Guessing Unknown Vocabulary

The reading passages in the IELTS reading test can contain a large amount of vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to you. However, by guessing the meaning of unknown words, you should be able do the reading test more effectively. Below are four strategies which you can use to guess unknown vocabulary.

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Using context

One way to guess the meaning of an unknown word is by reading the words and phrases around it. This is called the context.

Consider the words in bold used in context in the sentence below:

The everyday use of mild tranquillisers for their relaxing and calming effect has reached unprecedented proportions in the United States. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 75% of those interviewed admitted to using tranquillisers on a regular basis

The word 'tranquillisers' may be new to you, but by reading the words before and after it, you can guess that they are something that people use to make them feel relaxed and calm. It may not be the exact meaning, but it is enough to understand the passage.

Now guess the meaning of the words 'unprecedented proportions' by reading the words and sentences around them.

Check your answer

Using definitions

In some readings, a definition or explanation of a technical word is given within the reading passage. Some writers use commas to indicate a definition. For example:

Certain medical disorders involve the myocardium, the muscular tissue of the heart.
Philately, the collecting of stamps, has always been a popular hobby for the young and old alike.
The feeling of strangeness and discomfort, or culture shock as it is sometimes called, can be quite stressful.

There are also some common phrases to introduce definitions, which can help you identify them. Look at how the term 'culture shock' is defined using these phrases:

The feeling of strangeness and discomfort,

also known as

sometimes called

also referred to as

that is

culture shock,

can be quite stressful.

Using contrast words

Another way to guess the meaning of words is to look for opposites. Some readings contain contrast words like although, even though and while. Sometimes it is possible to guess the meaning of a word if the opposite meaning is mentioned in the same sentence or in surrounding sentences.

Read the following sentence and guess the meaning of the words in bold.

The report argued that although the positive economic effects may not be significant, immigration did not have any detrimental effects on the economy.

Check your answer

.Here is a more detailed list of Contrast words.

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Using prefixes

Another method for guessing the meaning of words is by understanding prefixes. Prefixes are a group of letters that come at the beginning of some words. They have specific meanings that you should learn because they will help you to understand the words they are attached to.

Read the following sentences and guess the meaning of the words in bold based on the underlined prefix.

Previous methods of investigation were found to be substandard in many areas.
An increase in rural populations has also played a role in the renewed spread of Malaria in Africa.
The inquiry concluded that antidepressant drugs were most commonly prescribed for patients between the ages of 20-25.

Check your answer

Here is a list of Common prefixes and their meanings. Becoming familiar with these will help you guess the meaning of unknown words.

Guessing Unknown Vocabulary Practice

Complete the following quiz to see how much you have learnt about guessing unknown vocabulary.

Lesson 8 of 28

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