Expand Your Science Vocabulary, Improve Your IELTS Score

For IELTS aspirants aiming to boost their speaking and writing scores, mastering scientific vocabulary is key. Knowing the right terms allows you to explain ideas clearly, sound confident, and impress examiners. By expanding your science-related word bank, you can handle topics with ease and accuracy. Discover important scientific vocabulary to strengthen your IELTS performance in the complete blog post.

IELTS Vocabulary by Branch of Science

Building a strong IELTS science vocabulary involves learning terms specific to each branch of science. Dividing vocabulary by scientific discipline helps learners understand context, use terms accurately, and apply them effectively in speaking and writing tasks. This section provides essential words and their meanings for Biology/Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth & Environmental Science, along with example sentences to show practical usage.

Biology or Life Sciences

Biology, or life sciences, focuses on the study of living organisms, their structures, functions, interactions, and evolution. Mastery of biology-related vocabulary is crucial for IELTS candidates, as it enables precise and accurate expression of ideas in speaking and writing tasks. The terms in this field cover concepts ranging from cellular processes to ecosystems, providing a strong foundation for discussing scientific topics. 

The table below presents essential biology and life sciences vocabulary, along with their meanings and example sentences, to help strengthen your IELTS scientific lexicon.

IELTS Biology Vocabulary for IELTS	Meaning	Example Sentence
Adaptation	Adjustment to environmental conditions	Polar bears’ thick fur is an adaptation to cold.
Antibody	Protein that fights infections	Vaccines help the body produce antibodies.
Biodiversity	Variety of life in an environment	Climate change threatens global biodiversity.
Carnivore	An animal that eats only meat	Tigers are obligate carnivores.
Chromosome	Structure containing genetic information	Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Circulation	Movement of blood through the body	Good circulation prevents blood clots.
Classification	System of organising living things	Scientists use classification to group similar species.
Community	All living things in an ecosystem	The pond community includes fish, plants, and insects.
Conservation	Protection of natural resources	Wildlife conservation requires international cooperation.
Consumer	An organism that eats other organisms	Secondary consumers feed on primary consumers.
Decomposer	An organism that breaks down dead material	Bacteria act as decomposers in soil.
Digestion	Breaking down food into nutrients	Proper digestion requires healthy gut bacteria.
Ecosystem	A community of living and non-living things	The rainforest ecosystem supports countless species.
Embryo	Early stage of development	The embryo develops into a fetus.
Enzyme	A protein that speeds up chemical reactions	Digestive enzymes break down food.
Evolution	Gradual change in species over time	Darwin’s theory of evolution revolutionised biology.
Excretion	Removal of waste from the body	The kidneys are vital organs for excretion.
Extinction	Complete disappearance of a species	The dodo bird’s extinction was caused by hunting.
Fertilisation	Union of male and female reproductive cells	Fertilization marks the beginning of new life.
Food chain	Sequence of who eats whom	Algae form the base of most aquatic food chains.
Genetics	Study of heredity and genes	Genetics helps us understand inherited diseases.
Germination	Process of seed sprouting	Proper moisture is essential for seed germination.
Habitat	Natural environment where organisms live	Deforestation destroys wildlife habitats.
Herbivore	Animal that eats only plants	Cows are herbivores that graze on grass.
Homeostasis	Maintaining stable internal conditions	Sweating helps maintain homeostasis in hot weather.
Hormone	Chemical messenger in the body	Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Immunity	Body’s defense against disease	Vaccination provides immunity against viruses.
Meiosis	Cell division that produces sex cells	Meiosis creates genetic variation in offspring.
Metabolism	Chemical processes that maintain life	Regular exercise boosts your metabolism.
Mitosis	Cell division for growth and repair	Mitosis allows wounds to heal properly.
Mutation	Change in genetic material	A genetic mutation can cause new traits.
Omnivore	Animal that eats both plants and meat	Humans are omnivores with varied diets.
Organism	A living being	Every organism requires water to survive.
Parasite	Organism that lives on another organism	Ticks are parasites that feed on blood.
Photosynthesis	Process by which plants make food using sunlight	Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Phototropism	Plant growth toward light	Sunflowers show phototropism by following the sun.
Pollination	Transfer of pollen between flowers	Bees play a crucial role in pollination.
Population	All members of a species in an area	The wolf population has recovered in Yellowstone.
Predator	Animal that hunts other animals	Lions are apex predators in the savanna.
Prey	Animal hunted by predators	Rabbits are common prey for foxes.
Producer	Organism that makes its own food	Plants are primary producers in ecosystems.
Reflex	Automatic response to stimulus	Pulling your hand from fire is a reflex action.
Reproduction	Process of producing offspring	Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity.
Respiration	Cellular process that releases energy	Plant respiration occurs continuously, day and night.
Response	Reaction to a stimulus	Fight-or-flight is a response to danger.
Species	Group of similar organisms that can reproduce	Endangered species need protection from extinction.
Stimulus	Something that triggers a response	Light is a stimulus that causes pupil constriction.
Symbiosis	Close relationship between different species	Bees and flowers have a symbiotic relationship.
Transpiration	Water loss from plant leaves	Transpiration helps transport nutrients in plants.
Tropism	Directional growth response to stimuli	Root growth downward is an example of tropism.

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Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and changes of matter. A solid grasp of chemistry-related vocabulary helps IELTS candidates describe chemical processes, reactions, and substances accurately in both speaking and writing tasks. 

Understanding these terms allows for clearer explanation of experiments, observations, and theoretical concepts. The table below highlights key chemistry vocabulary, providing meanings and example sentences to enhance your command of scientific language for the IELTS exam.

IELTS Chemistry Vocabulary for IELTS	Meaning	Example Sentence
Acid	Substance with a pH below 7	Lemon juice is acidic due to citric acid.
Atom	The smallest unit of an element	An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Base	Substance with pH above 7	Soap is a basic solution that neutralises acids.
Biochemistry	Chemistry of living organisms	Biochemistry explains how proteins function in cells.
Boiling	Rapid change from liquid to gas	Water boiling produces steam bubbles.
Buffer	Solution that resists pH changes	Blood contains buffers to maintain a stable pH.
Catalyst	Substance that speeds up reactions	Enzymes act as catalysts in biological processes.
Chromatography	Separation technique based on different properties	Chromatography identifies components in mixtures.
Combustion	Burning reaction with oxygen	Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water.
Compound	Substance made of different elements	Salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
Concentration	Amount of solute in a solution	High concentration of salt makes water taste bitter.
Condensation	Change from gas to liquid	Condensation forms water droplets on cold surfaces.
Covalent bond	Chemical bond sharing electrons	Carbon forms covalent bonds in organic molecules.
Crystallization	Formation of crystals from solution	Salt crystallization leaves behind pure crystals.
Decomposition	Breaking down compounds into simpler substances	Heat decomposition separates the compound.
Dilution	Process of making solution less concentrated	Dilution reduces the strength of the acid.
Distillation	Separation method using different boiling points	Oil refining uses distillation to separate components.
Electrolysis	Using electricity to cause chemical change	Electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Element	Pure substance with one type of atom	Gold is a precious element used in jewellery.
Equilibrium	State where forward and reverse reactions balance	Chemical equilibrium maintains constant concentrations.
Evaporation	Change from liquid to gas	Evaporation concentrates the remaining solution.
Freezing	Change from liquid to solid	Freezing preserves food by stopping bacterial growth.
Half-life	Time for half of radioactive atoms to decay	The half-life determines radioactive waste storage time.
Inorganic chemistry	Study of non-carbon compounds	Inorganic chemistry includes metals and minerals.
Ion	Atom or molecule with electric charge	Salt dissolves by forming sodium and chloride ions.
Ionic bond	Chemical bond transferring electrons	Table salt forms through ionic bonding.
Isotope	Atoms with same protons but different neutrons	Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating.
Kinetics	Study of reaction rates	Chemical kinetics helps optimize industrial processes.
Melting	Change from solid to liquid	Ice melting demonstrates a physical change.
Metallic bond	Chemical bond in metals	Metallic bonding gives metals their conductivity.
Molecule	Two or more atoms bonded together	Water molecules contain hydrogen and oxygen.
Neutralization	Reaction between acid and base	Neutralisation produces salt and water.
Organic chemistry	Study of carbon-based compounds	Organic chemistry is essential for pharmaceutical research.
Oxidation	Process of losing electrons	Rusting is an oxidation reaction with iron.
Periodic table	Organized chart of all elements	The periodic table predicts element properties.
pH	Scale measuring acidity or alkalinity	Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.
Polymerization	Joining small molecules into large chains	Plastic production involves polymerisation reactions.
Precipitation	Formation of solid from solution	Precipitation occurs when chemicals are mixed.
Radioactivity	Emission of particles from atomic nuclei	Radioactivity can be both harmful and useful.
Reaction	Process where substances change chemically	The reaction produced heat and light.
Reduction	Process of gaining electrons	Reduction reactions often involve hydrogen addition.
Solution	Mixture where one substance dissolves	Saltwater is a solution of salt in water.
Solute	Substance being dissolved	Sugar is the solute in sweetened tea.
Solvent	Substance that dissolves other substances	Water is known as the universal solvent.
Spectroscopy	Analysis using light interaction	Spectroscopy reveals molecular structure information.
Standard	Reference substance for comparison	Chemical standards ensure measurement accuracy.
Sublimation	Direct change from solid to gas	Dry ice undergoes sublimation at room temperature.
Synthesis	Combining substances to make new compounds	Protein synthesis occurs in living cells.
Thermodynamics	Study of energy changes in reactions	Thermodynamics predicts whether reactions will occur.
Titration	Method to determine concentration	Titration accurately measures acid concentration.
Valency	Combining capacity of an element	Carbon has a valency of four in most compounds.

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Physics

Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Mastery of physics vocabulary enables IELTS candidates to discuss concepts like motion, energy, force, and electricity with clarity and precision. Using accurate terminology can improve both speaking and writing scores by demonstrating a strong understanding of scientific principles. 

The table below presents essential physics terms, along with their meanings and example sentences, to strengthen your IELTS science vocabulary.

IELTS Physics Vocabulary for IELTS	Meaning	Example Sentence
Acceleration	Rate of change of velocity	Gravity causes constant downward acceleration.
Amplitude	Maximum displacement in wave motion	Sound amplitude determines the volume we hear.
Circuit	Complete path for electric current	A broken circuit stops electricity from flowing.
Conductor	Material that allows current flow	Copper is an excellent electrical conductor.
Current	Flow of electric charge through conductor	Electric current flows through copper wires easily.
Density	Mass per unit volume	Ice floats because its density is less than water.
Electricity	Flow of electric charge	Electricity powers most modern appliances.
Energy	Capacity to do work	Solar panels convert light energy into electricity.
Force	Push or pull that changes motion	Gravity is a force that attracts objects downward.
Frequency	Number of waves passing a point per second	Radio stations broadcast at different frequencies.
Friction	Force opposing motion between surfaces	Friction allows car tires to grip the road.
Gravity	Attractive force between masses	Gravity keeps planets orbiting around the sun.
Heat	Form of energy transfer	Heat flows from hot objects to cold ones.
Inertia	Tendency of objects to resist motion changes	Inertia makes passengers jerk forward when braking.
Insulator	Material that prevents current flow	Rubber is an insulator used on electrical wires.
Laser	Focused beam of coherent light	Laser surgery uses concentrated light for precision.
Magnetism	Force produced by magnets or electric currents	Magnetism in compasses helps with navigation.
Mass	Amount of matter in an object	An object’s mass remains constant regardless of location.
Matter	Anything that has mass and occupies space	All matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.
Momentum	Mass multiplied by velocity	A moving truck has more momentum than a bicycle.
Nuclear	Related to atomic nucleus	Nuclear power generates electricity from atomic reactions.
Optics	Study of light and vision	Optics explains how lenses correct vision problems.
Particle	Tiny piece of matter	Subatomic particles make up all matter.
Plasma	Fourth state of matter	Stars consist mainly of hot plasma.
Pressure	Force applied over an area	Air pressure decreases at higher altitudes.
Quantum	Smallest possible amount of energy	Quantum mechanics explains atomic behavior.
Radiation	Energy transmitted through space	Solar radiation provides Earth’s energy source.
Reflection	Bouncing of waves off surfaces	Mirrors work through light reflection.
Refraction	Bending of light through different materials	Water refraction makes objects appear bent.
Resistance	Opposition to electric current flow	Resistance in wires causes energy loss as heat.
Resonance	Vibration at natural frequency	Resonance can cause bridges to collapse.
Semiconductor	Material with moderate conductivity	Silicon semiconductors are essential for computers.
Sound	Vibrations traveling through matter	Sound waves require a medium to travel.
Spectrum	Range of electromagnetic radiation	The visible spectrum shows all rainbow colors.
Static	Electric charge at rest	Static electricity makes your hair stand up.
Temperature	Measure of average kinetic energy	Temperature affects the speed of molecular motion.
Tension	Pulling force in ropes or strings	Tension in guitar strings determines musical pitch.
Thermodynamics	Study of heat and energy transfer	Thermodynamics explains how engines work.
Turbulence	Irregular fluid motion	Air turbulence makes airplane flights bumpy.
Ultrasonic	Sound waves above human hearing range	Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations.
Vacuum	Space completely empty of matter	Sound cannot travel through a perfect vacuum.
Vector	Quantity with magnitude and direction	Velocity is a vector quantity in physics.
Velocity	Speed in a specific direction	The car’s velocity increased as it went downhill.
Vibration	Rapid back-and-forth motion	String vibration produces musical sounds.
Voltage	Electric potential difference	Higher voltage can push more current through circuits.
Wave	Disturbance that transfers energy	Ocean waves transfer energy across water.
Wavelength	Distance between similar points on waves	Red light has a longer wavelength than blue.
Weight	Force exerted by gravity on mass	Your weight changes on different planets.
Work	Energy transferred by force over distance	Work is done when you lift an object.

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Earth & Environmental Science

Earth and Environmental Science focuses on the structure, composition, and processes of the Earth, as well as the interactions between humans and the environment. Developing vocabulary in this field helps IELTS candidates discuss topics such as climate, ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental issues clearly and effectively. 

The following table highlights key terms, their meanings, and example sentences to enhance your IELTS science vocabulary in Earth and Environmental Science.

IELTS Environmental Science Vocabulary for IELTS	Meaning	Example Sentence
Acid rain	Precipitation made acidic by pollution	Acid rain damages buildings and forests.
Aquifer	Underground water-bearing rock layer	The aquifer supplies water to the entire region.
Atmosphere	Layer of gases surrounding Earth	The atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation.
Biodegradable	Capable of being broken down by nature	Biodegradable plastics reduce environmental impact.
Biosphere	All living things on Earth	The biosphere depends on a stable climate.
Carbon footprint	Total greenhouse gas emissions from activities	Reducing your carbon footprint helps fight climate change.
Climate	Long-term weather patterns	Earth’s climate has changed throughout history.
Conservation	Protection and preservation of resources	Water conservation is essential in drought areas.
Contamination	Pollution of environment with harmful substances	Chemical contamination threatens groundwater supplies.
Coral reef	Underwater structure built by marine organisms	Coral reefs are threatened by ocean acidification.
Deforestation	Large-scale removal of forests	Deforestation contributes to global warming.
Delta	Triangular deposit at river mouth	The Nile Delta is extremely fertile farmland.
Desertification	Land becoming desert-like	Overgrazing leads to desertification in dry regions.
Earthquake	Sudden movement of Earth’s crust	The earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale.
Ecology	Study of organisms and their environment	Marine ecology focuses on ocean ecosystems.
Ecosystem	Community of organisms and their environment	Forest ecosystems provide oxygen and store carbon.
Emission	Release of gases or particles	Vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution.
Erosion	Wearing away of rock or soil	Coastal erosion threatens beachfront properties.
Fault	Crack in Earth’s crust	Movement along the fault caused the earthquake.
Fossil fuel	Energy source from ancient organic matter	Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
Glacier	Large mass of moving ice	Glaciers are melting due to global warming.
Greenhouse effect	Trapping of heat in atmosphere	The greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough for life.
Groundwater	Water beneath Earth’s surface	Groundwater provides drinking water for many communities.
Habitat	Natural environment for organisms	Wetland habitats support diverse wildlife.
Hurricane	Powerful tropical storm	The hurricane caused widespread flooding and damage.
Hydroelectric	Electricity generated by water power	Hydroelectric dams provide renewable energy.
Hydrosphere	All water on Earth	The hydrosphere includes oceans, rivers, and ice.
Landfill	Site for waste disposal	Modern landfills have systems to prevent groundwater contamination.
Lithosphere	Solid outer layer of Earth	The lithosphere consists of tectonic plates.
Mineral	Naturally occurring inorganic solid	Iron is a mineral essential for steel production.
Ozone	Gas that protects from ultraviolet radiation	The ozone layer shields Earth from harmful UV rays.
Pollution	Contamination of environment	Air pollution causes respiratory health problems.
Precipitation	Water falling from atmosphere	Annual precipitation determines regional vegetation types.
Recycling	Converting waste into new products	Recycling aluminum cans saves energy and resources.
Renewable	Resource that can be naturally replenished	Solar energy is a renewable power source.
Sediment	Particles settled from water or wind	River sediment builds deltas at coastlines.
Smog	Air pollution visible as haze	Industrial smog reduces air quality in cities.
Solar	Related to the sun	Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
Sustainability	Meeting needs without harming future generations	Sustainability requires balancing economic and environmental concerns.
Temperature	Measure of how hot or cold something is	Global temperature has risen over recent decades.
Tsunami	Large ocean wave caused by earthquakes	The tsunami devastated coastal communities.
Ultraviolet	High-energy radiation from sun	Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.
Volcano	Mountain that erupts molten rock	Active volcanoes pose risks to nearby populations.
Waste	Unwanted or discarded materials	Proper waste management prevents environmental damage.
Water cycle	Continuous movement of water through environment	The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Weather	Short-term atmospheric conditions	Tomorrow’s weather forecast predicts rain.
Wetland	Area where water covers soil	Wetlands filter pollutants and prevent flooding.
Wildlife	Animals living in natural environment	National parks protect wildlife from human interference.
Wind	Moving air caused by pressure differences	Wind power generates clean electricity.

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IELTS Science Vocabulary: Popular Idioms and Phrases

In addition to technical terms, using science-related idioms and phrases can make your spoken and written responses in IELTS more engaging and natural. These expressions often appear in reading passages, speaking prompts, and writing topics, allowing candidates to demonstrate a strong command of the language while adding variety and context to their answers. 

Science-Related Idioms

Science-related idioms are figurative expressions inspired by scientific concepts, experiments, or discoveries. Incorporating these idioms in IELTS speaking and writing can enhance clarity, add emphasis, and make responses more vivid. The following table lists widely used idioms, their meanings, and example sentences to illustrate practical usage.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A blessing in disguise	Something bad that turns out to be good	The equipment failure was a blessing in disguise – it led to a better design.
A drop in the ocean	A very small amount compared to what is needed	Our conservation efforts are just a drop in the ocean.
Against all odds	Despite very low probability of success	Against all odds, the endangered species survived.
At the cutting edge	Using the most advanced technology or methods	This laboratory is at the cutting edge of genetic research.
Back to the drawing board	Starting over after a failure	The experiment failed, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Blow a fuse	To become very angry or malfunction	The power surge made the computer blow a fuse.
Break new ground	To do something innovative or pioneering	Scientists broke new ground in cancer treatment.
Break the ice	To start a conversation or make people feel comfortable	The professor used humor to break the ice in the lecture.
Burn the midnight oil	Work late into the night	Researchers burned the midnight oil to meet the deadline.
By trial and error	Learning through repeated attempts and mistakes	They developed the formula by trial and error.
Cast doubt on	To make something seem uncertain or questionable	New evidence casts doubt on the original theory.
Come to light	To become known or discovered	Important facts came to light during the investigation.
Connect the dots	To find relationships between different pieces of information	Scientists connected the dots between pollution and disease.
Cut corners	To do something quickly and cheaply	We cannot cut corners when conducting safety tests.
Down to earth	Practical and realistic	The scientist gave a down-to-earth explanation of the complex theory.
Fight fire with fire	Use the same methods as your opponent	They fought the virus by using modified versions of it.
Get the ball rolling	To start something	The research grant will get the ball rolling on the new project.
Get to the bottom of	To find the real cause of a problem	Investigators are determined to get to the bottom of the contamination.
Go against the grain	To do something different from what is normal	His theory goes against the grain of conventional thinking.
Go back to square one	Return to the beginning	The failed test means we have to go back to square one.
Hit the nail on the head	To be exactly right about something	The professor hit the nail on the head with her analysis.
In hot water	In trouble or facing criticism	The company is in hot water over environmental violations.
In the pipeline	Being planned or developed	Several new vaccines are in the pipeline.
Jump the gun	To act too quickly or prematurely	Don’t jump the gun – we need more test results first.
Keep your ear to the ground	Stay informed about developments	Good scientists keep their ear to the ground for new discoveries.
Like a fish out of water	Uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation	The biologist felt like a fish out of water in the chemistry lab.
Make waves	To cause trouble or controversy	The new research findings are making waves in the scientific community.
Not rocket science	Not very difficult to understand	Understanding basic hygiene is not rocket science.
On thin ice	In a risky or dangerous situation	The researcher is on thin ice after falsifying data.
Out of the blue	Happening unexpectedly	The breakthrough discovery came out of the blue.
Push the envelope	To go beyond normal limits	Space exploration continues to push the envelope of human capability.
Reinvent the wheel	To waste time creating something that already exists	There’s no need to reinvent the wheel – use existing technology.
See the light	To understand something or find a solution	After months of confusion, the team finally saw the light.
Shed light on	To provide information that helps explain something	The study sheds light on climate change effects.
Smooth sailing	Easy progress without problems	Once we solved the initial problems, it was smooth sailing.
Stick to your guns	Maintain your position despite opposition	The scientist stuck to her guns despite criticism.
Strike while the iron is hot	Take advantage of favorable conditions	We must strike while the iron is hot and publish our findings.
Take with a grain of salt	Be skeptical about information	You should take those preliminary results with a grain of salt.
Test the waters	Try something carefully before committing fully	The company is testing the waters with a small trial.
The ball is in your court	It’s your turn to make a decision or take action	We’ve provided the data – the ball is in your court now.
The proof is in the pudding	The real test is in the results	The proof is in the pudding – does the treatment actually work?
Think outside the box	Consider creative or unconventional solutions	To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box.
Throw in the towel	Give up or admit defeat	After years of failed experiments, they threw in the towel.
Turn over a new leaf	Make a fresh start or change behaviour	The polluting factory turned over a new leaf with green technology.
Under the microscope	Being examined very carefully	The pharmaceutical company is under the microscope for safety violations.
Up in the air	Uncertain or undecided	The future of the research project is still up in the air.
Weather the storm	Survive a difficult period	The startup managed to weather the storm of initial failures.
When pigs fly	Something that will never happen	Clean fusion energy will be available when pigs fly.
Work around the clock	Work continuously without stopping	The medical team worked around the clock to develop a vaccine.
You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs	You can’t achieve something good without some negative consequences	You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs – progress requires some risk.

Science-Related Phrases

Science-related phrases consist of commonly used expressions, terms, or collocations in scientific contexts. Using these phrases in IELTS speaking and writing helps convey complex ideas accurately and demonstrates familiarity with academic language. The table below presents key phrases, their meanings, and example sentences for effective usage.

Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence
Absolute zero	The lowest possible temperature	Absolute zero is approximately -273.15 degrees Celsius.
Acid test	A decisive test of worth or quality	The clinical trials will be the acid test for the new drug.
Adverse reaction	Harmful or negative response to treatment	The patient experienced an adverse reaction to the medication.
Biological clock	Internal mechanism regulating biological rhythms	Jet lag disrupts your biological clock temporarily.
Carbon dating	Method to determine age of organic materials	Carbon dating showed the fossil was 50,000 years old.
Chain reaction	A series of events where each causes the next	The discovery triggered a chain reaction of research breakthroughs.
Critical mass	The minimum amount needed to maintain a process	We need critical mass of funding to continue the research.
Cause and effect	Relationship where one event produces another	Scientists study cause and effect relationships in nature.
Data mining	Extracting patterns from large datasets	Data mining revealed unexpected correlations in the research.
Dependent variable	Factor that changes in response to other variables	Plant height was the dependent variable measured weekly.
Double-blind study	Research where neither subjects nor researchers know who gets treatment	The double-blind study ensures unbiased results.
Environmental impact	Effect of human activities on nature	The factory’s environmental impact must be carefully assessed.
Empirical evidence	Information gained through observation and experimentation	The theory lacks empirical evidence to support its claims.
Field study	Research conducted in natural environments	The field study observed animal behavior in the wild.
Fossil record	Evidence of past life preserved in rocks	The fossil record shows how species evolved over time.
Genetic code	Instructions in DNA for making proteins	Scientists have mapped the complete human genetic code.
Gold standard	The best or most reliable method	This treatment is considered the gold standard for the disease.
Greenhouse gases	Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere	Carbon dioxide and methane are major greenhouse gases.
Heat capacity	Amount of heat needed to raise temperature	Water has a high heat capacity compared to metals.
Hypothesis testing	Statistical method to evaluate predictions	Hypothesis testing confirmed the researchers’ predictions.
Immune response	Body’s reaction to foreign substances	Vaccines trigger an immune response without causing disease.
Independent variable	Factor that researchers manipulate in experiments	Temperature was the independent variable in the study.
Laboratory conditions	Controlled environment for experiments	The bacteria grew differently under laboratory conditions.
Life cycle	Series of changes in an organism’s life	The butterfly’s life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Margin of error	Range of uncertainty in measurements	The survey results have a 3% margin of error.
Molecular weight	Mass of a molecule relative to carbon-12	Proteins have much higher molecular weight than simple sugars.
Natural selection	Process by which favorable traits become more common	Natural selection explains why giraffes have long necks.
Nuclear fusion	Process of combining atomic nuclei	Nuclear fusion could provide unlimited clean energy.
Null hypothesis	Statement assuming no effect or relationship	The null hypothesis was rejected based on the data.
Osmotic pressure	Force driving water movement across membranes	Osmotic pressure helps plants transport water from roots to leaves.
Phase transition	Change from one state of matter to another	Melting is a phase transition from solid to liquid.
Population sample	Subset of individuals studied to represent a larger group	The population sample included 1,000 randomly selected participants.
Placebo effect	Improvement caused by believing in treatment	The placebo effect can influence medical trial results.
Quality control	Process ensuring products meet standards	Strict quality control prevents defective medicines reaching patients.
Random sampling	Selecting subjects by chance to avoid bias	Random sampling ensures representative research results.
Reaction rate	Speed at which a chemical reaction occurs	Higher temperature increases the reaction rate significantly.
Scientific method	Systematic approach to gaining knowledge	The scientific method requires hypothesis testing and replication.
Splitting hairs	Making unnecessarily fine distinctions	The researchers were splitting hairs over minor measurement differences.
Statistical significance	Likelihood that results are not due to chance	The findings achieved statistical significance at the 95% level.
Target group	Specific population intended for study or treatment	The vaccine’s target group includes people over 65.
Under normal circumstances	In typical or usual conditions	Under normal circumstances, the reaction takes five minutes.
Variable factor	Element that can change in an experiment	Humidity is a variable factor affecting plant growth.
Working hypothesis	Preliminary assumption to guide research	The working hypothesis will be tested through controlled experiments.
X-ray crystallography	Technique using X-rays to study crystal structure	X-ray crystallography revealed the protein’s molecular structure.
Yield strength	Maximum stress a material can withstand	Engineers must consider the yield strength when designing bridges.
Zero emission	Producing no pollutants or waste	Zero emission vehicles help reduce air pollution.

How to Improve Your IELTS Science Vocabulary?

Individuals with a broader repertoire of scientific lexicon can expect to gain an edge over their peers who do not have a stronghold in vocabulary. This makes it imperative for one to constantly update their bucket of vocabulary regarding scientific terminology. Keeping abreast of the most commonly used IELTS science vocabulary can help boost their chances of securing better scores in the IELTS exam. 

• Engage with a variety of scientific texts, including academic journals, articles, textbooks, and reputable science magazines. 
• Publications such as Nature, Scientific American, and National Geographic offer well-written articles that introduce you to new terminology and contextual usage.
• Invest in specialised science dictionaries or use online glossaries to look up unfamiliar terms. 
• Resources like the Oxford Dictionary of Science can provide clear definitions and examples of usage, aiding in your understanding and retention of new words.
• IELTS preparation books and online resources often contain sections focused on scientific vocabulary. Practice with these materials to familiarise yourself with the types of words commonly encountered in the exam. Pay special attention to the context in which these words are used.
• While reading or listening to scientific content, jot down new words along with their definitions and example sentences. Review these notes regularly to reinforce your memory. Creating flashcards can also be a helpful technique for memorisation.
• Understanding the root forms of words and their derivatives can significantly enhance your vocabulary. 
• For example, knowing the word biology can lead you to understand related terms like biological, biologist, and biologically.
• Incorporate new words into your writing and speaking practice. This not only helps in memorisation but also ensures you can use the words correctly in different contexts. Try writing essays or discussing scientific topics using newly learned vocabulary.

So that was all about IELTS science vocabulary. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. 

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