Word List for IELTS

How to Prepare Your Own IELTS Word List

The IELTS is an English language test that is administered 48 times in the year all over the world. The test aims to measure the competence of an individual in the English language. The best way to assess language is to judge on the basis of syntax, which consists of vocabulary and grammar. Vocabulary simply translates to the number of words that a person knows or can use correctly, in that particular language. This test being a language test, pays very close attention to the vocabulary of an individual. The word meanings in English can get a little tricky if you are new to the language and the IELTS word list is a list to help candidates understand the nuances of the words of the English vocabulary.

Ways to Get an IELTS Word List

There are two ways to get this list. The first way is to go online and download the already available word lists from the many websites that have them. The second, and the more painstaking but effective way is by making one for yourself. Not only you will remember every word of the word list that you make, but it will also make the process of your test preparation very exciting.

Easy Ways to Make Your Own Word List for IELTS

    • Make a format for your word list. The format should ideally be tabular and should contain columns for word meanings, usage etc. The best way to make a format is to refer to the already existing wordlists and take a format that you think you can understand the most. The only point of consideration should be that, the format should be simple and should not take too much time to fill.
    • While solving the sample tests of the test or, while listening to the audio samples, note the words or usage of words that you could not understand. Later, go through the words and find out why they were used in that way and what exactly do they mean. Copy the words on the tabular format immediately.
    • While listening to TV programs and other people speak in English, make a list of the difficult and interesting words. Follow the same process of finding out their meanings and tabulating them on your chart.
    • Make sure that the word meaning and usage is correct by checking dictionaries and a thesaurus. Do not fill up your list with words you are unsure about.
    • Be proactive about filling up your word list. If you delay in finding out the meanings of the words, you will forget where and how you had seen or heard the word being used.
    • Go through your list regularly to memorise the words and also to check if you have repeated or wrongly entered any word.
    • Revise your list of words as your vocabulary grows.
    • Once you are sure of a word, move ahead and look for bigger and better words. Do not restrict your list. You can also move into the category of word groups and make your list more advanced.
  • Slowly, the list will increase and in the process of exam preparation, you have made a brand new, customised word list for test preparation on your own.

Some Links to IELTS Word Lists Available Online