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Charles Cornell

Do you need a band score of 7.0 or above on the IELTS test? Then this course is for you.

Essential Words for IELTS is a collection of video presentations, worksheets and quizzes created for students preparing to take the IELTS test. By working through the materials, you will master the vocabulary needed to get a high IELTS score.

Read more

Do you need a band score of 7.0 or above on the IELTS test? Then this course is for you.

Essential Words for IELTS is a collection of video presentations, worksheets and quizzes created for students preparing to take the IELTS test. By working through the materials, you will master the vocabulary needed to get a high IELTS score.

  • learn word meanings

  • hear how to clearly pronounce each word

  • see how each word is used in example sentences

  • learn how to use the word like a native through common collocations (words that frequently go together)

  • discover the different forms and derivatives of each word

  • get to know synonyms of each word - vital for success on the IELTS reading and listening tests

  • revise using a PDF version of each video

  • build your own vocabulary booklet using the printable vocabulary record that comes with each video

  • test yourself using multiple choice quizzes

Together, this information will help you develop a deep knowledge of each word.

What students are saying:

"The course has been organised accurately and fantastically, it was great job. The course will improve your listening skills as well, which was wonderful. Thanks a lot."

"This course is very interesting, informative and helped me to learn many right words for improving English. Thank you very much, Charles for your course. "

"It's a wonderful course and well done. The author has a clear British accent. There are a lot of new collocations which I didn't know. It's a pleasure taking this course. Thanks a bunch."

"I am pleasantly surprised by the course, it is a really easy and simple way to learn."

"It is a very informative and interesting course. I highly recommend it for everyone who wants to take IELTS."

The Vocabulary

In total, the course contains almost 400 words that will help you get the band score you need on the IELTS test. These words have been carefully selected from the

Each video presentation contains 7 words, the ideal number of words to learn in one go.

Who is this course for?

This course is for English language learners who are preparing to take or retake the IELTS test and need a band score of 7.0 or above. It is also useful for anyone who wants to improve their English by learning more English words and phrases, including students preparing to take the TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge First (FCE) Cambridge Advanced (CAE) tests.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Achieve a band score of 7 and above by using and understanding a wide range of english vocabulary
  • Boost your ielts writing band score by writing essays using a wide range of vocabulary
  • Speak more naturally in the ielts speaking test
  • Improve your reading and listening skills for the ielts listening and ielts reading tests

Syllabus

Understand and use words related to health, healthcare and medicine
Find out how to use the course and the resources
Get the most from this course. Learn about the different parts of the course including the videos, quizzes and downloadable resources.

Read more

Download a complete list of all the words in this course. Print it out and you can keep it with you as you do the course.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to animals. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • amphibian
  • carnivore
  • herbivore
  • omnivore
  • predator
  • prey
  • parasite

Here is a magical short story using the words from this section.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to describing changes. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • acclimatize
  • merge
  • restore
  • amend
  • deviate
  • distort
  • divert

In this lecture, you'll learn some more words for describing changes. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: manipulate, refine, transition, enlarge, deteriorate, diminish and eradicate.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to chemistry. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • agent
  • atom
  • molecule
  • compound
  • soluble
  • insoluble
  • crystal

In this video, you'll learn some words related to engineering. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • analogue
  • automate
  • hydraulic
  • hydroelectric
  • laser
  • prototype
  • optical

In this video, you'll learn some more words related to engineering. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • electronic

  • engine

  • engineering

  • mechanical

  • technical

  • user-friendly

  • vehicle

In this video, you'll learn some words related to the environment. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • biodiversity
  • ecosystem
  • fossil fuel
  • landfill
  • refuse
  • unspoiled
  • green belt

In this video, you'll learn some words related to the family. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • infant
  • adolescent
  • maternal
  • paternal
  • sibling
  • marital status
  • upbringing

In this video, you'll learn some words related to geography. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • hemisphere
  • equator
  • longitude
  • latitude
  • tide
  • crater
  • summit

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to geography. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: temperate, arid, marine, glacier, terrestrial, fauna and flora.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to government. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • autonomy
  • constitution
  • coup
  • dictator
  • monarch
  • legislature
  • regime

In this video, you'll learn some words related to healthcare treatments. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • therapy

  • transplant

  • immune

  • vaccine

  • antibiotic

  • dose

  • remedy

In this video, you will learn more words related to treatment. After watching this video, doing the quiz and completing the vocabulary record (see the resources section), you will understand and be able to use all of the following words:

  • clinic

  • cure

  • drug

  • injection

  • medicine

  • patient

  • scan

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to healthcare. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: immunize, pathology, pharmaceutical, physiotherapy, practitioner, psychiatry and anesthetic.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to health and wellbeing. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • blood pressure

  • cognitive

  • pharmacology

  • intake

  • mental

  • posture

  • recover

In this video, you'll learn some words related to illness. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • acute
  • chronic
  • addict
  • allergy
  • syndrome
  • epidemic
  • trauma

In this video, you'll learn some words related to disease. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • depression

  • disorder

  • donate

  • fatal

  • infect

  • overweight

  • obese

In this video, you will learn some words related to anatomy. After watching this video, doing the quiz and completing the vocabulary record (see the resources section), you will understand and be able to use all of the following words:

  • bone

  • brain

  • breathe

  • heart

  • muscle

  • organ

  • sight

In this video, you will learn some words related to medical science. After watching this video, doing the quiz and completing the vocabulary record (see the resources section), you will understand and be able to use all of the following words:

  • bacteria

  • cell

  • germ

  • hereditary

  • toxic

  • trial

  • virus

In this video, you'll learn some words related to law. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • advocate
  • abide by
  • enforce
  • invoke
  • jurisdiction
  • litigate
  • prosecute

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to law. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: clause, comply, exempt, ratify, sanction, uphold and violate.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to political beliefs. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • advocate
  • dogma
  • propaganda
  • ideology
  • liberal
  • libertarian
  • pluralism

In this video, you'll learn some words related to social issues. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • civil rights
  • secular
  • ethics
  • feminism
  • humanitarian
  • refugee
  • catastrophe

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to social issues. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: inequality, deprived, elite, redistribute, privilege, underprivileged and multicultural.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to population. After watching this video, doing the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: civilian, demography, indigenous, migrate, opinion poll, overpopulation and per capita.

In this video, you'll learn some words related to texts. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words:

  • abstract
  • bibliography
  • commentary
  • footnote
  • paper
  • periodical
  • précis

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to biology. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: decay, dormant, exhale, inhale, fertilize, reproduce and suppress.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to business. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: audit, compensate, reimburse, revenue, turnover, creditor and debtor.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to business. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: enterprise, entrepreneur, found, franchise, merge, restructure and subsidiary.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to business finance. After watching this video, doing the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: gross, net, liquidate. quarter, return, tariff, quota.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words for comparing and contrasting. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: complement, converse, differentiate, diverse, mirror, resemble and synonymous.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to history. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: archive, artefact, excavate, heritage, primitive, millennium and Renaissance.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to linguistics. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: analogy, nuance, coin, connotation, figurative, literal and metaphor.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to materials and substances. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: dense, porous, permeable, fibre, constituent, raw and debris.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to mathematics. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: constant, deduct, integer, fraction, median, mean and theorem.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words for giving opinions. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: assertion, conjecture, contention, dogma, stance, sceptic and speculation.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words for talking about positive qualities. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: compelling, constructive, credible, groundbreaking, integrity, optimum and rigorous.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words for talking about negative qualities. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: abnormal, adverse, deficient, deprived, negligent, shortcoming and volatile.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words related to research methods. After watching this video, trying out the quiz and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: collate, correlate, empirical, hypothesis, theory, qualitative and quantitative.

In this lecture, you'll learn some words for describing upward trends, something vital when you do Task 1 Writing in the IELTS test. After watching this video, and using the downloadable resources, you will understand and be able to use the following words: rise, increase, soar, leap, rocket, climb and peak.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches vocabulary related to a wide array of topics, which is helpful for understanding various sections of the IELTS, such as reading, listening, speaking, and writing
Focuses on collocations, which are essential for using vocabulary naturally and effectively in both speaking and writing, thereby improving fluency and coherence
Includes multiple-choice quizzes, which allows learners to test their knowledge and reinforce their understanding of the vocabulary in a structured manner
Aims to help learners achieve a band score of 7.0 or above, which may not be suitable for learners who need a lower band score
Provides downloadable resources, which allows learners to study offline and build their own vocabulary booklet for future reference and review
Includes words related to trends, which is particularly useful for Task 1 writing in the IELTS test, where describing data and charts is a common requirement

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Reviews summary

Essential vocabulary for ielts preparation

According to learners preparing for the IELTS test, this course provides a well-structured and simple way to acquire essential vocabulary. Students highlight the clear organization, often covering 7 words per video, and the informative content which includes learning word meanings, pronunciation (with a clear British accent), usage examples, collocations, and synonyms. The course is seen as effective for improving overall English skills, particularly for boosting performance in the IELTS reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections. Many found the provided downloadable resources and quizzes helpful for reinforcing learning. While praised for its foundational content, some learners may find that covering only 400 words might require supplementary study for achieving the highest band scores.
Instructor's clear pronunciation helps.
"The author has a clear British accent."
"It was easy to understand the pronunciation of each word."
"Listening to the clear narration was very helpful."
Downloadable materials and quizzes support learning.
"The quizzes were a good way to check if I remembered the words."
"I loved having the PDF versions to review offline."
"The vocabulary record was perfect for tracking the words I learned."
Clear, structured learning path.
"The course has been organised accurately and fantastically, it was great job."
"I am pleasantly surprised by the course, it is a really easy and simple way to learn."
"I found the structure with 7 words per lesson very manageable."
"The course felt logical and easy to follow step-by-step."
Essential IELTS words and usage.
"This course is very interesting, informative and helped me to learn many right words..."
"...There are a lot of new collocations which I didn't know."
"I learned synonyms and derivatives that were new to me."
"The focus on context and collocations was particularly useful."
Directly helps improve performance on IELTS tests.
"The course will improve your listening skills as well..."
"I highly recommend it for everyone who wants to take IELTS."
"Using the new words improved my confidence in the writing section."
"I felt more prepared for the reading and listening tests."
May need more words for highest scores.
"While the course was good, I felt I needed more vocabulary to reach my band 8 goal."
"This is a great introduction, but I needed to find other resources for additional words."
"400 words felt like a solid foundation, but not a complete vocabulary for IELTS success."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in IELTS Vocabulary: Learn 400 Essential Words for IELTS with these activities:
Review Basic Grammar Rules
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental grammar rules to improve sentence construction and clarity in both writing and speaking.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Review parts of speech and sentence structure.
  • Practice identifying grammatical errors in sample sentences.
  • Complete grammar quizzes to assess your understanding.
Start a Vocabulary Journal
Actively record and review new vocabulary to improve retention and usage in both written and spoken English.
Show steps
  • Dedicate a notebook or digital document to vocabulary learning.
  • Record new words with definitions, example sentences, and synonyms.
  • Review the journal regularly to reinforce learning.
Review 'English Vocabulary in Use' by McCarthy and O'Dell
Expand your vocabulary base with a structured approach, focusing on common themes and topics relevant to the IELTS exam.
Show steps
  • Select units related to common IELTS topics.
  • Complete the exercises in each unit.
  • Review and record new vocabulary in a notebook.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards for Difficult Words
Reinforce your understanding of challenging vocabulary by creating flashcards with definitions, example sentences, and synonyms.
Show steps
  • Identify 20-30 difficult words from the course.
  • Write definitions and example sentences on flashcards.
  • Include synonyms and related words on the flashcards.
  • Review flashcards regularly.
Participate in a Vocabulary Exchange Session
Enhance your vocabulary retention by teaching and learning new words with a study partner.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner who is also learning IELTS vocabulary.
  • Prepare a list of 10-15 words to teach your partner.
  • Take turns teaching and quizzing each other on the words.
  • Discuss how to use the words in different contexts.
Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays
Improve your writing skills by practicing essay writing under timed conditions, focusing on using newly learned vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Find IELTS Task 2 essay prompts online.
  • Write essays under timed conditions (40 minutes).
  • Review essays for grammar and vocabulary usage.
  • Rewrite essays incorporating feedback and new vocabulary.
Review 'IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests'
Simulate the IELTS exam environment and assess your vocabulary knowledge and usage in a realistic testing scenario.
Show steps
  • Complete one full practice test under timed conditions.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
  • Focus on vocabulary-related errors and gaps in knowledge.
  • Repeat with other practice tests.

Career center

Learners who complete IELTS Vocabulary: Learn 400 Essential Words for IELTS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
ESL Material Writer
ESL Material Writers create content for English as a Second Language learners. A course dedicated to IELTS vocabulary may be useful for material writers to understand the specific vocabulary needs of students preparing for this exam. The course’s focus on word meanings, pronunciations, usage, and collocations can directly inform the development of targeted and effective learning resources. Reviewing the course's video presentations, worksheets, and quizzes may spark ideas for creating engaging and useful materials. They might become more marketable to learners.
Academic Coach
Academic Coaches support students in achieving their academic goals. This course, centered on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful for coaching students preparing for the IELTS exam. Learning essential words and phrases, including knowledge of word meanings, pronunciations, and usage helps Academic Coaches become more valuable resources to students. The course materials, like video presentations and quizzes, can be used as supplementary resources during coaching sessions which could increase student success on the IELTS exam.
International Student Advisor
International Student Advisors assist students from other countries in navigating the academic and cultural environment of a new country. Because this course is focused on IELTS vocabulary, it may be useful to anyone who wants to help international students succeed on the IELTS exam. Knowing which words and phrases are important for the exam, including nuances of word meanings, pronunciations, and collocations may help the advisor offer more targeted and effective guidance for international students.
Language Consultant
Language Consultants advise individuals or organizations on language-related matters. This course, focused on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful for language consultants advising students preparing for the IELTS exam. By mastering the essential words, phrases, and nuances covered in the course, the consultant becomes better equipped to guide students in their vocabulary acquisition. Reviewing the course's structure and resources might also help consultants develop more effective strategies for language instruction and test preparation.
English as a Second Language Instructor
As an English as a Second Language Instructor, you will help students develop their English language skills. This course, centered on essential vocabulary for the IELTS test, may be useful in improving your ability to teach vocabulary effectively. The course specifically focuses on word meanings, pronunciation, usage in sentences, common collocations, different forms and derivatives, and synonyms. Knowing these nuances helps an instructor explain them simply to students. The course provides video presentations, worksheets, and quizzes that can inspire instructional methods.
Language Assessor
Language Assessors evaluate language proficiency. This course, focused on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful to an assessor needing to understand the specific vocabulary requirements for the IELTS exam. The course covers a range of essential words and phrases and delves into nuances such as word meanings, pronunciation, and collocations. Familiarity with these details can aid in assessing a test-taker's command of the English language and identifying areas for improvement. Exposure to the course quizzes may also offer insight into how to structure assessment materials.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates engaging and effective learning experiences. This IELTS vocabulary course may be useful for an instructional designer working on language learning programs. The course uses a variety of media, including video presentations, worksheets, and quizzes, to help students learn and retain new words. The structured approach, which breaks down vocabulary into manageable chunks and focuses on different aspects of word knowledge, may be useful in designing other language courses. The designer may learn techniques to improve learner outcomes.
Translator
Translators convert written text from one language to another. This course, centered on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful, as it provides a structured approach to understanding word meanings, nuances, and usage in English. For example, it teaches synonyms. This detailed knowledge of vocabulary is essential for accurately conveying meaning in a different language. Translators may review the topics covered in the course, such as health, environment, and government, to enhance their understanding of specialized vocabulary.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials. This course may be useful for curriculum developers working on English language programs. It provides a model for how to structure vocabulary lessons, incorporating elements like word meanings, pronunciation, example sentences, and synonyms. The resources included, such as video presentations, worksheets, and quizzes, demonstrate different methods for engaging students and reinforcing vocabulary acquisition. Seeing how this course introduces words related to topics like health, environment, and government may spark inspiration for new curricula.
Content Editor
Content Editors review and refine written materials to improve clarity, accuracy, and overall quality. This course, focused on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful in helping editors who work with content related to English language learning or test preparation. A content editor might be asked to refine vocabulary lists or exercises. The editor may find the course's approach to presenting vocabulary, including its emphasis on word meanings, pronunciation, and usage, helpful in assessing and improving the quality of written materials intended for language learners.
Foreign Language Teacher
The role of a Foreign Language Teacher is to educate students in a language other than their native tongue. While this course focuses on English vocabulary for the IELTS exam, it may be useful for teachers of any foreign language. The course content, which covers word meanings, pronunciation, usage, and related concepts, provides a useful example of how to structure vocabulary lessons effectively. Teachers may gain insight into creating engaging materials, designing impactful quizzes, and helping students master essential vocabulary.
Brand Journalist
Brand Journalists tell a company's story in a journalistic style. To create engaging content, they must have an excellent command of language. While this course focuses on IELTS vocabulary, the lessons on linguistics, positive qualities, and negative qualities may be useful. These lessons will enhance their writing and communication skills. Brand journalists may also learn more about the impact of their communications on society through the lessons on ethics and social issues.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainers design and deliver training programs to employees of a company. While this course focuses on IELTS vocabulary, it may be useful for corporate trainers who need to improve the communication skills of employees who use English in their professional lives. The trainer may use this course to address the specific vocabulary needs of employees in areas such as business, technology, or healthcare. The course's emphasis on word meanings, usage, and pronunciation can inform the development of effective communication training sessions.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologists assess and treat individuals with communication disorders. This course, centered on IELTS vocabulary, may be useful as it offers resources related to pronunciation. By mastering the correct pronunciation of a wide range of words, a speech pathologist can better model clear and accurate speech for their clients. The course's emphasis on different word meanings, collocations, and usage may further enhance a Speech Language Pathologist's understanding of language and communication.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create clear and concise documentation for complex topics. This course on IELTS vocabulary may be useful for a technical writer who needs to create user guides or instructions for language learning software or online courses. The course emphasizes clear explanations of word meanings, pronunciation, and usage. This provides a model for how to present complex information in an accessible way. Also, they might wish to write documentation for those enrolled in the course itself.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in IELTS Vocabulary: Learn 400 Essential Words for IELTS.
Provides six complete practice tests for the IELTS exam, along with detailed answer keys and audio recordings. It is an invaluable resource for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and timing. The book also includes useful tips and strategies for each section of the exam. It is highly recommended for students who want to simulate the actual test experience.
Provides a wide range of vocabulary topics with clear explanations and practice exercises. It is particularly useful for expanding vocabulary related to various themes relevant to the IELTS exam. The book offers a structured approach to learning new words and phrases, making it an excellent resource for self-study. It is commonly used by students preparing for English language proficiency tests.

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