Language Bank for IELTS Writing

Education

adolescent(s)/juvenile(s)/youngster(s)/youth(s) n.

adolescent adj.

parenting/upbringing n.

schooling n.

aptitude/talent (for) n.

cultivate/foster/nurture v.

specialist n.

generalist n.

all-rounded/well-rounded/versatile adj.

awareness/sense/recognition n.

the development of studentspersonality and values

mould (or mold ) ones character

mould (or mold ) sb. into sth.

a (or the ) sense of responsibility (or duty/obligation)

improve moral standard

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instill high moral values in (or into) sb.

values and attitudes prevalent among sb.

help the young foster the morally sound values and outlook on the world and life

physical and psychological soundness (or well-being/welfare)

promote the student s physical, psychological (or mental), intellectual and

emotional development

make contributions to social progress

contribute to societal well-being (or welfare)

achieve life value

pedagogy (n.)/pedagogical (or teaching) methodology

educational adj.

inspiring adj.

impart knowledge (to sb.)/inculcate knowledge (in/into/upon sb.)

obtain (or acquire) knowledge and skills

students command (or grasp) of sth.

motivated adj.

give the students motivation to do sth./motivate the students to do sth.

initiative n.

reasoning ability

analysing skills and problem-solving ability

research skills

creative/original adj.

creativity/originality n.

creative thinking

critical thinking

encourage the students to think critically

think independently

communication and social skills

team spirit

stie (or extinguish/constrain) students creativity

frustrate the students

dampen the students enthusiasm

learn sth. through understanding

learn things by rote

memorise (or memorize ) for memorisations (or memorizations )

own sake

memorise (or memorize ) equations/formulas/theorems/laws

force-feed the students

... should not be treated as passive receptacles of predigested ideas

follow...blindly (or indiscriminately)

learner-oriented adj.

students feedback

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interactive adj.

students evaluate (or appraise) their teachers performance

adaptability n.

adapt to sth./ adjust oneself to sth. / become accustomed to sth.

peer pressure

create (or beget) undue pressure

adversity (n.)/adverse circumstances adverse adj.

indiscipline/misbehaviour (or misbehavior ) n.

unruly (or disobedient/disruptive) students

Examinations are one of the most common methods of measuring learning in

education systems throughout the world.

There are clearly certain advantages to exams, but they also have clear
drawbacks.

the performance of test-takers

test-wise candidates

focus only on aspects of the curriculum that are likely to be tested

proper and objective assessment of achievement

Exams need to be carefully designed and supplemented with other forms of

assessment.

subject n.

syllabus n.

curriculum n.

extracurricular activities

discipline n.

humanities n.

social sciences n.

arts n.

liberal arts/studies

sciences n.

engineering n.

basic sciences n.

applied sciences n.

theoretical knowledge

academic studies

primary-level (or elementary-level), secondary-level or tertiary-level education

vocational education (or training)

degree factory

apply sth. to...

practical and professional skills

employable (or marketable) skills

a (or the) competitive edge

become competitive in the job market

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qualify v.

qualied employees

A school is society in miniature.

Technology

scientic and technological advance (or progress)

technological innovations

technological inventions

advance v. & n.

transform v.

...have transformed (or fundamentally changed/completely changed)...

breakthrough n.

cutting-edge technology

hi-tech adj.

hi-tech features

digital adj.

electronic adj.

an increasing popularity (or prevalence) of.../...be increasingly prevalent (or

popular).

the information age (or era)

information explosion (or overload)

the proliferation of the Internet/the extensive use of the Internet/the widespread

use of the Internet

surf on the Internet/log on (or onto) the Internet

social networking n.

social networking websites

promote (or facilitate) communication

have (or gain) more access to information

obtain information in various ways

with the click of a mouse

with the click on the keyboard

geographical barrier

hacker n.

hack (into) v.

hack n.

at a staggering (or astonishing) rate

productive adj.

productivity n.

enhance (or boost/augment) efciency or productivity

machinery n. ( )

labor-saving machinery

labor-replacing machinery

automation n.

automated adj.

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telecommunications n.

traditional way of (or conventional method of)

online retailer

cost-effective

biotechnology n.

clone n. & v.

cloning n.

gene n.

genetic adj.

genetically modied adj.

ones genetic makeup (or DNA programming)

space exploration

The problem of...is becoming increasingly sever (or disturbing/grave/worrying/

serious/worrisome/troublesome)

increasing work pressure and less quality family time

cyber crime

security issues

violate ( or intrude on/infringe on) sb.s privacy

identity theft

pirate v.

pirated adj.

piracy n.

questionable contents such as pornography and violence

damage ones health

weakened eyesight

radiation n.

less outdoor exercise

indulge in (or be lost in) a virtual world

be isolated from the real world

weaken the relationships with family and friends

become solitary

Media

mass media

social media

the print media

the electronic media

the press

news outlet(s)

coverage n.

cover v.

current affairs

journalist n.

the code of conduct

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code of ethics

good/strong/impeccable work ethics / /

prevalent/ubiquitous/pervasive adj.

the prevalence of

a profound effect on

disclose (or expose/reveal/unveil) social problems

monitor (or supervise) and push the government to address social problems

report...in graphic detail

factual accounts (e.g. give a factual account of...)

newsworthy adj.

up-to-date/up-to-the-minute adj.

objective and balanced adj.

biased/skewed/ adj.

reliable/trustworthy/dependable adj.

misleading/misrepresented/distorted adj.

false/bogus adj.

fraudulent adj.

informative adj.

entertaining adj.

censor v. & n.

censorship n.

impose censorship on...

sway v. (e.g. sway sb./sb. be swayed by... )

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delete/eliminate/excise v.

evaluate v.

the evaluation on

be ooded (or lled/awash/saturated/inundated) with...

excessive and gratuitous violent and pornographic contents

at the expense/cost of

media hype

advertising hype

hype n. v.

commercial(s) n.

public service advertising

evoke (or stimulate) impulse buying

shopaholic(s) n.

promotion n.

marketing tool

induce sb. to do sth.

target audience

sensationalise (or sensationalize ) /exaggerate v.

over-report...to hook viewers and maximise prots

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spin out of control

destroy (or ruin/tarnish/sully/smear/besmirch) ones reputation

celebrity n.

cult of celebrity

publicity n.

fame/reputation n.

notoriety n.

notorious adj.

misbehaviour (or misbehavior ) n.

acceptable behaviour (or behavior )

paparazzi n. (paparazzo )

gossip n. v.

scandal(s) n.

cover up/gloss over/whitewash v.

The Government

authorities n.

authorities concerned

supervisory authorities

regulatory authorities

education authorities

executive authorities

administration n. (e.g. food and drug administration )

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administrative authorities

judicial investigation

judicial authorities

legislation n.

legislative authorities

lawmaking n. adj.

enact laws

stringent laws (or legislation)

rules and regulations

to implement (or carry out) a policy/the implementation of a policy

feasibility n.

feasible adj.

administer/regulate v.

monitor/oversee/supervise v.

scrutiny/supervision n.

supervisory (or monitoring/supervising) system

censor v.

impose censorship on

surveillance system

incentive mechanism

solve/combat/tackle/resolve/address v.

alleviate/ease v.

ban/forbid/prohibit v.

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strictly prohibit (or ban altogether)

establish v.

establishment n.

short-sighted policy

long-term goal

priority n.

give (top) priority to/prioritise (prioritize )

the government spending (or expenditure) on...

budget n.

invest in/allocate money to/dedicate money to/be a patron of

fund n. v.

patron n.

tax revenue

tax payer

curtail v.

promote/enhance/augment v.

nancial aid

state-owned adj.

self-defence (or self-defense ) n.

national (or homeland) security

stability n.

destabilising (or destabilizing ) factors

expansion n.

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seek (or pursue) hegemony

a vicious circle

a benignant circle

arms race

space race

arms/weapons/armaments n.

create job opportunities

unemployment/joblessness n.

laid-off workers/downsized workers

disparity n.

social welfare system

ensure social security

combat corruption

healthcare service

public service

improve the quality of service

citizen(s) n.

the citizenry n.

democratic adj.

democracy n.

a democratic and progressive government

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demand n. & v.

responsibility/duty/obligation n.

full (or fullll ) ones responsibility (or duty/obligation)

NGO (Nongovernmental Organisation)

non-prot organisation

infrastructure n.

facilities/amenities n.

public transport (or transportation) system

power grid

pipeline n.

an oil pipeline

water supply and drainage system

Crime & Public Security

crime

offence



violation

sin

guilt

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crime(s)/criminal act(s) n.

commit (or perpetrate) a crime

the crime rate/the incidence of crime

rampant adj.

break (or violate/disobey) the law

out the law

disregard n.& v.

disregard for (or of) ... (e.g. a total disregard for (or of ) the
public rules )

criminal/offender/culprit/perpetrator/convict/inmate n.

accessary (or accessory criminal; accessary/accomplice to a crime

rst-time offender

hardened/repeat criminals

revert to crime

petty crime

misdemeanour (or misdemeanor ) n.

misdemeanant n.

felony (or heinous crime/agitious crime) n.

a felony charge

track down/hunt down/capture / /

be brought to justice

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law enforcement agencies

imprison (or incarcerate) sb.

imprisonment n.

life imprisonment

false imprisonment

jail/prison n.

cell n.

restrict ones freedom

punishment/penalty n.

death penalty/capital punishment

reform/rehabilitate criminals

stringent adj.

lenient adj.

innocent adj.

juvenile delinquency

criminal tendency

impulsive adj.

resent society; hold a grudge against society

circumstance n.

consequence n.

preventive measure(s)

deterrent effect

deter sb. from doing sth.

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a threat to...

threaten v.

trauma n. traumata or traumas

traumatic experience

traumatise ( or traumatize sb.

victim n.

law-abiding citizens

abide by (or comply with/obey) the law

City Life & Urbanisation

a signicant feature of modern life

the tempo (or pace) of life

accelerate v.

the current (or present) situation; the status quo

intense (or keen/stiff/erce) competition

workplace n.

job (or employment) opportunities

career path

career prospect

job-hopping n.

job hopper

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colleague n.

workaholic n.

recruit v.

labour (or labor ) pool

operating costs/overhead costs

pursue maximum prot

laissez-faire management

productive adj.

counterproductive adj.

productivity n.

telecommute v.

telecommuting n.

create alienation between people

alienated adj.

alienate v.

fatigue n.& v.

fatigued adj.

sleeplessness/sleep-deprivation/insomnia insomnia

depression n. ( )

pretentious/ostentatious

materialistic adj.

money-worshipping/mercenary adj.

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sedentary lifestyle

sedentary adj.

obesity n.

obese adj.

high-fat adj.

calorie n.

over nourishment n.

nourishing/nutritious/alible adj.

nourish v.

nutrient(s) n. ( )

nutrition n. ( )

recipe n.

the increasing availability of convenience food

availability n.

processed food

sophisticated ready-prepared microwavable meals

home-cooked meals

Traditional foods are an important aspect of culture and social life.

quality family time

entertainment/diversion/recreation/amusement n.

leisure n. adj. (e.g. leisure time )

wellbeing n.

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welfare n. adj. (e.g. welfare system )

urbanisation (or urbanization ) n.

metropolis n.

metropolitan adj.

cosmopolitan adj. (e.g. a cosmopolitan city

)

population growth

population explosion (or boom)

family planning/birth control

population density

demographics n.

vernacular dwellings

vernacular adj.

suburb n.

the gap between the urban area and rural area; the disparity between the city and
the countryside

eliminate v.

afuent/wealthy/well-off adj.

needy/poverty-stricken/impoverished/deprived/indigent/destitute adj.

poverty alleviation

impede/hinder/hamper/obstruct/inhibit v.

have access to

function n. v.

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superior adj.

inferior adj.

architecture n.

exterior n. adj.

interior n. adj.

rundown/decrepit/rickety/dilapidated adj.

tear down/knock down/demolish/raze v.

relocate v.

old buildings of special aesthetic value

buildings of historic signicance

high-rise building(s)

skyscraper(s) n.

concrete jungle

raise the utilisation rate of land

beautify the cities/better the cityscape

cityscape n.

mass car ownership

rising car ownership

a trend may seem inexorable

undesirable consequences

a desirable option

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car wrecks (or accidents/crashes)

trafc accident perpetrator(s)

speed limit

long distance travel

jaywalk v.

jaywalker n.

pedestrian(s ) n.

trafc jam(s)/trafc congestion

congested adj.

gridlock n.

surveillance camera

punitive measures

discourage unnecessary car use

a road tax

road congestion pricing schemes

Public transport (or transportation) options are plentiful, convenient and reliable.

alternative means (or modes) of transport (or transportation)

commute v.

commuter n.

commuter rail network

a network of cycle lanes and other facilities for cyclists

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People

community n.

household/home n.

single-parent home (or household)

family values

strengthen family bonds (or ties)

a (or the) sense of belonging

an attachment to (or an afnity for)

generation gap

offspring n.

personality clashes

domestic violence

mistreat/abuse v.

addiction to drugs/be addicted to drugs

Children are always curious about new experiences.

lack of self-control lack lack self-control

discipline n.

be unable to distinguish right from wrong

be vulnerable to negative inuence

impressionable adj.

less awareness of adverse consequences

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take sensible precautions

critical time of physical and psychological development

parental guidance

parenting n.

guardianship n.

guide n. & v.

custody n.

the intervention of parents

a degree of parental intervention

intervene in

exercise some control over

Young people sometimes have a tendency to prioritise (or prioritize )

short-term needs and wants over long-term goals.

time/risk/money management / /

manage time/risk/money / /

allow children a degree of autonomy

learn to make good decisions independently

growing up

the young/youngsters/youths

adolescents/juveniles/teenagers n.

adolescent adj. (e.g. adolescent worries )

juvenile adj.

juvenile delinquency

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juvenile delinquent(s)

elderly people/senior citizens/the old/the senior

longer life expectancy

life span

twilight year

see retirement as a time for relaxation and letting go of the stress of working life

rich experience in both life and work

contribute actively to ones community /

engage in (or get involve in) volunteer (or voluntary) work

Old peoples working experience may continue to be valuable to their employers.

Some elder employees remain in work as mentors for younger employees.

silver tsunami

aging (or graying) society

The proportion of the old is increasing rapidly.

pension plan

Medical care and pension may pose a nancial burden on the government.

labor (or labour) shortage

economy hole

challenge n. & v.

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challenging adj.

gender equality

gender discrimination/sexism

an enlightened ( or a progressive) society

sexual harassment

a mothers instinct; maternal instinct

paternal instinct

child bearing

child rearing

traditional role in... (e.g. traditional role in raising children,

taking care of the family and committing to the housework)

be tied down by household chores

not physically strong

less aggressive nature

Males and females may not approach work in identical ways.

Certain posts may need to remain predominantly male or female.

greater freedom of choice in terms of employment

Making occupations more open to both genders has distinct advantages.

Men and women can bring different perspectives and approaches to a job.

The changes may be subtle, but they could be far-reaching.

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Language

a lingua franca/a universal language/a global language

common means of communication

the proliferation of... (e.g. the proliferation of English

)

the widespread of...

the dominant role (or the ascendancy/the hegemony) of...

dialect/vernacular/the indigenous language n.

minority language/lesser-known languages

extinct adj.

obsolete adj.

the extinction/demise of ...

preserve and revive languages under threat

contribute to the richness and variety of human culture

cultural richness

Language helps communities to remain cohesive and to have a strong sense of

identity.

Retaining the language of a community often means that other forms of culture are
maintained.

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Tourism

tourist attractions/tourist spots/places of interest

appeal to (or be a magnet for/attract/draw) sb.

rst-hand experience

multi-sensory adj. (e.g. a multi-sensory method/activity)

vicarious (or second-hand) experience

expand (or broaden) ones outlook (or vision/horizons)

enrich ones experience

explore v.

the exploration of

promote cultural communication

cultural exchange

mutual understanding

promote v.

promote the development of

be benecial to

economic benets

boost the local economy

potential employment opportunities

improve the infrastructure of the local area

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conict(s) n.

conict with...

discord/dissension/dispute n.

might place a heavy burden on the local environment

might disturb the daily life of local people

render sth. obsolete (e.g. The Internet can never render tourism obsolete.)

commercialise (or commercialize ) v.

commodify v.

Culture & Globalisation

cultural heritage(s)

heritage n.

tangible cultural heritage(s) (e.g. historic sites )

tangible adj.

intangible cultural heritage(s) (e.g. customs traditions

rites rituals mores )

intangible adj.

time-honoured (or time-honored ) adj.

protect v.

protection n.

preserve v.

preservation n.

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forefather(s)/ancestor(s) n.

descendant(s)/posterity n. ( posterity )

ethnic groups (or races)

the harmony between ethnic groups (or races)

ethnic minorities

cultural identity

erode v. (e.g. erode national/regional cultural identity /

)

the process of globalisation (or globalization )

an inevitable and irreversible trend

an inexorable trend

a sweeping trend

the global village

Cultural globalisation refers to the transmission of ideas, meanings and values

across national borders.

This process is marked by the common consumption of cultures that have been
diffused by the Internet, popular culture, and international travel.

homogenise (or homogenize v. ( )

global cultural homogenisation (or homogenization

Cultural globalisation is not a single global culture, and homogenisation, but the
trends of cross-cultural exchange and integration.

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hegemonic culture

cultural assimilation

assimilate v.

harmony without uniformity

cultural integration and synthesis

integration n.

integrate v.

integrated adj.

synthesize v.

interaction n.

interact v.

enrich v.

cultural diversity (or variety)

cultural richness

the economic globalisation

The economic globalsation refers to the increasing economic interdependence

of national economies across the world through a rapid increase in cross-border
movement of goods, services, technology, and capital.

This process is mainly centred (or centered ) on the rapid development

of science and technology and increasing cross-border division of labour (or labor
).

There is a power imbalance between developing and developed countries in the

process of economic globalisation.

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international trade

trade barrier(s)

insular/provincial/parochial

cultural (or culture) conict

cultural (or culture) shock

minimise the importance of

deprecate/disparage v.

discrimination n.

universal adj.

isolated adj.

immigrant n. (e.g. an illegal immigrant )

immigrants language barrier

immigration n. (e.g. immigration procedure )

immigrate v.

migration n.

migrate v.

Environment

sustainable development

ecosystem; ecological system

ecological balance (or equilibrium)

environmentalist/conservationist n.

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conserve v.

conservation n. (e.g. wildlife, water and soil, resource, energy

conservation)

preserve/protect v.

preservation/protection n.

eco-friendly adj.

environmentally-friendly adj.

consume/deplete v. ( )

use up/exhaust v. ( )

exploit natural resources

alternative resources

alternative energy sources

renewable resources

wind energy

hydro power

solar power ( )

non-renewable resources

metals n.

minerals n.

fossil energy resources

fossil fuels

petroleum n.

natural gas n.

coal n.

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lack of/shortage/scarcity/dearth/deciency n.

lack v.

energy crisis

energy-saving technologies

stretched resources

put a strain on the resources

wreak havoc on natural resources

wreak havoc on...

climate change

greenhouse effect/global warming

ozone layer

deforestation n.

natural disasters

sand and dust storm

drought and food

fertile soil

infertile soil

arable land/farmland

boost crop yield

contaminate/pollute v.

contamination/pollution n.

severe/grave/grievous adj.

pollutions that cross boundaries

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discharge sewage (or efuent)

pollutant discharge (or emission)

poisonous/toxic adj.

disposable adj.

throw-away products

non-biodegradable garbage; wastes that cannot decompose (or break down);

inorganic trash

reuse/recycle v.

sort the daily garbage

deteriorate v.

deterioration n.

aggravate v.

aggravation n.

raise (or elevate) the public awareness of...

...join forces (or unite/make a concerted effort) to combat (or tackle/resolve/

address) environmental problems

concerted effort

Manufacturers and companies should shoulder (or take/assume) related

responsibilities.

take reasonable efforts to minimise (or minimize ) the damage

Public contracts for roads and buildings should only be awarded to rms that have
a good environmental track record.

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environmental legislation

harsh actions (or measures)

condemn rather than condone...

low-carbon adj.

leave a carbon footprint

green consuming habits

Animals & Plants

biodiversity n.

maintain biodiversity

the biota of a region

wildlife n.

The loss of biodiversity should never be a price we pay for progress.

An increasing number of species come under threat.

species n.

endangered species

ensure the survival of species

natural resources come under threat

ecosystem n.

delicate ecosystem

promote greater understanding of...

botanical adj.

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Governments should promote greater understanding of plants and animals by

investing in the research and preservation efforts of universities, zoos, and botanical
institutes.

This strategy alone would do little to protect the whole ecosystem that is under
threat.

natural habitat(s)

nature reserve(s)

An alternative strategy would be to protect natural habitats by expanding nature

reserves.

One effective solution is to limit the damage at its source.

There are limitations to a strategy.

animal rights activists

animal rights campaigners

campaign n. v.

conduct a campaign

medical research

animal testing (or experiment)

minimise (or minimize ) the pain of animal testing (or experiment)

relieve (or alleviate/ease) the pain of animals

cruel/merciless/barbaric/callous/brutal/inhuman

vivisection n.

anaesthetic (or anesthetic ) n. ( )

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mistreatment of animals

poach v.

poaching n.

fur n.

be conscious (or aware) of

There are no replacements (or substitutes/alternatives) for sth...

Pets can offer people consolation and comfort.

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