Five hand-picked Band 7+ words every day, with pronunciation, an IELTS-style example, synonyms, collocations and a tip on where to use each one in Writing or Speaking. Come back tomorrow for five more.
In very bad condition because nobody has looked after it.
The council plans to renovate the run-down housing estate.
IELTS tip: Hyphenate before a noun; useful in Task 1 maps showing regeneration.
Routine jobs in the home such as cleaning, cooking and washing.
Children should help with household chores to learn responsibility.
IELTS tip: Common in gender roles and children's responsibility questions.
Slightly ill or not feeling well.
I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I stayed at home and rested.
IELTS tip: Only for mild illness; do not use it for serious medical conditions.
An unofficial barrier that stops women or minority groups from reaching the most senior jobs.
Although more women are entering management, many still hit a glass ceiling before reaching the boardroom.
IELTS tip: Use it in gender-equality essays; 'break the glass ceiling' shows natural, idiomatic control.
A large and often unfair difference between two or more things.
The disparity in life expectancy between rich and poor districts is striking.
IELTS tip: Use it in Task 1 to describe big differences between groups: 'a marked disparity between...'.
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