Academic vocabulary

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Improve your academic vocabulary. Which of the following words are safe to use for your IELTS writing task 2 essay? The meaning for each word is given in brackets

  • Dissonance (discord / difference of opinion)
  • Gist (general idea / essence)
  • Latent (concealed / hidden)
  • Quack (fake / swindler)
  • Falter (hesitate)
  • Partially (not completely / to a degree)
  • Prattle (chatter)
  • Orate (make a speech)
Answers
There is only one word which cannot be used in an academic piece of writing and that is the word “quack”. This is slang and is inappropriate to use in formal writing. However, although the other words are acceptable to use, the word “prattle” is unlikely to be used but of course it does depend on the topic of the essay . Furthermore, the word “gist” can be used in formal writing, for example ” the gist of the argument was …” but be careful of other ways of using this word.
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Comments

  1. Alireza says
    July 19, 2024 at

    Hello liz

    This is Ali from Iran. I need your help. Although my preparation time for the exam is limited to less than 5 months and my level of English is intermediate, i have to get 8 or more, on the test.
    i know that requesting for a list of words that can prepare me for an advanced level of English is not logical, but iam making my effort. i should convey that the AWL, the OPAL will be read.

    thank you

    Reply
    • Liz says
      July 19, 2024 at

      Words alone will not be enough as vocabulary only counts for 25% of your marks in speaking and writing. And in the reading test, no topic can be predicted for the Academic test (it’s easier if you are doing GT IELTS). You need to review topic based vocabulary, collocations, paraphrases etc. If you do a lot of reading on various topics that will help you refresh and learn new words. But learning news words isn’t just about the meaning, it’s also about the limitation of a word and how it varies from synonyms that have a similar meaning. Yes, go through word lists, topics, reading articles etc. And also review all grammar features to show the appropriate range for a band score 8. Don’t forget that with grammar, a band score 8 only has occasional or rare errors so accuracy is your aim. You can find an Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and a Grammar E-book in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/. Or search for free materials online. A band score 8 is within reach. Be strategic in your preparation. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Reah says
    April 6, 2019 at

    HI Liz,

    words mentioned in academic vocabulary can I use them in General training IELTS writing task 2 ? Because I am going to take GT test.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Avinash Yadav says
    December 20, 2017 at

    Hi,
    I am Avinash from India. I have some issues with writing task 2. Last time I got 5.5 bands in writing. Can you please help mine in improving this skill.

    Reply
  4. sanjeewanie says
    August 16, 2017 at

    Dear Mam,
    Can I know whether we can use idioms, quotes or saying in task 2?

    Reply
  5. pari says
    February 8, 2017 at

    Hi Liz
    I am from Iran nowadays in our country we are not able to use online international payment on the other hand I really need native speaker to evaluate my writing score
    please help me

    Reply
  6. diwash parajuli says
    January 3, 2017 at

    hey liz i am from Nepal.
    and my test is in jan 7.
    i got many benefits from you thanks.

    Reply
  7. MD. MOSTAFIZUR RAHMAN says
    November 11, 2016 at

    Ma’am,
    I am Mostafizur from Bangladesh, requesting advice to save my time in reading test when I am going to sit for IELTS.

    Reply
  8. Akila says
    September 1, 2016 at

    Hi Liz,
    I found your website is very useful and your doing a great job.
    I am from Bangalore India, I have appeared for IELTS 5 times but I did not cross 6.5 I am feeling weak in speaking and writing. My target band score is 7 in individual module. Could you suggest me the tips.

    Regards,

    Reply
  9. Ebrahim says
    February 9, 2016 at

    Hi Liz,
    How are you doing?! I hope you are enjoying your holiday. I have an question for you. What about the AWL ?! Do you think it’s useful ? If so ! How can I get started?!
    Regards!!

    Reply
  10. Gupta says
    February 6, 2016 at

    How could i improve my listening and speaking ? could you plz help me ?

    Reply
  11. odai says
    October 23, 2015 at

    Hello liz
    I want to ask you about the IELTS EXAM
    my native language is Arabic . and i attended to study in the UK, as you know the minimum
    requirement is 6.5 , in my opinion it is not a hard mission .
    what can you advice me ? how to achieve that band or more?
    your website here is very great and useful , but as Arabian , any special recommendations ?

    Reply

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