analyse
Examine in detail to understand or explain something.
The researcher analysed the data to identify key patterns in student performance.
The complete Academic Word List by Averil Coxhead - 571 headwords across 10 sublists, each with its definition, word family, and an IELTS-relevant example sentence. These words appear frequently in academic texts and are essential for IELTS Band 7+ writing and reading.
570
Headwords
10
Sublists
3,000+
Word forms
Band 7+
Target benefit
Priority words - highest frequency in academic texts. Master these first.
Examine in detail to understand or explain something.
The researcher analysed the data to identify key patterns in student performance.
A way of dealing with a situation or problem.
The government adopted a new approach to reducing carbon emissions.
A subject, range of activity, or field of study.
Climate change is a critical area of scientific research.
Evaluate or estimate the quality or value of something.
Teachers use various methods to assess students' writing skills.
Accept something as true without evidence.
It is often assumed that economic growth leads to greater well-being.
The power to give orders or make decisions.
The local authority implemented new regulations to control pollution.
Able to be used or obtained.
Free healthcare is available to all citizens in this country.
An advantage or profit gained from something.
Regular exercise provides significant benefits for mental health.
An abstract idea or general notion.
The concept of sustainable development has gained global recognition.
Be composed or made up of.
The test consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Be a part of a whole; make up.
Women constitute over half of the university's student population.
The circumstances forming the background of an event.
Historical context is essential for understanding political decisions.
A written legal agreement; to enter into an agreement.
The company signed a five-year contract with the government.
Bring something into existence.
New technologies create both opportunities and challenges for society.
Facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis.
The data collected over ten years reveals a clear warming trend.
State the exact meaning of a word or concept.
It is important to clearly define the key terms used in academic writing.
Obtain or develop something from a source.
Many English academic words are derived from Latin.
Give or spread something among a number of recipients.
Aid organisations distribute food and medicine to affected communities.
The system by which a country's money and industry are organised.
The country's economy grew by 3% last year despite global uncertainty.
The natural world; the surroundings of a living organism.
Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility of all nations.
Set up or bring into being on a firm basis.
The organisation was established in 1990 to promote global literacy.
An approximate calculation or judgement.
Scientists estimate that sea levels could rise by one metre by 2100.
Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
It is evident that urban populations are growing at an unprecedented rate.
Send goods or services to another country for sale.
Australia exports large quantities of iron ore to Asia every year.
A circumstance that contributes to a result.
Diet and exercise are key factors in maintaining good health.
The management of money; to provide funding.
The project was financed through a combination of public and private investment.
A set method or rule expressed in symbols or words.
There is no simple formula for success in academic writing.
An activity or purpose natural to a thing; to work correctly.
The primary function of the immune system is to defend the body against disease.
Recognise or establish the identity of something.
The study identifies three major barriers to women's participation in the workforce.
Money received from work or investments.
Higher education is strongly linked to increased income over a lifetime.
Point out or show something.
The graph indicates a steady decline in manufacturing jobs since 2000.
A single person; relating to one person.
Each individual student receives personalised feedback on their writing.
Explain the meaning of information or actions.
Different cultures may interpret the same behaviour very differently.
Include as a necessary part; affect or include.
Effective leadership involves both clear communication and empathy.
An important topic or problem for debate.
Unemployment is a pressing issue affecting millions of young people globally.
Work, especially physical work; the workforce.
The labour market has changed significantly due to automation.
Relating to the law; permitted by law.
The use of certain chemicals in food production is not legal in many countries.
Make or enact laws.
Governments must legislate to protect workers from unsafe conditions.
Important, serious, or significant.
Air pollution is a major cause of respiratory disease in cities.
A particular procedure for accomplishing something.
The researcher used a mixed-methods approach to collect data.
Happen or take place.
Natural disasters occur more frequently in areas affected by climate change.
By a specified amount in or for every hundred.
Over 60 percent of the world's population now lives in urban areas.
A length or portion of time.
The Victorian period saw rapid industrial growth across Britain.
A course of action adopted by a government or organisation.
The new education policy aims to improve literacy rates in rural areas.
A fundamental rule or belief governing behaviour.
The principle of equality underpins modern democratic societies.
Begin or continue a course of action.
Once the data is collected, researchers proceed to the analysis stage.
A series of actions leading to a result.
The process of urbanisation has transformed societies worldwide.
Need something for a particular purpose.
University admission requires a minimum band score of 6.5 in IELTS.
Systematic investigation into a subject.
Extensive research confirms the link between smoking and lung cancer.
Say or do something in reply to a stimulus.
Governments must respond quickly to public health emergencies.
A function or position in a particular situation.
Education plays a vital role in reducing social inequality.
Any of the parts into which something is divided.
The writing section of IELTS has two tasks.
A distinct part of an economy, society, or sphere of activity.
The private sector plays a crucial role in job creation.
Important enough to be worthy of attention.
There has been a significant increase in the use of renewable energy.
Resembling without being identical.
The results are similar to those found in previous studies.
A place or person from which something comes.
Fossil fuels remain the primary source of energy in many countries.
Clearly defined or identified; particular.
The report makes specific recommendations for improving air quality.
The arrangement of and relations between parts of something.
A clear structure is essential for effective academic writing.
A set of ideas to explain something.
Darwin's theory of evolution changed our understanding of life on Earth.
Differ in size, degree, or nature from something else.
Salaries vary considerably depending on location and industry.
The 60 most frequent academic words. Click any word in the interactive list above to see its word family and IELTS example sentence.
These 180 words are the most frequent in academic texts. Mastering them has the highest return on investment for IELTS reading speed and writing quality.
Knowing "analyse" is useful. Knowing analysis, analytical, and analytically lets you use the word in multiple sentence structures - which examiners reward.
Swap out everyday words for AWL equivalents: "show" → "demonstrate", "use" → "utilise", "very important" → "significant". This directly improves Lexical Resource.
While reading IELTS practice texts, highlight AWL words. Understanding how they are used in context is more effective than memorising definitions alone.
Spaced repetition is key. Study 10 new words daily, review yesterday's words, and test yourself weekly. At this pace you cover all 570 in under 2 months.
The best way to lock in a word is to use it in your own sentence. After studying a sublist, write a short IELTS-style paragraph using 3-4 of the words naturally.
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