Callous - IELTS Word of the Day for Speaking & Writing
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Enhance your vocabulary with the word ‘Callous’ while attempting the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. Check out the meaning, tricks to use the word, and attempt exercises to get a band 8+.
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Learning words like 'Callous' and applying them appropriately would showcase a higher level of language proficiency that could help you achieve a band score of 8+. To excel in using the term in your answers, it is necessary to understand what the word means, along with its contexts and usage, while learning how to apply this knowledge in the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS Exam.
Therefore, it is important to practice using these words to build your confidence and learn the strategies to use them in different sentences. By practicing on a regular basis, you will be able to showcase your higher level of language proficiency.
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What is the Meaning of the Word ‘Callous’?
To get a higher IELTS Band Score of 8+ in the parameter of lexical resources, you should use appropriate vocabulary words at various levels. The table below depicts all the important factors which are helpful to get familiar with the term, ‘Callous’.
Topic |
Description |
Callous |
/ˈkæləs/ |
Definition |
[adjective]: Being insensitive and emotionally careless about others’ sufferings or feelings. |
Synonyms |
Heartless, Apathetic, Cold-hearted |
Antonyms |
Caring, Sensitive, Concerned |
Collocation |
Callous behaviour, Callous attitude, Callous treatment, Callous remark |
Origin |
Use of this word first came into the picture during the mid 16th century. This word is derived from a Middle English and Latin word ‘callosus.’ The metaphorical sense of callousness came into the world of English almost 300 years after the invention of its literal meaning. Robert Louis Stevenson used the word adequately while writing Treasure Island. It included the phrase, “But, indeed, from what I saw, all these buccaneers were as callous as the sea they sailed on.” This word is also influenced by the Latin root ‘callum’ to define hard skin. |
As an adjective [Callous] |
|
As a noun [Callous] |
|
Example |
|
Band 8+ Tricks to Use Callous in IELTS Speaking & Writing Answers
As you prepare yourself with the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules, incorporating terms like ‘Callous’ would level up your preparation. However, you must also learn how to incorporate it in sentences and practice to get familiar with the usage. Below are some of the tricks which can guide you with your preparation and learn how the term can add advantage to your answer.
- Since the term ‘Callous’ is a formal and semi-formal word, you can use it seamlessly in both the speaking and writing sections. You can use it in topics like crime, social inequality, work, animal rights, human rights, and technology.
- Try to avoid using the same word multiple times in your answers, which could result in redundancy. Therefore, get familiar with the synonyms so that you can also showcase a wide range of IELTS Vocabulary.
- When you get introduced to a new English word, you must try to make sentences with it. Learning the meaning and also the techniques as to how to use it in the context of grammar will help you gain confidence and feel ready for the exam.
- Create flashcards for every new word which you learn. On one side of the flashcard, you can write down the word along with its pronunciation as well as meaning, while the other side can include related sentences or experiences.
- To enhance your response for the IELTS Writing task, you can utilize this word in both task 1 and task 2. Since this is a formal word, using this in essays can enhance your band scores in the lexical resource parameter.
- Pronunciation of the word plays an important role here. For this, you can speak on a topic where you can easily weave this vocabulary word into different sentences and record the speaking process. This will help identify the areas where you might have trouble.
- Learning new vocabulary will always enhance your IELTS Grammar accuracy. With this, you will get the knowledge that you need to explore different topics in grammar.
Want to learn IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9? Let’s check out the video below!
Exercise on Callous for IELTS Speaking & Writing
Get comfortable with the word 'Callous' by diving into attempting this exercise. Use the context clues in the sentence and try to analyze which vocabulary words may fit in this, and then choose the right word. Follow the exercise below and try answering before checking the answer key.
Choose the following words to fill in the blank.
isolated |
topics |
classics |
dynamic |
sole |
adapt |
couple |
prohibits |
finite |
identical |
1 Disney’s early cartoon features are now considered _______________ in the field of animation.
2 I’ll be ready in a _______________ of minutes.
3 Victoria has enacted a new bylaw which _______________ smoking in all public buildings.
4 _______________ twins develop from the equal division of a fertilized egg.
5 Our oil and gas reserves are _______________, so we must take steps to develop alternative energy sources.
6 The _______________ economy of the U. S. is the envy of the world.
7 The murderer’s _________ lack of remorse shocked the jury.
8 After the birth of her little brother, Sophie was shocked to find that she was no longer the _______________ object of her parents’ affection.
9 It has taken my family a long time to _______________ to the cold of Canada.
10 The better your English language skills, the more you are able to talk about difficult _______________.
Answer to the Exercise on Callous for IELTS Speaking & Writing
How sure were you of your answers? Now, let's review the correct answers below and also look at your score. Remember to discuss why each answer is correct, which will make you think critically and become familiar with situations where you would commonly apply such words.
- classics
- couple
- prohibits
- identical
- finite
- dynamic
- callous
- sole
- adapt
- topics
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With regular planned practice sessions, your vocabulary would be enhanced with words such as ‘Callous’ for your IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. This will help organize your thoughts with logic which must be expressed in complex academic language. Keep moving forward by learning new words and taking steps toward a band 8+ score.
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