The Chocolate Story: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 42
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of the chocolate story, 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.
context (noun) — The circumstances or setting in which something happens or exists
These findings must be understood in the context of the economic crisis.
Watch out: "In context" means considering all circumstances. "Out of context" means without the full picture.
Common pairings: in this context, social context, historical context, put in context
demographic (adjective) — Relating to the structure of populations
Demographic changes are affecting housing demand in urban areas.
Watch out: "Demographic" as adjective or noun. "Demographics" = population statistics.
Common pairings: demographic change, demographic trends, demographic data, target demographic
impact (noun) — A powerful effect that something has on someone or something
Social media has had a profound impact on how people communicate.
Watch out: "Impact on" is correct. "Impact to" is wrong. Say "the impact on education" not "impact to education".
Common pairings: have an impact, positive impact, negative impact, environmental impact
deduce (verb) — To reach an answer or conclusion by thinking carefully about the known facts
From the available evidence, researchers deduced that the species had migrated north.
Watch out: "Deduce" means reach a conclusion through logic. "Induce" means cause or persuade. They are different.
Common pairings: deduce from, logically deduce, can be deduced, reasonable deduction
sequence (noun) — A set of events or things that follow each other in a particular order
The diagram shows the sequence of steps involved in the manufacturing process.
Watch out: A "sequence" has a specific order. A "series" may not have a strict order.
Common pairings: in sequence, sequence of events, logical sequence, sequential order
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
articulate (verb) — To express ideas clearly and effectively
The report articulates the key challenges facing the industry.
Watch out: "Articulate" as verb (express) or adjective (well-spoken). Different pronunciations.
Common pairings: articulate clearly, well-articulated, articulate a vision, articulate concerns
adjust (verb) — To change something slightly to make it more suitable or accurate
Students need time to adjust to the demands of university life.
Watch out: "Adjust" is a small change. "Adapt" is a bigger change to suit new conditions. They differ in degree.
Common pairings: adjust to, adjust for, make adjustments, adjust accordingly
network (noun) — A group of connected people, organisations, or things; a system of interconnected elements.
Building a strong professional network is essential for career advancement.
Watch out: Using 'network' only for computers. It can refer to social connections, transport systems, or business relationships.
Common pairings: social network, transport network, network of contacts, global network
prevention (noun) — The action of stopping something from happening or arising
Prevention is often more effective and cheaper than treating diseases.
Watch out: "Prevention" (noun), "prevent" (verb), "preventive/preventative" (adjective). All common.
Common pairings: disease prevention, crime prevention, prevention measures, prevention strategy
aftermath (noun) — The consequences or aftereffects of a significant event
The country struggled to rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Watch out: "Aftermath" = consequences (usually negative). "In the aftermath of" = after.
Common pairings: in the aftermath of, aftermath of war, immediate aftermath, deal with the aftermath
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
apex (noun) — The highest point or peak of something
The empire reached its apex during the 18th century.
Watch out: "Apex" = peak/pinnacle. "At the apex of" = at the highest point.
Common pairings: at the apex, reach the apex, apex predator, apex of power
ambiguity (noun) — The quality of being open to more than one interpretation
The contract contained ambiguity that led to legal disputes.
Watch out: "Ambiguity" = unclear meaning. "Ambiguous" (adjective).
Common pairings: avoid ambiguity, moral ambiguity, inherent ambiguity, ambiguity in
pivotal (adjective) — Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something
Education plays a pivotal role in economic development.
Watch out: "Pivotal" means central and essential, like a pivot point. It is stronger than "important".
Common pairings: pivotal role, pivotal moment, pivotal factor, pivotal in
preclude (verb) — To prevent from happening; make impossible
The injury precluded her from competing in the championship.
Watch out: "Preclude" = prevent/rule out. "Preclusion" = the prevention.
Common pairings: preclude the possibility, preclude from, does not preclude, effectively precludes
suspend (verb) — To temporarily stop or cause to be ineffective; to defer or delay.
The government decided to suspend the controversial policy pending further review.
Watch out: Suspend implies temporary stopping with intention to resume. Do not use for permanent endings.
Common pairings: suspend operations, suspend judgement, suspend disbelief, suspended indefinitely
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "impact"
Correct usage: "impact" - a powerful effect that something has on someone or something
"Impact on" is correct. "Impact to" is wrong. Say "the impact on education" not "impact to education".
Incorrect use of "adjust"
Correct usage: "adjust" - to change something slightly to make it more suitable or accurate
"Adjust" is a small change. "Adapt" is a bigger change to suit new conditions. They differ in degree.
Incorrect use of "context"
Correct usage: "context" - the circumstances or setting in which something happens or exists
"In context" means considering all circumstances. "Out of context" means without the full picture.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- _______ changes are affecting housing demand in urban areas.
- The report articulates the key challenges facing the industry.
- Social media has had a profound _______ on how people communicate.
- The government decided to _______ the controversial policy pending further review.
- Building a strong professional _______ is essential for career advancement.
Answers: demographic, articulate, impact, suspend, network
Listening tip
Pay attention to signpost words like "firstly", "finally", "however".
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These words are from Week 42: The Chocolate Story of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.