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This deck builds the vocabulary you need to move from basic English to IELTS band 5.
By the end of this deck you will be able to:
The deck is divided into four sections.
Expanding on the most useful words in English. Covering: verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
Enough vocabulary to read, listen and answer questions within each main IELTS theme.
Themes: Environment · Technology · Society · Economy · Health · Education
Learn specific IELTS question and instruction words. In IELTS exams, questions are complex. It is important you understand exactly what they mean.
The next level of connectors to improve your writing and speaking abilities.
Term
become
Definition
become
Example
She wants to become a doctor.
I become. / She becomes. Past: became.
Term
help
Definition
help
Example
He helps his teacher every day.
I help. / He helps. Common phrase: help with something.
Term
feel
Definition
feel
Example
I feel tired after the test.
I feel. / She feels. Past: felt.
Term
try
Definition
try
Example
She tries to study every morning.
I try. / He tries. Common phrase: try to do something.
Term
live
Definition
live
Example
He lives in a big city.
I live. / She lives. Common phrase: live in + place.
Term
move
Definition
move
Example
She moves to a new school next year.
I move. / He moves. Common phrase: move to + place.
Term
keep
Definition
keep
Example
He keeps his books in his room.
I keep. / She keeps. Past: kept.
Term
mean
Definition
mean
Example
What does this word mean?
I mean. / He means. Past: meant. Common phrase: what does it mean?
Term
start
Definition
start
Example
She starts her lesson at nine.
I start. / She starts. Common phrase: start to do something.
Term
call
Definition
call
Example
He calls his teacher every week.
I call. / He calls. Common phrase: be called / call someone.
Term
put
Definition
put
Example
She puts her book on the desk.
I put. / She puts. Past: put.
Term
turn
Definition
turn
Example
He turns the page and reads the next question.
I turn. / He turns. Common phrase: turn into / turn off.
Term
play
Definition
play
Example
Children play outside after school.
I play. / She plays. Common phrase: play a role.
Term
run
Definition
run
Example
She runs to school every morning.
I run. / He runs. Past: ran.
Term
follow
Definition
follow
Example
He follows the instructions carefully.
I follow. / She follows. Common phrase: follow the instructions.
Term
can
Definition
can
Example
She can speak two languages.
Use for ability: I can speak English.
Term
should
Definition
should
Example
Students should read every day to improve.
Use to give advice or a recommendation.
Term
name
Definition
name
Example
He writes his name at the top of the paper.
Plural: names. Common phrase: write your name.
Term
age
Definition
age
Example
She started university at the age of eighteen.
Common phrase: at the age of...
Term
word
Definition
word
Example
He learns one new word every morning.
Plural: words. Common phrase: a new word.
Term
reason
Definition
reason
Example
The main reason people move is to find work.
Plural: reasons. Common phrase: the reason why...
Term
result
Definition
result
Example
She is happy with her test result.
Plural: results. Common phrase: as a result.
Term
effect
Definition
effect
Example
Pollution has a bad effect on health.
Plural: effects. Common phrase: have an effect on something.
Term
level
Definition
level
Example
He wants to reach a higher level of English.
Plural: levels. Common phrase: a high level of...
Term
type
Definition
type
Example
What type of question is this?
Plural: types. Common phrase: what type of...
Term
kind
Definition
kind
Example
This kind of problem is common in big cities.
Plural: kinds. Common phrase: this kind of...
Term
case
Definition
case
Example
In many cases, exercise can improve mental health.
Plural: cases. Common phrase: in many cases / in this case.
Term
real
Definition
real
Example
This is a real problem in many big cities.
Opposite: fake / false. Common phrase: a real problem.
Term
general
Definition
general
Example
In general, students who study hard get good results.
Common phrase: in general / general knowledge.
Term
able
Definition
able
Example
He is able to speak three languages.
Common phrase: be able to do something.
Term
early
Definition
early
Example
She wakes up early to study before class.
Opposite: late. Common phrase: early in the morning.
Term
late
Definition
late
Example
He arrives late to the exam and loses time.
Opposite: early. Common phrase: arrive late.
Term
right
Definition
right
Example
She gives the right answer to every question.
Opposite: wrong. Common phrase: the right answer.
Term
wrong
Definition
wrong
Example
He writes the wrong word and loses a mark.
Opposite: right. Common phrase: the wrong answer.
Term
full
Definition
full
Example
She gives a full answer to the question.
Opposite: empty. Common phrase: a full answer / full time.
Term
clear
Definition
clear
Example
The instructions are very clear and easy to follow.
Common phrase: it is clear that... / a clear answer.
Term
simple
Definition
simple
Example
The first question is simple but the last one is difficult.
Similar to: easy. Common phrase: a simple answer.
Term
pollution
Definition
pollution
Example
Air pollution is a serious problem in many cities.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: air pollution / water pollution.
Term
climate
Definition
climate
Example
The climate in this country is very hot in summer.
Common phrase: climate change / the climate.
Term
temperature
Definition
temperature
Example
The temperature is increasing because of climate change.
Plural: temperatures. Common phrase: rising temperatures.
Term
waste
Definition
waste
Example
The city produces a large amount of waste every day.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: produce waste / reduce waste.
Term
furthermore
Definition
furthermore
Example
Exercise improves physical health. Furthermore, it is good for mental health.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Similar to: moreover / in addition.
Term
moreover
Definition
moreover
Example
The city has good schools. Moreover, it has many job opportunities.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Similar to: furthermore / in addition.
Term
in addition
Definition
in addition
Example
The cost of living is high. In addition, the air quality is very poor.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Similar to: furthermore / moreover.
Term
create
Definition
create
Example
She creates a plan to improve her health.
I create. / He creates. Common phrase: create a problem / create a plan.
Term
lead
Definition
lead
Example
Exercise can lead to a healthier life.
I lead. / She leads. Past: led. Common phrase: lead to something.
Term
increase
Definition
increase
Example
The number of students is increasing every year.
I increase. / He increases. Opposite: decrease.
Term
provide
Definition
provide
Example
The school provides books for all students.
I provide. / She provides. Common phrase: provide something for someone.
Term
grow
Definition
grow
Example
The city grows bigger every year.
I grow. / He grows. Past: grew.
Term
learn
Definition
learn
Example
He learns ten new words every day.
I learn. / She learns. Common phrase: learn to do something.
Term
bring
Definition
bring
Example
She brings her book to every class.
I bring. / He brings. Past: brought.
Term
lose
Definition
lose
Example
He does not want to lose his job.
I lose. / She loses. Past: lost. Opposite: win / find.
Term
hold
Definition
hold
Example
She holds an important role in the company.
I hold. / He holds. Past: held. Common phrase: hold a position.
Term
believe
Definition
believe
Example
He believes that education is very important.
I believe. / She believes. Common phrase: believe that...
Term
happen
Definition
happen
Example
Many changes happen in a big city.
Common phrase: it happens. / things happen. Use: what happens when...
Term
allow
Definition
allow
Example
The teacher allows students to use a dictionary.
I allow. / He allows. Common phrase: allow someone to do something.
Term
include
Definition
include
Example
The test includes reading and writing sections.
I include. / She includes. Common phrase: including...
Term
spend
Definition
spend
Example
She spends two hours studying every night.
I spend. / He spends. Past: spent. Common phrase: spend time on something.
Term
produce
Definition
produce
Example
This factory produces food for the whole country.
I produce. / She produces. Common phrase: produce waste / produce a result.
Term
could
Definition
could
Example
He could not answer the last question.
Past of can. Also used for polite requests.
Term
would
Definition
would
Example
She would like to study at a big university.
Common phrase: would like to. Use for polite requests.
Term
must
Definition
must
Example
You must answer all the questions in the test.
Use for strong rules or obligations. Stronger than should.
Term
point
Definition
point
Example
She makes a good point in her essay.
Plural: points. Common phrase: make a point / the main point.
Term
difference
Definition
difference
Example
There is a big difference between the two answers.
Plural: differences. Common phrase: the difference between... and...
Term
amount
Definition
amount
Example
A large amount of people live in this city.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: a large amount of...
Term
cost
Definition
cost
Example
The cost of living in a big city is high.
Plural: costs. Common phrase: the cost of living.
Term
rate
Definition
rate
Example
The rate of unemployment is increasing.
Plural: rates. Common phrase: the rate of...
Term
size
Definition
size
Example
The size of the class is very small.
Plural: sizes. Common phrase: the size of...
Term
price
Definition
price
Example
The price of food is higher in the city.
Plural: prices. Common phrase: the price of...
Term
value
Definition
value
Example
Education has a high value in this society.
Plural: values. Common phrase: have value / high value.
Term
role
Definition
role
Example
Teachers play an important role in society.
Plural: roles. Common phrase: play a role in something.
Term
system
Definition
system
Example
The education system in this country is changing.
Plural: systems. Common phrase: the education system.
Term
social
Definition
social
Example
Social media has a big effect on young people.
Comes before the noun: social media / social problem.
Term
economic
Definition
economic
Example
The economic growth of this country is very fast.
Comes before the noun: economic growth / economic problem.
Term
political
Definition
political
Example
The political situation in this country is changing.
Comes before the noun: political situation / political system.
Term
special
Definition
special
Example
She has a special interest in environmental science.
Common phrase: a special interest / special needs.
Term
likely
Definition
likely
Example
Students who read every day are more likely to improve.
Common phrase: more likely to / it is likely that...
Term
recent
Definition
recent
Example
Recent research shows that exercise improves mental health.
Common phrase: recent research / in recent years.
Term
global
Definition
global
Example
Climate change is a global problem.
Common phrase: global warming / global problem.
Term
human
Definition
human
Example
Pollution has a serious effect on human health.
Common phrase: human health / human rights.
Term
physical
Definition
physical
Example
Physical exercise is important for good health.
Opposite: mental. Common phrase: physical health / physical activity.
Term
major
Definition
major
Example
Air pollution is a major problem in big cities.
Similar to: main / important. Common phrase: a major problem.
Term
phone
Definition
phone
Example
Most people use their phone to access the internet.
Plural: phones. Common phrase: use a phone / mobile phone.
Term
computer
Definition
computer
Example
She uses a computer to research information for her essay.
Plural: computers. Common phrase: use a computer.
Term
television
Definition
television
Example
Television is an important source of information for many people.
Plural: televisions. Also known as TV.
Term
social media
Definition
social media
Example
Many young people spend several hours on social media every day.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: use social media.
Term
technology
Definition
technology
Example
New technology is changing the way people work and study.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: modern technology / new technology.
Term
mental
Definition
mental
Example
Exercise is good for both physical and mental health.
Opposite: physical. Common phrase: mental health / mental illness.
Term
stress
Definition
stress
Example
Many students feel stress before an important exam.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: feel stress / cause stress.
Term
diet
Definition
diet
Example
A healthy diet can reduce the risk of many diseases.
Plural: diets. Common phrase: a healthy diet / a balanced diet.
Term
treatment
Definition
treatment
Example
The doctor recommends a new treatment for the disease.
Plural: treatments. Common phrase: receive treatment / a new treatment.
Term
symptom
Definition
symptom
Example
A common symptom of this disease is tiredness.
Plural: symptoms. Common phrase: common symptoms / show symptoms.
Term
develop
Definition
develop
Example
He wants to develop his English skills.
I develop. / He develops. Common phrase: develop a skill / develop a plan.
Term
open
Definition
open
Example
She opens her book and starts to read.
I open. / She opens. Opposite: close / shut.
Term
set
Definition
set
Example
He sets a goal to get a band five score.
I set. / He sets. Past: set. Common phrase: set a goal.
Term
pay
Definition
pay
Example
She pays for her university course every year.
I pay. / She pays. Past: paid. Common phrase: pay for something.
Term
hear
Definition
hear
Example
He hears a new word and writes it down.
I hear. / He hears. Past: heard. Different from: listen.
Term
plan
Definition
plan
Example
She makes a plan before she starts writing.
Plural: plans. Common phrase: make a plan.
Term
form
Definition
form
Example
He fills in the form at the hospital.
Plural: forms. Common phrase: fill in a form.
Term
process
Definition
process
Example
Learning a language is a long process.
Plural: processes. Common phrase: a long process.
Term
action
Definition
action
Example
The government takes action to reduce pollution.
Plural: actions. Common phrase: take action.
Term
cause
Definition
cause
Example
What is the main cause of this problem?
Plural: causes. Common phrase: the main cause of...
Term
law
Definition
law
Example
The government made a new law to protect wildlife.
Plural: laws. Common phrase: make a law / follow the law.
Term
rule
Definition
rule
Example
She follows the rules of the exam carefully.
Plural: rules. Common phrase: follow the rules.
Term
power
Definition
power
Example
The city uses solar power for energy.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: solar power / in power.
Term
service
Definition
service
Example
The hospital provides a free health service.
Plural: services. Common phrase: public service / health service.
Term
current
Definition
current
Example
The current level of pollution in this city is very high.
Common phrase: the current situation / current research.
Term
available
Definition
available
Example
Free health services are available to all people.
Common phrase: available to everyone / freely available.
Term
personal
Definition
personal
Example
She writes about her personal experience in the essay.
Common phrase: personal experience / personal opinion.
Term
direct
Definition
direct
Example
There is a direct link between diet and health.
Opposite: indirect. Common phrase: a direct link / direct effect.
Term
effective
Definition
effective
Example
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy.
Common phrase: an effective way / effective treatment.
Term
resource
Definition
resource
Example
Water is one of the most important natural resources.
Plural: resources. Common phrase: natural resources.
Term
wildlife
Definition
wildlife
Example
Pollution can damage wildlife and natural habitats.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: protect wildlife.
Term
ocean
Definition
ocean
Example
The ocean is becoming warmer every year.
Plural: oceans. Common phrase: ocean pollution.
Term
forest
Definition
forest
Example
Many forests are being destroyed to build new cities.
Plural: forests. Common phrase: cut down forests / protect forests.
Term
plant
Definition
plant
Example
Plants need clean air and water to grow.
Plural: plants. Different from: plant (verb) = to put in the ground.
Term
animal
Definition
animal
Example
Many animals are losing their natural habitat.
Plural: animals. Common phrase: wild animals / protect animals.
Term
weather
Definition
weather
Example
The weather is changing because of global warming.
Usually no plural. Different from: climate (long term).
Term
generation
Definition
generation
Example
Each generation uses technology in a different way.
Plural: generations. Common phrase: the younger generation / future generations.
Term
tradition
Definition
tradition
Example
Some people believe that modern life is destroying tradition.
Plural: traditions. Common phrase: cultural traditions / follow a tradition.
Term
behaviour
Definition
behaviour
Example
Social media can have an effect on the behaviour of young people.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: change behaviour / human behaviour.
Term
crime
Definition
crime
Example
The rate of crime in big cities is a serious problem.
Plural: crimes. Common phrase: the rate of crime / commit a crime.
Term
freedom
Definition
freedom
Example
Education gives people more freedom in their lives.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: freedom of speech / give freedom.
Term
equal
Definition
equal
Example
It is important that all people have equal access to education.
Common phrase: equal access / equal opportunities. Related word: equality.
Term
poverty
Definition
poverty
Example
Many people move to cities to escape poverty.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: live in poverty / reduce poverty.
Term
religion
Definition
religion
Example
Religion plays an important role in the culture of many countries.
Plural: religions. Common phrase: the role of religion / practise a religion.
Term
media
Definition
media
Example
The media has a big influence on public opinion.
Usually no plural: the media. Common phrase: the media / social media.
Term
income
Definition
income
Example
People move to cities to find work and increase their income.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: increase income / a high income.
Term
trade
Definition
trade
Example
International trade is important for the economy of this country.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: international trade / free trade.
Term
growth
Definition
growth
Example
Economic growth can lead to better opportunities for people.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: economic growth / population growth.
Term
profit
Definition
profit
Example
Many companies move to other countries to increase their profit.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: make a profit / increase profit.
Term
tax
Definition
tax
Example
The government uses tax to pay for public services.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: pay tax / raise taxes.
Term
bank
Definition
bank
Example
She saves her money in the bank every month.
Plural: banks. Common phrase: save money in a bank.
Term
surgery
Definition
surgery
Example
He needs surgery after the accident.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: need surgery / have surgery.
Term
patient
Definition
patient
Example
The doctor speaks to the patient about the treatment.
Plural: patients. Common phrase: treat a patient / a hospital patient.
Term
lifestyle
Definition
lifestyle
Example
A healthy lifestyle includes exercise and a good diet.
Plural: lifestyles. Common phrase: a healthy lifestyle / change your lifestyle.
Term
prevention
Definition
prevention
Example
Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to disease.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: disease prevention.
Term
addiction
Definition
addiction
Example
Addiction to social media is a growing problem among young people.
Plural: addictions. Common phrase: addiction to something.
Term
vaccine
Definition
vaccine
Example
The vaccine helped to reduce the number of people with the disease.
Plural: vaccines. Common phrase: receive a vaccine / develop a vaccine.
Term
opinion
Definition
opinion
Example
In her opinion, education is the most important thing in life.
Plural: opinions. Common phrase: in your opinion / give your opinion.
Term
view
Definition
view
Example
What is your view on the effects of social media?
Plural: views. Common phrase: in your view / share your views.
Term
argument
Definition
argument
Example
She makes a strong argument in her essay.
Plural: arguments. Common phrase: make an argument / support your argument.
Term
advantage
Definition
advantage
Example
One advantage of living in a city is that there are more jobs.
Plural: advantages. Opposite: disadvantage. Common phrase: the advantages of...
Term
disadvantage
Definition
disadvantage
Example
One disadvantage of city life is the high cost of living.
Plural: disadvantages. Opposite: advantage. Common phrase: the disadvantages of...
Term
benefit
Definition
benefit
Example
Regular exercise has many benefits for health.
Plural: benefits. Common phrase: the benefits of / benefit from something.
Term
impact
Definition
impact
Example
Climate change has a serious impact on wildlife.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: have an impact on / a positive impact.
Term
solution
Definition
solution
Example
What is the best solution to the problem of air pollution?
Plural: solutions. Common phrase: find a solution / the best solution.
Term
evidence
Definition
evidence
Example
She uses evidence from the passage to support her answer.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: provide evidence / evidence shows that...
Term
in contrast
Definition
in contrast
Example
Rural areas are quiet. In contrast, cities are very busy and noisy.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Use to show a clear difference.
Term
on the other hand
Definition
on the other hand
Example
Technology can help students. On the other hand, it can also distract them.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Use to show another point of view.
Term
despite
Definition
despite
Example
Despite the high cost, many people choose to live in the city.
Comes before a noun: despite the problem. Not followed by a verb directly.
Term
nevertheless
Definition
nevertheless
Example
The test was very difficult. Nevertheless, she got a high score.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Similar to: however.
Term
whereas
Definition
whereas
Example
Some people prefer city life, whereas others prefer the countryside.
Use in the middle of a sentence to show a contrast.
Term
as a result
Definition
as a result
Example
The population is growing rapidly. As a result, housing costs are increasing.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Use to show a result.
Term
consequently
Definition
consequently
Example
The factory produces a lot of waste. Consequently, the river is polluted.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Similar to: as a result / therefore.
Term
society
Definition
society
Example
Education is very important for society.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: in society.
Term
culture
Definition
culture
Example
He is interested in the culture of different countries.
Plural: cultures. Common phrase: the culture of...
Term
environment
Definition
environment
Example
We must protect the environment for future generations.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: protect the environment.
Term
research
Definition
research
Example
She reads new research about health every week.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: do research / new research.
Term
report
Definition
report
Example
He writes a report about the effects of pollution.
Plural: reports. Common phrase: write a report.
Term
data
Definition
data
Example
The data shows that the population is growing.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: the data shows...
Term
community
Definition
community
Example
She helps people in her local community.
Plural: communities. Common phrase: local community.
Term
population
Definition
population
Example
The population of this city is over one million.
Plural: populations. Common phrase: the population of...
Term
development
Definition
development
Example
Economic development can cause environmental problems.
Plural: developments. Common phrase: economic development.
Term
opportunity
Definition
opportunity
Example
University gives students the opportunity to learn new skills.
Plural: opportunities. Common phrase: have the opportunity to...
Term
relationship
Definition
relationship
Example
There is a relationship between diet and health.
Plural: relationships. Common phrase: the relationship between... and...
Term
artificial intelligence
Definition
artificial intelligence
Example
Artificial intelligence is changing many industries around the world.
Usually no plural. Often shortened to AI.
Term
device
Definition
device
Example
Most students use a device to study online.
Plural: devices. Common phrase: a digital device / use a device.
Term
website
Definition
website
Example
She finds useful information on an education website.
Plural: websites. Common phrase: visit a website.
Term
app
Definition
app
Example
He uses an app to practise English every morning.
Plural: apps. Short for application. Common phrase: use an app.
Term
community
Definition
community
Example
She volunteers to help people in her local community.
Plural: communities. Common phrase: local community.
Term
investment
Definition
investment
Example
Investment in education is important for economic growth.
Plural: investments. Common phrase: investment in education / make an investment.
Term
production
Definition
production
Example
The production of food has increased in recent years.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: food production / increase production.
Term
employment
Definition
employment
Example
The rate of employment is higher in big cities.
Usually no plural. Opposite: unemployment. Common phrase: rate of employment.
Term
import
Definition
import
Example
This country needs to import food because it cannot produce enough.
Plural: imports. Can be a noun or verb. Opposite: export.
Term
export
Definition
export
Example
The country earns money by exporting natural resources.
Plural: exports. Can be a noun or verb. Opposite: import.
Term
skill
Definition
skill
Example
She learns new skills at university to help her find a good job.
Plural: skills. Common phrase: learn a skill / develop skills.
Term
knowledge
Definition
knowledge
Example
Reading every day helps to increase your knowledge.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: increase knowledge / general knowledge.
Term
career
Definition
career
Example
He studies hard because he wants a successful career.
Plural: careers. Common phrase: a successful career / career opportunities.
Term
graduate
Definition
graduate
Example
She wants to graduate from university and find a good job.
Can be a noun or verb. Common phrase: graduate from university.
Term
curriculum
Definition
curriculum
Example
The school curriculum includes science, maths and language.
Plural: curricula. Common phrase: the school curriculum.
Term
degree
Definition
degree
Example
He gets a degree in business from a big university.
Plural: degrees. Common phrase: get a degree / a university degree.
Term
training
Definition
training
Example
She completes a training programme to improve her work skills.
Usually no plural. Common phrase: receive training / job training.
Term
qualification
Definition
qualification
Example
A university qualification can help you get a better job.
Plural: qualifications. Common phrase: get a qualification.
Term
academic
Definition
academic
Example
She has strong academic skills and always gets high scores.
Comes before the noun: academic skills / academic performance.
Term
exam
Definition
exam
Example
He prepares carefully for the exam every week.
Plural: exams. Common phrase: take an exam / pass an exam.
Term
private
Definition
private
Example
She goes to a private school in the city.
Opposite: public. Common phrase: private school / private sector.
Term
primary
Definition
primary
Example
Children start primary school at the age of six.
Common phrase: primary school / primary education.
Term
according to
Definition
according to
Example
According to the passage, pollution levels are increasing.
Comes before a source: according to the passage / according to research.
Term
whether
Definition
whether
Example
The question asks whether technology has a positive or negative effect.
Common phrase: whether... or not / decide whether...
Term
consider
Definition
consider
Example
You should consider both sides of the argument in your essay.
I consider. / She considers. Common phrase: consider both sides.
Term
statement
Definition
statement
Example
Decide whether the statement is true, false or not given.
Plural: statements. Common phrase: true, false or not given.
Term
extent
Definition
extent
Example
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Common phrase: to what extent / to a large extent.
Term
claim
Definition
claim
Example
The passage makes the claim that technology improves education.
I claim. / He claims. Common phrase: make a claim / the passage claims that...
Term
refer
Definition
refer
Example
Refer to the information in the graph to support your answer.
I refer. / She refers. Common phrase: refer to the passage / refer to the data.
Term
indicate
Definition
indicate
Example
The data indicates that the population is growing rapidly.
I indicate. / He indicates. Common phrase: the data indicates that...
Term
evaluate
Definition
evaluate
Example
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this solution.
I evaluate. / She evaluates. Common phrase: evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.
Term
agree
Definition
agree
Example
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
I agree. / He agrees. Common phrase: agree with / do you agree or disagree?
Term
disagree
Definition
disagree
Example
She disagrees with the idea that technology always helps students.
I disagree. / She disagrees. Opposite: agree. Common phrase: disagree with.
Term
in order to
Definition
in order to
Example
She studies hard in order to get a good score on the exam.
Comes before a verb: in order to improve / in order to reduce.
Term
due to
Definition
due to
Example
Many people move to cities due to the lack of jobs in rural areas.
Comes before a noun: due to the problem. Similar to: because of.
Term
in conclusion
Definition
in conclusion
Example
In conclusion, technology has both positive and negative effects on society.
Comes at the start of the final paragraph. Use to end an essay.
Term
to sum up
Definition
to sum up
Example
To sum up, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for good health.
Comes at the start of the final paragraph. Similar to: in conclusion.
Term
in particular
Definition
in particular
Example
Air pollution is a serious problem, in particular in large cities.
Use to highlight a specific example. Similar to: especially.
Term
with regard to
Definition
with regard to
Example
With regard to education, many countries are increasing their investment.
Comes before a topic: with regard to education / with regard to health.
Term
overall
Definition
overall
Example
Overall, the benefits of exercise outweigh the disadvantages.
Comes at the start of a sentence. Use to give a general conclusion.
Term
similarly
Definition
similarly
Example
Cars produce a lot of pollution. Similarly, factories cause serious damage to the environment.
Comes at the start of a new sentence. Use to show two things are alike.
Term
unlike
Definition
unlike
Example
Unlike rural areas, cities offer many opportunities for employment.
Comes before a noun: unlike cities / unlike traditional methods.
Term
even though
Definition
even though
Example
Even though the test was difficult, she answered every question.
Comes at the start of a sentence. Similar to: although. Followed by a verb.