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 formal written or spoken agreement that can be enforced by law.
Read the employment contract carefully before you sign it.
To say the opposite of something, or to be so different that both cannot be true.
The new findings contradict earlier research.
Opposite in meaning or direction.
Contrary to popular belief, most sharks are not dangerous.
A clear difference between things; to compare to show differences.
In contrast to Sydney, Perth has very dry summers.
Give or add something that helps produce a result
Exercise can contribute to better health.
Strong public disagreement about something.
The new tax caused considerable controversy.
To arrange a formal meeting, or to come together for one.
The committee will convene next month to review the policy.
In an opposite way (used to introduce a contrasting idea).
Rents rose in the city; conversely, they fell in some regional towns.
To change something into a different form or use.
The old factory was converted into apartments.
To make someone believe that something is true.
The evidence convinced the jury.
To work together with others to achieve something.
The two councils cooperated on the flood response.
To organise different people or activities so they work together well.
A project manager coordinates the work of different teams.
The most important or central part of something; basic.
Reading and writing are core skills for university study.
Relating to a large company or business.
Many corporate offices moved to the suburbs after 2020.
To match or be similar to something; to exchange letters or emails.
The results correspond closely with earlier research.
Two people in a relationship, or two things of the same kind.
Many young couples cannot afford to buy a home.
To make something new or cause something to exist.
The new train line is expected to create thousands of jobs.
An arrangement to pay later for goods or money borrowed; also praise or recognition.
Many young people use credit cards without understanding interest.
Plural of criterion; standards for judgement
Read the marking criteria carefully.
criterion
nounStandard used to make a judgement
Accuracy is one assessment criterion.
Extremely important; essential.
Good sleep is crucial for learning.
The customs, beliefs, art and way of life of a group of people.
Migrants often keep parts of their own culture while adapting to a new one.
The money used in a particular country.
The Australian dollar is the currency of Australia.
A series of events that repeat in the same order.
The water cycle explains how rain is formed.
Facts or numbers collected to be analysed or used for decisions.
The data shows a steady rise in household spending since 2020.