Vocabulary
38 free cards with academic words, topic collocations, linking words and paraphrases. Say the meaning, then flip.
To make something less severe or harmful. Example: Governments can mitigate the effects of climate change by investing in clean energy.
Tip: Collocates: mitigate the impact, risk or effects.
To make a problem worse. Example: Cheap flights have exacerbated the problem of air pollution.
Tip: Use it for problems, not for good things.
To weaken something gradually. Example: Constant testing can undermine students' confidence.
Tip: Often followed by confidence, trust or authority.
To publicly support an idea or policy. Example: Many experts advocate a shorter working week.
Tip: The noun is "advocate" (a supporter) with a different stress.
To treat something as more important than other things. Example: Cities should prioritise public transport over private cars.
Tip: Spelled "prioritize" in American English. Both are accepted.
To put a plan or policy into action. Example: The government has implemented a ban on single-use plastic.
Tip: Collocates: implement a policy, plan, strategy or reform.
Able to continue without damaging the environment or using up resources. Example: Sustainable farming protects the soil for future generations.
Tip: Common in environment topics.
Certain to happen and impossible to avoid. Example: As populations grow, some pressure on housing is inevitable.
Tip: Related noun: inevitability.
Causing disagreement or public argument. Example: Genetic engineering of food remains a controversial subject.
Tip: A safe word for the discussion essays.
Large in amount or importance. Example: There has been a substantial increase in the use of online learning.
Tip: Useful in Task 1 and Task 2.
To become or make something smaller or less important. Example: Rural populations have diminished as young people move to cities.
Tip: Can be used with or without an object.
To encourage something to develop. Example: Team sports foster cooperation and discipline.
Tip: Collocates: foster creativity, understanding or growth.
To control or limit something harmful. Example: Higher taxes could curb the consumption of sugary drinks.
Tip: Do not confuse with "kerb" (the edge of a pavement) in British English.
To be greater or more important than something else. Example: For most people, the benefits of remote work outweigh the drawbacks.
Tip: Perfect for advantages and disadvantages essays.
reduce carbon emissions renewable energy sources raise awareness of protect natural habitats plant more trees
Tip: Learn the whole phrase, not only the noun.
compulsory education acquire practical skills higher education student-centred learning drop out of school
Tip: Use "gain" or "acquire" for skills.
rely on technology technological advances bridge the digital divide social media platforms automate routine tasks
Tip: "Rely on" is followed by a noun or an -ing form.
maintain a balanced diet sedentary lifestyle healthcare system life expectancy tackle obesity
Tip: "Life expectancy" is a useful Task 1 phrase.
work-life balance job security flexible working hours climb the career ladder commute to work
Tip: Pair "work-life balance" with "achieve" or "maintain".
commit a crime law-abiding citizens crime rate stricter punishments rehabilitate offenders
Tip: "Do a crime" is wrong. Use "commit".
traffic congestion urban sprawl public transport affordable housing cost of living
Tip: Congestion is an uncountable noun.
nuclear family extended family bring up children generation gap elderly relatives
Tip: British English uses "bring up", American English often "raise".
In addition, Furthermore, Moreover, What is more, Besides.
Tip: Use them at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.
However, In contrast, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Whereas, Although.
Tip: "However" begins a new sentence. "Although" joins a clause.
Because of, Due to, As a result, Consequently, Therefore, Thus.
Tip: "Because of" is followed by a noun, "because" by a clause.
For example, For instance, such as, in particular, a case in point is...
Tip: "Such as" is followed by a list, not a full clause.
Admittedly, Even though, Despite, In spite of, Granted that...
Tip: "Despite" and "in spite of" are followed by a noun or an -ing form.
Firstly, Secondly, Finally, Subsequently, Meanwhile, Following this.
Tip: Do not start every paragraph with "Firstly".
Indeed, In fact, Above all, Notably, Particularly.
Tip: Use emphasis words sparingly.
In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, On balance, All things considered.
Tip: Avoid starting with "In conclusion" every time.
rise, grow, go up, climb, expand
Tip: Match the grammar: "an increase in" and "to increase".
a large number of, a great deal of, plenty of, numerous
Tip: "A great deal of" is for uncountable nouns, "a large number of" for plural nouns.
crucial, essential, vital, significant, key
Tip: Do not repeat "important" more than twice in an essay.
issue, challenge, difficulty, concern, drawback
Tip: "Issue" is more neutral than "problem".
individuals, the public, citizens, residents, members of society
Tip: Use "people" in Speaking and some variation in Writing.
young people, youngsters, minors, the younger generation
Tip: "Youngsters" sounds informal. Prefer "young people" in essays.
illustrate, indicate, demonstrate, reveal, highlight
Tip: In Task 1, "illustrates" and "shows" are the safest.
improve, progress, develop, show improvement
Tip: Avoid "get" in formal writing.
Yes. All cards are free with no registration. Your progress is saved in your own browser.
Five to eight words you will actually use is better than twenty you forget. Use each word in a sentence the same day.
Use words you are confident about. A simple word used correctly scores higher than a rare word used wrongly.
A collocation is a pair or group of words that naturally go together, such as "raise awareness" or "heavy traffic". Learning them makes your English sound more natural.