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IELTS Vocabulary

Learn the IELTS vocabulary that comes up again and again: 1,283 words in 20 topics and 6 skill lists. Each word has a simple meaning, its sound, a band level, examples for Writing and Speaking, and the common mistake to avoid.

1,283 words20 topics6 skill listsFree quizzesUpdated October 2026

IELTS vocabulary by topic

These are the topics that come up most often in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. Each one has 50 words, from everyday words to the uncommon words that band 8 asks for.

IELTS vocabulary for each skill

How to learn IELTS vocabulary that sticks

  1. Learn ten words a day

    Read each meaning, press Listen, and say the word out loud with the right stress.

  2. Test yourself

    Every page ends with a 10-question quiz and flashcards for all of its words.

  3. Use the words

    Write an essay with five new words. Then check it with our free Writing Checker.

Questions about IELTS vocabulary

How many words do I need for IELTS?

There is no official number. Instead, examiners look at how wide your vocabulary is, how exactly you use words, and whether you put words together correctly. So, it is better to know 500 words well than 2,000 words badly.

Which IELTS vocabulary should I learn first?

First, choose the topics that come up most in Writing Task 2, such as education, the environment and technology. Then start with the band 6 words on each page, and after that add the band 7 words.

Is all of this IELTS vocabulary free?

Yes. Every list, the quizzes and the flashcards are free, and you don’t need to sign up.

Is there an official IELTS word list?

No. IELTS does not publish a word list. Our band levels follow the public IELTS band descriptors, which ask for some “less common” words at band 7 and “uncommon” words used with skill at band 8.