Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS, Check Complete List
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Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS is an important resource for candidates preparing for the IELTS Academic test. Many students struggle with vocabulary because IELTS requires clear, formal, and academic language. The Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS helps learners understand and use words that commonly appear in academic texts, lectures, and writing tasks.
The IELTS exam tests language used in education and research settings. This makes academic vocabulary essential. Learning the Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS improves comprehension, expression, and overall language accuracy. It also supports better performance in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening sections.
What Is the Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS?
The Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS is a list of words developed by Averil Coxhead. It includes words that frequently appear in academic texts across different subjects. These words are not basic English words. They are also not technical words limited to one field.
The academic word list for IELTS exam contains 570 word families. These words are divided into 10 sublists. The first sublist includes the most frequently used academic words. The later sublists include less frequent but still important academic vocabulary.
The awl for IELTS focuses on words used in textbooks, journals, and university-level materials. This makes it highly relevant for IELTS Academic candidates.
Why Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS Is Important?
Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS plays a key role in exam preparation. IELTS examiners assess vocabulary under the Lexical Resource criteria. Candidates must show the ability to use precise and formal words.
Here are the main reasons why the Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS is important:
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It improves academic vocabulary for IELTS
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It supports complex idea expression
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It reduces repetition of simple words
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It improves clarity in writing and speaking
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It helps in understanding academic reading passages
The academic word list for IELTS preparation allows students to communicate ideas in a structured and formal way.
Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS
The following tables provide the Base Word alongside its most useful variations. Mastery of these different forms allows you to vary your sentence structures—a key requirement for a Band 7.0+ in Lexical Resource.
Sublist 1: High-Frequency Foundations
These are the most common words found in academic journals and IELTS Reading passages.
| Sublist 1: High-Frequency Foundations | ||||
| Base Word | Noun Form | Verb Form | Adjective Form | Adverbial Form |
| Analyze | Analysis | Analyze | Analytical | Analytically |
| Benefit | Benefit / Beneficiary | Benefit | Beneficial | Beneficially |
| Concept | Concept / Notion | Conceptualize | Conceptual | Conceptually |
| Consistent | Consistency | Consist | Consistent | Consistently |
| Distribute | Distribution | Distribute | Distributive | Distributively |
| Establish | Establishment | Establish | Established | — |
| Indicate | Indication / Indicator | Indicate | Indicative | Indicatively |
| Significant | Significance | Signify | Significant | Significantly |
| Theory | Theory / Theorist | Theorize | Theoretical | Theoretically |
| Variable | Variation / Variety | Vary | Variable / Varied | Variably |
Sublist 2: Development and Research
Use these words when discussing trends, data collection, or social changes.
| Sublist 2: Development and Research | ||||
| Base Word | Noun Form | Verb Form | Adjective Form | Adverbial Form |
| Achieve | Achievement | Achieve | Achievable | — |
| Acquire | Acquisition | Acquire | Acquired | — |
| Complex | Complexity | — | Complex | — |
| Conclude | Conclusion | Conclude | Conclusive | Conclusively |
| Evaluate | Evaluation | Evaluate | Evaluative | — |
| Maintain | Maintenance | Maintain | Maintained | — |
| Perceive | Perception | Perceive | Perceptive | Perceptively |
| Relevant | Relevance | — | Relevant | Relevantly |
| Strategy | Strategy / Strategist | Strategize | Strategic | Strategically |
| Transfer | Transfer | Transfer | Transferable | — |
Sublist 3: Logic and Justification
Essential for IELTS Writing Task 2 when you need to build a logical argument or provide evidence.
| Sublist 3: Logic and Justification | ||||
| Base Word | Noun Form | Verb Form | Adjective Form | Adverbial Form |
| Alternative | Alternative | — | Alternative | Alternatively |
| Component | Component | — | Componential | — |
| Consent | Consent | Consent | Consensual | Consensually |
| Core | Core | — | Core | — |
| Dominate | Dominance | Dominate | Dominant | — |
| Illustrate | Illustration | Illustrate | Illustrative | — |
| Imply | Implication | Imply | Implicit | Implicitly |
| Justify | Justification | Justify | Justifiable | Justifiably |
| Proportion | Proportion | Proportion | Proportional | Proportionally |
| Validate | Validity | Validate | Valid | Validly |
Sublist 4: Data and Implementation
Perfect for IELTS Writing Task 1 (describing charts and processes).
| Sublist 4: Data and Implementation | ||||
| Base Word | Noun Form | Verb Form | Adjective Form | Adverbial Form |
| Approximate | Approximation | Approximate | Approximate | Approximately |
| Contrast | Contrast | Contrast | Contrasting | — |
| Cycle | Cycle | Cycle | Cyclical | Cyclically |
| Emerge | Emergence | Emerge | Emerging | — |
| Hypothesis | Hypothesis | Hypothesize | Hypothetical | Hypothetically |
| Implement | Implementation | Implement | Implemented | — |
| Predict | Prediction | Predict | Predictable | Predictably |
| Retain | Retention | Retain | Retentive | — |
| Status | Status | — | — | — |
| Subsequent | Subsequence | — | Subsequent | Subsequently |
How to Study Academic Word List for IELTS Preparation?
Studying the Academic Word List (AWL) for IELTS requires a structured approach.
Step 1: Learn Words by Sublist
Start with Sublist 1. These words appear most frequently. Gradually move to higher sublists.
Step 2: Learn Word Forms
Focus on noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms. This helps in sentence construction.
Step 3: Use Words in Sentences
Practice writing sentences using academic words for IELTS writing. This improves retention.
Step 4: Read Academic Texts
Reading articles, reports, and journals helps you see how the academic word list ielts is used naturally.
Step 5: Practice Speaking
Use academic words for IELTS speaking in discussion topics. This improves fluency and confidence.