June 2011

ACCOUNTABLE

(adjective) reponsible, answerable. Example: 'Parents
should be accountable for the actions of their children'.

ACCURATE

(adjective) Correct, true. For example: 'I am not sure
if the information you have received is accurate as I have heard much different information from a reliable source.'

BENEFICIAL

(adjective) Useful, bringing advantages. Example: 'It
is beneficial for IELTS candidates to spend some time studying before taking the test'.

BULK

(noun) Main part, major part. For example: 'The bulk
of the research has now been done, though we have a few small issues to finish before it is completed.'

CAPACITY

(noun) Size, volume. For example: 'The class is full to capacity so I will have to wait and enroll in a new class next month.'

CEASE

(verb) Stop, end, finish. For example: 'He has been
made redundant and his employment contract will officially cease on July 21st.'

CELEBRITY

(noun) Someone very well known; a public figure. 'Many
celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, are photographed wherever they go.'

COHERENT

(adjective) Logical, reasoned. For example: 'In order
to gain good marks it is important to write an essay which has good ideas and is coherent.'

CONFER

(verb) Consult, discuss. For example: 'Education
institutions should confer more with parents to discuss solutions to the growing problem of children missing school.'

CONFER

(verb) Consult, discuss. For example: 'Education
institutions should confer more with parents to discuss solutions to the growing problem of children missing school.'

CRUCIAL

(adjective) essential, necessary, vital. For example:
'It is crucial that governments provide good education opportunities for teenagers to ensure a successful future for the country.'

DECLINE

(noun) A weakening, a fall off, a drop off. For example: 'Fortunately, there has been a decline in the number of cigarette smokers over recent years.'

DEVIATE

(verb) Move away from, differ. For example: 'A large
number of young people today like to deviate from the norm of their society.'

DEVOTE

(verb) dedicate, give, alot. For example: 'It is important to devote adequate time to studying for an exam to ensure a good
result.'

EMPHASIS

(noun) Importance, weight, stress. For example: 'There should be more emphasis on increasing the number of disabled people in the workforce.'

EMPIRICAL

(adjective) Observed, practical. For example:
'Empirical research is required to obtain confirmation that the theories are correct.'

ENCOUNTER

(verb) Come across, come in contact with, meet.
Example: 'When travelling abroad tourists have the opportunity to encounter many interesting people and learn a great deal about a different culture'.

ENHANCE

(verb) Improve, add to. For example:
'Access to parks and gardens enhances the quality of life of city dwellers.'

FEATURE

(noun)characteristic, trait, quality. For example: 'The computer programme has a number of features which are extremely user-friendly.'

GENERIC

(adjective) General, not specific. Example: 'Generic
sales letters are less successful than those personalised for the receiver.'

GET SIDETRACKED

(Verb phrase) To lose focus. Example: 'When reading an IELTS passage for specific information, it is important not to get sidetracked
with small details.'

GLOSSARY

(noun) A list of words and explanations at the end of a text. Example: 'Some IELTS reading passages will have a short glossary at the end'.

HYPOTHESIS

(noun). Theory, assumption. Example: 'The research
conducted so far indicates that the hypothesis is accurate.'

IMPLEMENT

(verb) To put into action, to start. Example: 'The
changes will be implemented immediately'.

JUSTIFY

(verb) Give good reason for, rationalise, excuse. For example: 'Governments should be made to justify the high salaries of politicians.'

LAYER

(noun) level, tier. For example: 'There are many layers to this problem.'

MATURE

(adjective) Responsible, stable through age and experience. For example: 'Younger staff benefit from interaction with older workers as they learn from their mature outlook.'

MEDIUM

(noun) Method, vehicle, channel, mode. For example: 'Email is nowadays the most popular medium for communication.'

MODE

(Noun)Type, method, style. For example: 'Bicycles are an environmentally-friendly mode of transport.'

NEGATE

(verb)Cancel out, counteract. For example: 'The recent decision will negate all progress made before.'

NOT APPLICABLE

(phrase)Not relevant; does not apply. Example: 'If questions on an application form are not relevant, then you can write N/A meaning that it is not applicable to you.'

OBLIGATION

(noun) No choice; need to do something. Example: 'It is the parents' obligation to take good care of their child.'

OPT

(verb) To choose. 'He opted to take a few extra days holiday'.

OVERLAP

(verb)Coincide, have similarities. For example: 'There are several areas where to tw departments' responsibilities overlap.'

WIDESPREAD

(adjective)Very common, all around. For example: 'Death from treatable diseases is widespread in the developing world.

WHEREAS

(conjunction)While, but. For example: 'Promotion for women at work is even now sometimes difficult, whereas men often have more opportunities and earn higher wages .'

VOWEL

(noun) The letters a,e,i,o and u.

UTILITY

TREND

(noun)General direction or pattern of behaviour. Example: 'There has been an increasing trend towards having smaller families'.