involve, allocate and 13 More IELTS Words on the Ocean's Depths
Weekly vocabulary, week 32
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of the ocean's depths, 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.
involve (verb) — To include something as a necessary part; to make someone take part in something
The project involves collecting data from over 500 participants.
Watch out: "Involve" is followed by -ing: "involves doing" not "involves to do".
Common pairings: involve risk, directly involved, actively involved, involve doing
adjacent (adjective) — Next to or adjoining something else
The new library will be built on land adjacent to the main campus.
Watch out: "Adjacent to" not "adjacent with". Formal word for "next to".
Common pairings: adjacent to, adjacent areas, adjacent building, immediately adjacent
adult (noun) — A person who has reached full physical and mental maturity
The program is designed for adults returning to education after years in the workforce.
Watch out: Adult can be both noun and adjective. As adjective: "adult education", "adult population".
Common pairings: young adult, adult education, adult population, as an adult
consistently (adverb) — In a way that is unchanging; always the same
The company has consistently delivered high-quality products.
Watch out: "Consistently" = regularly/uniformly. "Consistent" = adjective form.
Common pairings: consistently high, consistently perform, consistently ranked, consistently apply
specify (verb) — To state something clearly and exactly
The contract specifies the terms and conditions of employment.
Watch out: "Specify" means state exactly. "Specific" is the adjective. "Specification" is the noun.
Common pairings: specify details, as specified, specify requirements, clearly specified
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
allocate (verb) — To distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose
The government allocated additional funding for healthcare services.
Watch out: "Allocate" implies official/planned distribution. "Give" is more casual.
Common pairings: allocate resources, allocate funds, allocate time, allocate budget
criterion (noun) — A standard by which something is judged
The main criterion for selection is relevant experience.
Watch out: "Criterion" = singular. "Criteria" = plural. Common error to mix these.
Common pairings: meet the criteria, selection criteria, main criterion, strict criteria
job (noun) — A paid position of employment; a task or piece of work that needs to be done.
Job satisfaction has become increasingly important to employees seeking work-life balance.
Watch out: Using 'job' and 'work' interchangeably. A job is a specific position; work is the general activity or effort.
Common pairings: job security, job satisfaction, job market, job opportunities
productivity (noun) — The effectiveness of effort measured in terms of output
New technology has significantly improved worker productivity.
Watch out: "Productivity" measures efficiency. "Production" is the total output. Different concepts.
Common pairings: increase productivity, productivity growth, labor productivity, boost productivity
channel (noun) — A means of communication or access; a passage through which something flows.
Social media has become an important channel for businesses to reach their customers.
Watch out: Using 'channel' only for TV channels. In business, it often means a method of communication or distribution.
Common pairings: communication channel, distribution channel, marketing channel, through official channels
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
affinity (noun) — A natural liking or attraction to something
She has a natural affinity for languages and speaks five fluently.
Watch out: "Affinity" = natural connection. "Affinity for/with" not "affinity to".
Common pairings: affinity for, natural affinity, affinity with, have an affinity
compendium (noun) — A collection of concise but detailed information
The book is a compendium of knowledge on the subject.
Watch out: "Compendium" = comprehensive collection. Plural: "compendia" or "compendiums".
Common pairings: compendium of, comprehensive compendium, statistical compendium, compendium of knowledge
priority (noun) — Something that is regarded as more important than others; the right to precede others
Education should be a top priority for any government seeking long-term growth.
Watch out: "Priority" is what comes first in importance. "Priorities" is plural. "Prioritise" is the verb form.
Common pairings: top priority, high priority, give priority to, main priority
comprise (verb) — To consist of; to be made up of
The committee comprises representatives from all major stakeholder groups.
Watch out: "Comprise" = the whole includes parts. Do NOT say "comprised of". Say "comprises" or "is composed of".
Common pairings: comprises, primarily comprise, largely comprise, the group comprises
articulation (noun) — The action of expressing ideas clearly; the formation of clear speech
The report provided a clear articulation of the government's policy.
Watch out: "Articulation" = clear expression. From "articulate" (verb).
Common pairings: clear articulation, articulation of, well-articulated, articulate clearly
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "comprise"
Correct usage: "comprise" - to consist of; to be made up of
"Comprise" = the whole includes parts. Do NOT say "comprised of". Say "comprises" or "is composed of".
Incorrect use of "allocate"
Correct usage: "allocate" - to distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose
"Allocate" implies official/planned distribution. "Give" is more casual.
Incorrect use of "compendium"
Correct usage: "compendium" - a collection of concise but detailed information
"Compendium" = comprehensive collection. Plural: "compendia" or "compendiums".
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- The new library will be built on land _______ to the main campus.
- The report provided a clear _______ of the government's policy.
- The program is designed for adults returning to education after years in the workforce.
- The project involves collecting data from over 500 participants.
- Social media has become an important _______ for businesses to reach their customers.
Answers: adjacent, articulation, adult, involve, channel
Speaking tip
It's okay to pause briefly - use fillers like "let me think" if needed.
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These words are from Week 32: The Ocean's Depths of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.