Renewable Energy Revolution: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of renewable energy revolution, 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.

• derive (verb) — To get or receive something from a source; to come from

  Many English words derive from Latin and Greek origins.

  Watch out: "Derive from" means to come from. "Derive" alone means to obtain. Use the correct form.

  Common pairings: derive from, derive benefits, derive meaning, originally derived

• volume (noun) — The amount of space something fills; the quantity or amount of something; loudness

  The volume of international trade has increased significantly over the past decade.

  Watch out: "Volume" has multiple meanings: space, quantity, sound level, or book. Context determines meaning.

  Common pairings: trading volume, high volume, volume of traffic, volume increases

• relax (verb) — To become less tense or anxious; to make rules or restrictions less strict

  The government decided to relax immigration rules to attract skilled workers.

  Watch out: "Relax" can mean personal relaxation OR making rules less strict. Both common in IELTS.

  Common pairings: relax restrictions, relax regulations, relax and enjoy, help relax

• acquire (verb) — To gain or obtain something, typically through effort or experience

  Children acquire language skills naturally through exposure and practice.

  Watch out: "Acquire" suggests effort or gradual gaining. "Get" is more casual. Use "acquire" in formal writing.

  Common pairings: acquire knowledge, acquire skills, acquire experience, newly acquired

• role (noun) — The function or position that someone or something has in a situation or activity

  Education plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequality.

  Watch out: Say "play a role" not "make a role". Also, "role" is the part you play; "roll" is to move by turning.

  Common pairings: play a role, key role, vital role, role in society

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• substitute (verb) — To use or put something or someone in place of another; to replace.

  Renewable energy sources are increasingly being substituted for fossil fuels.

  Watch out: Confusing prepositions: 'substitute A for B' means use A instead of B. 'Substitute A with B' means replace A using B.

  Common pairings: substitute for, no substitute for, substitute with, poor substitute

• enable (verb) — To make it possible for someone to do something; to give the ability to do something

  Technology has enabled people to communicate instantly across the globe.

  Watch out: "Enable" is followed by "to": "enable someone to do something". "Allow" can use "to" or just a noun.

  Common pairings: enable people to, enable access, enable growth, technology enables

• option (noun) — A thing that is or may be chosen; a choice or alternative

  Online learning provides a flexible option for working professionals.

  Watch out: "Option" is a choice available. "Alternative" implies one of two choices. "Choice" is the act of choosing.

  Common pairings: viable option, available options, option to, only option

• endeavor (noun) — A serious effort or attempt to achieve something

  Scientific endeavors have greatly improved our quality of life.

  Watch out: "Endeavor" (noun/verb) = serious attempt. "Endeavour" = British spelling.

  Common pairings: creative endeavor, scientific endeavor, endeavor to, worthy endeavor

renewable (adjective) — Capable of being replaced naturally; not depleted when used

Investment in renewable energy sources has increased dramatically in recent years.

Watch out: Opposite: "non-renewable" (fossil fuels). "Renewable" implies infinite supply if managed well.

Common pairings: renewable energy, renewable resources, renewable sources, non-renewable

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• arbitrary (adjective) — Based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system.

  Critics argue that the selection criteria appear arbitrary and lack transparent justification.

  Watch out: Arbitrary does not mean 'unfair' directly; it means without logical basis. Unfairness may result from arbitrariness.

  Common pairings: arbitrary decision, arbitrary rules, seem arbitrary, arbitrary limits

• obviate (verb) — To remove or avoid a need or difficulty

  The new software obviates the need for manual data entry.

  Watch out: "Obviate" = make unnecessary/avoid. Not "obvious" or "obliviate".

  Common pairings: obviate the need for, obviate difficulties, obviate the problem, obviate risks

• sphere (noun) — An area of activity, interest, or expertise; a round solid figure.

  Women's participation in the public sphere has increased dramatically over the past century.

  Watch out: In academic writing, 'sphere' often means area or domain, not just a round shape.

  Common pairings: public sphere, private sphere, sphere of influence, political sphere

• countervail (verb) — To offset or counterbalance

  The benefits of the policy countervail its potential drawbacks.

  Watch out: "Countervail" = offset/balance against. Formal/legal usage.

  Common pairings: countervailing duties, countervailing force, countervail the effects, countervailing factors

• compel (verb) — To force or oblige someone to do something

  The evidence compelled the jury to reach a guilty verdict.

  Watch out: "Compel" = force. "Compelling" (adjective) = convincing.

  Common pairings: compel someone to, compelling evidence, felt compelled, compelling argument

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "obviate"

  Correct usage: "obviate" - to remove or avoid a need or difficulty

  "Obviate" = make unnecessary/avoid. Not "obvious" or "obliviate".

• Incorrect use of "derive"

  Correct usage: "derive" - to get or receive something from a source; to come from

  "Derive from" means to come from. "Derive" alone means to obtain. Use the correct form.

• Incorrect use of "role"

  Correct usage: "role" - the function or position that someone or something has in a situation or activity

  Say "play a role" not "make a role". Also, "role" is the part you play; "roll" is to move by turning.

Practise the words

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

1. Critics argue that the selection criteria appear _______ and lack transparent justification.
2. Investment in _______ energy sources has increased dramatically in recent years.
3. The benefits of the policy _______ its potential drawbacks.
4. Online learning provides a flexible _______ for working professionals.
5. Children _______ language skills naturally through exposure and practice.

Answers: arbitrary, renewable, countervail, option, acquire

Listening tip

Pay attention to signpost words like "firstly", "finally", "however".