Revision 4 (U16-20) vocabulary for IELTS

People would use a lot less power if they bought household goods that were energy…………..

• effective

• efficient

• economical

• ecological

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'efficient' because energy-efficient appliances use less power to perform the same tasks, leading to reduced energy consumption. 'Effective' and 'economical' do not specifically address energy use.

The ............. from car exhausts have a significant effect on global warming.

• emissions

• smoke

• gases

• acid

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'emissions' because it specifically refers to the pollutants released from car exhausts that contribute to global warming, unlike 'smoke', 'gases', or 'acid', which are less precise in this context.

Our greatest problem is that we are …………….. more and more fossil fuels each year and supplies are dwindling.

• conserving

• consuming

• producing

• preserving

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'consuming' because the sentence indicates that we are using up fossil fuels each year, leading to dwindling supplies. 'Conserving', 'producing', and 'preserving' do not fit the context of increasing usage.

We need to persuade people to change their habits so that they ………..more energy.

• consume

• conserve

• produce

• use

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'conserve' because the sentence implies a need to reduce energy usage. 'Conserve' means to save or protect energy, while 'consume', 'produce', and 'use' do not fit the context of changing habits to save energy.

In the future we will need to use………... energy sources such solar power.

• recycled

• reinvented

• renewable

• reusable

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'renewable' because it refers to energy sources that can be replenished naturally, like solar power. Other options do not specifically relate to sustainable energy sources.

If oil supplies run out in 2015 then we need to find ……….. energy sources soon.

• alternate

• alternating

• alternative

• altering

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'alternative' because it refers to other energy sources that can replace oil. 'Alternate' implies a sequence, 'alternating' suggests switching back and forth, and 'altering' means changing, which are not suitable in this context.

I need to earn a lot more .......... before I can afford to buy that car.

• payment

• salary

• wages

• money

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'salary' because it refers to the regular payment received from employment, which is necessary to afford a car. 'Payment', 'wages', and 'money' do not specifically indicate a consistent income.

I am writing to complain about a recent problem I had with a member of your ........

• company

• employees

• staff

• workplace

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'staff' because it refers to the group of individuals working for the company. 'Employees' could also fit, but 'staff' is more commonly used in formal complaints.

The company lost a great deal of money when one of their …….......... was found to be faulty.

• goods

• products

• manufacture

• business

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'products' because it refers to items manufactured for sale. 'Goods' is similar but less specific. 'Manufacture' is a process, and 'business' is too broad, making 'products' the most appropriate term in this context.

The government should do more to help the ………... find a job.

• employed

• employment

• unemployment

• unemployed

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'unemployed' because it refers to individuals who are not currently working but are seeking employment. The sentence implies that the government should assist those who are looking for jobs.