Most common words in IELTS Listening Test: The IELTS listening exam requires knowledge of words and vocabulary that will help them to accurately answer the questions of this section. Having said that, spellings are an important component of words. Even if students are familiar with the words, often there is a possibility of making spelling errors which will lower the IELTS band score.
There is no quick and easy way to build vocabulary. It happens over a while with effort and constant practice. With the exam dates coming near, the time for preparation reduces. To make the drill easy for you, we have compiled the 1200 most commonly repeated words in the IELTS listening test. This list will not only help them ace the IELTS exam but hone their skills in the English language itself. So let us dive in!
What is the IELTS Listening Test?
The IELTS Listening test is a sub-section of the IELTS exam. Besides it, there are three other sections namely reading, writing and speaking. All four sections aim to test the communication skills of the students and try to understand their proficiency level. The listening test is the same for both Academic and General Training test types. The features of this section include:
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The IELTS listening exam is of 40 minutes.
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The recordings will play for 30 minutes and 10 minutes of transfer time is required.
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There are four types of audio recordings ranging from monologues to group dialogues spread across several social and academic contexts.
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For each set of questions, there is a time limit.
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A wrong spelling will cost a mark. Therefore it is crucial to be aware of the spellings of the words.
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Vocabulary in IELTS Exam
Learning vocabulary helps in effective communication in any language, including English. One can express themselves better and also understand what others want to communicate. IELTS vocabulary is important given the fact that the sectional and overall scores will depend on the lexical resource of a student. With a wide range of words, one can be fluent in the language.
Knowing as many words as possible is the common way to get a high band score. This includes knowing the root words, understanding the difference between same-sounding words and being aware of how to spell correctly.
Students might be familiar with most of the words and can use the list as a reference point for recapitulation. In case, they come across a new word, they must write it down on your vocabulary copy for future reference.
Difficult Words in IELTS Listening
IELTS listening test will continuously ask you to identify the spoken text, and in some questions, you will have to rewrite the text that you have listened to. Hence, it is important to know the correct spelling and pronunciations of the most common words in IELTS listening test.
In order to ensure that no mistakes are made, you must learn how the spelling and pronunciation sometimes change a word when the meaning of the word changes. For instance, when the verb maintain becomes a noun or the verb clause maintenance, the root word pronunciation remains the same, but the spelling changes.
Here are some of the examples of such changes a root word may go through:
|
Root Word |
Spelling Changes |
|---|---|
|
Benefit |
Beneficial |
|
Influence |
Influential |
|
Circumstance |
Circumstantial |
|
Maintain |
Maintenance |
|
Refer |
Referred |
|
Begin |
Beginning |
|
Argue |
Argument |
Similarly, there are many other aspects of spelling and pronunciation which need to be focused to properly attempt the IELTS exam. For instance, the silent letter or cluster of letters in a word, the usage of different letters to produce similar sounds, the additional letters, prefixes, suffixes, etc., all have different meanings.
Here are some most common words in IELTS listening test and their respective pronunciation effects:
|
Word |
Pronunciation Effect |
|---|---|
|
Environment |
Silent n |
|
Tea |
Additional ea |
|
Girl |
Negligible r sound |
|
Negligible |
Different sounds for two g s |
|
Presence |
Same sounds for s and c |
|
Knot |
Silent K |
Some of the commonly misspelled words in IELTS exam are given below. You can include them in your list of top most common words in IELTS listening test:
|
Commonly Misspelled IELTS Listening Words |
||
|---|---|---|
|
library |
environment |
restaurant |
|
customer |
believe |
modern |
|
difficult |
controversy |
separate |
|
comparison |
skiing |
business |
|
professor |
avenue |
nuclear |
|
basically |
commitment |
conscious |
|
disappear |
exciting |
boring |
|
rhythm |
immediately |
necessary |
|
original |
realistic |
receive |
|
February |
tendency |
obesity |
|
marriage |
solar |
realistic |
|
fuel |
friendly |
until |
|
beautiful |
peak |
highway |
|
percentage |
million |
thousand |
|
hundred |
fluctuate |
recover |
|
musician |
computer |
software |
|
video |
murder |
topic |
|
temporary |
unfortunately |
disadvantage |
|
argument |
Wednesday |
neighbour |
|
foreign |
opportunity |
because |
1200 Commonly Used Words in IELTS Listening Test
You do not have to necessarily learn all the common words in IELTS listening, even though that would be best. You can focus on the root forms of the most common in IELTS listening words, or you can even prioritise based on the different categories of commonly repeated words.
Here are 1200 common words in IELTS listening categorised for easy learning:
|
Category |
Commonly Repeated Words |
|---|---|
|
Months and Weekdays |
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Weekdays, Weekends |
|
Continents and Countries |
Australia, Africa, South America, North America, Asia, Europe, Antarctica, Switzerland, Turkey, England, Egypt, Mexico, Germany, Greece, Brazil, India, North Korea, the Dominican Republic, France, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, the Philippines, Denmark |
|
Languages, Expression, and Time |
Japanese, German, linguistics, bilingual, trilingual, polyglot, Portuguese, Mandarin, Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Punjabi, Thai, Persian, Filipino, French, Italian, Greek, French, midday, three times, three times per week, millennium, a gap year, fulltime, part-time, midnight, century, decade, fortnight |
|
Verbs, Adjectives, and Qualities |
train, develop, collect, supervise, mark, edit, revise, exhibit, donate, surpass, register, support, hunt, persuade, concentrate, discuss, suggest, arrange, borrow, immigrate, review, learn, touch, energetic, social, ancient, necessary, fantastic, exciting, fabulous, dull, comfortable, convenient, suitable, affordable, voluntary,mandatory, compulsory, temporary, permanent, Immense, vast, salty, extinct, vulnerable, pessimistic, optimistic, realistic, practical, knowledgeable, flexible, confident, Western, intensive, tranquil, spectacular, intact, various, expensive, cheap, reasonable, satisfactory, dangerous, poor quality, satisfied, disappointed, efficient, luxurious, safe, strongly recommended, coloured, spotted, striped |
|
Materials, Colour and Shapes |
aluminum, copper, fur, metal, steel, rubber, plastic, ceramics, cement, stone, textile, cotton, fabric, wool, glass, leather, bone, paper, lumber/wood, glue, concrete, wax, paper, wood, silver, composite, fiberglass,gold, feather, blue, white, orange, green, grey, black, red, yellow, purple, brown, pink, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, polygon, spherical, circular, curved, cylindrical, three dimensions, Measurement width, length, altitude, imperial system, metric system, spiral, Mass, depth, breadth, height, frequency |
|
Subjects and Hobbies |
science, politics, architecture, law, geography, history, biology, archaeology, literature, statistics, mathematics, performing arts, visual arts, logic, physics, psychology, anthropology, economics, philosophy, chemistry, humanities, business management, agriculture, gardening, stamp collection, orienteering, caving, spelunking, scuba diving, snorkeling, skateboarding, bowls, archery, ice skating, darts, golf, billiards, photography, painting, embroidery, climbing, chess, parachute, pottery, woodcarving |
|
Higher Studies |
course outline, group discussion, handout, research, Proofreading, experiment, written work, report writing, experience, reference, textbook, student advisor, teamwork, module, topic, dictionary, laptop, printer, assessment, library, department, computer centre, classroom, attendance, deadline, give a talk, speech, lecture, tutor, main hall, computer laboratory, certificate, diploma, placement test, facilities, college, dining room, specialist, knowledge, international, accommodation, overseas students, full-time, homestay, primary, secondary, intermediate, media room, commencement, dissertation, leaflet, school reunion, feedback, tasks, outcomes, advanced, introductory, extra background, resources room, staff, higher education, guidelines, post-secondary, faculty, pupils, pencil, supervisor, bachelors degree, compound, foreign students, schedule, vocabulary, student support services, student retention, publication, registrars office, stationery |
|
Marketing and Finances |
catalogue, interview, research method, entertainment industry, TV program, strategies, leadership, management, customer, special offer, collecting data, display, products, questionnaire, survey, mass media, poll, business card, training, trainee, statistic, profit margin, newsletter, competition, merchandise, manufacture, recruitment, cash, debit, low-risk investment, credit card, cheque, annual fee, monthly membership, tuition fees, poverty, bank statement, money management, current account, interest rate, deposit, student account, withdraw, mortgage, grace period, in advance, budget deficit, retail voucher, coupon,counterfeit money, debt, interest-free credit, purchase, partial refund, annuity, public money, taxpayers money, income, non-refundable, MasterCard, VISA, duty-free store, distribution costs, finance department, family finances |
|
Weather, Health, Nature, and Environment |
humid, hot, sticky, breeze, chilly, cold, cool, dry, dusty, freezing, hot, warm, wet, weather forecast, antenna, moisture, yoga, tai-chi, keep-fit, salad bar, vegetarian, outdoor activities, leisure time, disease, meal, protein, balanced diet, food pyramid, vitamin, carbohydrates, rice, pasta, potatoes, pizza, tomatoes, bread, cereals, minerals, zinc, meat, seafood, eggs, beans, milk, cheese, yoghurt, fruit, vegetables, citrus fruits, green pepper, blackcurrant, nuts, egg yolk, liver, medicine, treatment, remedy, nursing care, nursery, regular exercise, field, footbridge, river, mountain, forest, village, environment, waterfall, coast, reef, lake, valley, peninsula, earthquake, avalanche, tornado, typhoon, hill, cliff, island, desertification, volcano, disaster, landslides, storm, flood, hurricane, pond, catastrophe, erosion, jungle, oasis, dam, canyon, coal, fossil fuels, acid rain, global warming, carbon dioxide, greenhouse effect, burning fossil, exhaust fumes, smog, climate, pollution, temperature, power plants, deforestation, nitrogen oxide, landfill, cattle, wind turbine, renewable, source of energy, reliable, solar panels, solar power, hydroelectric power, environmentally friendly, oxygen, chemical-free, vegetation, sea level, ocean currents, soil conditioner, firewood, desert, degradation, drought, contaminated |
|
Job Profiles, Arts, and Media |
designer, occupation, profession, decorator, architect, engineer, waiter, teacher, vacancy, professor, specialist, manager, waitress, psychologist,volunteer, craftsman, work experience, curriculum vitae, freelance, secretary, mail address, receptionist, pilot, lecturer, office assistant, clerk, accountant, guard, flight attendant, cashier, captain, Opera, Orchestra, concert, symphony, the press, conductor, vocalist, audience, festival, carnival, exhibition, classical music, theatre, cinemas, art gallery, museum, ballet, television, radio, graphics, newspaper |
|
Homes, Architecture and Buildings |
chimney, bedroom, semi-detached house, duplex, townhouse, row house, bungalow, thatched cottage, mobile home, houseboat, a block of flats, apartment building, condominium, basement, landlord, terraced house, tenant, rent, lease, neighborhood, suburb, dormitory, story, kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, sofa, coffee table, ground floor, oven, hallway, insurance, dome, palace, fort, castle, glasshouse, pyramid, log cabin, lighthouse, hut, skyscraper, sculpture |
|
City, Places, and Workplaces |
central station, cities, street, lane, city centre, car park, department store, bridge, temple, hospital, garden, avenue, embassy, road system, parliament, accommodation, local library, swimming pool, cafeteria, cottage, restaurant, bookshop, sports centre, city council, canteen, cafe, dance studio, park, conversation club, kindergarten, staff selection, clinic, dentist, reception, appointment, colleague, workshop, employer, employment, unemployed, technical cooperation, team leaders, showroom, information desk, stress, ability, vision, employee, internship, confidence |
|
Vehicles, Transportations |
camper, double-decker bus, single-decker, minibus, forklift truck, school bus, coach, truck, tanker, van, lorry, transporter, tow truck, breakdown truck, pickup, jeep, taxi, cab, tram, underground, subway, caravan, tractor, stream train, freight train, a goods train, boat, lifeboat, cargo plane, shipment, container ship, ferry, liner, canal boat, narrowboat, dinghy sailing, hovercraft, hydrofoil, sailboat, paddle steamer, cabin cruiser, kayak, canoe, punt, gondola, aircraft, rowing boat, rowboat, helicopter, seaplane, airship, hot-air balloon, airport, platform, hire a car, automobile, crew, passenger |
|
Sports and Tourism |
jet-skiing, bodyboarding, snowboarding, cricket, baseball, basketball, rugby, hang-gliding, skydiving, soccer, American football, hockey, swimming, tennis, squash, the javelin, badminton, ping-pong, field, court, pitch, stadium, team, the discus, the hammer, the high jump, horse racing, show jumping, polo, cycling, canoeing, refreshment, gymnasium, extreme sports, paragliding, abseiling, athlete, gym, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking, push-up, judo, recreation, jogging, press-up, snooker, walking, barbell, treadmill, championship, souvenir, trip, tourist guided tour, ticket office, guest, reservation, view, culture, single double-bedded room, picnic, tourist attraction, hostel, suite, memorable, aquarium |
|
Tools and Equipment |
helmet, light, musical instrument, cassette, silicon chip, digital monitor, gadget, device, screen, breaks, wheels, mechanical pencil, disk, backpack |
|
Flora and Fauna |
lion, penguin, seabirds, poultry and game, birds of prey, mammals, genus, species, cetacean, whale, primates, rodents, reptile, insects, octopus, phylum, fish, amphibian, class, order, family, livestock, creature, plants: mushroom, fungus, stem, roots, cluster, fertilizer, leaves, seed, core, bark, trunk, twig, branch, flower |
|
Miscellaneous |
sufficient, dialogue, passport photo, state, variety, private sector, practice, gender, creativity, government, individual, original inhabitant, indigenous, demonstration, circuit, guarantee, commerce, carriage, narrative, strike, entrance, chocolate, satellite, decision, prototype, attitude, activity, recipient, ultrasound, pedestrian safety, daily routine, personal fulfilment, traffic jams, procedures, creation, senior, opportunity, driving license, prize, junior, process, literary, man-made, republicans, waiting list, sewer systems, liberal democracy, democrats, umbrella, frequently updated, lunar calendar, libertarian, burger, videos, fund-raising event, magnet, dialect, ramification, straight, nature conservation, life expectancy, farewell, welfare, encyclopedia, illiteracy, robot, proficiency, evolution, revolution |
As you learn the IELTS words, you must ideally also learn their spellings, pronunciations, and changes they go through when they change their meanings. You do not have to learn specific meanings for each and every word by heart, but you must know the meaning and nature in order to use the words correctly.
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