VOCABULARY BY TOPICS

FOR IELTS AND TOELF

1st edition
 ĐÔI LỜI

Tài liệu này được tổng hợp nhằm mục đích giúp các bạn đang ôn thi các kì thi
tiếng Anh tiêu chuẩn như IELTS, TOEFL có thêm từ vựng cũng như idea cho kĩ
năng Writing và Speaking.

Tài liệu là tổng hợp các bài đã đăng lên trên web cá nhân của thầy Domini Cole
tại website dcielts.com. Việc tổng hợp lại các bài viết này thành một ấn phẩm
miễn phí nhằm mục đích giúp các bạn đang học tiếng Anh có thể tra cứu dễ dàng
hơn. Sách cũng được xuất ra 3 định dạng là PDF, EPUB và PRC nhằm hỗ trợ tối
đa các bạn có thể học và đọc mọi lúc mọi nơi. Tài liệu này tôi không để water
mark, không để footer và header, để tránh việc các bạn in ra khó đọc. (các bạn
thông cảm về kĩ năng diễn đạt bằng tiếng Việt của tôi)

Tài liệu này tổng hợp các từ vựng theo một số topic, hiện vẫn còn giới hạn ở một
số topic, tuy nhiên tôi sẽ cập nhật tiếp trong thời gian tới. Các bài cập nhật này
(do tôi tự viết) sẽ đăng lên một số trang cá nhân của tôi (có thể xem ở dưới), các
bạn có thể truy cập vào đây để theo dõi và lấy về để làm tài liệu học tập.

Các từ vựng trong tài liệu này có đi kèm ví dụ và giải thích, chú thích khi cần
thiết nên rất dễ hiểu nếu các bạn chưa biết từ vựng này. Đồng thời, bản thân từ
vựng và ví dụ cũng là lời gợi ý về mặt idea cho các bạn trong phần thi Writing
hay Speaking.

Cách sử dụng cụ thể, tôi sẽ phân tích cụ thể trên website ducthangbui.com trong
thời gian tới, các bạn có thể ghé qua để tìm hiểu. Đồng thời trên trang web cá
nhân này, tôi cũng đã xuất bản miễn phí ấn bản tập hợp các Collocation for
IELTS, gồm các cụm từ vựng rất hay và hữu ích, sẽ giúp ích các bạn rất nhiều
trong quá trình học IELTS và TOEFL. Các bạn có thể vào ducthangbui.com, mục
tài liệu để tài, tài liệu hoàn toàn miễn phí.

Các bạn có thể tìm thêm một số tài liệu, chia sẻ kinh nghiệm, bài học bổ trợ cho
IELTS, tiếng Anh hoặc TOEFL tại một số kênh sau:

Trang blog cá nhân: ducthangbui.com

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Hi vọng cuốn tài liệu này và các chia sẻ của tôi sẽ giúp ích các bạn trong quá
trình chinh phục IELTS. Chúc các bạn thành công.

Hà Nội 2016
Duc Thang Bui
Contents
GOVERNMENT ............................................................................................................................ 6
1. Forms of government ..................................................................................................... 6
2. What central governments do ......................................................................................... 6
3. People within a government ........................................................................................... 7
4. What local governments do ............................................................................................ 7
5. Thinking long-term and short short-term ....................................................................... 7
6. How people can influence governments ......................................................................... 8
IMMIGRATION ............................................................................................................................ 9
1. Some common word combinations ................................................................................ 9
2. Arguments in favour of immigration .............................................................................. 9
3. Arguments against immigration ................................................................................... 10
4. Measures and solutions................................................................................................. 10
CLIMATE CHANGE................................................................................................................... 12
1. Talking about the size of the problem .......................................................................... 12
2. Negative Effects ........................................................................................................... 12
3. Causes........................................................................................................................... 13
4. Possible solutions ......................................................................................................... 13
5. Ways of taking action ................................................................................................... 14
6. How individuals can help ............................................................................................. 14
EMPLOYMENT .......................................................................................................................... 16
1. Employ - word formation ............................................................................................. 16
2. Work ............................................................................................................................. 16
3. Job ................................................................................................................................ 16
4. Career ........................................................................................................................... 17
5. Adjectives to describe jobs ........................................................................................... 17
ADVERTISING ........................................................................................................................... 19
1. Advert, advertisement or ad? ........................................................................................ 19
2. Different forms of advertising ...................................................................................... 19
3. Adjectives to describe advertising ................................................................................ 19
4. Other related words ...................................................................................................... 20
TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................... 21
1. Progress words ............................................................................................................. 21
2. Impact of technology .................................................................................................... 21
3. Technology and computer words ................................................................................. 21
5. Technological Device ................................................................................................... 23
FAMILY ....................................................................................................................................... 24
1. Types of family ............................................................................................................ 24
2. Family resemblances .................................................................................................... 24
3. Family relationships ..................................................................................................... 25
GLOBALIZATION ...................................................................................................................... 26
 1. The world – the countries ............................................................................................. 26
2. How to say “global” ..................................................................................................... 26
3. Co-operation and integration ........................................................................................ 27
1. A warning – local variations......................................................................................... 28
3. Level of degrees ........................................................................................................... 28
4. Types of education ....................................................................................................... 28
5. Types of course............................................................................................................. 29
6. Forms of learning ......................................................................................................... 29
7. Financial aid for students.............................................................................................. 29
CRIME ......................................................................................................................................... 31
1. Types of crime .............................................................................................................. 31
3. Punishments.................................................................................................................. 31
4. The justice process ....................................................................................................... 32
5. Other useful phrases ..................................................................................................... 32
ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 33
1. Environmental problems .............................................................................................. 33
2. The Environment .......................................................................................................... 33
3. Pollution ....................................................................................................................... 33
4. Our effect on the natural world .................................................................................... 34
5. Global warming ............................................................................................................ 34
ENERGY ...................................................................................................................................... 35
1. Type of Energy ............................................................................................................. 35
2. Useful verbs go with Energy ........................................................................................ 35
3. Another idea about Energy ........................................................................................... 35
 GOVERNMENT

1. Forms of government
central government: this is the national government of a country

local government: this is the regional form of government that typically takes
care of more local issues

the authorities: this is a general term for all forms of government – note that we
use it in the plural.

regulatory bodies: these are bodies which are sometimes set up by the
government and sometimes self-regulatory and typically they control one
specific area such as advertising. Legislation is not always the answer.

enforcement agencies: these are bodies that have direct control of how laws are
being obeyed. This is something central government does not always do itself. An
example of an enforcement agency is the body that monitors pollution in rivers.

international organisations: don’t forget these either. many problems need

global solutions and demand international cooperation from bodies like the UN.

NGOs: these are the opposite of governments! NGO stands

for Non Governmental Organisation. Almost always their work is charitable and
very often in aid and development. You are most likely to refer to them when
countries help each other.

2. What central governments do

pass/introduce legislation: The time has come when the government needs
to introduce new legislation to protect the privacy of citizens.

bring in/enact laws: One possible solution is for the government to bring in
laws that prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone under 21.

adopt policies: One possibility is for the government to adopt policies that
encourage mothers to return to work.

take measures/action: The situation is now so severe that the government

must take measures to police the internet.

raise (and lower) taxes: One way to limit air pollution from aircraft would be for
the government to raise airport tax.

have/provide a budget/funding: It is the responsibility of the government

to provide more funding for research into renewable energy.
ban/prohibit: Most people would agree that there should be a ban on the sale of
automatic weapons.

3. People within a government

departments: The Health Department should ensure that doctors are not forced
to work a 60-hour week.

political parties; This is one issue where all political parties should work
together to provide a solution.

politicians: If enough people protested then politicians would have to listen and
take action.

4. What local governments do

impose fines: Local councils should ensure that householders are fined if they
they do not recycle their waste properly.

provide resources/services: Local government needs to provide adequate

resources for schools so that they can cope with the influx of children who speak
English as a second language.

maintain: If local governments maintained the roads in a better condition, then

there would be fewer problems with traffic congestion.

fund: Councils could fund local community projects where residents work as
volunteers in schools and hospitals.
hire: It would certainly help if local councils hired more staff.

5. Thinking long-term and short short-term

temporary: One idea is that the government could introduce a temporary
restriction on immigration to determine what effect it would have on employment
rates.

long-term The government needs to consider the long-term effect of a poorly

trained workforce.

immediate Governments of wealthier countries should provide financial

assistance to people in disaster zones to help with their immediate needs.

a stopgap measure While this may only be a stopgap measure, it would help
if governments sent financial aid to disaster areas.
6. How people can influence governments
lobby politicians: Individuals could help here by lobbying their elected
representatives and MPs to try and force them to introduce legislation.

engage in peaceful protests/demonstrations It is possible that the government

might be swayed by peaceful demonstrations asking for more action on the
environment.
 IMMIGRATION
The key words for describing immigration are

immigrant – the person

immigrate – the verb

immigration – the idea

Note that immigrants (people who enter a country) are also emigrants (people
who leave a country) and also migrants.

1. Some common word combinations

illegal immigrants: – people who enter a country illegally

economic migrants: – people who move country to earn more money

migrant workers: – note that migrant can also work as an adjective

immigrant community/population: – this can be used for people who have

settled in country for some time

influx of immigrants: – this is usually used in a negative sense meaning that

there are too many immigrants

first generation immigrant: – this is either an immigrant or a child on an

immigrant [sometimes it is hyphenated as “first-generation”]

2. Arguments in favour of immigration

dynamism: Immigrants provide dynamism which is beneficial to the economy
and helps growth and competitiveness. For example, many immigrants set up
their own businesses.

unskilled labour: In many countries there is a shortage of unskilled labour and

the immigrant population is typically willing to do work that the native
population is not. This is particularly the case in agricultural communities where
immigrants provide seasonal labour in the harvest season.

skilled labour: A large proportion of young immigrants are highly-qualified

university graduates and they work in fields where there is a shortage of skilled
labour.

childcare: Another benefit that immigrants bring is that they often work in
childcare or as home helps and this enables more mothers to return to work.
boost the economy: Most research shows that encouraging immigration
actually provides a boost to the economy as immigrants are net contributors to
the GDP. There is also evidence that they actually claim fewer benefits and pay
more tax than the native population.

principle of freedom of movement: There is also the consideration that

the principle of freedom of movement is a human right and that people should
be allowed to choose where they live.

short-term only: It should also be considered that many younger migrants return
home once they have earned enough money and will never claim pensions in their
host country.

3. Arguments against immigration

integration: The major argument against immigration is that so many
migrants fail to integrate with the local community and culture and this leads
to social tension and even unrest.

local services and jobs: One common difficulty is that they increase the pressure
on local services and create competition for local jobs and this creates ill-will.

claim benefits/social housing: One reason why people want less immigration is
that immigrants do not pay tax and still claim benefits and require social
housing that is paid for by taxpayers.

schools: Another serious issue is that in some areas schools do not have
sufficient places for the children and so class sizes become unmanageable.

language: Related to this is the problem that many immigrants only have a basic
command of the language and this can lead to difficulties in the classroom and
elsewhere.

loss of trained workers: The impact on poorer countries who lose much of their
trained workforce through emigration should also not be forgotten.

overcrowding/population: Many countries need to limit immigration because

they are already suffering from over-population.

4. Measures and solutions

taxes and law: One possible measure is to ensure that migrants pay taxes and
are subject to the criminal justice system.
language requirements: Another measure that could be put in place is to insist
on a minimum language requirement so that all immigrants are able to integrate
into the community.

deportation: Some people believe that all illegal immigrants should be

deported immediately.

quota: The United States for example has a quota system whereby a fixed number
of green cards are issued every year.
 CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Talking about the size of the problem

crisis: Climate change is a crisis that cannot be ignored by governments.

record levels/amount: Despite the claims of some scientists, we are now

producing record levels of CO2 and there is no dispute about the connection
between this and global warming.

disaster/disastrous: It is not an exaggeration to say that the effects of global

warming are disastrous.

global: Although some areas are relatively unaffected now, climate change is a
global problem.

irreversible: The major concern is that the effects of our actions on the climate
will be irreversible.

long-term: The effects of our use of fossil fuels today may last for generations
and it is almost certain to have long-term consequences for humanity.

2. Negative Effects
ill-health: It sometimes goes unnoticed that there is a clear connection
between climate change and ill-health.

floods/rainstorms: One result of the rising temperatures is that floods

and rainstorms are now a frequent occurrence.

the Polar ice cap: One major concern is that rising temperatures in the
Arctic are causing the Polar ice cap to melt, which in turn is leading to rising sea
levels.

heatwaves and droughts: Most experts agree that there is an increased risk
of heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions.

the natural world: Climate change will not only have a severe impact on people,
but also devastate the natural world and lead to the extinction of important
species.

food shortages: We are already seeing in many parts of the world that climate
change is leading to food shortages as a direct consequence of extreme weather
conditions.

housing/homelessness: One side-effect of rising sea levels is that more and more
people who live by the coast will become homeless.

conflicts/wars: If no action is taken on climate change, then it is likely that there

will be more conflicts between nations, especially over water supplies.
cost: It has been shown that any delay in making emission cuts will increase the
cost of reducing carbon dioxide by almost 50%.

3. Causes
human activity: It is no longer possible to say that human activity does not
affect weather conditions.

greenhouse gas emissions: If we are to halt climate change, we need to make

substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

power stations: One of the leading causes of climate change is the number
of dirty power stations using fossil fuels.

carbon emissions: Carbon emissions are still rising year by year and are at
record levels.

illegal logging and deforestation: It should not be forgotten that illegal

logging in the Amazon Basin is still a major factor in climate change.

burning fossil fuels: Individuals can make a small contribution by not burning
wood and other fossil fuels.

CO2: The root cause of much global warming is the amount of CO2 in the
atmosphere.

4. Possible solutions
wind and solar power: An obvious solution is to deploy much more wind and
solar power.

renewable energy: Wind farms and other sources of renewable energy will help
to reduce Co2 emissions to an acceptable level.

international action/cooperation: International action on climate change could

have a significant impact.

quick/immediate action: Any action should be immediate because this is not a

problem that can be delayed.

investment: There should be greater incentives to invest in renewables and to

reduce the current reliance on fossil fuels.

decommission power stations: It goes without saying that coal-fuelled power

stations should be decommissioned.

protest/campaign: Individuals can help force governments to act by taking part

in legal protests against the continuing use of fossil fuels.
energy efficiency and waste: A greater emphasis on energy efficiency and
reducing waste would undoubtedly mean that less fuel was consumed.

5. Ways of taking action

avert: Investment in renewable energy will help avert the impact of the CO2
emissions.

prevent: The only way to prevent the disaster is to reduce these emissions to
zero.

act/take action: Governments should take decisive action to halt global

warming.

fight/combat: A way needs to be found to make combatting global warming that

is affordable.

sustainable and affordable: The key is to ensure that all countries around the
world have the chance to adopt energy

6. How individuals can help

lobby MPs: If enough of us lobbied our MPs and other elected
representatives then they would have to bring in legislation.

participate in peaceful protests: Another possibility is to take part in

marches and other peaceful protests to apply pressure on governments and raise
awareness of the issue..

community projects: In some areas there are small-scale community projects to

encourage local residents to install solar panels and, in some places, help pay for
them.

share transport: We also have the responsibility to consider how we contribute

to global warming by making unnecessary car journeys. We can always cycle to
work, have a joint school run with other parents and even share a car on the
daily commute to work.

diet and our carbon footprint: Reducing food wastage is perhaps the way
individuals can minimise their carbon footprint and so help global warming.

energy-efficient lightbulbs: Another small way in which we can use less energy
is to switch to energy efficient lightbulbs.

solar panels: There are an increasing number of solar panels on the market and
these can not only reduce energy bills but also mean that less carbon fuel is
consumed.
heat insulation: Likewise, it is important that people insulate their houses
well so that less gas and electricity is consumed.
 EMPLOYMENT

1. Employ - word formation

Employ
Some companies prefer to employ people with experience than better qualified
graduates.
Employment
We can see from the chart that the rate of employment fell by 25% in their third
quarter of the year.
Employee
Some companies do not reward their employees as well as others do.
Employer
In this situation, it is the duty of the employer to make sure the female workers
are not discriminated against.
Unemployment
Unemployment is a serious problem in some countries in Europe.

2. Work
Workplace: Sadly, there is still amount of discrimination against women in the
workplace.

Working environment: Employers can help relieve the pressure on their

employees by ensuring they have a pleasant working environment.

Hours of work: In some professions, such as law, the hours of work are much
longer than in others.

The working week: There is much to be said for the proposal that the working
week should be reduced to 35 hours.

Work-life balance: A sensible work- life balance can help employees work more
efficiently.

Work placement: Many large organisations have work placement programmes

that provide students with experience before they start their career.

In/out of work: Unemployment has been on the increase in many countries and
sometimes up to 10% of the workforce are out of work

3. Job
Job security: For some people job security is more important than financial
reward.
Job placement: Some companies have job placement schemes for university
students.
Job satisfaction: It is hard to underestimate the value of job satisfaction.
Job description: Some employees have very broad job descriptions
Jobseeker: Employers can attract jobseekers with attractive employment
packages.

4. Career
Interview: These companies perhaps need to change the interview process so
that they hire the right candidates.
Qualifications: It is not always the case that a university degree is the best
qualification in the world of finance.
Experience: Some graduates have difficulty finding a job because they do not
have the relevant work experience.
Training: Employers need to provide training to ensure that their staff are able
to adapt to these new technologies.
Retire/retirement: In many countries the age of retirement is now 68 or even
70.
Resign/resignation: There is a danger that employees will hand in their
resignation and look for another job.
Promotion: There is an argument for promoting employees who show the most
potential.
Redundant: One side-effect of adopting these new technologies is that it has led
to mass redundancies in manufacturing industries.

5. Adjectives to describe jobs

Rewarding: One of the most rewarding aspects of the work is the chance to
work with children.
Challenging: While this can be challenging, there is no doubt that it can be
equally rewarding.
Repetitive: A great deal of office work is in fact quite repetitive and not
especially challenging.
Ambitious: It is the type of opportunity that would suit an ambitious university
graduate.
Stressful: One of most stressful aspects of the modern workplace is the constant
threat of redundancy.
Glamorous: Although business trips and the chance to travel abroad may seem
glamorous, they are frequently the source of stress.
 ADVERTISING

1. Advert, advertisement or ad?

All these forms of the words are correct but ad is mostly used in spoken English
only. You should also be aware of a common pronunciation problem:

 advert
 advertise

 advertisement

This means that you make an “iss” sound when say advertisement. This is a very
common mistake and one way to avoid it is to say and write advert.

2. Different forms of advertising

Television commercial: The BBC is perhaps unique for not carrying any
commercials.
Radio spot: Radio stations make most of their revenue by selling airtime in the
form of radio spots.
Billboard: Most major highways now have billboards by the roadside advertising
everything from soap to gas.
Flyer: It can be very effective to hand out flyers.
Small ads/ personal ads: Not all advertising is commercial, many newspapers
carry small ads for personal services.
Trailer: The trailer, as often as not, is actually better than the film itself.
Product placement: We are not always aware that we are being “sold” a
product; for instance, when products are placed in films.
Promotion: The two for the price of one promotion can often be very misleading.
Endorsement: Many sports stars earn the majority of their income from
endorsing various products.
Sponsorship: It is unarguable that tobacco firms should not be allowed to
sponsor sports events.

3. Adjectives to describe advertising

Witty/ humorous: The idea is that if you can make someone laugh with a witty
advert, then they will be more likely to buy the product.
Memorable: Almost all the best adverts are memorable in some way.
Persuasive: Some ads are extremely persuasive and we find we buy products we
do not really need.
Misleading: Although there are regulations against this, many adverts are still
misleading.
word-of-mouth: It is frequently said that the most effective form of advertising is
word-of-mouth advertising.

4. Other related words

Regulation: Most people would accept that the advertising industry needs some
form of regulation.
Advertising agency: Advertising agencies frequently do extensive market
research to discover what attracts consumers.
Target: The difficulty comes when adverts target young children who are too
easily influenced by them.
Consumers: It can also be argued that consumers are able to decide for
themselves what to buy.
Brand awareness: Advertising is essential for companies that need to build their
brand awareness.
 TECHNOLOGY

1. Progress words
When you write and speak about computers and technology, very often you will
be asked to say how technology has changed or progressed.
Innovation /innovative: The cloud is one of the latest innovations in computer
technology.
Advance: One major advance is in the use of computers in transport regulation.
Develop /development: It is not easy to predict how this technology is going to
develop.
Progress: The 21st century has already seen considerable progress in computer
technology.
Revolution /revolutionary/ revolutionise: It is undeniable that computers have
revolutionised our lives.
Breakthrough: One of the greatest technological breakthroughs ever made was
the microchip.

(Progress is an uncountable word, while advance is countable. So you say that

“digital technology is an advance” but you cannot say that “digital technology is
a progress”)

2. Impact of technology
Another common topic is to talk about what effect computer technology has had
on our lives

Change: It goes without saying that the computer revolution has changed all our
lives.

Affect/effect: Generally speaking , most technology has had a beneficial effect

on our lives.

Influence/ influential: Few inventions have had a greater influence on mankind

than the computer.

Impact: It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of this technology will
be.

3. Technology and computer words

It is very easy to keep on repeating the same word without knowing it. One way
not to do this is to change the form of the word or to use it in a different phrase.
Technology: One of the disadvantages of consumers of modern technology is
that it rapidly becomes obsolete.

Technological: Simple as it is, I believe that cell phone is the most significant
technological innovation.

Technophobe: There are a monority of people who remain technophobes and do

not have mobile phones or even know how to text.

Technophile: Other, of course, and technophiles and will buy the latest gadget
whether they need it or not.

Computer technology/ICT: Nowadays, one of the core subjects on any school’s

curriculum is ICT and it is essential for school leavers to be computer literate.

Information technology/IT: While computers have many possible applications,

their greatest use is to allow us to exchange information- hence the name
information technology.

Digital native: Young people have an advantage by being digital natives and
having grown up with laptops and mobile phones.

Computer literate: It is now almost impossible to work in an office, if you are

not computer literate.

The computer age: In fact, we could now be said to live in the computer age.

4. Adjective and Technology

Cutting- edge: One such cutting-edge innovation is the concept of the cloud.
State-of-the-art: It is not always, however, necessary to have the latest state-of-
the-art technology.
Labour-saving: Perhaps the most influential inventions are relatively simple
labour-saving devices such as the vacuum cleaner.
Advanced: More advanced technology is not always the best.
High: An example of this is how some high tech solutions are less reliable than
the technology they replaced.
Outdated: The pace of change in the computer industry means that hardware can
become outdated or even obsolete.

“obsolete” is similar in meaning to “outdated”, but is a stronger word to show

that the technology is so old that it cannot be used any longer.

It is normal to write “high tech” rather than “high technology”.

5. Technological Device
Device: We now have more leisure time because of labour-saving devices in the
home such as the dishwasher.

Equipment: A computer is no longer a luxury, but has become an essential piece

of equipment for any student or employee.

Gadget: We should not forget that many technological gadgets not only make
out lives easier but are also fun to use.

Appliance: Almost all modern kitchens have several electrical appliances that
save our time

(A “device” is often something fairly small that allows you to complete a task.
There is a strong collocation (very common phrase): “labour-saving device”.

“Equipment” is an uncountable word so you need to say “a piece of equipment”.

It is a very general use word that can be used to describe almost anything
mechanical.

“Gadget” is a word often used to describe objects that are either small or have a
less serious purpose.

“Appliance” is typically used in the phrase “electrical appliances” (eg irons and
kettles) that are less advanced technology.)
 FAMILY

1. Types of family
Close-knit family: We’re a pretty close-knit family, we tend to talk to each other
every day.

Immediate/extended family: While my immediate family is quite small, my

more extended family is huge – I think I have over 15(first) cousins.

Cousins/ relates: I get on especially well with my (first) cousin. We re only a

year apart in age and have grown up together.

Only/middle child: I’m an only child and I think because of that I have a closer
relationship with my mother than some other children do.

Separated/divorced: In fact, my parents are divorced and I was brought up by

my mother.

Step-brother/half-brother: I guess I’m closest to my step-mother just because

we’re almost the same age.

In-laws: Strangely enough, I think I have a closer relationship with my mother-

in-law than my biological mother.

In British English, your first cousin is the son/daughter of your uncle/aunt.

Relatives is a useful word to describe your extended family.

A half-brother/sister is when you share a parent, while a step-brother/sister is

when neither parent is in common, for instance when your parent marries
someone else who already had children.
Your mother/father-in-law is the mother/father of your husband/wife.

2. Family resemblances
These words are useful for describing things that you may have in common with
other members of your family.

(Resemble is mostly used to describe physical similarities (look like), while take
after can also be used to describe other personal characteristics (you both like
reading). If you quarrel or squabble with someone, it is normally a fairly minor
disagreement. Sibling rivalry is when brothers and sisters compete with each
other.)

Run in the family: A love of the outdoors runs in the family.

Take after/resemble: People always say I take after my father, though I think I’
much more like my mum really.

Family trait: One of our family traits is that we all talk all the time. Our family
gatherings tend to be noisy affairs!

Have things in common: I think one reason why we have grown apart is that we
just don’t have that much in common.

Quarrel/squabble with: I used to quarrel with my sister all the time when we
were kids, but we get on just fine now. It was just the normal sibling rivalry.

Get together: Although we live in different towns now, we still try to get
together whenever we can.

3. Family relationships
Be close to: Actually, I’m closer to my father than my mother- there’s a special
bond between us.

Get on/along with: Although I get along well enough with my sister, I wouldn’t
describe our relationship as being particularly close.

Admire/ look up: I really admire my mum- she really has two jobs but you’d
never know it. The one in the office and another one at home.

Rely on/depend on: I suppose her best quality is that I can always depend on her
to be there for me. She’s never let me down yet.

Look after/ take care of: My older sister was a big influence too, she really
looked after me when I was younger.

Bring up / raise: My mum and dad really shared the responsibility of bringing
us up- they shared it between themselves.

Age difference: I get on best with my oldest brother despite the age difference
between us.
 GLOBALIZATION

1. The world – the countries

How do you describe the different regions of the world? Here are a few basic
alternatives to get you started:

Developing countries: Poverty is still an issua in many developing countries.

Less developed countries: Many less developed countries suffer from a poor
transport infrastructure.

The industrialized world: It is the responsibility of the industrialized world to

provide financial support.

Richer nations: Richer nations exploited the natural resources found in Africa
and Asia in colonial times.

Superpower: While the USA was the great ecomomic superpower of the
twentieth century, it seems likely that the world economy will be dominated by
China and India in the twenty first century.

You should note some very useful world phrases: all around the world, all over
the world, in all four corners of the world, worldwide, the other side of the world.

2. How to say “global”

Globalization is a good word, but you do need some alternatives. These options
allow you to use the word “global” in different ways and thinks about different
aspects of globalization.

The global village: It is often said that we live a global village, not least because
it is so easy to communicate with people all over the world.

The global economy: One feature of the global economy is that countries are
affected by economic problems in other parts of the world.

Global trade: The WTO has helped reduce tariffs on global trade and this has
changed the marketplace.

International (co-operation): This problem requires International cooperation

just because it reaches beyond the borders of any one country.

The world: Modern telecommunication system and the internet have made the
world a much smaller place.

Local/national/domestic: If we are to find a solution to world poverty, it is

necessary to look for domestic solutions and not just international aid.
Ubiquitous: For example, Coca Cola is now almost ubiquitous. (Ubiquitous is a
nice word that means “everywhere”)

Universal: A negative aspect of globalization is that some cultures are losing

some of their identity, as more and more people adopt a new universal culture.

3. Co-operation and integration

One key feature of globalization is that nations work together and become more
integrated.

Co-operate: For example, countries in the EU now co-operate together to control

the level of immigration.

Integrate: One key feature of globalization is that economies around the world
have become much more closely intergrated.

Multilateral/ unilateral: In the world today, it is not possible for governments to

adopt policies on immigration unilaterally.

Communication: One of the major benefits of globalization is the ease of

communication in the modern world.

4. Other problems related globalisation

Loss of identity: While it can be argued that globalization leads to greater
harmony, one drawback is that loss of cultural identity may follow.

Sweatshops/ outsourcing: Too many multinational corporations make their

profits by outsourcing their production to countries where labour is cheap.
Indeed, at times this amounts to exploitation in swearshops, with the rich getting
richer and the poor poorer.

National sovereignty: Many people object to globalization on the grounds that it

interferes with national sovereignty.
 UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

1. A warning – local variations

This list of vocabulary comes from the British educational system. Different
countries and cultures frequently use their own terminology. For instance, in
American English it is quite possible to describe university as “college” or
“school”. These words mean something quite different in British English

2. Graduate
Graduate (verb): Graduate from university.
A graduate (noun): A graduate of Oxford university/ a graduate in economics.

A postgraduate (noun): He’s a postgraduate student.

An undergraduate (noun): Undergraduates receive a grant.

A fresher (noun): Life can be difficult for freshers.

(it can replace the word “student”

note the different prepositions “of a university” and “from university” and “in a
subject”

graduate is quite formal so in speaking you could use “I left university” instead

a fresher is a first year student, Americans use “freshman”)

3. Level of degrees
A first degree: The degree undergraduate do

A bachelor’s degree: A synonym for a first degree.

A master’s (degree): He is doing a master’s in politics.

A PhD or a doctorate: Only a few students go on to do a PhD.

4. Types of education

Higher education : University education

Further education: Normally for more vocational courses and may start from
the age of 16.
Adult education: This is normally for non-degree programmes and often is part-
time.
notes
if you receive a degree from a university, you are in higher education
if you receive a diploma or certificate, you are in further education

5. Types of course
A full- time degree course: Most students follow a full-time degree course.
A part –time degree course: If you are in full-time employment, a part-time may
be more suitable.
A distance course: In the age of the internet, more and more people are studying
by distance.
A sandwich course: If you want practical experience, a sandwich course is the
best option.

6. Forms of learning
Lecture: The students make notes and listen to lecturer. There may be a question
and answer session at the end.
Seminar: Often led by a student on a particular topic. Normally, the idea is
everyone gets the chance to talk. Often follows a lecture.
Tutorial: Sometimes teaching one-to-one with a tutor and sometimes the same as
a seminar.
notes and common mistakes
a lecturer gives or delivers a lecture and is sometimes used as a rank of
university teacher
a tutor is in charge of a seminar or tutorial

we don’t use “class” or “lesson” in university education (although Americans do

use “class”)

7. Financial aid for students

Schoolarship: She won a schoolarship for her dissertation. (a scholarship is
won for academic merit)

Grant: Because she came from a poor background, she was given a grant by
local government. (typically a grant is awarded either for a particular project or to
allow a student to follow a course)
Loan: Almost all British undergradutes now have student loans that they need to
replay when they start earning.
 CRIME

1. Types of crime
Petty crime: Less serious crimes such as shoplifting and pickpocketing
Serious crime: When the sum involved is large or the consequences more serious
Violent crime: Includes assault, mugging and armed robbery
White-collar crime: Crimes committed by “office works”, for example fraud.
Organised crime: Large scale crime by crime organisations such as the Mafia,
for example smuggling
Crime against property

2. Key words for Crime

Another key word here is “offence” which is a close synonym for crime. It is a
slightly broader word as it includes behaviour that is not necessarily criminal.
You can also use the phrase “criminal behaviour“.

3. Punishments
Prison : Note the vers “to imprison” and the phrase “to send to prison”
Serve a prison sentence/ custodial sentence: “Serious offender should be forced
to serve at least a 3-year prison sentence”
Community service (order): The offender has to do work that helps the
community rather than go to prison
A fine: People who commit some petty crimes or road traffic offences should pay
a fine
(receive) a caution: If the offence is less serious then the offender may be let off
with a caution
(be puts) on probation: Sometimes first-time offenders are not imprisoned but
are placed under supervision for a set period of time to ensure their good behavior
A ban: Some driving offences such as “drink driving” are punished with a ban

There is a common saying that “the punishment should fit the crime“. If you
wish to practise this vocabulary, a standard exercise is to look at the crimes and
decide what punishment you think they should receive.

In some countries, there is still capital punishment/the death penalty, while this
is banned in other countries. An occasional IELTS essay topic is to discuss the
merits of capital punishment. What are the arguments for and against it?
Another topic you need to consider is crime prevention. Is it more effective to
send someone to prison or to prevent the crime in the first place? Linked into this
idea is whether prison sentences act as a deterrent to criminals.

4. The justice process

The details of this will vary from the country to country, but here are some of the
main ideas:
Pass a law/legislate against: This is the role of government
Enforce the law: An alternative phrase here is “law enforcement”: this involves
the courts and the police force.
Investigate a crime: The first step in the criminal process
Arrest a suspect: Before the trial he is “a suspect”, during the trial he is a
“defendant” and, if convicted, he is then “a criminal”
Punish an offender: “Offender” is another useful word for “criminal”
Pass a sentence: Normally this is the role of the judge. “Sentence” is also a
verb/noun, so a judge may “sentence a criminal”
Convict a criminal: Another phrase meaning to find someone guilty and punish
them. The noun “conviction” is just as common
Plead innocent/guilty: In a trial the defendant can either plead guilty or innocent
A court case/trial: This is what happens in the court. A trial is a criminal
process, whereas a court case includes proceedings for civil (non-criminal)
matters.

5. Other useful phrases

Law-abiding citizens: Another way to say this is “to abide by the law”
To fight crime: This is the role of the police force and the courts. Another way of
saying this is to “tackle crime”
A crime wave: When there is a rise in crime, particularly of one type
To turn to crime: Another way of saying to become a professional criminal
Antisocial beharvior: Behaviour that may not be against the law but disrupts the
community, being drunk in public
The incidence of crime: How much crime happens
Motive for crime: The reason why people commit crimes
Juvenile delinquency: Antisocial behavior committed by people under the ager
18
A repeat offender: Someone who has been convicted more than once
 ENVIRONMENT

1. Environmental problems
Green (issues): A very common synonym for “environmental”
Global warming : An example of man’s effect on the environment
The greenhouse effect: Connected to global warming
The natural world
Deforestation: Cutting down forests
Rainforests : A useful example when discussing environmental problems

2. The Environment
An ecosystem: The system where plants and animals support one another
(Endangered) species: Examples include the Giant Panda
Biodiversity: Variety of plant and animal file in a region
A habitat: The natural habitat of an animal is where it lives
The planet: A synonym for the Earth
The Earth: Note the capital letter and “the”
The natural world: Includes both animal and plant life

3. Pollution
Dump waste : If factories dump waste, they illegally deposit (normally
dangerous) waste
Acid rain: rain that is “poisonous” because of the poor air quality
Factories and power stations: Two examples of sources of pollution
Carbon Monoxide and carbon dioxide: Names of two gases useful of
discussing acid rain and the green house effect
Fumes/Emissions: These are the gases that are produced by cars and factories
that cause pollution
Chemicals and fertilisers: Useful examples of products that cause water
pollution
(Industrial) waste: We also talk about waste products
Air/Water quality: This can be affected by pollution
Smog : An extreme form of air pollution almost like fog
Pollution: Remember “air and water pollution”: other forms of the word include
“pollute” and “pollutants”.
I would have said that one of the most serious environmental problems today is
of course pollution. It’s a very pressing green issue and if you travel to any of the
large cities in China, for example, you’ll find that there is very bad air
pollution and there is a layer of smog hanging over the cities. It’s just air
pollution, there is also water pollution. in many parts of the world, the quality of
the water is not good because rivers have been contaminated by all sorts of
industrial waste, by chemicals and fertilisers. And what we need to do is
to recycle our waste and take care of the planet and try use renewable
resources where we possibly can.

4. Our effect on the natural world

When we’re the discussing the environment, it’s important not to forget that our
actions have an impact not only on us but on the natural world and
other species. So, for example, certain species are now endangered because of
our actions. it’s not just because of hunting, but because we have destroyed
their natural habitats: they do not enough food or anywhere to live. If we carry
on in this way, the biodiversity of the planet is under threat.

5. Global warming
What’s the greatest threat to the Earth today? I’d have to say it’s probably a
combination of global warming and the greenhouse effect. I don’t understand
all the science behind it, but I understand it’s to do with the build up of gases
such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which means that the planet is
slowly but steadily getting warmer. and one of the results of this is that the polar
icecap is melting and the levels of the oceans are rising. And it’s caused I
understand by deforestation, particularly of rainforests and particularly in the
Amazonian Basin. And what this means is that we may be doing irreparable
harm to the planet and the future of the planet for our children and our children’s
children looks really rather bleak.
 ENERGY

1. Type of Energy
Clean energy: Energy that does not create pollution
Wind turbines: Modern windmills used to create power from the wind
Solar panels: The implement used to create solar energy
Solar energy: Energy from the sun
Fossil fuels: A collective term for coal petrol and gas
Natural resources: For example water, coal and gas
Renewable sources: Sources of energy such as wind power and solar energy
Sources of energy: A good collocation

Converse energy: Another way of saying “to save energy”

2. Useful verbs go with Energy

Threat: A threat to/be under threat/ to threaten/to be threatened by
Contaminate: Almost the same meaning as poison: another form of the word is
“contaminated”

3. Another idea about Energy

Another extremely important green issue is of course energy. There are two
points to be made here. The first point is that the way we use energy is causing
harm to the environment. Most of us get energy in the form of electricity. This
electricity is produced by power stations. These power stations emit all sorts of
dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide up into the atmosphere. And these
gases cause acid rain which does harm to our ecosystem and environment. the
second point to make about energy is we need to make sure that we are using
energy in a sustainable way. There is a limit to the Earth’s natural
resources and there is a danger that we use so much energy the Earth is no longer
going to be able to provide us with sufficient coal and fossil fuels. What we need
to do is look for more renewable sources of energy such as wind or
perhaps solar energy from the sun.