IELTS
Academic vocabulary for IELTS writing and speaking, based on the Academic Word List. AUSLEX is not affiliated with IELTS.
Reviewed entries
586 entriesEntries marked AWL come from the Academic Word List (Coxhead, 2000), a widely used list of words that appear often in university texts. Definitions, examples and translations are written by AUSLEX.
A piece of paper or material giving information about something; to describe in a particular way.
Always read the food label for allergy warnings.
Work, especially physical work, or the people available to do it.
There is a shortage of skilled labour in regional areas.
A level or thickness of something that lies over or under another.
The ozone layer protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation.
A formal talk on a subject, especially at university.
First-year lectures are often recorded online.
Allowed by law, or relating to the law.
You need legal advice before signing a lease you don't understand.
To make laws about something.
The government plans to legislate to protect renters.
A tax or charge collected by a government; to charge such a tax.
The Medicare levy is collected through the tax system.
lexical resource
nounRange and accuracy of vocabulary used
Lexical resource is part of IELTS writing assessment.
Accepting different opinions and behaviour; also a political term (in Australia, the Liberal Party is a major conservative party).
The university has a liberal approach to dress codes.
An official document giving permission to do or own something (US spelling: license).
You need a licence to drive in Australia.
In the same way; also.
Rents have risen; likewise, food prices have increased.
A connection between two things; to connect.
Research shows a strong link between diet and health.
To find the exact position of something, or to be in a particular place.
The campus is located near the city centre.
A way of thinking based on reason, or the reasons behind something.
The logic of the argument is easy to follow.
To keep something in good condition or at the same level; to state firmly.
It is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Very important, large or serious compared with others.
Traffic is a major cause of air pollution in cities.
To control or influence someone or something, often unfairly; to handle skilfully.
The study warned that data can be manipulated.
Done with the hands; a book of instructions.
Many manual jobs are hard on the body.
The edge of something, or the amount by which one thing is bigger than another.
The party won the election by a narrow margin.
Fully grown or developed; behaving sensibly; to develop fully.
Mature-age students make up a large share of university enrolments.
To make something as large or effective as possible.
Businesses try to maximise profits while reducing costs.
A system or process that makes something happen, or the parts of a machine.
There is no mechanism for tenants to appeal the decision.
Television, radio, newspapers and the internet as a group.
The media played an important role in the campaign.
To help two sides reach an agreement.
A neutral third party mediated the dispute.
Relating to illness, injury and treatment.
You may need a medical certificate if you miss work.