Robots Among Us: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 25
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of robots among us, 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.
capable (adjective) — Having the ability or quality necessary to do something
Modern computers are capable of processing enormous amounts of data.
Watch out: "Capable of" + verb-ing. "Capability" (noun).
Common pairings: capable of, highly capable, capability to, capable person
aspect (noun) — A particular part, feature, or element of something
One important aspect of this issue is its impact on local communities.
Watch out: "Aspect" is one part of something. "Factor" is something that causes or influences. They serve different purposes.
Common pairings: key aspect, important aspect, various aspects, aspect of life
exclude (verb) — To deliberately not include something or someone
The study excluded participants who had previous experience with the test.
Watch out: "Exclude" is the opposite of "include". Related: "exclusion", "exclusive".
Common pairings: exclude from, socially excluded, exclusion criteria, mutually exclusive
appropriate (adjective) — Suitable or right for a particular situation or purpose
It is important to choose the appropriate method for each research question.
Watch out: As an adjective, stress the second syllable: ap-PRO-priate. As a verb meaning "take", stress the third: ap-pro-PRI-ate.
Common pairings: appropriate action, appropriate measures, highly appropriate, where appropriate
purchase (verb) — To buy something, especially something expensive or important
Consumers are increasingly purchasing products online rather than in physical stores.
Watch out: "Purchase" is more formal than "buy". Use "purchase" in business and academic contexts.
Common pairings: purchase goods, purchasing power, make a purchase, online purchase
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
quote (verb) — To repeat or copy words from a text or speech; to give an estimated price for work or services.
The report quoted several experts who support stricter environmental regulations.
Watch out: Using 'quote' and 'quotation' interchangeably as nouns. Formally, 'quotation' is the noun, though 'quote' is widely accepted.
Common pairings: quote a source, direct quote, quote from, quote an example
consensus (noun) — General agreement among a group of people
There is growing consensus on the need for action.
Watch out: "Consensus" = agreement. Uncountable. "Reach a consensus".
Common pairings: reach consensus, general consensus, consensus among, build consensus
visible (adjective) — Able to be seen; noticeable or apparent.
The visible effects of air pollution include smog and reduced visibility in cities.
Watch out: Confusing 'visible' with 'visual'. Visible means able to be seen; visual relates to seeing or sight.
Common pairings: clearly visible, visible signs, highly visible, visible impact
implication (noun) — A possible effect or result; something suggested without being directly stated
The findings have significant implications for future research.
Watch out: "Implication" can mean consequence OR hidden meaning. Two distinct uses.
Common pairings: implications of, have implications, far-reaching implications, practical implications
chronic (adjective) — Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring; of an illness
Chronic diseases such as diabetes require ongoing management and care.
Watch out: "Chronic" = long-lasting. "Acute" = severe but short-term. Opposite meanings.
Common pairings: chronic disease, chronic condition, chronic pain, chronic illness
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
conform (verb) — To comply with rules, standards, or laws; to behave according to socially acceptable conventions.
Young people often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations regarding career choices.
Watch out: Conform takes 'to' or 'with': 'conform to standards' or 'conform with regulations'.
Common pairings: conform to standards, conform with regulations, pressure to conform, refuse to conform
ostensible (adjective) — Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
The ostensible reason for the meeting was budget review, but other issues were discussed.
Watch out: "Ostensible" = apparent but possibly not real. "Ostensibly" = adverb.
Common pairings: ostensible purpose, ostensibly, ostensible reason, ostensible goal
ephemeral (adjective) — Lasting for a very short time
Social media trends are often ephemeral, lasting only days.
Watch out: "Ephemeral" = short-lived/fleeting. Emphasizes temporary nature.
Common pairings: ephemeral nature, ephemeral trends, ephemeral beauty, something ephemeral
visual (adjective) — Relating to seeing or sight; designed to be looked at.
Visual representations of data can make complex information more accessible to general audiences.
Watch out: Visual relates to sight and seeing. Do not confuse with 'visible' (able to be seen).
Common pairings: visual representation, visual aids, visual data, visual information
epitomize (verb) — To be a perfect example of a quality or type
Her career epitomizes the success of hard work and dedication.
Watch out: "Epitomize" = be a perfect example. "Epitome" = the perfect example (noun).
Common pairings: epitomize success, epitome of, epitomizes the spirit, perfectly epitomize
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "quote"
Correct usage: "quote" - to repeat or copy words from a text or speech; to give an estimated price for work or services.
Using 'quote' and 'quotation' interchangeably as nouns. Formally, 'quotation' is the noun, though 'quote' is widely accepted.
Incorrect use of "exclude"
Correct usage: "exclude" - to deliberately not include something or someone
"Exclude" is the opposite of "include". Related: "exclusion", "exclusive".
Incorrect use of "conform"
Correct usage: "conform" - to comply with rules, standards, or laws; to behave according to socially acceptable conventions.
Conform takes 'to' or 'with': 'conform to standards' or 'conform with regulations'.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- The _______ reason for the meeting was budget review, but other issues were discussed.
- It is important to choose the _______ method for each research question.
- There is growing _______ on the need for action.
- _______ diseases such as diabetes require ongoing management and care.
- Modern computers are _______ of processing enormous amounts of data.
Answers: ostensible, appropriate, consensus, chronic, capable
Reading tip
Skim the passage first to get the main idea before reading questions.
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These words are from Week 25: Robots Among Us of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.