từ vựng ielts theo chủ đề

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TỪ VỰNG IELTS THEO CHỦ ĐỀ

GOVERNMENT
1. Forms of government
central government: this is the national government of a country
local government: this is the regional form of government that typically takes care of more
local issues
the authorities: this is a general term for all forms of government – note that we use it in the
plural.
regulatory bodies: these are bodies which are sometimes set up by the government and
sometimes
self-regulatory and typically they control one specific area such as advertising. Legislation
is not always the answer.
enforcement agencies: these are bodies that have direct control of how laws are being
obeyed. This is something central government does not always do itself. An example of an
enforcement agency is the body that monitors pollution in rivers.
international organisations: don’t forget these either. many problems need global solutions
and demand international cooperation from bodies like the UN.
2. What central governments do
pass/introduce legislation: The time has come when the government needs to introduce new
legislation to protect the privacy of citizens.
bring in/enact laws: One possible solution is for the government to bring in laws that
prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone under 21.
adopt policies: One possibility is for the government to adopt policies that encourage
mothers to return to work.
take measures/action: The situation is now so severe that the government must take
measures to police the internet.
raise (and lower) taxes: One way to limit air pollution from aircraft would be for the

government to raise airport tax.
have/provide a budget/funding: It is the responsibility of the government to provide more
funding for research into renewable energy.
ban/prohibit: Most people would agree that there should be a ban on the sale of automatic
weapons.
3. People within a government
departments: The Health Department should ensure that doctors are not forced to work a
60-hour week.
political parties; This is one issue where all political parties should work together to
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provide a solution.
politicians: If enough people protested then politicians would have to listen and take action.
4. What local governments do
impose fines: Local councils should ensure that householders are fined if they do not
recycle their waste properly.
provide resources/services: Local government needs to provide adequate resources for
schools so that they can cope with the influx of children who speak English as a second
language.
maintain: If local governments maintained the roads in a better condition, then there would
be fewer problems with traffic congestion.
fund: Councils could fund local community projects where residents work as volunteers in
schools and hospitals.
hire: It would certainly help if local councils hired more staff.

5. Thinking long-term and short short-term
temporary: One idea is that the government could introduce a temporary restriction on
immigration to determine what effect it would have on employment rates.
long-term The government needs to consider the long-term effect of a poorly trained
workforce.
immediate Governments of wealthier countries should provide financial assistance to people
in disaster zones to help with their immediate needs.
a stopgap measure While this may only be a stopgap measure, it would help if governments
sent financial aid to disaster areas.
6. How people can influence governments
lobby politicians: Individuals could help here by lobbying their elected representatives and
MPs to try and force them to introduce legislation.
engage in peaceful protests/demonstrations It is possible that the government might be
swayed by peaceful demonstrations asking for more action on the environment.
IMMIGRATION
The key words for describing immigration are
immigrant – the person
immigrate – the verb
immigration – the idea
Note that immigrants (people who enter a country) are also emigrants (people who leave a
country) and also migrants.
1. Some common word combinations
illegal immigrants: – people who enter a country illegally
economic migrants: – people who move country to earn more money
migrant workers: – note that migrant can also work as an adjective
immigrant community/population: – this can be used for people who have settled in country
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for some time
influx of immigrants: – this is usually used in a negative sense meaning that there are too
many immigrants
first generation immigrant: – this is either an immigrant or a child on an immigrant
[sometimes it is hyphenated as “first-generation”]
2. Arguments in favour of immigration
dynamism: Immigrants provide dynamism which is beneficial to the economy and helps
growth and competitiveness. For example, many immigrants set up their own businesses.
unskilled labour: In many countries there is a shortage of unskilled labour and the
immigrant population is typically willing to do work that the native population is not. This is
particularly the case in agricultural communities where immigrants provide seasonal labour
in the harvest season.
skilled labour: A large proportion of young immigrants are highly-qualified university
graduates and they work in fields where there is a shortage of skilled labour.
childcare: Another benefit that immigrants bring is that they often work in childcare or as
home helps and this enables more mothers to return to work.
boost the economy: Most research shows that encouraging immigration actually provides a
boost to the economy as immigrants are net contributors to the GDP. There is also evidence
that they actually claim fewer benefits and pay more tax than the native population.
principle of freedom of movement: There is also the consideration that the principle of
freedom of movement is a human right and that people should be allowed to choose where
they live.
short-term only: It should also be considered that many younger migrants return home once
they have earned enough money and will never claim pensions in their host country.
3. Arguments against immigration
integration: The major argument against immigration is that so many migrants fail to

integrate with the local community and culture and this leads to social tension and even
unrest.
local services and jobs: One common difficulty is that they increase the pressure on local
services and create competition for local jobs and this creates ill-will.
claim benefits/social housing: One reason why people want less immigration is that
immigrants do not pay tax and still claim benefits and require social housing that is paid for
by taxpayers.
schools: Another serious issue is that in some areas schools do not have sufficient places for
the children and so class sizes become unmanageable.
language: Related to this is the problem that many immigrants only have a basic command
of the language and this can lead to difficulties in the classroom and elsewhere.
loss of trained workers: The impact on poorer countries who lose much of their trained
workforce through emigration should also not be forgotten.
overcrowding/population: Many countries need to limit immigration because they are
already suffering from over-population.
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4. Measures and solutions
taxes and law: One possible measure is to ensure that migrants pay taxes and are subject to
the criminal justice system.
language requirements: Another measure that could be put in place is to insist on a
minimum language requirement so that all immigrants are able to integrate
into the community.
deportation: Some people believe that all illegal immigrants should be deported

immediately.
quota: The United States for example has a quota system whereby a fixed number of green
cards are issued every year.
CLIMATE CHANGE
1. Talking about the size of the problem
crisis: Climate change is a crisis that cannot be ignored by governments.
record levels/amount: Despite the claims of some scientists, we are now producing record
levels of CO2 and there is no dispute about the connection between this and global warming.
disaster/disastrous: It is not an exaggeration to say that the effects of global warming are
disastrous.
global: Although some areas are relatively unaffected now, climate change is a global
problem.
irreversible: The major concern is that the effects of our actions on the climate will be
irreversible.
long-term: The effects of our use of fossil fuels today may last for generations and it is
almost certain to have long-term consequences for humanity.
2. Negative Effects
ill-health: It sometimes goes unnoticed that there is a clear connection between climate
change and ill-health.
floods/rainstorms: One result of the rising temperatures is that floods and rainstorms are
now a frequent occurrence.
the Polar ice cap: One major concern is that rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing
the Polar ice cap to melt, which in turn is leading to rising sea levels.
heatwaves and droughts: Most experts agree that there is an increased risk of heatwaves
and other extreme weather conditions.
the natural world: Climate change will not only have a severe impact on people, but also
devastate the natural world and lead to the extinction of important species.
food shortages: We are already seeing in many parts of the world that climate change is
leading to food shortages as a direct consequence of extreme weather conditions.
housing/homelessness: One side-effect of rising sea levels is that more and more people who

live by the coast will become homeless.
conflicts/wars: If no action is taken on climate change, then it is likely that there will be
more conflicts between nations, especially over water supplies.
cost: It has been shown that any delay in making emission cuts will increase the cost of
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reducing carbon dioxide by almost 50%.
3. Causes
human activity: It is no longer possible to say that human activity does not affect weather
conditions.
greenhouse gas emissions: If we are to halt climate change, we need to make substantial
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
power stations: One of the leading causes of climate change is the number of dirty power
stations using fossil fuels.
carbon emissions: Carbon emissions are still rising year by year and are at record levels.
illegal logging and deforestation: It should not be forgotten that illegal logging in the
Amazon Basin is still a major factor in climate change.
burning fossil fuels: Individuals can make a small contribution by not burning wood and
other fossil fuels.
CO2: The root cause of much global warming is the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
4. Possible solutions
wind and solar power: An obvious solution is to deploy much more wind and solar power.
renewable energy: Wind farms and other sources of renewable energy will help to reduce
Co2 emissions to an acceptable level.

international action/cooperation: International action on climate change could have a
significant impact.
quick/immediate action: Any action should be immediate because this is not a problem that
can be delayed.
investment: There should be greater incentives to invest in renewables and to reduce the
current reliance on fossil fuels.
decommission power stations: It goes without saying that coal-fuelled power stations
should be decommissioned.
protest/campaign: Individuals can help force governments to act by taking part in legal
protests against the continuing use of fossil fuels.
energy efficiency and waste: A greater emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing waste
would undoubtedly mean that less fuel was consumed.
5. Ways of taking action
avert: Investment in renewable energy will help avert the impact of the CO2 emissions.
prevent: The only way to prevent the disaster is to reduce these emissions to zero.
act/take action: Governments should take decisive action to halt global warming.
fight/combat: A way needs to be found to make combatting global warming that is
affordable.
sustainable and affordable: The key is to ensure that all countries around the world have
the chance to adopt energy
6. How individuals can help
lobby MPs: If enough of us lobbied our MPs and other elected
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representatives then they would have to bring in legislation.
participate in peaceful protests: Another possibility is to take part in marches and other
peaceful protests to apply pressure on governments and raise
awareness of the issue.
community projects: In some areas there are small-scale community projects to encourage
local residents to install solar panels and, in some places, help pay for them.
share transport: We also have the responsibility to consider how we contribute to global
warming by making unnecessary car journeys. We can always cycle to work, have a joint
school run with other parents and even share a car on the daily commute to work.
diet and our carbon footprint: Reducing food wastage is perhaps the way individuals can
minimise their carbon footprint and so help global warming.
energy-efficient lightbulbs: Another small way in which we can use less energy is to switch
to energy efficient lightbulbs.
solar panels: There are an increasing number of solar panels on the market and these can
not only reduce energy bills but also mean that less carbon fuel is consumed.
heat insulation: Likewise, it is important that people insulate their houses well so that less
gas and electricity is consumed.
EMPLOYMENT
1. Employ - word formation
Employ
Some companies prefer to employ people with experience than better qualified graduates.
Employment
We can see from the chart that the rate of employment fell by 25% in their third quarter of
the year.
Employee
Some companies do not reward their employees as well as others do.
Employer
In this situation, it is the duty of the employer to make sure the female workers are not
discriminated against.
Unemployment

Unemployment is a serious problem in some countries in Europe.
2. Work
Workplace: Sadly, there is still amount of discrimination against women in the workplace.
Working environment: Employers can help relieve the pressure on their employees by
ensuring they have a pleasant working environment.
Hours of work: In some professions, such as law, the hours of work are much longer than in
others.
The working week: There is much to be said for the proposal that the working week should
be reduced to 35 hours.
Work-life balance: A sensible work- life balance can help employees work more efficiently.
Work placement: Many large organisations have work placement programmes that provide
students with experience before they start their career.
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In/out of work: Unemployment has been on the increase in many countries and sometimes
up to 10% of the workforce are out of work
3. Job
Job security: For some people job security is more important than financial reward.
Job placement: Some companies have job placement schemes for university students.
Job satisfaction: It is hard to underestimate the value of job satisfaction.
Job description: Some employees have very broad job descriptions
Jobseeker: Employers can attract jobseekers with attractive employment packages.
4. Career
Interview: These companies perhaps need to change the interview process so that they hire

the right candidates.
Qualifications: It is not always the case that a university degree is the best qualification in
the world of finance.
Experience: Some graduates have difficulty finding a job because they do not have the
relevant work experience.
Training: Employers need to provide training to ensure that their staff are able to adapt to
these new technologies.
Retire/retirement: In many countries the age of retirement is now 68 or even 70.
Resign/resignation: There is a danger that employees will hand in their resignation and look
for another job.
Promotion: There is an argument for promoting employees who show the most potential.
Redundant: One side-effect of adopting these new technologies is that it has led to mass
redundancies in manufacturing industries.
5. Adjectives to describe jobs
Rewarding: One of the most rewarding aspects of the work is the chance to work with
children.
Challenging: While this can be challenging, there is no doubt that it can be equally
rewarding.
Repetitive: A great deal of office work is in fact quite repetitive and not especially
challenging.
Ambitious: It is the type of opportunity that would suit an ambitious university graduate.
Stressful: One of most stressful aspects of the modern workplace is the constant threat of
redundancy.
Glamorous: Although business trips and the chance to travel abroad may seem glamorous,
they are frequently the source of stress.
ADVERTISING
1. Advert, advertisement or ad?
All these forms of the words are correct but ad is mostly used in spoken English
only. You should also be aware of a common pronunciation problem:
advert

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advertise
advertisement

This means that you make an “iss” sound when say advertisement. This is a very common
mistake and one way to avoid it is to say and write advert.
2. Different forms of advertising
Television commercial: The BBC is perhaps unique for not carrying any commercials.
Radio spot: Radio stations make most of their revenue by selling airtime in the form of
radio spots.
Billboard: Most major highways now have billboards by the roadside advertising everything
from soap to gas.
Flyer: It can be very effective to hand out flyers.
Small ads/ personal ads: Not all advertising is commercial, many newspapers
carry small ads for personal services.
Trailer: The trailer, as often as not, is actually better than the film itself.
Product placement: We are not always aware that we are being “sold” a product; for
instance, when products are placed in films.
Promotion: The two for the price of one promotion can often be very misleading.
Endorsement: Many sports stars earn the majority of their income from endorsing various
products.
Sponsorship: It is unarguable that tobacco firms should not be allowed to sponsor sports
events.
3. Adjectives to describe advertising

Witty/ humorous: The idea is that if you can make someone laugh with a witty advert, then
they will be more likely to buy the product.
Memorable: Almost all the best adverts are memorable in some way.
Persuasive: Some ads are extremely persuasive and we find we buy products we do not
really need.
Misleading: Although there are regulations against this, many adverts are still misleading.
word-of-mouth: It is frequently said that the most effective form of advertising is word-ofmouth advertising.
4. Other related words
Regulation: Most people would accept that the advertising industry needs some form of
regulation.
Advertising agency: Advertising agencies frequently do extensive market research to
discover what attracts consumers.
Target: The difficulty comes when adverts target young children who are too easily
influenced by them.
Consumers: It can also be argued that consumers are able to decide for themselves what to
buy.
Brand awareness: Advertising is essential for companies that need to build their brand
awareness.
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TECHNOLOGY
1. Progress words
When you write and speak about computers and technology, very often you will be asked to
say how technology has changed or progressed.

Innovation /innovative: The cloud is one of the latest innovations in computer technology.
Advance: One major advance is in the use of computers in transport regulation.
Develop /development: It is not easy to predict how this technology is going to develop.
Progress: The 21st century has already seen considerable progress in computer technology.
Revolution /revolutionary/ revolutionise: It is undeniable that computers have
revolutionised our lives.
Breakthrough: One of the greatest technological breakthroughs ever made was the
microchip.
(Progress is an uncountable word, while advance is countable. So you say that “digital
technology is an advance” but you cannot say that “digital technology is a progress”)
2. Impact of technology
Another common topic is to talk about what effect computer technology has had on our lives
Change: It goes without saying that the computer revolution has changed all our lives.
Affect/effect: Generally speaking , most technology has had a beneficial effect on our lives.
Influence/ influential: Few inventions have had a greater influence on mankind than the
computer.
Impact: It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of this technology will be.
3. Technology and computer words
It is very easy to keep on repeating the same word without knowing it. One way not to do
this is to change the form of the word or to use it in a different phrase.
Technology: One of the disadvantages of consumers of modern technology is that it rapidly
becomes obsolete.
Technological: Simple as it is, I believe that cell phone is the most significant technological
innovation.
Technophobe: There are a monority of people who remain technophobes and do not have
mobile phones or even know how to text.
Technophile: Other, of course, and technophiles and will buy the latest gadget whether they
need it or not.
Computer technology/ICT: Nowadays, one of the core subjects on any school’s curriculum
is ICT and it is essential for school leavers to be computer literate.

Information technology/IT: While computers have many possible applications, their
greatest use is to allow us to exchange information- hence the name information
technology.
Digital native: Young people have an advantage by being digital natives and having grown
up with laptops and mobile phones.
Computer literate: It is now almost impossible to work in an office, if you are not
computer literate.
The computer age: In fact, we could now be said to live in the computer age.
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4. Adjective and Technology
Cutting- edge: One such cutting-edge innovation is the concept of the cloud.
State-of-the-art: It is not always, however, necessary to have the latest state-of the-art
technology.
Labour-saving: Perhaps the most influential inventions are relatively simple labour-saving
devices such as the vacuum cleaner.
Advanced: More advanced technology is not always the best.
High: An example of this is how some high tech solutions are less reliable than the
technology they replaced.
Outdated: The pace of change in the computer industry means that hardware can become
outdated or even obsolete.
“obsolete” is similar in meaning to “outdated”, but is a stronger word to show that the
technology is so old that it cannot be used any longer. It is normal to write “high tech”
rather than “high technology”.

5. Technological Device
Device: We now have more leisure time because of labour-saving devices in the home such
as the dishwasher.
Equipment: A computer is no longer a luxury, but has become an essential piece of
equipment for any student or employee.
Gadget: We should not forget that many technological gadgets not only make out lives
easier but are also fun to use.
Appliance: Almost all modern kitchens have several electrical appliances that save our time
(A “device” is often something fairly small that allows you to complete a task. There is a
strong collocation (very common phrase): “labour-saving device”.
“Equipment” is an uncountable word so you need to say “a piece of equipment”. It is a very
general use word that can be used to describe almost anything mechanical.
“Gadget” is a word often used to describe objects that are either small or have a less serious
purpose.
“Appliance” is typically used in the phrase “electrical appliances” (eg irons and kettles)
that are less advanced technology.)
FAMILY
1. Types of family
Close-knit family: We’re a pretty close-knit family, we tend to talk to each other
every day.
Immediate/extended family: While my immediate family is quite small, my more extended
family is huge – I think I have over 15(first) cousins.
Cousins/ relates: I get on especially well with my (first) cousin. We re only a year apart in
age and have grown up together.
Only/middle child: I’m an only child and I think because of that I have a closer relationship
with my mother than some other children do.
Separated/divorced: In fact, my parents are divorced and I was brought up by my mother.
Step-brother/half-brother: I guess I’m closest to my step-mother just because
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we’re almost the same age.
In-laws: Strangely enough, I think I have a closer relationship with my mother-in-law than
my biological mother.
In British English, your first cousin is the son/daughter of your uncle/ aunt.
Relatives is a useful word to describe your extended family.
A half-brother/sister is when you share a parent, while a step-brother/sister is when neither
parent is in common, for instance when your parent marries someone else who already had
children.
Your mother/father-in-law is the mother/father of your husband/wife.
2. Family resemblances
These words are useful for describing things that you may have in common with other
members of your family.
(Resemble is mostly used to describe physical similarities (look like), while take after can
also be used to describe other personal characteristics (you both like reading). If you quarrel
or squabble with someone, it is normally a fairly minor disagreement. Sibling rivalry is when
brothers and sisters compete with each other.)
Run in the family: A love of the outdoors runs in the family.
Take after/resemble: People always say I take after my father, though I think I’ much more
like my mum really.
Family trait: One of our family traits is that we all talk all the time. Our family gatherings
tend to be noisy affairs!
Have things in common: I think one reason why we have grown apart is that we just don’t
have that much in common.
Quarrel/squabble with: I used to quarrel with my sister all the time when we were kids, but

we get on just fine now. It was just the normal sibling rivalry.
Get together: Although we live in different towns now, we still try to get together whenever
we can.
3. Family relationships
Be close to: Actually, I’m closer to my father than my mother- there’s a special bond
between us.
Get on/along with: Although I get along well enough with my sister, I wouldn’t describe
our relationship as being particularly close.
Admire/ look up: I really admire my mum- she really has two jobs but you’d never know it.
The one in the office and another one at home.
Rely on/depend on: I suppose her best quality is that I can always depend on her to be there
for me. She’s never let me down yet.
Look after/ take care of: My older sister was a big influence too, she really looked after me
when I was younger.
Bring up / raise: My mum and dad really shared the responsibility of bringing us up- they
shared it between themselves.
Age difference: I get on best with my oldest brother despite the age difference between us.
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GLOBALIZATION
1. The world – the countries
How do you describe the different regions of the world? Here are a few basic alternatives to
get you started:
Developing countries: Poverty is still an issua in many developing countries.

Less developed countries: Many less developed countries suffer from a poor transport
infrastructure.
The industrialized world: It is the responsibility of the industrialized world to provide
financial support.
Richer nations: Richer nations exploited the natural resources found in Africa and Asia in
colonial times.
Superpower: While the USA was the great ecomomic superpower of the twentieth century,
it seems likely that the world economy will be dominated by China and India in the twenty
first century.
You should note some very useful world phrases: all around the world, all over
the world, in all four corners of the world, worldwide, the other side of the world.
2. How to say “global”
Globalization is a good word, but you do need some alternatives. These options allow you to
use the word “global” in different ways and thinks about different aspects of globalization.
The global village: It is often said that we live a global village, not least because it is so easy
to communicate with people all over the world.
The global economy: One feature of the global economy is that countries are affected by
economic problems in other parts of the world.
Global trade: The WTO has helped reduce tariffs on global trade and this has changed the
marketplace.
International (co-operation): This problem requires International cooperation just because
it reaches beyond the borders of any one country.
The world: Modern telecommunication system and the internet have made the world a much
smaller place.
Local/national/domestic: If we are to find a solution to world poverty, it is necessary to
look for domestic solutions and not just international aid.
Ubiquitous: For example, Coca Cola is now almost ubiquitous. (Ubiquitous is a nice word
that means “everywhere”)
Universal: A negative aspect of globalization is that some cultures are losing some of their
identity, as more and more people adopt a new universal culture.

3. Co-operation and integration
One key feature of globalization is that nations work together and become more integrated.
Co-operate: For example, countries in the EU now co-operate together to control the level
of immigration.
Integrate: One key feature of globalization is that economies around the world have become
much more closely intergrated.
Multilateral/ unilateral: In the world today, it is not possible for governments to adopt
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policies on immigration unilaterally.
Communication: One of the major benefits of globalization is the ease of communication in
the modern world.
4. Other problems related globalisation
Loss of identity: While it can be argued that globalization leads to greater harmony, one
drawback is that loss of cultural identity may follow.
Sweatshops/ outsourcing: Too many multinational corporations make their profits by
outsourcing their production to countries where labour is cheap.
Indeed, at times this amounts to exploitation in swearshops, with the rich getting richer and
the poor poorer.
National sovereignty: Many people object to globalization on the grounds that it interferes
with national sovereignty.
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
1. A warning – local variations
This list of vocabulary comes from the British educational system. Different countries and

cultures frequently use their own terminology. For instance, in American English it is quite
possible to describe university as “college” or “school”. These words mean something quite
different in British English
2. Graduate
Graduate (verb): Graduate from university.
A graduate (noun): A graduate of Oxford university/ a graduate in economics.
A postgraduate (noun): He’s a postgraduate student.
An undergraduate (noun): Undergraduates receive a grant.
A fresher (noun): Life can be difficult for freshers.
(it can replace the word “student” note the different prepositions “of a university” and
“from university” and “in a subject” graduate is quite formal so in speaking you could use
“I left university” instead a fresher is a first year student, Americans use “freshman”)
3. Level of degrees
A first degree: The degree undergraduate do
A bachelor’s degree: A synonym for a first degree.
A master’s (degree): He is doing a master’s in politics.
A PhD or a doctorate: Only a few students go on to do a PhD.
4. Types of education
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 parttime.
notes
if you receive a degree from a university, you are in higher education
if you receive a diploma or certificate, you are in further education
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5. Types of course
A full- time degree 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 be more
suitable.
A distance course: In the age of the internet, more and more people are studying by
distance.
A sandwich course: If you want practical experience, a sandwich course is the best option.
6. Forms of learning
Lecture: The students make notes and listen to 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.
notes and common mistakes a lecturer gives or delivers a lecture and is sometimes used as
a rank of university teacher
a tutor is in charge of a seminar or tutorial
we don’t use “class” or “lesson” in university education (although Americans do use “class”)
7. Financial aid for students
Schoolarship: She won a schoolarship for her dissertation. (a scholarship is won for
academic merit)
Grant: Because she came from a poor background, she was given a grant by local
government. (typically a grant is awarded either for a particular project or to allow a student
to follow a course)
Loan: Almost all British undergradutes now have student loans that they need to repay when
they start earning.
CRIME
1. Types of crime
Petty crime: Less serious crimes such as shoplifting and pickpocketing

Serious crime: When the sum involved is large or the consequences more serious
Violent crime: Includes assault, mugging and armed robbery
White-collar crime: Crimes committed by “office works”, for example fraud.
Organised crime: Large scale crime by crime organisations such as the Mafia, for example
smuggling
Crime against property
2. Key words for Crime
Another key word here is “offence” which is a close synonym for crime. It is a slightly
broader word as it includes behaviour that is not necessarily criminal.
You can also use the phrase “criminal behaviour“.
3. Punishments
Prison : Note the vers “to imprison” and the phrase “to send to prison”
Serve a prison sentence/ custodial sentence: “Serious offender should be forced to serve at
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least a 3-year prison sentence”
Community service (order): The offender has to do work that helps the community rather
than go to prison
A fine: People who commit some petty crimes or road traffic offences should pay
a fine
(receive) a caution: If the offence is less serious then the offender may be let off
with a caution
(be puts) on probation: Sometimes first-time offenders are not imprisoned but are placed
under supervision for a set period of time to ensure their good behavior

A ban: Some driving offences such as “drink driving” are punished with a ban There is a
common saying that “the punishment should fit the crime“. If you wish to practise this
vocabulary, a standard exercise is to look at the crimes and decide what punishment you
think they should receive.
In some countries, there is still capital punishment/the death penalty, while this is banned in
other countries. An occasional IELTS essay topic is to discuss the merits of capital
punishment. What are the arguments for and against it?
Another topic you need to consider is crime prevention. Is it more effective to send someone
to prison or to prevent the crime in the first place? Linked into this idea is whether prison
sentences act as a deterrent to criminals.
4. The justice process
The details of this will vary from the country to country, but here are some of the
main ideas:
Pass a law/legislate against: This is the role of government
Enforce the law: An alternative phrase here is “law enforcement”: this involves the courts
and the police force.
Investigate a crime: The first step in the criminal process
Arrest a suspect: Before the trial he is “a suspect”, during the trial he is a “defendant” and,
if convicted, he is then “a criminal”
Punish an offender: “Offender” is another useful word for “criminal”
Pass a sentence: Normally this is the role of the judge. “Sentence” is also a verb/noun, so a
judge may “sentence a criminal”
Convict a criminal: Another phrase meaning to find someone guilty and punish them. The
noun “conviction” is just as common
Plead innocent/guilty: In a trial the defendant can either plead guilty or innocent
A court case/trial: This is what happens in the court. A trial is a criminal process, whereas a
court case includes proceedings for civil (non-criminal) matters.
5. Other useful phrases
Law-abiding citizens: Another way to say this is “to abide by the law”
To fight crime: This is the role of the police force and the courts. Another way of saying this

is to “tackle crime”
A crime wave: When there is a rise in crime, particularly of one type
To turn to crime: Another way of saying to become a professional criminal
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Antisocial beharvior: Behaviour that may not be against the law but disrupts the
community, being drunk in public
The incidence of crime: How much crime happens
Motive for crime: The reason why people commit crimes
Juvenile delinquency: Antisocial behavior committed by people under18
A repeat offender: Someone who has been convicted more than once
ENVIRONMENT
1. Environmental problems
Green (issues): A very common synonym for “environmental”
Global warming : An example of man’s effect on the environment
The greenhouse effect: Connected to global warming
The natural world
Deforestation: Cutting down forests
Rainforests : A useful example when discussing environmental problem
2. The Environment
An ecosystem: The system where plants and animals support one another
(Endangered) species: Examples include the Giant Panda
Biodiversity: Variety of plant and animal file in a region
A habitat: The natural habitat of an animal is where it lives

The planet: A synonym for the Earth
The Earth: Note the capital letter and “the”
The natural world: Includes both animal and plant life
3. Pollution
Dump waste : If factories dump waste, they illegally deposit (normally dangerous) waste
Acid rain: rain that is “poisonous” because of the poor air quality
Factories and power stations: Two examples of sources of pollution
Carbon Monoxide and carbon dioxide: Names of two gases useful of discussing acid rain
and the green house effect
Fumes/Emissions: These are the gases that are produced by cars and factories that cause
pollution
Chemicals and fertilisers: Useful examples of products that cause water pollution
(Industrial) waste: We also talk about waste products
Air/Water quality: This can be affected by pollution
Smog : An extreme form of air pollution almost like fog
Pollution: Remember “air and water pollution”: other forms of the word include “pollute”
and “pollutants”.
I would have said that one of the most serious environmental problems today is of course
pollution. It’s a very pressing green issue and if you travel to any of the large cities in
China, for example, you’ll find that there is very bad air pollution and there is a layer of
smog hanging over the cities. It’s just air pollution, there is also water pollution. in many
parts of the world, the quality of the water is not good because rivers have been
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contaminated by all sorts of industrial waste, by chemicals and fertilisers. And what we
need to do is to recycle our waste and take care of the planet and try use renewable
resources where we possibly can.
4. Our effect on the natural world
When we’re the discussing the environment, it’s important not to forget that our actions have
an impact not only on us but on the natural world and other species. So, for example,
certain species are now endangered because of our actions. it’s not just because of hunting,
but because we have destroyed their natural habitats: they do not enough food or anywhere
to live. If we carry on in this way, the biodiversity of the planet is under threat.
5. Global warming
What’s the greatest threat to the Earth today? I’d have to say it’s probably a combination of
global warming and the greenhouse effect. I don’t understand all the science behind it, but
I understand it’s to do with the build up of gases such as carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere, which means that the planet is slowly but steadily getting warmer. and one of
the results of this is that the polar icecap is melting and the levels of the oceans are rising.
And it’s caused I understand by deforestation, particularly of rainforests and particularly in
the Amazonian Basin. And what this means is that we may be doing irreparable harm to the
planet and the future of the planet for our children and our children’s children looks really
rather bleak.

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