Sports Legends: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of sports legends, 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.

• similar (adjective) — Almost the same but not exactly; having things in common

  The two countries show similar patterns of economic development.

  Watch out: Use "similar to" not "similar with". Also, "same" means exactly alike; "similar" means almost alike.

  Common pairings: similar to, similar pattern, broadly similar, similar results

• depict (verb) — To show or represent in a picture or words

  The painting depicts a scene from everyday life.

  Watch out: "Depict" = represent visually or in words. "Depiction" (noun).

  Common pairings: depict as, depicted in, vividly depict, depiction of

• credit (noun) — An arrangement to receive goods or services now and pay later; recognition for achievement

  Many students rely on credit to finance their university education.

  Watch out: "Credit" has multiple meanings: money borrowed, recognition, or belief. Context determines meaning.

  Common pairings: credit card, give credit, on credit, credit rating

• transform (verb) — To change completely in form, appearance, or character

  Technology has transformed the way we work and communicate.

  Watch out: "Transform" implies major change. "Transformation" (noun), "transformative" (adjective).

  Common pairings: transform into, transformation of, digital transformation, completely transform

• plausible (adjective) — Seeming reasonable or probable; believable

  The explanation seemed plausible, though some doubts remained.

  Watch out: "Plausible" = believable/reasonable. "Plausibility" = the quality of being believable.

  Common pairings: plausible explanation, plausibly, plausibility, implausible

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• margin (noun) — The edge or border of something; the amount by which something is won or exceeded; profit percentage.

  The election was won by a narrow margin of just two percentage points.

  Watch out: Using 'margin' only for page edges. In business and data contexts, it refers to differences or profit percentages.

  Common pairings: profit margin, narrow margin, margin of error, by a wide margin

• globalization (noun) — The process of increasing interconnection between world economies and cultures

  Globalization has created both opportunities and challenges for local businesses.

  Watch out: British: "globalisation". American: "globalization". Both correct in IELTS.

  Common pairings: economic globalization, cultural globalization, effects of globalization, era of globalization

• goal (noun) — Something that you hope to achieve; an aim or desired result

  The primary goal of education should be to develop critical thinking skills.

  Watch out: "Goal" is what you aim to achieve. "Objective" is more specific and measurable. "Target" is a number to reach.

  Common pairings: main goal, achieve a goal, set goals, long-term goal

• equivalent (adjective) — Equal in value, function, or meaning; having the same effect or result.

  The qualification is considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree in most countries.

  Watch out: Using 'equivalent with' instead of 'equivalent to'. Always say 'equivalent to'.

  Common pairings: equivalent to, roughly equivalent, the equivalent of, equivalent value

modify (verb) — To make partial changes to something to improve it or make it less extreme.

The original design was modified to meet new safety requirements.

Watch out: Using 'modify' for complete changes. Modify suggests partial adjustment, not total transformation.

Common pairings: modify behaviour, genetically modified, slightly modified, modify the design

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• protocol (noun) — The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions; a set of conventions.

  International protocols on data protection have become increasingly important in the digital age.

  Watch out: Protocol can mean diplomatic rules, scientific procedures, or computing standards. Context matters.

  Common pairings: safety protocol, follow protocol, diplomatic protocol, standard protocol

• manipulate (verb) — To handle or control something skilfully; to control or influence someone cleverly or unfairly.

  Advertisers often manipulate consumer emotions to increase product sales.

  Watch out: Manipulate often has negative connotations when applied to people. In technical contexts, it is neutral.

  Common pairings: manipulate data, manipulate information, easily manipulated, manipulate emotions

• conducive (adjective) — Making a certain situation or outcome likely

  A quiet environment is conducive to learning.

  Watch out: "Conducive to" not "conducive for". Always followed by "to".

  Common pairings: conducive to, not conducive, environment conducive, conditions conducive

• alleviate (verb) — To make a problem or suffering less severe or serious

  Government programmes aim to alleviate poverty in disadvantaged areas.

  Watch out: "Alleviate" means to reduce, not remove completely. Use "eliminate" if something is completely removed.

  Common pairings: alleviate poverty, alleviate suffering, alleviate pressure, help alleviate

• terminate (verb) — To bring to an end; to come to an end.

  The contract will terminate automatically at the end of the year unless renewed.

  Watch out: Terminate is formal and often used for contracts or employment. Use 'end' in less formal contexts.

  Common pairings: terminate a contract, terminate employment, terminated immediately, terminate the agreement

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "goal"

  Correct usage: "goal" - something that you hope to achieve; an aim or desired result

  "Goal" is what you aim to achieve. "Objective" is more specific and measurable. "Target" is a number to reach.

• Incorrect use of "conducive"

  Correct usage: "conducive" - making a certain situation or outcome likely

  "Conducive to" not "conducive for". Always followed by "to".

• Incorrect use of "equivalent"

  Correct usage: "equivalent" - equal in value, function, or meaning; having the same effect or result.

  Using 'equivalent with' instead of 'equivalent to'. Always say 'equivalent to'.

Practise the words

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

1. A quiet environment is _______ to learning.
2. The painting depicts a scene from everyday life.
3. _______ has created both opportunities and challenges for local businesses.
4. International protocols on data protection have become increasingly important in the digital age.
5. Many students rely on _______ to finance their university education.

Answers: conducive, depict, globalization, protocol, credit

Writing tip

Plan your essay for 5 minutes before writing - it improves organization.