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IELTS topic Vocabulary - Education

Introduction

Education is one of the key topics for IELTS. You will almost certainly need it in part 1 of
the speaking module and it is also a common essay topic. You will find here a list of helpful
vocabulary to improve your performance in those two papers.

How to learn this vocabulary

Whatever you do, donʼt just sit down and learn the list. You need to be able to use the
language for yourself. How can you do this:

♦ choose the language that you need - make it personal to you

♦ note what other words it is used with
♦ note any grammar problems
♦ remember pronunciation

Key university language

Graduate

Word Examples/explanations Word form

Graduate Graduate from university Verb

A graduate A graduate of Oxford university/ a Noun

graduate in economics
A postgraduate Heʼs a postgraduate student Noun

An undergraduate Undergraduates receive a grant Noun

A fresher Life can be difficult for freshers Noun

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Types of degree

Word Meaning/example
A first degree The degree undergraduates do

A bachelorʼs degree A synonym for a first degree

A masterʼs (degree) He is doing a masterʼs in politics

A PhD or a doctorate Only a few students go on to do a PhD

Types of course

Phrase Example

A full-time degee course Most students follow a full-time degree course

A part-time degree course If you are in full-time employment, a part-time may

A distance course
A sandwich course
be more suitable
In the age of the internet, more and more people
are studying by distance
If you want practical experience, a sandwich
course is the best option

Types of writing

Form of writing Explanation

Thesis The paper you write at the end of your PhD

Dissertation The paper you write at the end of your masterʼs (and some
first degree courses)
Assignment This is the university equivalent of homework
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Useful verbs for speaking

Verb Examples

Do Iʼm doing law at Bristol University

Study Iʼm studying maths at Beijing University

Major Iʼm majoring in English

Be Iʼm at the LSE.

Go Heʼs going to university next year

Leave I left university 20 years ago.

Finish Iʼm going to finish my course next year

Other learning verbs

Learning words Examples

Revise I need to do some revision before the exam.

Understand Iʼve tried learning it by heart, but I still donʼt understand it.

Take notes Itʼs important to take notes when you are listening to a
lecture.
Organise After the lecture you should organise your notes

Review I review my notes at the end of every week.

Concentrate Itʼs not always easy to concentrate in lectures.

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Types of institution

Place Explanation

A faculty Part of a university which specialises in the taeching of

one subject, eg “the Law Faculty”
A college Part of a university in British English which students
belong to for social activities
A college of further An alternative to university. Where you normally study
education something vocational
A polytechnic An alternative word for university in some cultures;
sometimes one step below university
Law school Where you study law after you graduate and before
you start practising law
Medical school The name of the medical faculty in many universities

Qualifications

Degree You receive a degree from a university at the end of your

course

Diploma A diploma is for a shorter course than a degree

Certificate A certicate is also for a short course

Forms of education

Type of education Explanation

Higher education University education

Further education Normally for more vocational courses and may start from
the age of 16
Adult education This is normally for non-degree programmes and often is
part-time
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Forms of study

Learning process Explanation

Lecture The students make notes and listen to the lecturer. There
may be a question and answer session at the end.
Seminar Often led by a student on a particular topic. Normally, the
idea is everyone gets the chance to talk. Often follows a
lecture
Tutorial Sometimes teaching one-to-one with a tutor and
sometimes the same as a seminar

Finance

Word Example

Scholarship She won a scholarship for her dissertation.

Grant Because she came from a poor background, she was given a
grant by local government
Loan Almost all British undergraduates now have student loans that
they need to repay when they start earning

Exercises and advice on how to use this vocabulary

More vocabulary lists and exercises