IELTS Vocabulary — 50 Power Words That Lift Your Band Score

Vocabulary is 25% of your Writing AND Speaking band. But you don't need a 5,000-word dictionary — you need 50 well-used words. Memorise these in context, not in lists, and your score will jump.

• good → beneficial, advantageous, favourable
• bad → detrimental, harmful, adverse
• big → substantial, significant, considerable
• small → minor, modest, marginal
• many → numerous, a multitude of, a vast number of
• important → crucial, vital, paramount
• thing → factor, aspect, element
• people → individuals, citizens, the population

Education

• curriculum, syllabus, pedagogy
• vocational training, lifelong learning
• academic excellence, holistic development

Environment

• carbon footprint, biodiversity, deforestation
• renewable energy, sustainable practices
• ecosystem, climate change mitigation

Technology

• automation, artificial intelligence, digital divide
• cyber security, data privacy, innovation

Society

• social cohesion, urbanisation, inequality
• cultural diversity, generational gap

Examiners look for word partnerships. Memorise "make a decision," not just "decision." Other gold collocations: take responsibility, raise awareness, draw attention to, play a vital role, have a profound impact.