How to Build Vocabulary for IELTS Reading and Writing
Intro
A strong IELTS vocabulary isn’t just about using “big words” — it’s about using the right words in the right context. Whether you’re tackling complex Reading passages or writing a well-structured essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, your vocabulary plays a major role in determining your band score.
At Kavneet Academy, we help students build a powerful academic vocabulary with simple, effective strategies. Here’s how you can do it too.
📚1. Learn 5–10 Academic Words Daily
Building vocabulary is not about cramming hundreds of words in a week. Instead, focus on learning 5–10 new words every day — and use them in context.
✅How to Do It:
- Keep a vocabulary notebook or digital flashcard app
- Write down the meaning, synonyms, example sentence, and word form (noun/verb/adjective)
- Revise every few days to reinforce memory
Example:
- Word: “Significant”
- Synonym: Major, notable, substantial
- Sentence: There was a significant increase in pollution over the last decade.
- Other Forms: Significantly (adverb), Significance (noun)
At Kavneet Academy, we provide daily word lists customized to IELTS topics like environment, health, education, and technology.
🐀2. Master Synonyms and Paraphrasing
The IELTS Reading and Writing modules reward lexical resource — which includes your ability to use synonyms and paraphrased phrases effectively.
✅Why It Matters:
- In Reading, many answers are paraphrased in the text. Recognizing synonyms helps you locate the correct answers faster.
- In Writing, repeating the same words can lower your band. Using synonyms adds variety and clarity.
Examples:
- “Children” → minors, youngsters, youth
- “Important” → crucial, vital, essential
- “Problem” → issue, challenge, concern
Pro Tip: Avoid blindly replacing words. Always check if the synonym matches the context of the sentence.
✍️3. Use New Words in Writing
Learning new words is meaningless if you don’t practice using them.
✅How to Apply Vocabulary:
- Use new words in essay tasks (both Task 1 and Task 2)
- Write sample sentences and ask your trainer to review them
- Practice paraphrasing IELTS questions using new vocabulary
At Kavneet Academy, we conduct weekly writing labs where students submit essays using newly learned academic words. Trainers provide band-specific vocabulary feedback to improve word choice and coherence.
🔍4. Use Effective Vocabulary Resources
The internet is full of vocabulary tools — but which ones actually help with IELTS Academic words?
🐀Recommended Tools:
- Magoosh IELTS Vocabulary PDF
- Cambridge IELTS Vocabulary Book
- Quizlet Vocabulary Sets
- Barron’s Essential Words for IELTS
- Kavneet Academy’s in-house vocabulary booklets
We also encourage students to read The Guardian, BBC News, and The Economist to see academic vocabulary used in real contexts.
🐀5. Word Lists Used at Kavneet Academy
At Kavneet Academy, our vocabulary training is topic-based, aligned with frequently asked IELTS Writing and Reading themes:
Topic-Based Vocabulary Samples:
- Environment: Emissions, sustainable, biodegradable
- Education: Curriculum, pedagogy, academic performance
- Technology: Innovation, automation, digital divide
- Health: Nutrition, diagnosis, public healthcare
- Global Issues: Migration, economy, climate change
Each word list includes meanings, usage, sentence examples, and practice questions to reinforce retention.
✅Conclusion
A powerful IELTS vocabulary is built through consistent practice, not overnight memorization. Focus on daily learning, topic-based word lists, and applying new words in writing and reading tasks.
With Kavneet Academy’s expert-led training, customized resources, and regular feedback, building your vocabulary becomes simple, smart, and effective.
📞Want access to our complete IELTS Academic vocabulary toolkit?
Visit www.kavneetacademy.com or call us to book your free vocabulary demo session.