Introduction
This workbook has been written for students who are planning to sit either the general training or the
Academic modules of the IELTS exam. It covers some of the main vocabulary points that you will need
For, or come across in, the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections of the exam.
We hope that you find the modules in this book useful and that the vocabulary you acquire will help
You to achieve the grade you want in the IELTS.
Good luck!
Structure of the IELTS Workbook
Each vocabulary area is presented in the form of a self-contained module with task-based activities
Which present each vocabulary item in a real context.
– Pages 1-48 focus on general vocabulary items which can be used in all aspects of your English. Some
Of these are relevant to specific tasks in the IELTS exam (for example, describing how something
Works, writing a letter or describing a table).
– Pages 49-95 focus on topic-specific vocabulary areas which may be required in the exam (for
Example, education, business and industry or global problems). Each module consists of three tasks:
The first two present vocabulary items in context, and the third gives you the opportunity to review
The vocabulary in the form of a gap-fill exercise.
Using the IELTS Workbook
You should not go through the modules mechanically. It is better to choose areas that you are
Unfamiliar with, or areas that you feel are of specific interest or importance to yourself.
Vocabulary Record Sheet
Remember that you should keep a record of new words and expressions that you learn, and review
These from time to time so that they become an active part of your vocabulary. There is a vocabulary
Record sheet at the back of the book which you can photocopy as many times as you like and use to
Build up your own personal vocabulary bank.
Extending
Your Vocabulary
Also remember that there are other methods of acquiring new vocabulary. For example, you should
Read as much as possible from a different variety of authentic reading materials (books, newspapers,
Magazines, etc).
Using an English dictionary
To help you learn English, you should use an English dictionary that can clearly define words, provide
Information about grammar and give sample sentences to show how words are used in context. You
Can use any good learner’s English dictionary with this workbook, but it has been written using the
Material in the English Dictionary for Students (ISBN 1-901659-06-2), published by Peter Collin
Publishing (www. petercollin. com).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
This workbook has been written to help you improve your vocabulary when working towards the
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. The IELTS English examination is
Administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, The British Council and IDP
Education Australia.
Condition
A. Look at these sentences. They all use ‘if. Rewrite each sentence, replacing ‘if with the
Words in bold. You may need to remove some of the other words.
1. You can borrow my dictionary if you return it before you go home.
Providing that
2. You can’t go to university if you don’t have good grades.
Unless
3. Pollution will get worse if we continue to live in a throwaway society.
As long as
4. Many developed countries are willing to waive the Third World debt if the money is reinvested in
Education and medicine.
On condition that
5.