The Ocean's Depths: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
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.