IELTS Preparation – ABC Education – S1 Ep1: Electronic Crime – Study Note

STUDY TIPS

It is easier to remember words linked to a particular topic. So, when learning more vocabulary, learn words in topic areas, and also learn word forms.
In IELTS Writing there are two tasks, Task 1 and Task 2. It is important to use words that are more formal, sophisticated and accurate in your writing for IELTS.
Every day try to learn and master at least 10 new words and review these words frequently.

It is important to increase your English vocabulary. Every day you should learn 10 new words. Vocabulary means not only different words but also different forms of these words – the Adjective, Noun, Verb, and Adverb forms. It is also a good idea to try to increase the words you know in particular topic areas so that you can discuss a range of topics. Organization of vocabulary is important too.
When learning new vocabulary a student of English needs to be aware of the several aspects of Vocabulary.

Vocabulary consists of:

1. Word Forms – the Adjective, Noun, Verb, and Adverb forms. Words change their form depending on their function in a sentence.
2. Pronunciation/Stress – in a word with several syllables, which syllable carries the main stress? Stress conveys meaning.
3. Register – some words are more formal and more appropriate than others. One must choose the most appropriate word for the context.
4. Word choice – synonyms (words with similar meaning), opposites, paraphrase (describing something using a few words). Use a variety of vocabulary choices.
5. Organization – organize your word lists meaningfully, and develop strategies for remembering new words. This will help you consolidate and extend your vocabulary.

1. Word Forms
   In English, the form of a word can change, sometimes quite significantly, when that word is used as an Adjective Noun, Verb or Adverb.
   Eg. Adjective: analytical
   Noun (Person): analyst
   Noun (Thing): analysis
   Verb: to analyse
   Adverb: analytically
   Where a different word form has not been created, then stress can be used to distinguish keyword forms, for example, a Noun from a Verb.
   Eg. Noun: ‘con trast
   Verb: con ‘trast
   
2. Pronunciation
   Pronunciation means how to make the sounds of a language. It also means which sounds to stress.
   Stress affects: volume (loud or soft)
   pitch (high or low sound)
   length (short or long)
   By mixing short and long sounds we get the rhythm of a language.
   So, a stressed sound will be louder, higher and longer – and so much easier to hear. An unstressed sound will be softer, lower and shorter, and so more difficult to hear.
   Stress means the sounds to highlight or mark. The stress can move on different syllables to distinguish word forms.
   Eg. a na ‘ly ti cal: Adjective
   ‘a na lyst: Noun – person
   a‘na ly sis: Noun – thing
   a’na lyse: Verb
   a na ‘ly ti cal ly: Adverb
   
3. Register
   Register means how formal or appropriate is the chosen word.
   In all languages some words are more formal than others – some words are used on special occasions, in special contexts, and for special reasons, while others words are more common. In English, a general rule is that a longer word is more formal than a shorter word.
   For example, Phrasal Verbs (a simple verb with a preposition – “to look into”, “to look after”) are the least formal choice and are commonly used in informal spoken language, notes, emails, and postcards (informal writing). However, unusual words, borrowed into English from other languages, especially Latin and Greek, are quite formal, or high register.
   Greek and Latin borrowings into English often have several syllables. These words are used often in technical, scientific, medical, psychological, and philosophical writings.
   The following words have similar meanings:
   🔍 look into
   📚 study
   🧪 research
   📝 analyse
   🕵️‍♂️ investigate
   Which word is easiest to remember?
   The smaller or shorter word is the easiest to learn and remember. So, you will probably learn to “look into” or “study” first. Then you will pick up “research” and lastly “analyze” and “investigate”.
   Many words ending in -ion are borrowed from Latin:
   💬 Discussion
   📝 Examination
   🗣️ Explanation
   ℹ️ Information
   📖 Instruction
   🕵️‍♂️ Investigation
   🎤 Presentation
   For all words ending in -ion, the stress falls on the second last syllable:
   dis ‘cus sion
   exam in ‘a tion
   explan ‘a tion
   inform ‘a tion
   in ‘stru action
   investi ‘ga tion
   presen ‘ta tion
   
4. Word Choice
   Choosing the best or most appropriate word is important. As your vocabulary grows and strengthens so your choice of words will extend and you will be better able to describe things more exactly and appropriately.
   To compare is to show how two things are similar. To contrast is to show how two things are different – compare and contrast similarities and differences. Synonyms
   Instead of always using the same word and repeating it many times in your writing, it is a good idea to learn some extra words with similar or closely similar meaning.
   What is the difference between “argue”, “debate” and “discuss”?
   Look at the passage below and think about the difference in meaning of these words.
   The group meeting began with a general discussion of the issue but soon developed into a more formal debate as the different participants took particular sides for and against the topic. As feelings became quite heated, the various members of the group began to argue with each other. Finally, the group leader called for order.
   It is important to increase your vocabulary so you will be able to express what you are trying to say more accurately and appropriately.
   
5. Organisation
   It is a good strategy when learning vocabulary to organise words by topic. Developing your vocabulary for a particular topic will enable you to be more specific and interesting when discussing that topic. You will be able to discuss particular matters quite accurately and also have a range of synonyms to draw from.
   As your vocabulary grows it is a good strategy to begin to organise words into groups and sets. Take the topic of Education. This topic consists of several fields: institutions, departments, subjects, personnel, resources and so on. Some of these fields can be divided further. Look at the table.

You might make a list of qualifications – degree, bachelors, masters, doctorate, certificate, diploma.
Subjects can be further broken down:

Words linked to the field of study – assignments and instructions can then be collated.

Vocabulary for Assignments and Instructions