How to use this guide: Don’t try to memorise all 100 words at once. Focus on one theme at a time. For each word, read the meaning, check the usage note, then try to use it in a sentence of your own.
Jump to a theme
Theme 01
Education
20 words
Education
20 words
Curriculum
The subjects and content taught in a school or course
national curriculum, school curriculum
Pedagogy
The method and practice of teaching
Used in academic discussions about education
Compulsory education
Education that is legally required
Usually refers to primary and secondary schooling
Higher education
Education beyond secondary school
Also known as tertiary education
Vocational education
Education that prepares students for specific careers
E.g. plumbing, nursing, IT support
Holistic development
Educating the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, socially
Used in modern education philosophies
Academic achievement
Success in school measured by grades or test results
Often discussed in performance comparisons
Dropout rate
The percentage of students who leave school before completing it
A key indicator of education system effectiveness
Standardised testing
Exams given uniformly across a region or country
E.g. IELTS, SATs, A-levels
Distance learning
Studying remotely without being physically present
Also called online learning or remote education
Interactive learning
Education that involves student participation and engagement
Often contrasted with passive lectures
Extracurricular activities
Non-academic activities like sports, music, or volunteering
Valued for building social and leadership skills
Student-centred learning
Teaching focused on students’ needs and interests
Opposite: teacher-centred learning
Inclusive education
Education that accommodates students of all abilities and backgrounds
Supports diversity and equality
Tuition fees
The cost students pay for education
Often debated in terms of accessibility and fairness
Educational inequality
Differences in access or quality of education due to social or economic factors
E.g. rural vs urban schools
Bursary / Scholarship
Financial support awarded to students based on need or merit
Useful when discussing accessibility of higher education
Learning outcomes
The knowledge or skills a student is expected to gain
Often used in evaluating school performance
Cramming
Last-minute intense study before an exam
Often seen as ineffective for deep learning
Liberal arts education
Education in humanities promoting critical thinking
Contrasted with technical or vocational paths
Theme 02
Technology
20 words
Technology
20 words
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Computer systems capable of learning, problem-solving, or decision-making
E.g. chatbots, self-driving cars
Automation
Use of machines or software to perform tasks without human input
Common in factories, data processing
Digital divide
The gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who don’t
Often linked to socioeconomic inequality
E-waste
Discarded electronic devices and components
A growing environmental concern
Data privacy
Protection of personal information online
A major issue in the digital age
Cybersecurity
Protecting computer systems from theft, hacking, or damage
Essential in business and government sectors
Smart devices
Gadgets connected to the internet performing automated functions
E.g. smartwatches, smart TVs, smart homes
Cloud computing
Storing and accessing data over the internet
Popular with companies for flexibility and storage
Digital literacy
The ability to use technology effectively and responsibly
A modern essential skill
Big data
Extremely large data sets analysed to reveal patterns and trends
Used in business, marketing, and healthcare
Biometric security
Identification using body features like fingerprints or facial recognition
Replaces passwords in many modern systems
Disruptive technology
Innovation that significantly alters industries or markets
Examples: smartphones, streaming services
Digital transformation
Integrating digital technology into all areas of business or society
Common in corporate and governmental reforms
Virtual reality (VR)
A computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment
Used in gaming, education, and training
Augmented reality (AR)
Overlaying digital content on the real world
Example: Snapchat filters, Pokémon GO
Remote work tools
Technologies enabling online collaboration
E.g. Zoom, Slack — important post-pandemic trend
Tech addiction
Excessive or unhealthy use of devices and digital media
Rising concern, especially among youth
Digital footprint
The trail of data a person leaves behind when using the internet
Important for privacy and reputation
Tech-savvy
Someone highly skilled in using modern technology
Useful in personal descriptions in Speaking
Wearable technology
Electronic devices worn on the body
Examples: fitness trackers, smart glasses
Theme 03
The Environment
20 words
The Environment
20 words
Carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity
Common in discussions on sustainability
Climate change
Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
Used in global issues and solution-focused writing
Greenhouse gases
Gases like CO₂ and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere
Key to explaining global warming
Sustainable development
Growth that meets present needs without harming future generations
Balanced focus on economy, society, and environment
Environmental degradation
The deterioration of the natural environment
Caused by pollution, deforestation, etc.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources naturally replenished (e.g. solar, wind, hydro)
Opposite: fossil fuels
Fossil fuels
Coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient organisms
Major contributors to pollution and carbon emissions
Deforestation
The large-scale removal of forests
Linked to biodiversity loss and climate issues
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem
A sign of environmental health
Ecosystem
A community of living organisms and their physical environment
Used to explain natural balance and interdependence
Carbon neutrality
Balancing carbon emissions by offsetting them (e.g. tree planting)
Goal for many companies and governments
Ecological footprint
A measure of how much land and resources a person or society uses
Used to compare individual vs national impact
Waste management
Handling of waste through recycling, composting, disposal
Key term in environmental planning
Water scarcity
The lack of sufficient water resources
Common in global problem-solving tasks
Desertification
Transformation of fertile land into desert due to overuse and climate
Important in agricultural and global discussions
Environmental awareness
Knowledge and concern about environmental issues
Often promoted through education and media
Eco-friendly
Not harmful to the environment
Synonym: environmentally friendly
Green initiatives
Projects or policies aimed at protecting the environment
Examples: banning plastic bags, using electric buses
Pollutants
Substances that contaminate air, water, or soil
Examples: plastic, heavy metals, industrial waste
Environmental conservation
The protection and preservation of natural resources
Useful in writing about solutions and responsibility
Theme 04
Work
20 words
Work
20 words
Workforce
The total number of people available or employed in a particular sector
Synonym: labour force
Job satisfaction
The level of contentment employees feel about their work
Key term in discussions on productivity and motivation
Work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy balance between job and personal life
Common in modern employment issues
Career advancement
Progression in one’s career through promotions or new opportunities
Synonym: career growth, upward mobility
Gig economy
Working independently, often short-term or contract-based
Examples: graphic design, online tutoring
Occupational stress
Pressure and mental strain caused by one’s job
Often linked with burnout or overwork
Blue-collar / White-collar jobs
Manual labour vs. office or professional work
E.g. factory worker vs. accountant
Job security
The likelihood of keeping one’s job long-term
Important in employee satisfaction and economic debates
Redundancy / Layoff
Losing a job because it is no longer needed
Used in discussions about automation or economic downturns
Remote work / Telecommuting
Working from home or outside a traditional office
Popular post-pandemic concept
Entrepreneurship
The act of starting and managing your own business
Useful in innovation and economic writing
Employee turnover
The rate at which employees leave and are replaced
High turnover can indicate poor workplace conditions
Workplace culture
The shared values, practices, and behaviors in a work environment
Affects employee engagement and collaboration
Professional development
Training and education to improve job-related skills
E.g. attending workshops or taking online courses
Promotion prospects
Chances of moving up to a higher position in a company
Key phrase in job interviews and career planning
Job market
The availability of employment and demand for workers
Affected by technology, education, and economic trends
Performance appraisal
A formal evaluation of an employee’s work
Synonym: performance review
Team collaboration
Working effectively with others to reach shared goals
Essential soft skill in most industries
Flexible hours / Flextime
A work schedule that allows varying start and end times
Often offered to improve work-life balance
Salary package
A combination of wages and benefits offered to an employee
Includes health insurance, bonuses, etc.
Theme 05
Health and Happiness
20 words
Health and Happiness
20 words
Well-being
A state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy
Synonym: welfare, good condition
Sedentary lifestyle
A way of life involving little physical activity
Common in discussions of modern health problems
Nutrient-rich
Containing a high amount of beneficial nutrients
Used to describe healthy food
Holistic health
An approach that considers physical, mental, and social factors
Synonym: whole-body wellness
Mental resilience
The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from difficulties
Synonym: emotional strength
Preventive care
Medical practices that prevent illness (like vaccines, check-ups)
Opposite: reactive treatment
Emotional well-being
The state of one’s mental and emotional health
Often used in essays on happiness and self-care
Balanced diet
Eating a variety of nutritious foods in proper proportions
Linked with physical health
Chronic illness
A long-term health condition (e.g. diabetes, asthma)
Used to contrast with acute illness
Self-care
Activities to maintain health and reduce stress
Synonym: personal well-being habits
Immunity
The body’s ability to resist infection or disease
Important in health-related writing tasks
Stress management
Techniques to reduce or control stress
E.g. yoga, deep breathing, time management
Mindfulness
Being mentally present and aware, often used for relaxation
Related to mental clarity and happiness
Life satisfaction
The sense that one’s life is going well
Used to measure happiness in social studies
Endorphins
Chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure
Often released during exercise
Sleep hygiene
Habits that promote good sleep quality
E.g. going to bed at the same time, no screens before sleep
Physical activity
Any movement that works your muscles and burns calories
Used more formally than ‘exercise’
Emotional support
Comfort and reassurance from others during difficult times
Useful in speaking when discussing family or friends
Health-conscious
Being aware of and careful about one’s health
Synonym: health-aware, fitness-focused
Work-life balance
The ability to balance job responsibilities with personal life
Crucial for mental health and happiness
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