Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score: Topic-Wise

Kasturika Samanta

11 min read

Updated On Mar 26, 2025

Boost your performance with essential topic-wise IELTS Speaking vocabulary for your target band score of 9 on IELTS Speaking tests. Find some tips to speak more confidently and clearly and learn to handle different IELTS speaking topics!

List of Popular Topics in IELTS Speaking
Latest Topic-Wise IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score
5 Ways to Use IELTS Speaking Vocabulary for a Band 8+

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Knowing what is lexical resource in IELTS and how IELTS speaking vocabulary affects your overall speaking band score is one of the crucial steps for preparing for the exam. Since vocabulary accounts for 25% of the total score, it is important to prepare a list of common English words used in IELTS Speaking test for the most popular speaking topics.

To ease your burden and guide you to the desirable score of 9, we have curated a list of the latest topic-wise IELTS speaking vocabulary to boost your confidence as well as your score.

List of Popular Topics in IELTS Speaking

Before you move on to the list of the IELTS Speaking vocabulary for different topics, it is important to know what are the most popular and recent IELTS topics in IELTS Speaking tests 2025. They are:

Hometown & Local Area
Work & Studies
Family & Relationships
Hobbies & Leisure Activities
Travel & Holidays
Technology & Social Media
Environment & Climate Change
Health & Fitness
Education & Learning
Culture & Traditions

Latest Topic-Wise IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score

1. Hometown & Local Area

Hometown and neighbourhood play a crucial role in shaping our identity and lifestyle. Be it a bustling city or a quiet countryside, places where we live influences our experiences, opportunities, and personal growth. So, this topic frequently appears in Part 1 and Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, where candidates describe their hometown, compare urban and rural life, or discuss urban development with relevant IELTS speaking vocabulary.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Suburban	residential area outside a city	I grew up in a suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets.
Bustling	full of activity and noise	The city center is always bustling with tourists and street performers.
Picturesque	visually attractive	My hometown has a picturesque old town with cobbled streets.
Tranquil	peaceful and calm	I prefer living in a tranquil village rather than a noisy city.
Metropolitan	relating to a large city	She enjoys the fast-paced lifestyle of a metropolitan area.
Idyllic	extremely peaceful and beautiful	The idyllic countryside is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Urban sprawl	the uncontrolled expansion of cities	Rapid urban sprawl has led to traffic congestion and pollution.
Quaint	attractively unusual or old-fashioned	The town has a quaint charm with its historic buildings.
Infrastructure	basic facilities like roads and buildings	The government is investing in better infrastructure for rural areas.
Scenic	having beautiful views	The drive through the mountains offers scenic landscapes.

2. Work & Studies

Work and studies are not only essential aspects of life, defining our career path and intellectual growth, but it is also important for IELTS Speaking preparation. People either pursue academic excellence or gain practical experience through employment. In IELTS Speaking, candidates discuss their current job, study preferences, career ambitions, and workplace trends.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Colleague	a person you work with	I get along well with my colleagues at the office.
Monotonous	dull and repetitive	My previous job was monotonous, with the same tasks every day.
Challenging	difficult but rewarding	Studying abroad was a challenging yet enriching experience.
Prestigious	highly respected	Getting into a prestigious university is my dream.
Entrepreneurial	showing business initiative	She has an entrepreneurial mindset and runs her own startup.
Lucrative	profitable	The IT sector offers many lucrative job opportunities.
Tedious	boring and time-consuming	Data entry can be tedious, but it is necessary.
Versatile	able to adapt to different tasks	Being versatile in the workplace can open many doors.
Internship	a temporary job for learning	I completed an internship at a marketing firm last summer.
Job satisfaction	feeling fulfilled in work	A good salary is important, but job satisfaction matters more.

3. Family & Relationships

Family and relationships shape our emotional well-being and social interactions. This topic appears in all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, where candidates may describe their family members, discuss generational differences, or explore the importance of relationships in society.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Sibling	a brother or sister	I have a close relationship with my siblings.
Upbringing	the way someone is raised	My upbringing emphasized discipline and hard work.
Nurturing	providing care and support	A nurturing environment is crucial for a child's development.
Bond	a strong connection	My father and I share a strong bond over football.
Close-knit	having strong relationships	We are a close-knit family and always support each other.
Estranged	no longer close	She became estranged from her parents after moving abroad.
Ancestry	family heritage	I traced my ancestry back to the 18th century.
Role model	someone you admire	My mother is my role model because of her resilience.
Generational gap	differences between generations	The generational gap sometimes leads to misunderstandings.
Parental guidance	advice from parents	Good parental guidance helps children make wise decisions.

4. Hobbies & Leisure Activities

Candidates are often asked about their hobbies in IELTS Speaking Part 1, while Part 3 may include discussions on how leisure activities impact mental health and society.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Recreational	done for enjoyment	Jogging is my favorite recreational activity.
Pastime	a hobby or activity	Reading is a great pastime that enhances knowledge.
Leisurely	done in a relaxed way	I enjoy a leisurely walk in the park after work.
Immerse	to deeply engage in something	I like to immerse myself in painting during weekends.
Fulfilling	giving satisfaction	Volunteering is a fulfilling way to spend free time.
Wholesome	beneficial and healthy	I prefer wholesome hobbies like gardening and hiking.
Enthusiast	a person who is passionate about something	I'm a fitness enthusiast, so I work out daily.
Exhilarating	exciting and thrilling	Skydiving is an exhilarating experience I’ll never forget.
Meticulous	showing great attention to detail	Knitting requires a meticulous approach.
Unwind	to relax after stress	I like to unwind with a good book after work.

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5. Travel & Holidays

Travel and holidays appear frequently in IELTS Speaking, where candidates describe past trips, discuss tourism trends, or debate the benefits of international travel. So, it is important not only to know how to prepare a cue card for IELTS Speaking on this topic but also to curate a list of IELTS Speaking vocabulary for it.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Scenic	beautiful natural views	The countryside offers scenic landscapes.
Getaway	a short trip	We planned a weekend getaway to the mountains.
Adventurous	willing to try new things	I have an adventurous spirit and love exploring new places.
Serene	calm and peaceful	The beach at sunrise is serene and breathtaking.
Jet lag	tiredness from traveling across time zones	I always suffer from jet lag after long flights.
Breathtaking	extremely beautiful	The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking.
Itinerary	a planned route or journey	We followed a detailed itinerary to maximize our trip.
Wanderlust	a strong desire to travel	My wanderlust drives me to explore different countries.
Cultural immersion	experiencing a culture deeply	Staying with locals provides true cultural immersion.
Picturesque	beautiful like a picture	The old town has picturesque streets filled with cafes.

6. Technology & Social Media

Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and learn. Additionally, with the rise of social media and artificial intelligence, our daily lives are increasingly dependent on digital advancements. This topic often appears in IELTS Speaking Part 3, where candidates discuss the impact of technology, the pros and cons of social media, or the future of artificial intelligence.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Gadget	a small technological device	Smartphones are the most common gadgets nowadays.
Innovative	introducing new ideas or methods	The company launched an innovative AI assistant.
Tech-savvy	good with technology	The younger generation is generally more tech-savvy.
Addictive	hard to stop using	Social media can be addictive if not used wisely.
Cybersecurity	protection of digital data	Companies invest heavily in cybersecurity to prevent hacking.
Artificial intelligence	machines performing human-like tasks	Artificial intelligence is transforming industries.
Digital detox	a break from digital devices	I take a digital detox every weekend to refresh my mind.
E-commerce	online buying and selling	E-commerce has made shopping more convenient.
Augmented reality	enhancing real-world experiences digitally	Many apps now use augmented reality for interactive features.
Influencer	someone who impacts others online	Brands collaborate with social media influencers for marketing.

7. Environment & Climate Change

IELTS Speaking often includes discussions on climate change, conservation efforts, and government policies related to environmental sustainability. Therefore, understanding fluency and coherence in IELTS Speaking is a must and creating a word list on this topic helps to improve it.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Sustainable	environmentally friendly	We need sustainable solutions for energy consumption.
Deforestation	cutting down forests	Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.
Carbon footprint	the amount of carbon dioxide emitted	Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial for climate change.
Renewable energy	energy from natural sources	Wind and solar power are examples of renewable energy.
Eco-friendly	not harmful to the environment	I prefer eco-friendly products made from recycled materials.
Global warming	rising temperatures of the Earth	Global warming is affecting weather patterns worldwide.
Biodiversity	variety of plant and animal life	Protecting biodiversity is crucial for a balanced ecosystem.
Conservation	protecting the environment	Conservation efforts are needed to save endangered species.
Pollution	contamination of the environment	Air pollution is a serious problem in urban areas.
Climate crisis	urgent global climate issues	The climate crisis demands immediate action from governments.

8. Health & Fitness

You may be asked about their personal fitness habits in Part 1, while Part 3 discussions may focus on healthcare systems, the impact of technology on health, or global health challenges. Similarly, IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards can discuss healthy lifestyle or habits, or ask to describe an article you read about healthy living, etc.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Well-being	overall health and happiness	Mental well-being is as important as physical health.
Nutritious	providing healthy nutrients	A balanced diet should include nutritious foods.
Sedentary lifestyle	a way of life with little movement	A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity.
Cardiovascular	related to the heart and blood vessels	Running is great for cardiovascular fitness.
Mental health	psychological well-being	Mental health awareness is growing worldwide.
Immunity	the body's ability to fight disease	A healthy diet boosts immunity.
Workout routine	a planned exercise schedule	I follow a strict workout routine.
Obesity	excess body fat	Obesity is a growing concern in many countries.
Holistic approach	focusing on overall well-being	A holistic approach to health includes diet, exercise, and rest.
Preventative care	actions to avoid illness	Regular check-ups are part of preventative care.

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9. Education & Learning

Education, being the foundation of personal and professional development, is common in all three parts of IELTS Speaking. You may be asked to describe your education, discuss education systems, share about an educational trip or debate the importance of lifelong learning. So, be prepared to answer questions and cue cards with the most relevant IELTS Speaking vocabulary.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Curriculum	course content in education	Our school's curriculum includes both academics and extracurriculars.
Scholarship	financial aid for studies	I received a scholarship to study abroad.
Vocational	relating to job-specific training	Vocational courses prepare students for practical careers.
Pedagogy	the method of teaching	Modern pedagogy focuses on student-centered learning.
Lifelong learning	continuous education throughout life	Lifelong learning is essential in today's fast-changing world.
Assessment	evaluation of knowledge	Regular assessments help track students' progress.
Interactive learning	learning through active participation	Interactive learning keeps students engaged in class.
Academic excellence	outstanding performance in studies	The university is known for its academic excellence.
Literacy rate	the percentage of people who can read and write	The country's literacy rate has improved significantly.
Higher education	university-level studies	Higher education opens doors to better career opportunities.

10. Culture & Traditions

As part of the culture and traditions topic, you might be asked to describe your country's traditions in Part 1 and discuss cultural preservation, globalization, or changes in traditions in Part 3. Make sure to use a wide range of IELTS Speaking vocabulary, including words, idioms and phrasal verbs for IELTS Speaking.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
Heritage	traditions passed down through generations	Our cultural heritage reflects our history and values.
Festivity	a celebration or festival	Diwali is a time of great festivity in India.
Customary	according to tradition	It is customary to bow before elders in some cultures.
Ritual	a traditional ceremony	The wedding rituals lasted for three days.
Diverse	showing variety	My country has a diverse mix of cultures and traditions.
Authentic	genuine or traditional	The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine.
Folklore	traditional stories and legends	Greek folklore includes myths of gods and heroes.
Cultural assimilation	the process of adapting to a new culture	Cultural assimilation can be challenging for immigrants.
Preserve	to protect and maintain something	We must preserve our ancient languages and traditions.
Ceremonial	related to formal traditions	The king's ceremonial robe was woven with gold threads.

Check out the video below for a quick reference to IELTS Speaking test vocabulary and how to use them while answering questions in the exam.

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5 Ways to Use IELTS Speaking Vocabulary for a Band 8+

Given below are 5 useful IELTS Speaking tips to impress the examiner for a band 8+:

1 Use Collocations Naturally: A collocation is a natural combination of words that native speakers use frequently. Instead of memorizing difficult words in isolation, focus on how they naturally pair with other words. This makes your speech more fluent and natural, increasing your Lexical Resource score. So, learn the top 20 important collocations for IELTS.

Example:

"I have an adventurous personality." (simple, lacks fluency)
"I have a keen sense of adventure, and I’m always looking for thrilling experiences." (Band 8+ collocations)

2 Upgrade Simple Adjectives with Precise Vocabulary

Many IELTS candidates overuse basic adjectives like good, bad, big, small, beautiful, interesting. Instead, replace them with precise, high-level adjectives that accurately describe your ideas.

Example:

"The view was very beautiful." (basic)
"The view was absolutely breathtaking, with picturesque landscapes stretching for miles." (Band 8+ precise adjectives)

3 Use Advanced Linking Words & Discourse Markers

Using natural linking words helps your speech sound coherent and connected. Examiners listen for speech markers that make your responses flow smoothly rather than sound robotic or memorized. So, make sure to learn some linking words for IELTS Speaking section.

Example:

"Technology is useful in education." (basic)
"Technology is, without a doubt, revolutionizing education by making learning more interactive and engaging." (Band 8+ linking phrase)

4 Apply the Word in a Personal or Hypothetical Example

IELTS Speaking is not about defining words—it’s about using them naturally in real-life situations. To sound more fluent, always support your answers with examples, personal experiences, or hypothetical situations.

Example:

"Pollution is a problem." (simple, lacks depth)
"In my city, air pollution levels have skyrocketed due to heavy traffic. If the government doesn’t enforce stricter emission regulations, the situation could deteriorate further." (Band 8+ with real-life example)

5 Paraphrase & Avoid Repetition

Repetition of words shows limited vocabulary, which can lower your score. Instead, practice paraphrasing by using synonyms, rewording sentences, or using common idioms in IELTS Speaking.

Example:

"I like to travel because traveling is fun, and traveling helps me learn." (repetitive)
"I have a deep passion for exploring new places, as it offers an exhilarating experience and broadens my perspective on different cultures." (Band 8+ variety of vocabulary)

Mastering Band 8+ in IELTS Speaking vocabulary isn’t just about using difficult words—it’s about using them naturally and effectively. So, practice incorporating collocations, precise adjectives, linking phrases, real-life examples, and paraphrasing while taking IELTS Speaking practice tests and you can make your speech sound more fluent and sophisticated to achieve your desired band score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to use idioms to get a higher band score in IELTS Speaking?

No, it is not mandatory to use idioms to get a high band score. But, If you are well-versed with the idioms, like their precise meanings, and ways to use them naturally and appropriately, you can use them while conversing with the examiner. However, you must understand the fixed expressions, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions of the idiomatic languages.

Will the examiner judge my accent?

Of course not! In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will not judge your accent as long as your pronunciation is clear and accurate. If the accent causes errors in pronunciation, it will confuse the examiner.

Are eye contact and body language important for a high score?

No, the examiner is judging your English according to the four criteria: Fluency, Pronunciation, Vocabulary and Grammar. Therefore, eye contact and body language doesn't contribute for a high score.

Why is pronunciation important in IELTS Speaking?

In the IELTS Speaking test, pronunciation is one of the marking criteria, which is worth 25% of your performance. It is a key to getting a high score in IELTS Speaking because it can enhance or damage your entire performance. Therefore, you need to pronounce every word clearly.

Why is vocabulary essential in IELTS Speaking?

Vocabulary contributes up to 25% to your total score in the IELTS Speaking test. Most of the time, candidates fumble or keep on repeating the same thing while searching for complex words, which affects their fluency and score. Thus, they need to have a robust vocabulary and use them wisely in their conversation