Five hand-picked Band 7+ words every day, with pronunciation, an IELTS-style example, synonyms, collocations and a tip on where to use each one in Writing or Speaking. Come back tomorrow for five more.
Causing death.
The disease is rarely fatal if it is treated early.
IELTS tip: Also used for serious mistakes: 'a fatal error'. Collocate with 'potentially'.
A substance formed by combining two or more chemical elements.
Scientists isolated a compound in the plant that may slow tumour growth.
IELTS tip: Stress changes: noun KOM-pownd, verb kum-POWND ('to make worse').
To help the economy grow and become stronger.
Hosting the Olympics is often expected to boost the economy.
IELTS tip: A safe Task 2 phrase for the benefits of tourism, events or investment.
Used to give an example.
Many jobs, for instance in banking, can now be done from home.
IELTS tip: Vary 'for example'; examples are essential for band 7+ Task 2 support.
The situation in which a type of animal or plant no longer exists.
Without urgent protection, several species of rhino face extinction within decades.
IELTS tip: 'On the verge of extinction' is a vivid, accurate phrase for Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
Pick the word that matches each meaning. Instant feedback, nothing is saved.