Academic vocabulary in reading and writing

Separate task words from subject terms

Academic vocabulary includes language used to explain, discuss, and evaluate ideas in educational settings. Some words travel across subjects: analyse, evidence, and contrast are examples. Other terms, such as denominator, belong more closely to a particular topic.

Both kinds matter. A learner may understand a science concept but still need help with the instruction evaluate the evidence. Identify the task word and the subject knowledge separately before deciding what to practise.

Read the instruction closely

Compare asks you to consider things in relation to each other; justify asks for reasons supporting a choice or claim. The precise expectation can vary with the assignment, so read the full prompt and any marking guidance.

Turn a task instruction into a small action plan. For compare, you might identify the items, choose relevant features, and explain similarities and differences. Check the plan against what your teacher or course requires.

Learn useful word partnerships

Words often work in recurring combinations, such as support a claim, draw a conclusion, and relevant evidence. Recording these combinations can help you choose a natural phrase when writing.

Use a short original paragraph to practise. State a claim, give a reason, and explain the connection. Do not add an academic word merely to make a sentence appear advanced. If it makes the idea less clear, revise it.

• Record the phrase, not only the individual word.
• Check the grammar around it.
• Compare a precise sentence with a vague one.

Adapt practice to your course or exam

Begin with the reading and writing tasks you actually face. A general academic list is a starting collection, not a complete syllabus. Some courses require specialised meanings that a general entry does not explain.

VocabularyBase exam collections are independent practice selections. They are not official word lists, predictions of test questions, or endorsements by exam organisations. Combine word practice with the current official task descriptions and material provided by your course.