Essential Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Test

Education: Institutions, Subjects, and Useful Vocabulary

Educational Institutions

Kindergarten: Pre-school education for young children.
Primary school: The initial stage of formal education for children.
Secondary school: Education provided after primary school and before college or university.
College: Further education institution offering specialized courses.
Higher education / University education / Tertiary education: Education at the post-secondary level.
Post-graduate school: University-level education for students studying beyond the undergraduate degree level.

Maths: The study of numbers, calculations, and mathematical concepts.
Language: The study of a specific language, such as English or French.
Literature: The study of written works, including novels, poems, and plays.
Science: The study of the natural world, including biology, physics, and chemistry.
Physics: The branch of science that deals with matter, energy, and their interactions.
Biology: The study of living organisms and their processes.
Chemistry: The branch of science that deals with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.
Natural science: The scientific study of the natural world, including physical and biological sciences.
Geography: The study of the Earth’s physical features, climate, and human populations.
Religious studies: The academic study of various religions and religious beliefs.
History: The study of past events, people, and societies.
Information technology (IT): The study of computer systems, software, and networks.
Physical education (PE): The subject that involves physical activities and sports.
Cookery / Domestic science / Food science: The study of cooking and food preparation.
Handicrafts: Activities involving the creation of handmade objects or crafts.
Art: The creative expression of ideas and emotions through visual forms.
Music: The study and appreciation of different forms of musical expression.

Laboratory experiments: Carrying out scientific experiments in a laboratory setting.
Cutting up animals for scientific research: The process of dissecting animals for scientific purposes.
Lessons that are planned and included in a school curriculum: Scheduled instructional sessions.
Formulas and equations in mathematics: Mathematical expressions and mathematical statements.
Assign homework / Complete homework: Distribute assignments / Finish assigned tasks.
Finish secondary education / Graduate from high school: Successfully complete secondary schooling.
Participate in school activities or sports: Engage in extracurricular or athletic pursuits.
Copying or outlining in pencil: Tracing or sketching lightly with a pencil.
Without an ear for music: Lacking musical aptitude or the ability to appreciate different melodies and notes.

BA / BSc: Bachelor of Arts Degree / Bachelor of Science Degree.
MA / MSc: Master of Arts / Master of Science.
PhD: Doctorate.
Certificate: A lower-level qualification often offered at colleges or universities.
Diploma: A document awarded for completing a specific course of study.
Online Course: A course that is conducted over the internet.
Distance Learning Course: A course that allows students to study remotely.
Vocational course: A course that teaches specific skills for a particular job.
Non-vocational course: A course that is not directly related to a specific job but focuses on a general subject.

To graduate from a university: Successfully complete a degree course or finish university education.
To enroll on a degree course: Register or put your name down for a degree program.
To major in physics: Choose physics as your main subject of study at university.
To attend a lecture: Go and listen to a speaker, often in a lecture theatre with a large audience.
To attend a tutorial: Go to a meeting with a professor, usually in a small group setting held in their office.
To deliver a lecture: Give a talk or presentation to an audience.
To lecture in media studies: Talk about or teach media studies at the university level.
The faculty of business: A department or division specializing in business subjects at the university.
To read history: Study or pursue a course of study in history.
To do or complete coursework: Engage in project work or assignments as part of your academic program.
Undergraduate: Someone currently pursuing their first degree at university.
Graduate: Someone who has completed a degree course or obtained a degree.
Note-taking: The skill of capturing important information by writing down notes during a lecture or presentation.
Keeping up with the workload: Being able to maintain the level of studying and completing required tasks.
Fall behind with studies: Fail to keep pace with the workload and requirements of school or university.

Presentations: Delivering talks or demonstrations on a particular topic or subject.
Lectures: Formal presentations or talks given by professors or experts in a specific field.
Tutorials: Small group meetings with a professor or tutor to discuss and explore course materials.
Thesis: A lengthy research paper or document written to earn an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree.
Dissertation: A comprehensive research document required for the completion of a doctoral degree.
Hypothesis: A proposed explanation or prediction that serves as the basis for research and experimentation.
Assignment: A task or piece of work given to students to complete as part of their coursework.
Project work: Practical tasks or assignments that involve research, analysis, and presentation of findings.
Research: Conducting systematic investigations to gather information and contribute to knowledge in a specific field.

Literate: Having the ability to read and write.
Illiterate: Unable to read and write.
Literacy rate: The percentage of people in a country or region who can read and write.
Comprehensive education: A well-rounded and broad education that covers a variety of subjects.
Scholarship: An award of free or supported education granted to high achievers.
Student loan: Money borrowed by students to pay for their education, which they must repay after graduating.
Pay off a student loan: Repay the borrowed money used for university education.
Intensive course: A course that runs over a short period but contains a substantial amount of information and training.
Play truant / Truancy: Not attending school or being absent from school without permission.
Gap year: A period of time, typically a year, taken between high school and university for travel, work, or personal development.