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IELTS General

Topic vocabulary: education, work, environment and technology

The four topics that appear most often, with phrases you can actually use.

12 minutes · A free lesson from Vocabulary for IELTS

Education

tuition feesmoney paid for teaching at a college or university
academic achievementsuccess in studySleep has been linked to academic achievement.
vocational trainingtraining for a particular jobVocational training can lead directly to employment.
lifelong learningcontinuing to learn throughout life

Work

job satisfactionhow happy people are in their work
work-life balancethe right amount of time for work and personal life
remote workingworking from home or away from the office
career prospectschances of success and promotion in the future

Environment

carbon emissionscarbon dioxide released into the air
renewable energyenergy from sources that do not run out, such as sun and wind
sustainableable to continue without damaging the environment
biodiversitythe variety of plants and animals in an area

Technology

digital literacythe ability to use digital technology well
screen timetime spent looking at phones, computers and televisions
automationusing machines to do work people did before
data privacykeeping personal information safe

Lesson quiz

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

Quick check: What does “work-life balance” mean?

  1. The right amount of time for work and personal life
  2. Doing two jobs at once
  3. A company's accounts
Show the answer

A: The right amount of time for work and personal life — A good work-life balance leaves time for family and rest.

Quick check: Which is renewable energy?

  1. Energy from coal
  2. Energy from the sun and wind
  3. Energy from oil
Show the answer

B: Energy from the sun and wind — Renewable sources do not run out.

Quick check: What is “vocational training”?

  1. Training during the holidays
  2. Training only for exams
  3. Training for a particular job
Show the answer

C: Training for a particular job — Vocational training can lead directly to employment.

Quick check: What does “automation” mean?

  1. Driving an automatic car
  2. Working without a manager
  3. Using machines to do work people did before
Show the answer

C: Using machines to do work people did before — Automation is a common Task 2 topic about the future of work.

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