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IELTS Academic

Topic vocabulary: health, environment, technology and work

Words that let you discuss the common Task 2 and Part 3 topics precisely.

15 minutes · A free lesson from Vocabulary: topics and word forms

Health

sedentary lifestylea life with little physical activityA sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease.
preventive healthcarecare that stops illness before it startsInvestment in preventive healthcare reduces costs later.
life expectancyhow long people live on averageLife expectancy has risen steadily.

Environment

carbon emissionscarbon dioxide released by burning fuelAviation is responsible for a growing share of carbon emissions.
renewable energyenergy from sun, wind or waterRenewable energy is now cheaper than coal in many places.
deforestationthe cutting down of forestsDeforestation threatens thousands of species.

Technology

automationmachines doing work people used to doAutomation may replace some routine jobs.
digital dividethe gap between people with and without internet accessOnline learning can widen the digital divide.
screen timetime spent looking at screensParents worry about children's screen time.

Work

work–life balancetime for both work and personal lifeFlexible hours can improve work–life balance.
job securityconfidence that you will keep your jobTemporary contracts offer little job security.
remote workingworking away from the officeRemote working has changed city centres.

Lesson quiz

Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.

Quick check: What is a “sedentary lifestyle”?

  1. A life of constant travel
  2. A life with little physical activity
  3. A healthy diet
Show the answer

B: A life with little physical activity — A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease.

Quick check: What is the “digital divide”?

  1. The gap between people with and without internet access
  2. A broken computer screen
  3. The difference between two apps
Show the answer

A: The gap between people with and without internet access — Online learning can widen the digital divide.

Quick check: What is “job security”?

  1. Guards at a workplace
  2. A password for work
  3. Confidence that you will keep your job
Show the answer

C: Confidence that you will keep your job — Temporary contracts offer little job security.

Quick check: What does “preventive healthcare” do?

  1. Stops illness before it starts
  2. Treats illness after it starts
  3. Stops people seeing doctors
Show the answer

A: Stops illness before it starts — Investment in preventive healthcare reduces costs later.

Practise: collocations for Task 2
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