[IELTS Vocabulary] Education

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Words and phrases

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Academic Achievement	Noun Phrase	Success in academic endeavors	Academic achievement is a reflection of hard work and dedication.
Access to Education	Noun Phrase	Availability and opportunity for education	Improving access to education is crucial for societal development.
Active Learning	Noun Phrase	Engaging and participatory learning	Active learning strategies involve students in the learning process.
Analytical Skills	Noun Phrase	Ability to analyze and evaluate information	Developing analytical skills is crucial for critical thinking.
Blended Learning	Noun Phrase	Combination of online and traditional learning	Blended learning combines the benefits of both approaches.
Classroom Environment	Noun Phrase	Conditions and atmosphere within a classroom	A positive classroom environment fosters better learning.
Collaboration	Noun	Working together towards a common goal	Collaboration among students fosters creativity and innovation.
Creative Thinking	Noun Phrase	Ability to generate original ideas	Encouraging creative thinking enhances problem-solving skills.
Cultivate	Verb	Foster and encourage growth	Teachers aim to cultivate a love for learning in their students.
Digital Literacy	Noun	Ability to use digital technologies effectively	Digital literacy is increasingly important in modern society.
Education System	Noun	Organized structure for delivering education	The education system in the country underwent reform.
Empower	Verb	Give power and confidence to individuals	Education empowers individuals to pursue their goals.
Empowerment of learners	Noun Phrase	Strengthening and enabling learners	Empowerment of learners fosters a sense of autonomy.
Enriching Experience	Noun Phrase	Experience that enhances knowledge and understanding	Studying abroad can be an enriching experience for students.
Equity in Education	Noun Phrase	Fairness and equality in access to education	Ensuring equity in education is a key goal for policymakers.
Facilitate Learning	Verb Phrase	Assist in the process of learning	Good teachers facilitate learning by creating engaging lessons.
Foster Relationships	Verb Phrase	Nurture and develop interpersonal connections	Schools should foster positive relationships among students.
Holistic Education	Noun Phrase	Education that addresses the whole person	Holistic education focuses on the intellectual and emotional development of students.
Inquiry-based Learning	Noun Phrase	Learning through questioning and exploration	Inquiry-based learning encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
Lifelong Learning	Noun Phrase	Continual learning throughout one’s life	Lifelong learning is essential in a rapidly changing world.
Lifelong Skills	Noun Phrase	Abilities useful throughout one’s life	Lifelong skills such as communication are essential in various contexts.
Motivate	Verb	Inspire and encourage	Good teachers motivate students to strive for excellence.
Online Learning	Noun Phrase	Education delivered via the internet	Online learning offers flexibility for busy individuals.
Parental Involvement	Noun Phrase	Participation of parents in their children’s education	Parental involvement positively impacts student performance.
Peer Interaction	Noun Phrase	Communication and collaboration among students	Peer interaction enhances social and cognitive development.
Personalized Learning	Noun Phrase	Tailored to individual needs and preferences	Personalized learning allows students to learn at their own pace.
Problem-Solving Skills	Noun Phrase	Ability to find solutions to challenges	Developing problem-solving skills is essential for success.
Reflective Practice	Adjective Phrase	Thoughtful and critical examination of experiences	Engaging in reflective practice helps educators improve their teaching methods.
Resilience	Noun	Ability to bounce back from setbacks	Resilience is an important trait for navigating academic challenges.
School Effectiveness	Noun Phrase	The extent to which a school achieves its goals	The school implemented measures to improve effectiveness.
Standardized Testing	Noun Phrase	Assessments with consistent criteria	Standardized testing helps evaluate student performance.
Stimulate	Verb	Encourage and provoke interest	Teachers use various methods to stimulate students’ curiosity.
Student Engagement	Noun Phrase	Involvement and participation in learning	Increasing student engagement enhances academic performance.
Technology Integration	Noun Phrase	Incorporation of technology into education	Technology integration enhances learning experiences.
Traditional Classroom Learning	Noun Phrase	Conventional face-to-face instruction	Traditional classroom learning remains prevalent in many settings.
Vocational Education	Noun	Training for specific trades or careers	Vocational education prepares students for practical skills.

Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Idiom	Definition	Example
Ace the exam	To excel or achieve a high score on an exam.	“I’m confident I can ace the final exam with all the preparation I’ve done.”
Bells and whistles	Extra features or embellishments that make something more attractive or impressive.	“The new educational software comes with all the bells and whistles, making learning more engaging.”
Bite off more than one can chew	To take on a task that is way too big or beyond one’s capacity.	“I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew with this advanced chemistry class.”
Burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night; to stay up very late working or studying.	“I’ve been burning the midnight oil to complete my thesis on time.”
Cram for the test	To study intensively for a short period of time, usually right before an exam.	“I have to cram for the history test tomorrow; I didn’t have time to study earlier.”
Cutting corners	To take shortcuts or to do something in the easiest or quickest way, often at the expense of quality.	“Don’t try cutting corners when it comes to your research; thoroughness is crucial.”
Drop the ball	To fail in one’s responsibilities; to make a mistake or fail to do something.	“I dropped the ball on that assignment; I should have started earlier.”
Grind to a halt	To come to a complete stop, often referring to a process or activity.	“The lack of resources caused the research project to grind to a halt.”
Hit the books	To study or read intensively, especially for an exam or assignment.	“I need to hit the books tonight if I want to pass the upcoming exam.”
Hitting the nail on the head	To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.	“The professor really hit the nail on the head with that explanation; it clarified everything for me.”
In the driver’s seat	To be in control or in charge of a situation.	“After completing the course, you’ll be in the driver’s seat of your career.”
Jump through hoops	To go through a series of difficult or annoying tasks or obstacles.	“To get into that prestigious university, you’ll have to jump through hoops during the application process.”
Learn the ropes	To become familiar with the basic aspects of a new situation or task.	“It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes of the new course.”
On the same page	To have a shared understanding or agreement about a particular topic.	“It’s essential for students and teachers to be on the same page for effective learning.”
Pass the buck	To avoid taking responsibility by passing it on to someone else.	“Don’t try to pass the buck; take responsibility for your grades and performance.”
Pass with flying colors	To pass a test or examination with outstanding success.	“She passed the language proficiency test with flying colors.”
Put one’s thinking cap on	To concentrate and think hard about something in order to solve a problem.	“I need to put my thinking cap on to solve these complex problems.”
The ball is in your court	It’s now someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision.	“You’ve received all the information; now the ball is in your court to make a decision.”
Turn the tables	To reverse a situation; to change the course of events in one’s favor.	“With proper preparation, you can turn the tables on difficult exams and projects.”