The Olympics: More Than Sports: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of the olympics: more than sports, 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.

• abundant (adjective) — Existing in large quantities; plentiful

  The region has abundant natural resources that support its economy.

  Watch out: "Abundant" means plentiful. "Abundance" is the noun form.

  Common pairings: abundant resources, in abundance, abundant supply, abundant evidence

• invest (verb) — To put money into something to make a profit; to spend time or effort on something

  Companies should invest more in employee training and development.

  Watch out: You "invest in" something, not "invest on". Investment can be money, time, or effort.

  Common pairings: invest in, invest money, invest time, heavily invest

• legislate (verb) — To make or pass laws

  Governments must legislate to protect workers' rights.

  Watch out: "Legislate" is the verb; "legislation" is the noun (the laws); "legislative" is the adjective.

  Common pairings: legislate against, legislate for, power to legislate, attempt to legislate

• procedure (noun) — An established or official way of doing something; a series of actions

  The standard procedure involves three main stages of review.

  Watch out: "Procedure" is a set of steps. "Process" is the overall action. Procedure is more formal and specific.

  Common pairings: standard procedure, follow procedure, medical procedure, proper procedure

• labour (noun) — Work, especially physical work; workers as a group

  The construction industry relies heavily on manual labour.

  Watch out: British spelling is "labour"; American spelling is "labor". Use British spelling for IELTS.

  Common pairings: labour force, manual labour, labour market, skilled labour

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• cycle (noun) — A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order; a complete sequence.

  The diagram illustrates the water cycle, showing how water moves through the environment.

  Watch out: Using 'cycle' only for bicycles. In academic writing, it often refers to natural or economic processes.

  Common pairings: life cycle, economic cycle, business cycle, natural cycle

• currency (noun) — A system of money in general use in a particular country

  The country adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002.

  Watch out: "Currency" refers to the money system, not physical money. "Foreign currency" means money from other countries.

  Common pairings: foreign currency, local currency, currency exchange, national currency

• style (noun) — A distinctive manner of expression, design, or execution; a way of doing something.

  Different learning styles require teachers to adapt their instructional methods.

  Watch out: Using 'style' only for fashion. In academic contexts, it often refers to ways of doing things or writing.

  Common pairings: learning style, writing style, management style, lifestyle

• tense (adjective) — Feeling or showing nervous anxiety; stretched tight; a verb form indicating time

  The atmosphere in the meeting became tense when budget cuts were announced.

  Watch out: Three meanings: 1) stressed/anxious, 2) tight muscles, 3) grammar (past tense). Context determines meaning.

  Common pairings: tense atmosphere, tense situation, feel tense, past tense

finite (adjective) — Having a limit; not infinite or endless.

Natural resources are finite, which makes sustainable development essential.

Watch out: Using 'finite' and 'limited' interchangeably. Finite emphasises that something will definitely end; limited suggests restrictions.

Common pairings: finite resources, finite number, finite supply, finite amount

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• adapt (verb) — To change or adjust to suit new conditions or purposes

  Species that cannot adapt to climate change face extinction.

  Watch out: "Adapt" is to change for new conditions. "Adopt" is to take up or accept. They are often confused.

  Common pairings: adapt to, adapt to change, highly adaptable, adapt strategies

• dynamic (adjective) — Characterised by constant change, activity, or progress; energetic and forceful

  The job market has become increasingly dynamic in recent years.

  Watch out: "Dynamic" as adjective means changing and active. "Dynamics" as noun refers to the forces that cause change.

  Common pairings: dynamic environment, dynamic process, highly dynamic, social dynamics

• vision (noun) — The ability to see; the ability to think about the future with imagination and wisdom.

  Effective leaders must have a clear vision for the future of their organisations.

  Watch out: Vision as a concept means foresight and imagination about the future, not just eyesight.

  Common pairings: long-term vision, shared vision, vision for the future, clear vision

• feasible (adjective) — Possible to do or achieve; practical

  The proposal is technically feasible but may be too expensive.

  Watch out: "Feasible" = possible AND practical. Something possible might not be feasible.

  Common pairings: technically feasible, economically feasible, feasibility study, not feasible

• admonish (verb) — To warn or reprimand someone firmly

  The judge admonished the lawyer for inappropriate behavior.

  Watch out: "Admonish" = warn/scold formally. "Admonition" (noun).

  Common pairings: admonish for, admonition, gently admonish, admonish against

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "abundant"

  Correct usage: "abundant" - existing in large quantities; plentiful

  "Abundant" means plentiful. "Abundance" is the noun form.

• Incorrect use of "legislate"

  Correct usage: "legislate" - to make or pass laws

  "Legislate" is the verb; "legislation" is the noun (the laws); "legislative" is the adjective.

• Incorrect use of "currency"

  Correct usage: "currency" - a system of money in general use in a particular country

  "Currency" refers to the money system, not physical money. "Foreign currency" means money from other countries.

Practise the words

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

1. The construction industry relies heavily on manual _______.
2. The atmosphere in the meeting became _______ when budget cuts were announced.
3. The diagram illustrates the water _______, showing how water moves through the environment.
4. The job market has become increasingly _______ in recent years.
5. Companies should _______ more in employee training and development.

Answers: labour, tense, cycle, dynamic, invest

Listening tip

Practice listening at 1.25x speed to make the real test feel easier.