The Science of Memory: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 51
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of the science of memory, 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.
technology (noun) — Scientific knowledge used for practical purposes, especially in industry; machines and equipment
Advances in technology have transformed the way we communicate.
Watch out: "Technology" is usually uncountable. Say "new technology" not "new technologies" (unless referring to specific types).
Common pairings: modern technology, information technology, advances in technology, technology development
construct (verb) — To build or make something, especially buildings or structures
The bridge was constructed using innovative engineering techniques.
Watch out: "Construct" is more formal than "build". As a noun, it means an idea or theory.
Common pairings: construct a building, construct an argument, newly constructed, under construction
identify (verb) — To recognize something or someone; to find or discover something
Researchers have identified several factors that contribute to academic success.
Watch out: Say "identify with" (feel connected to) vs "identify as" (recognize as being).
Common pairings: identify problems, identify trends, correctly identify, identify as
aggregate (noun) — A whole formed by combining several separate elements
The aggregate score from all tests determines the final grade.
Watch out: "Aggregate" as noun (the total) or adjective (combined). Both common.
Common pairings: in aggregate, aggregate data, aggregate demand, aggregate score
depress (verb) — To make someone feel sad; to reduce the level of activity
Economic uncertainty can depress consumer spending.
Watch out: "Depress" = make sad OR reduce. "Depression" (noun), "depressed" (adjective).
Common pairings: depress prices, economic depression, depressed economy, depressing news
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
calibrate (verb) — To adjust precisely for a particular function
Policies need to be carefully calibrated to achieve the desired outcomes.
Watch out: "Calibrate" = adjust precisely. Originally technical, now used abstractly.
Common pairings: carefully calibrated, calibrate the response, calibration of, well-calibrated
dispose (verb) — To get rid of something; to arrange or place in a particular way.
Proper methods should be used to dispose of hazardous waste materials safely.
Watch out: Using 'dispose' without 'of'. You 'dispose of' something, not just 'dispose' it.
Common pairings: dispose of waste, safely dispose, dispose of assets, disposal methods
concentrate (verb) — To focus all attention or effort on something; to gather together in one place
Students find it difficult to concentrate in noisy environments.
Watch out: "Concentrate on" is the correct preposition. Do not say "concentrate at" or "concentrate in".
Common pairings: concentrate on, difficult to concentrate, concentrate efforts, highly concentrated
facilitate (verb) — To make something possible or easier; to help bring about a process or action.
Online platforms have facilitated communication between businesses and consumers worldwide.
Watch out: Using 'facilitate' for people. You facilitate a process, not a person. Do not say 'facilitate students' but 'facilitate learning'.
Common pairings: facilitate communication, facilitate learning, facilitate growth, facilitate the process
furthermore (adverb) — In addition; besides; moreover
The evidence supports the theory. Furthermore, recent studies confirm these findings.
Watch out: "Furthermore" adds supporting information. "However" contrasts. Choose the right connector.
Common pairings: furthermore, it, and furthermore, furthermore, the, furthermore, this
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "dispose"
Correct usage: "dispose" - to get rid of something; to arrange or place in a particular way.
Using 'dispose' without 'of'. You 'dispose of' something, not just 'dispose' it.
Incorrect use of "identify"
Correct usage: "identify" - to recognize something or someone; to find or discover something
Say "identify with" (feel connected to) vs "identify as" (recognize as being).
Incorrect use of "facilitate"
Correct usage: "facilitate" - to make something possible or easier; to help bring about a process or action.
Using 'facilitate' for people. You facilitate a process, not a person. Do not say 'facilitate students' but 'facilitate learning'.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- Economic uncertainty can _______ consumer spending.
- Proper methods should be used to _______ of hazardous waste materials safely.
- Researchers have identified several factors that contribute to academic success.
- Policies need to be carefully calibrated to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Online platforms have facilitated communication between businesses and consumers worldwide.
Answers: depress, dispose, identify, calibrate, facilitate
Writing tip
Use a variety of sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex.
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These words are from Week 51: The Science of Memory of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.