Sleep Science: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 4
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of sleep science, 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.
react (verb) — To respond to something that has happened or been said
Markets tend to react quickly to unexpected economic news.
Watch out: Use "react to" not "react on" or "react with" (unless chemistry context).
Common pairings: react to, react quickly, immediate reaction, negative reaction
authority (noun) — The power or right to give orders and make decisions; an expert in a subject
Local authorities are responsible for maintaining public services.
Watch out: "Authority" can mean power, an organisation, or an expert. Context determines the meaning.
Common pairings: local authority, government authority, authority figure, challenge authority
link (noun) — A connection or relationship between two things
Research has established a clear link between diet and health outcomes.
Watch out: "Link" can be a noun or verb. As a verb: "link A to B" or "link A with B".
Common pairings: establish a link, direct link, link between, linked to
assessment (noun) — The act of judging or deciding the value, quality, or importance of something
A thorough assessment of the environmental impact is required before construction can begin.
Watch out: "Assessment" is the process of evaluating. "Evaluation" is similar but often more formal. Do not use "assessation".
Common pairings: risk assessment, needs assessment, initial assessment, accurate assessment
benefit (noun) — A good thing you get from something; something that helps you
One key benefit of remote work is the improved work-life balance it offers.
Watch out: Mixing up "benefit" with "advantage". Benefits are good things you get; advantages help you do better than others.
Common pairings: key benefit, health benefits, benefit from, mutual benefit
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
reluctant (adjective) — Unwilling and hesitant
Many companies are reluctant to invest in long-term projects.
Watch out: "Reluctant to do" not "reluctant for doing". "Reluctantly" (adverb).
Common pairings: reluctant to, somewhat reluctant, reluctantly agree, reluctance to
prior (adjective) — Coming before in time, order, or importance
Prior knowledge of the subject is essential for advanced courses.
Watch out: "Prior to" is more formal than "before". Use "prior to" in academic writing.
Common pairings: prior to, prior knowledge, prior experience, prior research
acknowledge (verb) — To accept or admit the existence or truth of
The company acknowledged that mistakes had been made.
Watch out: "Acknowledge" = admit/recognize. "Acknowledgement" = the recognition.
Common pairings: acknowledge that, widely acknowledged, acknowledgement, acknowledge receipt
external (adjective) — Coming from or relating to the outside; not part of the thing itself
External factors such as economic conditions can affect business performance.
Watch out: "External" is outside. "Internal" is inside. Use these pairs for clear comparisons.
Common pairings: external factors, external influences, external environment, external pressure
hypothesis (noun) — An idea that might be true but needs to be tested to be sure
The researchers tested their hypothesis through a series of controlled experiments.
Watch out: The plural is "hypotheses" (say: hi-POTH-eh-seez), not "hypothesises".
Common pairings: test a hypothesis, support the hypothesis, working hypothesis, null hypothesis
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
antecedent (noun) — A thing that existed before or logically precedes another
Understanding the historical antecedents helps explain current events.
Watch out: "Antecedent" = something that came before. Also grammar term (pronoun reference).
Common pairings: historical antecedents, antecedent conditions, antecedent to, clear antecedent
prospect (noun) — The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring; chances for success.
The prospect of global cooperation on climate change remains uncertain.
Watch out: Prospect refers to future possibilities. 'Prospects' (plural) often means chances for success.
Common pairings: career prospects, job prospects, prospect of, future prospects
contemporary (adjective) — Belonging to or occurring in the present time; modern
Contemporary research challenges many traditional assumptions about learning.
Watch out: "Contemporary" can mean modern OR living at the same time as someone else. Context determines meaning.
Common pairings: contemporary society, contemporary issues, contemporary art, contemporary research
candid (adjective) — Truthful and straightforward; frank
The politician gave a surprisingly candid interview.
Watch out: "Candid" = honest/direct. "Candor/candour" (noun).
Common pairings: candid assessment, candid about, candid discussion, with candor
minimal (adjective) — Of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; barely adequate or the least possible.
The new process requires minimal human intervention, reducing labour costs significantly.
Watch out: Minimal means the smallest possible, not just 'small'. Use 'minimal' for emphasis on how little.
Common pairings: minimal impact, minimal cost, minimal effort, minimal disruption
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "candid"
Correct usage: "candid" - truthful and straightforward; frank
"Candid" = honest/direct. "Candor/candour" (noun).
Incorrect use of "assessment"
Correct usage: "assessment" - the act of judging or deciding the value, quality, or importance of something
"Assessment" is the process of evaluating. "Evaluation" is similar but often more formal. Do not use "assessation".
Incorrect use of "acknowledge"
Correct usage: "acknowledge" - to accept or admit the existence or truth of
"Acknowledge" = admit/recognize. "Acknowledgement" = the recognition.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- _______ factors such as economic conditions can affect business performance.
- Local authorities are responsible for maintaining public services.
- Understanding the historical antecedents helps explain current events.
- Many companies are _______ to invest in long-term projects.
- Research has established a clear _______ between diet and health outcomes.
Answers: external, authority, antecedent, reluctant, link
Speaking tip
Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
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These words are from Week 4: Sleep Science of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.