The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular test worldwide and it is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations and institutions globally. Millions of test takers choose IELTS as the most reliable English language test to study, work, and migrate to an English-speaking country.

It is important for you to be well-prepared for your IELTS test to get a higher score. There are four sections for the IELTS test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking and all of these sections require a strong vocabulary to score high in your IELTS.

Are you familiar with the people in your close family versus those in your extended family? How about understanding the distinction between a career and an occupation? In this blog, we will explore vocabulary terms relevant to family, travel, and work in the context of IELTS. These conversational vocabulary words can be useful for your Speaking and Listening tests, as you might get questions related to these in your IELTS test.

Vocabulary words for IELTS: Family

Here are descriptions and examples of the vocabulary words related to the topic of family for your reference to score well in your IELTS test:

Family ties | Upbringing | Siblings | Inheritance | Foster Family

1. Family ties

The emotional connections and relationships among family members.

Example:Despite living far apart, our strong family ties keep us connected and supportive of each other.

2. Upbringing

The way in which parents or guardians raise and educate their children.

Example:Her parents provided her with a strict but loving upbringing that shaped her into a responsible adult.

3. Siblings

Brothers and sisters within the same family.

Example:Sarah is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and sister.

4. Inheritance

The assets, property, or money that is passed on to family members after someone's death.

Example:The inheritance from her grandparents allowed her to fulfill her dream of starting a small business.

5. Foster family

A family that provides temporary care and support for children who cannot live with their biological parents.

Example: The foster family gave the child a safe and nurturing environment while her parents addressed their challenges.

Vocabulary words for IELTS: Immediate family

Parentage | Paternal | Maternal | Offspring | Lineage

1. Parentage

The identity of one's parents; the fact of being someone's child.

Example:Her parentage is a blend of different cultures, which enriches her perspective on life.

2. Paternal

Relating to or characteristic of a father.

Example:Her paternal grandfather was a skilled musician, and she inherited his love for playing the piano.

3. Maternal

Relating to or characteristic of a mother.

Example:The maternal instinct kicked in when she saw the injured kitten on the street, prompting her to take care of it.

4. Offspring

Children or young of a particular parent or family.

Example: The swan's protective behaviour towards its offspring was heartwarming to witness.

5. Lineage

The sequence of family members from one generation to another is often traced through the male or female line.

Example: The royal family's lineage can be traced back hundreds of years through historical records.

Vocabulary words for IELTS: Less common family words

Matriarch | Patriarch | Stepchild | Godparent | Half-sibling

1. Matriarch

A female head of a family or community.

Example:The matriarch of the family was respected for her wisdom and leadership.

2. Patriarch

A male head of a family or community.

Example:The patriarch of the village was known for his fair decisions and dedication to his people.

3. Stepchild

A child of one's spouse or partner from a previous marriage or relationship.

Example:Building a strong bond with her stepchild took time and effort, but their relationship is now close and loving.

4. Godparent

A person who sponsors a child's baptism and takes on the role of providing spiritual guidance and support.

Example:The godparents were present during the child's confirmation ceremony, symbolising their ongoing role in her life.

5. Half-sibling

A sibling who shares only one biological parent with you.

Example:Although they have different mothers, they share the same father and are therefore considered half-siblings.

Vocabulary words for IELTS: Travel

Here are descriptions and examples of the vocabulary words related to the topic of travel for the IELTS exam:

1. Accommodation

The places where travellers stay during their journeys, such as hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals.

Example: We booked a cozy cabin as our accommodation during our trip to the mountains.

2. Transport

Modes of travel used to move from one place to another, such as cars, trains, airplanes, and buses.

Example:Public transport in the city is efficient and convenient, making it easy for tourists to explore.

3. City centre

The central area of a city where major commercial, cultural, and social activities are concentrated.

Example:Our hotel is located right in the city centre, giving us easy access to shopping and sightseeing.

4. Main square

A prominent open area within a city, often surrounded by important buildings and used as a gathering place.

Example:The main square of the old town is bustling with markets, festivals, and street performances.

5. Attractions

Points of interest or places that draw tourists due to their cultural, historical, or natural significance.

Example:The city's top attractions include its famous art museum, historic cathedral, and botanical gardens.

6. High rise

A tall building with many floors or levels is usually found in urban areas.

Example:We had a stunning view of the city skyline from our hotel room on the 30th floor of the high-rise building.

7. Storey

A level or floor of a building.

Example:The hotel has ten storeys, and our room is on the seventh floor.

8. Traditional/quaint

Representing the characteristics and customs of a particular culture, often in an old-fashioned or charming way.

Example:The quaint village was filled with traditional cottages and cobblestone streets.

9. Character

The unique qualities that give a place its distinctive personality and charm.

Example:The historic district is known for its character, with its narrow alleys and well-preserved architecture.

Note: Remember to integrate these vocabulary words into your practice essays, speaking exercises, or reading activities to enhance your language skills and effectively communicate your ideas about travel on the IELTS exam.

Vocabulary words for IELTS: Work

Here are descriptions and examples of the vocabulary words related to the topic of work for your reference to score high in your IELTS exam:

1. Part-time/Full-time

Refers to the number of hours worked in a job. Part-time work involves fewer hours, often less than the standard 40 hours per week, while full-time work entails the standard or more hours.

Example:She works part-time at the cafe while pursuing her studies, but her brother has a full-time job at the bank.

2. Occupation

The type of work or job that a person is engaged in.

Example: Her occupation as a software developer allows her to create innovative applications for various industries.

3. Career

A long-term pursuit of a profession or a series of connected employment opportunities, usually requiring special training or education.

Example:After years of hard work and dedication, he has built a successful career as a lawyer.

4. Shift work

A work schedule that requires employees to work in rotating shifts, often covering 24-hour periods.

Example: Nurses often work shift schedules to ensure round-the-clock patient care in hospitals.

5. Salary work

Employment where compensation is provided as a fixed salary, regardless of the number of hours worked.

Example:In his new managerial role, he enjoys the stability of salary work rather than hourly pay.

6. Unskilled/Skilled

Refers to the level of expertise or training required for a job. Unskilled jobs typically require minimal training, while skilled jobs demand specialised training or education.

Example:Working as a cashier is an unskilled job, whereas being a surgeon is a highly skilled profession.

7. Manual labour

Work that involves physical effort and typically doesn't require advanced education, often in areas such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing.

Example:His summer job involves manual labour, such as lifting heavy materials and operating machinery at a construction site.

Hope this blog helps you understand the usage of vocabulary for different topics. By including these in your practice you might increase your chances of scoring a high IELTS band on your test. Top of Form

If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can reach out to your nearest IDP . They will guide you with your queries.

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