Education is one of the most frequently tested topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. To score well, candidates need precise academic vocabulary that can be applied across different education-related questions. Below are 30 commonly used and high-value vocabulary items, including words, idioms, and phrasal verbs, with meanings, pronunciation, and examples.
1. compulsory
Pronunciation: /kəmˈpʌlsəri/
Meaning: required by law or rules
Example:
Primary education is compulsory in many countries to ensure basic literacy.
2. curriculum
Pronunciation: /kəˈrɪkjələm/
Meaning: the subjects taught in a school or course
Example:
The school curriculum should be updated to meet modern demands.
3. academic performance
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk pəˈfɔːməns/
Meaning: how well students do in their studies
Example:
Parental involvement can have a positive effect on students’ academic performance.
4. higher education
Pronunciation: /ˌhaɪər ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/
Meaning: education at university or college level
Example:
Access to higher education has expanded significantly in recent decades.
5. vocational training
Pronunciation: /vəʊˈkeɪʃənəl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
Meaning: education focused on practical job skills
Example:
Vocational training prepares students for specific careers.
6. literacy rate
Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtərəsi reɪt/
Meaning: the percentage of people who can read and write
Example:
Improving the literacy rate is a key goal of educational reform.
7. drop out (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /drɒp aʊt/
Meaning: leave school or university before finishing
Example:
Many students drop out due to financial pressure.
8. equal access
Pronunciation: /ˈiːkwəl ˈækses/
Meaning: the same opportunities for everyone
Example:
Governments should ensure equal access to quality education.
9. educational inequality
Pronunciation: /ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃənəl ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/
Meaning: differences in educational opportunities
Example:
Educational inequality remains a serious issue in developing countries.
10. standardized testing
Pronunciation: /ˈstændədaɪzd ˈtestɪŋ/
Meaning: exams given in the same format to all students
Example:
Standardized testing is often criticized for limiting creativity.
11. critical thinking
Pronunciation: /ˌkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/
Meaning: the ability to analyze and evaluate ideas
Example:
Schools should encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning.
12. rote learning
Pronunciation: /rəʊt ˈlɜːnɪŋ/
Meaning: memorizing information without understanding
Example:
Rote learning does not prepare students for real-world problems.
13. academic pressure
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk ˈpreʃə/
Meaning: stress caused by studying and exams
Example:
Excessive academic pressure can harm students’ mental health.
14. tuition fees
Pronunciation: /tjuˈɪʃən fiːz/
Meaning: money paid for education
Example:
High tuition fees prevent many students from attending university.
15. lifelong learning
Pronunciation: /ˌlaɪflɒŋ ˈlɜːnɪŋ/
Meaning: learning throughout one’s life
Example:
Lifelong learning is essential in a rapidly changing job market.
16. practical skills
Pronunciation: /ˈpræktɪkəl skɪlz/
Meaning: skills useful for real-life tasks or jobs
Example:
Education should focus on both theory and practical skills.
17. academic qualifications
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/
Meaning: degrees or certificates earned through study
Example:
Academic qualifications are often required for professional careers.
18. learning outcomes
Pronunciation: /ˈlɜːnɪŋ ˈaʊtkʌmz/
Meaning: what students are expected to achieve
Example:
Clear learning outcomes help improve teaching effectiveness.
19. educational reform
Pronunciation: /ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃənəl rɪˈfɔːm/
Meaning: changes made to improve education systems
Example:
Educational reform is necessary to meet global standards.
20. school facilities
Pronunciation: /skuːl fəˈsɪlɪtiz/
Meaning: buildings and equipment in schools
Example:
Poor school facilities can negatively affect learning.
21. teacher training
Pronunciation: /ˈtiːtʃə ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
Meaning: preparation for becoming a teacher
Example:
Effective teacher training improves classroom quality.
22. digital learning
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɜːnɪŋ/
Meaning: education using technology
Example:
Digital learning has become more popular since the pandemic.
23. academic achievement
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk əˈtʃiːvmənt/
Meaning: success in education
Example:
Parental support strongly influences academic achievement.
24. school discipline
Pronunciation: /skuːl ˈdɪsəplɪn/
Meaning: rules and behavior management in schools
Example:
Strict school discipline can create a focused learning environment.
25. drop-out rate
Pronunciation: /ˈdrɒpaʊt reɪt/
Meaning: percentage of students who leave school early
Example:
Improving financial support can reduce the drop-out rate.
26. well-rounded education
Pronunciation: /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/
Meaning: education covering academics, skills, and character
Example:
A well-rounded education prepares students for life, not just exams.
27. academic freedom
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk ˈfriːdəm/
Meaning: freedom to teach and research ideas
Example:
Universities should protect academic freedom.
28. access to education
Pronunciation: /ˈækses tuː ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/
Meaning: the ability to receive education
Example:
Technology improves access to education in remote areas.
29. educational standards
Pronunciation: /ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃənəl ˈstændədz/
Meaning: expected levels of quality in education
Example:
Raising educational standards benefits society as a whole.
30. knowledge-based society
Pronunciation: /ˈnɒlɪdʒ beɪst səˈsaɪəti/
Meaning: a society driven by education and knowledge
Example:
Education is the foundation of a knowledge-based society.
