Welcome to Issue 39 of Spotlight IELTS Vocabulary.
In this series, we curate articles that contain ideas and high-level vocabulary you can use in tests like IELTS or OET.
These are just a selection of the articles we read in April; you can find more on our LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.
How To Use These Articles
Just reading them can help activate vocabulary you already know but don’t use.
Recording new words and their context would be a good next step. Personally, I prefer to do this digitally these days, but good old fashioned paper and pencil can be just as good!
Finally, use the words you learn as often as you can.
For the ultimate practice, book a lesson with one of our teachers or submit a Writing Correction.
Insect Apocalypse
Have you noticed that there are considerably less insects these days? It might be nice to be bitten less but what does this mean for the environment? (Well worth a read — especially since insects have been known to come up in the Speaking test!)
You may not have noticed, but there has been an apocalypse happening all around us, with a 60% reduction in flying insects in the last 20 years. Plenty of vocabulary here for talking about insects & the environment.Vocabulary for #IELTS & life. https://t.co/C8KxvOMIIt pic.twitter.com/oIQuAhK8rf
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 8, 2022
Technology and the Environment
This is a very short article that could be used in a wide number of topics. You might not have bought a flying car yet, but the first vertiports are already being built!
A shortish article about a new vertiport will give you one or two new words that could be useful in an article about transport, cars, technology and the environment. Check out the comments section for more useful vocabulary and a few counterarguments. https://t.co/3KeLVwrAGq pic.twitter.com/PaFKjaCv26
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 8, 2022
We are running out of rare minerals needed to make many of our portable devices. Should we be mining waste to protect more of this valuable resource?
We are running out of key ingredients used to make our technology – including the device you are using to read this. Is it time to stop mining the earth and to start mining our e-waste? Plenty of good vocabulary and ideas you can use on #IELTS test day. https://t.co/0dEDSm5qeF pic.twitter.com/UJ8d8zvNYT
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 25, 2022
Fashion and the Environment
The IELTS test is increasingly combining topics — especially in the Writing Task 2. Some candidates are finding this difficult. One way to prepare yourself is to read articles which have done the same thing. This one talks about how your fashion choices can impact the environment…
The #IELTS test is increasingly combining topics in its Task 2 essays. This article does the same thing and talks about fashion, sustainability and the environment. Can you save the world by buying the right pair of jeans? https://t.co/mfLbe1qs0a pic.twitter.com/MKrH75ilRb
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 29, 2022
Apps
This is another common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. What is your favourite app? Does technology waste our time or save us time?
In this article, @Kath_La interviews people who use apps to manage their daily lives and routines. This connects with several #IELTS Speaking topics – and could be useful for Task 2 Writing as well. What is your favourite app? Vocabulary for #IELTS & life. https://t.co/mQotfAeIMW
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 8, 2022
Pets
Are you comfortable talking about pets? Would you like a pet? What kinds of animals are pets in your country? Read this article to arm yourself with ideas and vocabulary…
This article discusses pets – or, more specifically, dogs and provides lots of useful dog-related vocabulary. Use reader view to avoid the paywall when reading this article. This topic is particularly popular in #IELTS Reading. https://t.co/TqnxLz2KhB pic.twitter.com/HyxAODeGss
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 10, 2022
Money and Inflation
Is the cost of living rising where you are? It is rising around the world and increasingly being referred to in the IELTS test. Apart from learning some new vocabulary, you might pick up a few investment tips!
Gold is gaining in popularity as a way to protect yourself against inflation. This article provides you with some good #IELTS Task 1 Academic vocabulary as it discusses inflation and the fall of the dollar versus the rise of gold. https://t.co/zpBxAFCIBa pic.twitter.com/muIskSPh7T
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 12, 2022
Architecture
It’s difficult to find a more common IELTS day topic than architecture — whether it’s talking about old buildings or your home. This article is packed with vocabulary that will challenge the best of you…
Read about this biophilic office which provides people with a healthier and happier place to live and work and minimises stress. You will also learn new vocabulary for a common topic on #IELTS test day. https://t.co/J3uJLBBf6S pic.twitter.com/e29tla9Uvm
— Andy T (@withanexpert) May 30, 2022
And there’s more…
We have months and years worth of carefully curated article which you can find by visiting our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
See you next month!