Common topic vocabulary in IELTS General Reading

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Topics covered

  • Published: 23 February 2024

1. Topic: Space Science

This topic is suitable for those who enjoy watching or reading science, science fiction books, and studying natural science fields.

Common vocabulary terms

Vocabulary

Spaceship

Satellite

Habitable land

Outer space

Alien

2. Topic: News

This topic is quite familiar in daily life as it appears around us, on various media platforms, and electronic devices.

Common vocabulary terms

Vocabulary

Online news

Weather report

Journalist

Press

Biweekly

Paparazzi

Local news

World events

Headlines

Daily news

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3. Topic: Pedagogy

Education is a common topic that frequently appears in exams. This topic has many aspects to explore such as schools, subjects, tuition, teachers, and teaching quality.

Vocabulary

Primary

Secondary school

Curriculum

Headteacher

Qualification

Degree

Tuition fees

Classroom

Teacher

Exam

4. Topic: Child growth and learning

This topic is diverse, covering both the child's growth process and how education from family and society influences them.

Vocabulary

Well-behaved

Obedient

Naughty

Childish

Childlike

Perceptual

Childproof

Interaction

Sibling

Cousin

5. Topic: Movies

Another important topic you should not forget during IELTS vocabulary preparation is Movies. This field offers many aspects to explore, such as talking about a film, a movie genre, or the history of the seventh art. Besides learning specialized vocabulary, you should also remember the names of famous movies and award-winning films.

Vocabulary

Box-office hit

Indie film

Bomb

Plotline

Actor/actress

Director

Viewer

Cameo

Screenplay

Line

6. Topic: Digitalization

Digitalization is a relatively new field that has frequently appeared in IELTS exams over the past few years. This topic is specialized and academic, requiring you to use precise and accurate vocabulary to ensure clear expression.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Access to the Internet

Control remotely

Log in

Use a search engine

Social media networks

Wireless hotspots

7. Topic: Employment

Employment is also a familiar topic in IELTS exams. You can find vocabulary from job search apps or articles related to this field.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Well- paid

Temporary work

Interview

Working conditions

Land a new job

Sick leave

Annual leave

Career break

8. Topic: Places of Tourist Attraction

With this topic, you have numerous resources to expand your vocabulary, including travel books, magazines, and online travel shows. Additionally, you should memorize the names of famous tourist destinations, capitals, and major cities of tourist countries.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Holiday destinations

Out of season

Guided tours

Holiday brochures

Magnificent landscapes

Visa

Airplane

9. Topic: Time Management

Time management is one of the essential soft skills in modern society. Therefore, this topic also frequently appears in IELTS exams.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

To-do list

Biological clock

Early bird

Pick up a habit

Get work done

Chronic

10. Topic: Leadership Qualities and Issues in Leadership

Vocabulary related to this topic appears in news reports and company leadership surveys. You can use these resources to effectively organize your vocabulary.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Good listener

Think outside the box

Motivational

Integrity

Reliable

Pretentious

Core value

Natural-born leader

Painstaking

Role

11. Topic: Feedback Policy in the Workplace

This topic is a significant concern for modern employees. You can refer to feedback on companies from English forums or other materials online.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

A heavy workload

Manual work

Working conditions

Meet a deadline

Night shift

Overtime

Get the sack

12. Topic: Domestic and International Travel

What are the issues in domestic and international travel? What are the conditions for international travel? How do transportation methods and accommodations differ between domestic and international travel? These are common discussion points for this topic.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Travel abroad

Vacation

Airport

Train

Means of transport

MRT journey

Visa

Passport

13. Topic: Travel Restrictions

This topic mainly delves into the cultural aspects of various countries, so you can explore it in books, magazines, or groups sharing English-language travel experiences.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Cultural diversity

Illegal

Adopt to a new culture

Travel documents

To be valid

Local residents

Historical sites

Isolated places

Open your minds

14. Topic: Working Hours and Workplace Growth

The examiner may ask you to describe your current job, career progression, or your dream job.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

A nine -to-five

A steady job

Freelance job

Bonus

Flexitime

Fulltime

Parttime

Morning/night shift

Candidate

Retire

15. Topic: Work-life Balance

The issue of balancing work and life is a common concern today, and many people express their opinions on it. Therefore, you should prepare by expanding your vocabulary related to this topic.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Pace of life

Conflicts

Pressure

Workaholic

Workload

Burnout

Stressful

16. Topic: Business

In the IELTS Reading and Speaking exams, you may be asked to discuss issues related to business, such as describing how a company operates, your career ambitions, or whether you want to start a business.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Run someone own business

Set up the business

Make a profit

Company profile

Cash flow

Market research

Win a contract

Work for yourself

Take out a loan

17. Topic: Social Issues

Social issues are diverse, so the vocabulary to learn is equally varied. Moreover, given the current nature of the IELTS exam, social issues are highly likely to appear in test questions.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Crime

Refugee

Mortality

Deprivation

Homelessness

Institutional racism

Social welfare

Antisocial behaviors

Ongoing problem

Thorny issue

18. Topic: Economy

The economy is always one of the challenging topics in IELTS Reading, requiring candidates to have a good understanding of economic terms and to stay updated on economic news.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Weak economy

Macroeconomic/macroeconomics

Economic growth

Monopoly

Stock exchange

Supply and demand

Make a profit

Inflation

Revenue

Cash flow

19. Topic: Crisis Management

In a world full of disruptions, managing various types of crises such as economic crises, energy crises, etc., has gained significant attention. Therefore, it’s understandable that this topic frequently appears in IELTS exams.

Common Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Seeking asylum

Opponents

Rejecting refugees

Global level

Residency

Immigrants

Hybrid

Fossil fuel

Crisis

Turbine

For more: Vocabulary on frequently encountered topics in IELTS Academic Reading

This compilation of popular IELTS Reading topics across both General and Academic formats should provide you with valuable and fresh insights. Best of luck on your IELTS journey toward your desired band score!

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