The Power of Social Media: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8

Fifteen words drawn from the theme of the power of social media, 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.

• correspond (verb) — To be similar or equivalent to something; to write letters to someone

  The results correspond closely with earlier research findings.

  Watch out: Use "correspond to" or "correspond with" depending on meaning. "Correspond to" = match; "correspond with" = communicate.

  Common pairings: correspond to, correspond with, corresponding figures, closely correspond

• individual (noun) — A single person, considered separately from a group

  Each individual is responsible for their own learning outcomes.

  Watch out: As an adjective, "individual" means single or separate. As a noun, it means a person.

  Common pairings: private individual, individual needs, individual differences, each individual

• academic (adjective) — Relating to education and scholarship, especially at university level

  Academic performance is influenced by both teaching quality and student motivation.

  Watch out: "Academic" as adjective or noun (an academic = a scholar). "Academia" = the academic world.

  Common pairings: academic performance, academic year, academic achievement, academic research

• enroll (verb) — To officially register to join a course, school, or program

  More students are enrolling in online courses than ever before.

  Watch out: British: "enrol" (one L). American: "enroll" (two Ls). Both acceptable in IELTS.

  Common pairings: enroll in, enrollment rate, enrollment numbers, newly enrolled

• workforce (noun) — The people engaged in or available for work in a country or company

  The aging workforce presents challenges for pension systems worldwide.

  Watch out: One word. "Workforce" = all workers. "Labor force" is similar but more formal/statistical.

  Common pairings: skilled workforce, aging workforce, workforce development, global workforce

Band 7 words

Five words at band 7.

• compound (noun) — A thing composed of two or more separate elements; in chemistry, a substance formed from two or more elements.

  Scientists have developed a new compound that may be effective in treating certain cancers.

  Watch out: Using 'compound' only in chemistry. It can also mean a fenced area or to make something worse.

  Common pairings: chemical compound, compound interest, compound effect, organic compound

• infrastructure (noun) — The basic things a country needs to work well: roads, power, water, buildings

  Developing countries often lack the infrastructure necessary for economic growth.

  Watch out: Do not say "infrastructures". We say "infrastructure" for one thing or many things.

  Common pairings: transport infrastructure, basic infrastructure, infrastructure development, critical infrastructure

• aware (adjective) — Knowing about something; having knowledge or understanding of a situation

  Many people are not fully aware of the health risks associated with poor diet.

  Watch out: "Aware of" is correct. Not "aware about". Say "I am aware of the problem."

  Common pairings: fully aware, become aware, raise awareness, aware of the risks

• ethnic (adjective) — Relating to a group of people who share a common cultural background, ancestry, or traditions.

  The city's ethnic diversity is reflected in its wide variety of restaurants and cultural festivals.

  Watch out: Using 'ethnic' to mean 'foreign' or 'exotic'. Ethnic refers to cultural groups, including majority populations.

  Common pairings: ethnic group, ethnic diversity, ethnic minority, ethnic background

cite (verb) — To quote or refer to as evidence or authority

The report cites several studies to support its conclusions.

Watch out: "Cite" = reference. "Citation" (noun). "Site" and "sight" are different words.

Common pairings: cite a source, cite evidence, frequently cited, citation

Band 8 words

Five words at band 8.

• coherent (adjective) — Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole where parts connect well

  A coherent argument requires logical connections between ideas.

  Watch out: "Coherent" means logically connected. "Cohesive" means sticking together. They are related but different.

  Common pairings: coherent argument, coherent strategy, coherent structure, logically coherent

• constituency (noun) — A body of voters; a group of supporters

  Politicians must consider the views of their constituency.

  Watch out: "Constituency" = voters/supporters. "Constituent" (noun) = member.

  Common pairings: electoral constituency, constituent, constituency services, key constituency

• extinction (noun) — The state of a species having no living members; complete disappearance

  Many species are facing extinction due to climate change and habitat loss.

  Watch out: "Extinct" (adjective) - already gone. "Endangered" - at risk. "Extinction" - the process/state.

  Common pairings: facing extinction, threat of extinction, mass extinction, on the brink of extinction

• analogy (noun) — A comparison between one thing and another for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

  The author draws an analogy between the human brain and a computer processor.

  Watch out: An analogy compares things to explain. A metaphor states one thing is another. They are related but different.

  Common pairings: draw an analogy, by analogy, close analogy, useful analogy

• convey (verb) — To communicate or express information or meaning

  The report conveys a sense of urgency about the issue.

  Watch out: "Convey" = communicate/transport. Formal word.

  Common pairings: convey meaning, convey information, convey a message, convey a sense

Mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect use of "analogy"

  Correct usage: "analogy" - a comparison between one thing and another for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

  An analogy compares things to explain. A metaphor states one thing is another. They are related but different.

• Incorrect use of "extinction"

  Correct usage: "extinction" - the state of a species having no living members; complete disappearance

  "Extinct" (adjective) - already gone. "Endangered" - at risk. "Extinction" - the process/state.

• Incorrect use of "enroll"

  Correct usage: "enroll" - to officially register to join a course, school, or program

  British: "enrol" (one L). American: "enroll" (two Ls). Both acceptable in IELTS.

Practise the words

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

1. The report cites several studies to support its conclusions.
2. The aging _______ presents challenges for pension systems worldwide.
3. Many people are not fully _______ of the health risks associated with poor diet.
4. Politicians must consider the views of their _______.
5. More students are enrolling in online courses than ever before.

Answers: cite, workforce, aware, constituency, enroll

Reading tip

Underline key words in questions to help you locate answers quickly.