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.
Too much traffic in one place, causing slow movement.
Congestion in the city centre is worst between eight and nine in the morning.
IELTS tip: 'Ease' or 'reduce congestion' are the best verbs in transport essays.
A family consisting only of parents and their children.
The nuclear family has replaced the extended family in many modern cities.
IELTS tip: Contrast it with 'extended family' in family-change essays.
To gain new experiences and knowledge that change the way you see the world.
Travelling abroad really broadened my horizons and made me more open-minded.
IELTS tip: Change 'one's' to 'my', 'your', 'their'; ideal for travel and education questions.
The feeling or fact of being unlikely to lose your job.
Many young people now value job security less than the chance to do meaningful work.
IELTS tip: A strong phrase for essays comparing public-sector and private-sector jobs, or permanent and freelance work.
The situation in which people in a society live together in unity and cooperation.
Community festivals can strengthen social cohesion in diverse neighbourhoods.
IELTS tip: 'Social cohesion' is a high-level collocation for immigration and community essays.
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