Academic English vocabulary: 25 words for essays and exams
B2–C125 words
Academic writing rewards precision. These twenty-five words let you signal cause, evidence and contrast — the moves an examiner is looking for in an essay or an IELTS Task 2 answer.
Where you will use it: Essays, IELTS and university reading.
Academic English — The word list
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| significant | Important or large enough to matter.“There was a significant increase in errors.” |
| evidence | Facts that support a claim.“There is little evidence for that claim.” |
| furthermore | In addition to what was said.“Furthermore, the cost is lower.” |
| consequently | As a result.“Demand fell; consequently, prices dropped.” |
| hypothesis | An idea to be tested.“The data supported our hypothesis.” |
| criteria | The standards used to judge something.“The study used three criteria.” |
| framework | A structure of ideas used for analysis.“We applied a well-known framework.” |
| outcome | The result of a process.“The outcome was better than expected.” |
| nevertheless | Despite that.“The sample was small; nevertheless, the trend was clear.” |
| assumption | Something accepted as true without proof.“The model rests on one key assumption.” |
| correlation | A relationship between two variables.“There is a strong correlation between the two.” |
| in contrast | Used to show a difference.“In contrast, the second group improved.” |
| analyse | To examine something carefully and systematically.“The essay analyses two competing theories.” |
| evaluate | To judge quality using evidence.“Students must evaluate the available evidence.” |
| demonstrate | To show something clearly.“The findings demonstrate a consistent pattern.” |
| methodology | The system of methods used in research.“The methodology is explained in detail.” |
| variable | A factor that can change in a study.“Age was the main variable.” |
| valid | Well-founded and logically acceptable.“The criticism is valid.” |
| reliable | Likely to produce consistent results.“The test is reliable across groups.” |
| implication | A possible effect or conclusion.“The results have important policy implications.” |
| theoretical | Based on ideas rather than practical experience.“The chapter provides a theoretical framework.” |
| empirical | Based on observation or experiment.“The claim lacks empirical support.” |
| cite | To name a source as evidence.“Remember to cite every source.” |
| perspective | A particular way of considering an issue.“The article offers a historical perspective.” |
| synthesis | A combination of ideas into a new whole.“The conclusion presents a synthesis of both views.” |
Useful learning tips
- Learn in small groupsTake five words at a time and review them before adding more.
- Say the examples aloudReading each sentence aloud connects spelling, sound and meaning.
- Write your own sentenceUse each word in a true sentence about your life or work.
How to study this list
Add five or six of these words a day rather than the whole list at once, keep the example sentence on the card, and review them when they come due. WordNest schedules each word across seven growing intervals — same day, then 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days — so the list is still with you months later. Read how spaced repetition works if you want the reasoning behind those numbers.
Studying academic english pairs well with our Academic Word List (AWL) vocabulary, linking words and connectors and IELTS vocabulary list, or browse all free English word lists.
Related guides
Questions about this list
How can I practise Academic English?
Start with five words and say each example aloud. Then recall the word from its meaning and review it over several days.
Where can I use Academic English?
Essays, IELTS and university reading.
How many words are in this list?
This list contains 25 English words with definitions and example sentences. It is a starting set, not a complete syllabus.
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