Schools and teaching
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| curriculum | the subjects taught in a school or course | The curriculum should include practical skills as well as theory. |
| compulsory education | schooling that children are required to attend | Compulsory education ends at sixteen in many countries. |
| class size | the number of students in a class | Smaller class sizes allow teachers to give more attention to each student. |
| tuition fees | money paid for teaching | High tuition fees discourage some talented students from applying. |
| peer pressure | influence from people of the same age | Teenagers are often affected by peer pressure at school. |
| rote learning | learning by repeating facts without understanding | Rote learning may help in exams but does not develop critical thinking. |
Universities and careers
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| higher education | study at university level | Higher education should be accessible to all who have the ability. |
| vocational training | education for a specific job | Vocational training prepares young people for skilled work. |
| graduate | a person who has finished a degree | Many graduates struggle to find jobs related to their field. |
| employability | how likely someone is to be hired | Internships improve students' employability. |
| academic achievement | success in studies | Parental support has a strong effect on academic achievement. |
| lifelong learning | learning throughout your life | Lifelong learning helps workers adapt to changing technology. |
Learning and skills
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| critical thinking | the ability to analyse and judge information | Schools should teach critical thinking, not only facts. |
| hands-on experience | practical experience | Hands-on experience makes science lessons more memorable. |
| distance learning | studying remotely, often online | Distance learning gives flexibility to working adults. |
| self-discipline | the ability to control yourself and work without supervision | Online courses demand a high level of self-discipline. |
| extracurricular activities | activities outside normal lessons | Extracurricular activities build teamwork and confidence. |
| literacy | the ability to read and write | Raising literacy rates has been a priority for many governments. |
How to use these words well
- Use collocations (class size, higher education) rather than single words.
- Do not memorise long lists; choose ten words and use them in a real essay this week.
- Check that each word fits your sentence: “graduate” is a person, “graduation” is the event.
Study guides
Computer-Delivered IELTS: What Changes and What Stays the Same
Thinking about taking IELTS on a computer? Here is what stays the same, what feels different in Writing, Reading and Listening, and how to prepare for the screen.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary for Graphs, Charts and Processes
Useful verbs, nouns, adverbs and sentence patterns for describing line graphs, bar charts, tables and processes in IELTS Task 1, with more than twelve example sentences.
Linking Words for IELTS and How to Use Them Correctly
A practical list of IELTS linking words grouped by function, with correct and incorrect examples, punctuation rules and a warning about overusing connectors.