IELTS Band 5-6 Core
INTERMEDIATEThis deck is for learners who can already communicate in English but want to move past the Band 6 level. The focus here is on using what you know more accurately and naturally, especially in semi-formal and IELTS contexts. Instead of learning lots of new basics, you’ll work on fixing common mistakes, improving grammar control, and building the kind of vocabulary and phrasing used in real exam answers. Around 40% of the cards come from real IELTS material, so you’re learning how the language is actually used. You’ll practise things like correcting typical errors, using tenses properly, forming natural collocations, and linking ideas clearly. There’s also some focus on academic-style vocabulary and common IELTS topics like environment, education, and technology. This deck is best if you feel stuck around Band 5–6 and want to sound more precise, more natural, and more confident in your English.
Cards
211
Difficulty
INTERMEDIATE
Category
VOCABULARY
Exam
GENERAL_IELTS
Preview (211 cards)
muscular fatigue
muscular fatigue
Poor posture can cause muscular fatigue in the arms and back.
She has went to the market.
She has went to the market.
I worked there in 2019.
I worked there in 2019.
Furthermore, regular exercise helps reduce stress.
Furthermore, regular exercise helps reduce stress.
It is difficult to obtain accurate information on this topic.
It is difficult to obtain accurate information on this topic.
eye strain
eye strain
Staring at a screen for hours can cause eye strain.
I have seen him yesterday.
I have seen him yesterday.
I have lived in Seoul, but now I live in Busan.
I have lived in Seoul, but now I live in Busan.
The journey was long. Nevertheless, it was worth it.
The journey was long. Nevertheless, it was worth it.
The number of people working from home has increased significantly.
The number of people working from home has increased significantly.
preventive measures
preventive measures
Operators should follow the preventive measures outlined below.
He go to school every day.
He go to school every day.
Have you ever worked in another country?
Have you ever worked in another country?
As a result,
As a result,
Many people lost their jobs. As a result, the government increased benefits.
The cost of solar panels has decreased over the past decade.
The cost of solar panels has decreased over the past decade.
pay attention to
pay attention to
Employers must pay attention to the physical setting of the workplace.
She is best student in the class.
She is best student in the class.
She has been a teacher since she graduated.
She has been a teacher since she graduated.
By contrast,
By contrast,
City life can be stressful. By contrast, rural areas tend to be quieter.
We should consider the effects on the environment.
We should consider the effects on the environment.
seek medical attention
seek medical attention
Operators should seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
The report was wrote by the manager.
The report was wrote by the manager.
The data was collected over six months.
The data was collected over six months.
In particular,
In particular,
Young people are affected. In particular, those without qualifications face the greatest challenges.
Scientists have discovered a link between diet and mental health.
Scientists have discovered a link between diet and mental health.
report a problem
report a problem
Symptoms should be reported to your supervisor early on.
This problem depends of many things.
This problem depends of many things.
The new system is being tested at the moment.
The new system is being tested at the moment.
To illustrate,
To illustrate,
Many cities face air quality problems. To illustrate, Beijing regularly records pollution levels far above safe limits.
The results demonstrate that regular exercise improves wellbeing.
The results demonstrate that regular exercise improves wellbeing.
follow a procedure
follow a procedure
If an employer wants to dismiss an employee, there is a procedure to be followed.
She is interested about technology.
She is interested about technology.
A solution has been found.
A solution has been found.
It could be argued that remote work benefits both employees and companies.
It could be argued that remote work benefits both employees and companies.
This job requires a high level of concentration.
This job requires a high level of concentration.
face dismissal
face dismissal
If there is no improvement, the employee faces dismissal.
I have lived here since three years.
I have lived here since three years.
It is believed that exercise improves mood.
It is believed that exercise improves mood.
There is a strong case for reducing the working week.
There is a strong case for reducing the working week.
contribute to
contribute to
Exercise can contribute to better mental health.
breach of contract
breach of contract
Wrongful dismissal involves a breach of contract by the employer.
I lived in Seoul for five years now.
I lived in Seoul for five years now.
It is thought that stress affects memory.
It is thought that stress affects memory.
Many people believe that technology has improved our lives.
Many people believe that technology has improved our lives.
the decision
the decision
The decision to close the factory affected thousands of people.
draw a conclusion
draw a conclusion
It is difficult to draw a conclusion from such limited data.
Did you finished the report?
Did you finished the report?
If I had more free time, I would learn to cook properly.
If I had more free time, I would learn to cook properly.
While it is true that cars are convenient, they also cause serious pollution.
While it is true that cars are convenient, they also cause serious pollution.
The growth of social media has changed how people communicate.
The growth of social media has changed how people communicate.
reach a consensus
reach a consensus
The two groups found it difficult to reach a consensus.
She doesn't have no money.
She doesn't have no money.
If the government reduced taxes, more people would start businesses.
If the government reduced taxes, more people would start businesses.
Despite the fact that many people are aware of the risks, they continue to smoke.
Despite the fact that many people are aware of the risks, they continue to smoke.
There has been a significant improvement in air quality.
There has been a significant improvement in air quality.
pose a challenge
pose a challenge
An ageing population poses a serious challenge for healthcare systems.
I am agree with you.
I am agree with you.
What would happen if everyone stopped driving?
What would happen if everyone stopped driving?
Although public transport has improved, many people still prefer to drive.
Although public transport has improved, many people still prefer to drive.
A reduction in working hours could improve wellbeing.
A reduction in working hours could improve wellbeing.
raise awareness
raise awareness
The campaign helped raise awareness of mental health issues.
She suggested to go to the cinema.
She suggested to go to the cinema.
She told me that the results were surprising.
She told me that the results were surprising.
In many cases, people do not realise how much they rely on technology.
In many cases, people do not realise how much they rely on technology.
He received a letter explaining the reasons for his dismissal.
He received a letter explaining the reasons for his dismissal.
conduct research
conduct research
The university conducted research into the effects of sleep deprivation.
He said that he had already submitted the form.
He said that he had already submitted the form.
It is widely accepted that a healthy diet reduces the risk of disease.
It is widely accepted that a healthy diet reduces the risk of disease.
He was fired for serious misconduct.
He was fired for serious misconduct.
a significant increase
a significant increase
There has been a significant increase in the number of people working from home.
She asked whether I had seen the announcement.
She asked whether I had seen the announcement.
There is a tendency for young people to move to cities.
There is a tendency for young people to move to cities.
The contract requires two weeks' notice of termination.
The contract requires two weeks' notice of termination.
widespread concern
widespread concern
There is widespread concern about the effects of social media on young people.
Technology has made life easier.
Technology has made life easier.
On the other hand,
On the other hand,
Living in a city has many advantages. On the other hand, it can be extremely stressful.
Annual leave is one of the entitlements of full-time employees.
Annual leave is one of the entitlements of full-time employees.
a growing trend
a growing trend
Working from home has become a growing trend in many industries.
The internet has changed how we communicate.
The internet has changed how we communicate.
This suggests that…
This suggests that…
Attendance rates dropped when the policy changed. This suggests that the new rules had a negative effect.
Part-time workers receive benefits on a proportional basis.
Part-time workers receive benefits on a proportional basis.
have a major impact on
have a major impact on
Climate change is having a major impact on global food supplies.
The technology used in hospitals has improved dramatically.
The technology used in hospitals has improved dramatically.
This can lead to…
This can lead to…
Spending too much time on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety.
Employers have certain obligations towards their workers.
Employers have certain obligations towards their workers.
a key factor in
a key factor in
Diet is a key factor in preventing heart disease.
She was informed that smoking is prohibited on school grounds.
She was informed that smoking is prohibited on school grounds.
One of the main reasons for this is…
One of the main reasons for this is…
Obesity rates are rising. One of the main reasons for this is the increase in processed food consumption.
Bookings are compulsory for some national parks.
Bookings are compulsory for some national parks.
in an orderly manner
in an orderly manner
Students will return to class in an orderly manner.
Volunteers are responsible for their own personal safety.
Volunteers are responsible for their own personal safety.
It is important to note that…
It is important to note that…
It is important to note that not all young people have equal access to education.
Obtaining a permit in advance is obligatory.
Obtaining a permit in advance is obligatory.
in advance
in advance
Obtaining a camping permit in advance is obligatory.
Employees working on public holidays are entitled to a higher rate.
Employees working on public holidays are entitled to a higher rate.
This issue is closely linked to…
This issue is closely linked to…
Poor air quality is closely linked to respiratory disease.
Smoking is prohibited on school grounds.
Smoking is prohibited on school grounds.
prior to
prior to
Always obtain permission prior to crossing private property.
Casual workers do not have rights to any of these entitlements.
Casual workers do not have rights to any of these entitlements.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in…
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in…
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based diets.
If the nearest stairs are inaccessible, use an alternative route.
If the nearest stairs are inaccessible, use an alternative route.
carbon emissions
carbon emissions
Reducing carbon emissions is essential to slow down climate change.
The road is being repaired.
The road is being repaired.
This is particularly true in cases where…
This is particularly true in cases where…
Many young people struggle with work-life balance. This is particularly true in cases where employees are expected to be available outside working hours.
All classes will vacate the premises immediately.
All classes will vacate the premises immediately.
renewable energy
renewable energy
Many countries are investing in renewable energy to reduce their dependence on oil.
The form must be submitted before the deadline.
The form must be submitted before the deadline.
at all times
at all times
The visitor's badge must be worn at all times.
Visitors must wear a badge at all times on the premises.
Visitors must wear a badge at all times on the premises.
climate change
climate change
Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today.
Volunteers are required to sign in every visit.
Volunteers are required to sign in every visit.
in the event of
in the event of
In the event of an emergency, follow the evacuation procedure.
adjacent to
adjacent to
Students should assemble in the area adjacent to the car park.
artificial intelligence
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is being used to improve medical diagnosis.
Smoking is not permitted on the premises.
Smoking is not permitted on the premises.
under no circumstances
under no circumstances
Under no circumstances should you light a fire in the bush.
Classes move to the exit under the teacher's supervision.
Classes move to the exit under the teacher's supervision.
data privacy
data privacy
Many people are concerned about data privacy when using social media.
The badge must be worn at all times.
The badge must be worn at all times.
as a result of
as a result of
As a result of the policy change, many employees resigned.
Volunteers should notify the school of any medical conditions.
Volunteers should notify the school of any medical conditions.
the digital divide
the digital divide
The digital divide means that not everyone has equal access to technology.
He was given the opportunity to appeal.
He was given the opportunity to appeal.
in the absence of
in the absence of
In the absence of a medical certificate, sick leave may not be approved.
Leave a message in the relevant teacher's pigeonhole.
Leave a message in the relevant teacher's pigeonhole.
income inequality
income inequality
Income inequality is growing in many countries.
Employees are entitled to four weeks' annual leave.
Employees are entitled to four weeks' annual leave.
on a voluntary basis
on a voluntary basis
Your time commitment is entirely on a voluntary basis.
Cutting down forests threatens biodiversity.
Cutting down forests threatens biodiversity.
social mobility
social mobility
Education is often seen as the key to social mobility.
She asked me what time the meeting started.
She asked me what time the meeting started.
in a timely manner
in a timely manner
Separate emails allow the recipient to reply to each one in a timely manner.
The company is committed to sustainability in all its operations.
The company is committed to sustainability in all its operations.
cultural integration
cultural integration
Cultural integration can be challenging for newly arrived immigrants.
He explained that the delay was caused by a technical problem.
He explained that the delay was caused by a technical problem.
aim to
aim to
Aim to leave your campsite as you found it.
Automation has replaced many factory jobs that were once done by people.
Automation has replaced many factory jobs that were once done by people.
academic achievement
academic achievement
Parental support has a strong effect on children's academic achievement.
She admitted that she had forgotten to sign the register.
She admitted that she had forgotten to sign the register.
carry out
carry out
All rubbish must be carried out — do not attempt to burn or bury it.
Innovation in medicine has saved millions of lives.
Innovation in medicine has saved millions of lives.
vocational training
vocational training
Some students prefer vocational training over a university degree.
The notice stated that bookings were compulsory.
The notice stated that bookings were compulsory.
owing to
owing to
Campsites may occasionally be closed owing to bushfire danger.
Rapid urbanisation has put pressure on housing and transport in many cities.
Rapid urbanisation has put pressure on housing and transport in many cities.
lifelong learning
lifelong learning
Many employers now value lifelong learning as much as formal qualifications.
It is recommended that you take short breaks every hour.
It is recommended that you take short breaks every hour.
in order to
in order to
He used the American shot in order to present complex dialogue scenes efficiently.
fair dismissal
fair dismissal
A fair dismissal means all necessary procedures have been correctly followed.
tuition fees
tuition fees
High tuition fees prevent many students from attending university.
It is advisable to proofread your work before submitting.
It is advisable to proofread your work before submitting.
not only… but also…
not only… but also…
Remote work is not only more flexible but also less expensive for companies.
summary dismissal
summary dismissal
If the behaviour was illegal or dangerous, the employee can face summary dismissal.
mental health awareness
mental health awareness
There has been a significant increase in mental health awareness in recent years.
The idea is widely regarded as effective.
The idea is widely regarded as effective.
In this way,
In this way,
Exercise reduces stress hormones. In this way, it can improve sleep quality.
wrongful dismissal
wrongful dismissal
He claimed wrongful dismissal because he was fired without notice.
healthcare system
healthcare system
A good healthcare system should be accessible to everyone.
Fitness trends have been shifting back toward calisthenics.
Fitness trends have been shifting back toward calisthenics.
unfair dismissal
unfair dismissal
She took the company to court for unfair dismissal.
a sedentary lifestyle
a sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease.
constructive dismissal
constructive dismissal
He claimed constructive dismissal after his employer tried to change his working hours.
preventable disease
preventable disease
Many deaths from preventable diseases could be avoided with better education.
Your email should be clear and concise.
Your email should be clear and concise.
parental leave
parental leave
Full-time employees are entitled to up to 12 months' unpaid parental leave.
A good subject line grabs the recipient's attention.
A good subject line grabs the recipient's attention.
sick leave
sick leave
Full-time employees receive up to 10 days' paid sick leave per year.
Include your contact information to ensure a prompt reply.
Include your contact information to ensure a prompt reply.
annual leave
annual leave
All full-time employees are entitled to four weeks' annual leave.
Incorporate your contact information into the email.
Incorporate your contact information into the email.
penalty rate
penalty rate
Employees working on public holidays receive a penalty rate.
Write EOM at the end to indicate that the recipient doesn't need to open the email.
Write EOM at the end to indicate that the recipient doesn't need to open the email.
notice of termination
notice of termination
The contract requires two weeks' notice of termination.
Teachers need to assess students fairly and consistently.
Teachers need to assess students fairly and consistently.
continuous service
continuous service
Longer notice is given to employees with at least two years of continuous service.
There has been a significant rise in the cost of living.
There has been a significant rise in the cost of living.
ecological impact
ecological impact
A free-standing tent has less ecological impact than one that uses many pegs.
One consequence of deforestation is the loss of animal habitats.
One consequence of deforestation is the loss of animal habitats.
fire hazard
fire hazard
Burning rubbish in the bush creates a fire hazard.
tend to
tend to
People tend to use their phones more when they are bored.
minimal impact
minimal impact
Responsible campers observe minimal impact bushwalking practices.
be likely to
be likely to
Children who read regularly are more likely to do well at school.
promotional materials
promotional materials
Money shots are widely used in a film's promotional materials.
argue that
argue that
Some people argue that private schools create inequality.
the subject line
the subject line
Never leave the subject line of an email blank.
suggest that
suggest that
Research suggests that loneliness can affect physical health.
call to action
call to action
Be sure to include a call to action in your email.
accounted for
accounted for
The supervisor will confirm when all staff and students have been accounted for.
cardiovascular health
cardiovascular health
Extreme bodybuilding can lead to weak cardiovascular health.
Warning of an emergency evacuation will be signalled by several short bell rings.
Warning of an emergency evacuation will be signalled by several short bell rings.
public speaking
public speaking
The course will give you public speaking experience and build your confidence.
Students should move in a brisk, orderly fashion to the exit.
Students should move in a brisk, orderly fashion to the exit.
make a positive impression
make a positive impression
Follow these rules to make a positive impression and get an appropriate response.
All class work will cease immediately on hearing the alarm.
All class work will cease immediately on hearing the alarm.
leave blank
leave blank
Never leave the subject line blank.
If the nearest staircase is inaccessible, use the nearest alternative staircase.
If the nearest staircase is inaccessible, use the nearest alternative staircase.
deal with
deal with
One subject might be dealt with quickly while another requires research.
The chair must be adjustable for height with an adjustable back rest.
The chair must be adjustable for height with an adjustable back rest.
a code of ethics
a code of ethics
Minimal impact bushwalking is a code of ethics aimed at preserving natural beauty.
Poor posture while using a keyboard can lead to back pain.
Poor posture while using a keyboard can lead to back pain.
employer obligations
employer obligations
The module covers tax rates, deductions, and employer obligations.
Gathering firewood removes the vital habitat of many small animals.
Gathering firewood removes the vital habitat of many small animals.
Take short pauses to proofread your work while keying.
Take short pauses to proofread your work while keying.
Keep the VDU screen vertical to avoid glare from overhead lighting.
Keep the VDU screen vertical to avoid glare from overhead lighting.
The method was subsequently downgraded to a simple, accessible activity.
The method was subsequently downgraded to a simple, accessible activity.
Jobs formerly done by people are now done by machines.
Jobs formerly done by people are now done by machines.
Modern films combine elements from several traditions simultaneously.
Modern films combine elements from several traditions simultaneously.
The cost of solar panels has fallen considerably in recent years.
The cost of solar panels has fallen considerably in recent years.
The purpose of the message should be outlined in the first paragraph.
The purpose of the message should be outlined in the first paragraph.
Extreme muscle building can undermine overall health.
Extreme muscle building can undermine overall health.
The technology sector has seen rapid growth in recent years.
The technology sector has seen rapid growth in recent years.