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Lesson

Vocabulary: Education (collocations for Task 2 and Speaking)

Education is one of the most common IELTS topics. Learn the collocations you need (tuition fees, rote learning, a compulsory subject) and use them precisely.

Vocabulary Band 5.5–6.5 · B2 14 questions Sign in to save

Key collocations

AreaCollocations
Coursesenrol on a course, attend lectures, a compulsory / optional subject, the curriculum
Examssit / take an exam, pass / fail an exam, revise for a test
Moneytuition fees, a scholarship, a student loan
Typeshigher education, vocational training, distance learning, lifelong learning
Methodsrote learning, hands-on experience, critical thinking, independent study

Use them precisely

  • Rote learning = memorising without understanding. It's usually criticised in essays.
  • Vocational training = learning practical skills for a job (plumbing, nursing, coding).
  • Curriculum = all the subjects taught. A single subject is not a curriculum.
Many educators argue that schools should move away from rote learning and place more emphasis on critical thinking and hands-on experience.
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Questions 1–6

Match each term with its meaning, A–G. There is one meaning you don't need.

A
learning by repeating facts until you remember them
B
a subject that every student must take
C
money paid to a university or college for teaching
D
money given to a student, often because of good results, that does not need to be paid back
E
training for a particular job or trade
F
a teacher who works at a university
G
studying from home, usually online, rather than in a classroom

  1. tuition fees

  2. rote learning

  3. vocational training

  4. distance learning

  5. a scholarship

  6. a compulsory subject

Questions 7–11

Complete each sentence with a word from the box.

sitenrolcurriculumcriticalhands-on

  1. Students who on a course late often find it hard to catch up.

  2. Coding should be part of the national .

  3. Most students their final exams in June.

  4. Science lessons should include more experience in laboratories.

  5. Debates help young people develop thinking.

Questions 12–14

Is each sentence natural or unnatural?

  1. He made an exam last week and passed it.

  2. She received a scholarship to study medicine.

  3. Many parents are worried about rising tuition fees.

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