IELTS Vocabulary Improvement 2

Expanding your vocabulary is vital for achieving a high IELTS reading score. Here are 10

more intermediate level words and phrases to add to your repertoire, with example sentences:

1. Undermine - Weaken or damage.

Example: The student's confidence was undermined by the harsh criticism from the
teacher.
2. Cite - Quote as evidence for an argument or statement.
Example: The researcher cited several studies to support her hypothesis.
3. Concede - Admit or agree reluctantly.
Example: The politician conceded that his statement was inaccurate.
4. Contend - Argue or debate.
Example: The scholars contended over the meaning of the ancient text.
5. Allude - Suggest indirectly or covertly.
Example: The author alluded to historical events without discussing them explicitly.
6. Bolster - Strengthen or reinforce.
Example: The attorney bolstered her argument with testimony from expert witnesses.
7. Impede - Delay, obstruct, or prevent.
Example: The heavy traffic impeded the ambulance's ability to arrive quickly.
8. Notion - Idea or belief.
Example: I disagree with the notion that success depends on luck alone.
9. Alleviate - Reduce, ease or relieve.
Example: Medication can help alleviate pain after surgery.
10. Compel - Force or drive someone to do something.
Example: The team was compelled by hunger to stop for dinner.

To build your vocabulary, read high-level texts, listen to academic lectures, and make

flashcards for new words. Seek opportunities to use challenging words when writing or
speaking. With regular practice, you will master these words and expand your IELTS

vocabulary. Let me know if you would like explanations or quiz questions for these terms!

Here are 10 multiple choice questions to test knowledge of the new vocabulary words:
1. The politician was forced to ________ that his statement was inaccurate after the

evidence was reviewed.

A. Impede

B. Undermine

C. Concede

D. Alleviate
Answer: C
Explanation: "Concede" means to admit or agree reluctantly. This fits the context of the

politician admitting he was wrong.

2. The attorney ________ her argument by including testimony from expert witnesses.
A. Compelled

B. Bolstered

C. Alluded to

D. Contended
Answer: B
Explanation: "Bolstered" means strengthened or reinforced. Bringing in expert testimony

would reinforce the attorney's argument.

3. The heavy traffic ________ the ambulance by delaying its arrival to the hospital.
A. Alleviated

B. Impeded

C. Undermined

D. Conceded to
Answer: B
Explanation: "Impeded" means delayed, obstructed or prevented. Traffic would obstruct and

delay the ambulance.

 4. The author only ________ the historical events instead of discussing them in detail.
A. Compelled

B. Contended

C. Alluded to

D. Cited
Answer: C
Explanation: "Alluded to" means suggested indirectly or covertly. The author merely hinted at

events rather than directly covering them.

5. The two professors ________ over the meaning of the research results at the

conference.
A. Undermined

B. Conceded

C. Contended

D. Alleviated
Answer: C
Explanation: "Contended" means argued or debated. This fits a discussion where professors

are arguing different viewpoints.

6. I disagree with the ________ that success depends solely on luck.
A. Impediment

B. Allusion

C. Notion

D. Citation
Answer: C
Explanation: "Notion" means an idea or belief. This fits with a statement about what leads to

success.
7. The critical review ________ the author's confidence in her writing abilities.
A. Compelled

B. Cited

C. Undermined

D. Alleviated
Answer: C
Explanation: "Undermined" means weakened or damaged. Harsh criticism would damage the

author's confidence.
8. The medication helped ________ her symptoms after the surgery.
A. Impede

B. Contend

C. Alleviate

D. Undermine
Answer: C
Explanation: "Alleviate" means reduce, ease or relieve. The medication eased her symptoms.
9. The scientist ________ several previous studies in her research paper.
A. Alluded to

B. Compelled

C. Cited

D. Conceded to
Answer: C
Explanation: "Cited" means quoted as evidence. The studies were referenced to support her

research.
10. The soldiers were ________ by hunger to stop marching and make camp.
A. Impeded

B. Contended

C. Compelled

D. Alleviated
Answer: C
Explanation: "Compelled" means forced or driven to do something. Hunger drove the soldiers

to stop marching.

Here is a 200-word text on the topic of learning a new skill, using the 10 vocabulary words:
Learning to Play the Piano

When I decided to learn to play the piano, I initially underestimated the difficulty involved. I
quickly found my progress impeded by my lack of music theory knowledge and lack of time

to practice. While I was compelled by my desire to learn a new skill, I had to concede that

mastery would not happen overnight after just a few lessons.

In the beginning, I often struggled with the notion that my inability to play complex pieces

meant I didn’t have any talent. However, my teacher cited famous pianists who also found

learning the piano challenging at first. She contended that with regular practice I could bolster

my skills dramatically. I cannot undermine the importance of perseverance and patience in

progressing my abilities.

Gradually, I found I could play full songs, albeit slowly. My teacher alluded that learning

piano would help alleviate stress and strengthen mental fortitude. When I perform for others,

I’m reminded that playing piano well requires commitment, not just raw talent. I've come to

appreciate the immense satisfaction from mastering a challenging yet rewarding skill. My

experience has compelled me to consider taking up another artistic hobby that allows

creativity and self-expression.

Here is another 10-question quiz on the new vocabulary words:

1. The two professors ________ intensely at the conference, each arguing for their own

interpretation of the research.

2. I was ________ by my New Year's resolution to exercise more regularly and improve

my fitness level.
3. The airline had to ________ that the flight was delayed several hours due to the

stormy weather.
4. The judge ________ several legal precedents in her ruling on the high-profile case.
5. The student felt her confidence was ________ by the teacher's harsh criticism of her

work.
 6. Regular exercise can help ________ symptoms of anxiety and depression.
7. The author merely ________ historical events in the novel rather than discussing

them explicitly.
8. I disagree with the common ________ that people cannot improve their intelligence.
9. The slow internet speed has ________ my ability to work efficiently from home.
10. The attorney ________ her case by calling expert witnesses to testify.

Here are the answers to the vocabulary quiz:

1. contended
2. compelled
3. concede
4. cited
5. undermined
6. alleviate
7. alluded to
8. notion
9. impeded
10. bolstered