _______ of this essay will examine the counterarguments.
3. Early _______ of the disease significantly improves survival rates.
4. Traditional workplace hierarchies are being challenged by flatter organisational structures.
5. The latest findings appear to _______ the conclusions of earlier research.

Answers: confront, section, diagnosis, hierarchy, contradict

Speaking tip

It's okay to pause briefly - use fillers like "let me think" if needed.