IELTS Reading Vocabulary Practice

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes covering whale migration, the history of air conditioning, and the travels of explorer Freya Stark.

migration

The movement from one place to another, often occurring seasonally.

breeding

The process of reproduction or raising offspring.

documented

Information that has been recorded or registered with evidence.

longitude

The measurement of a position on Earth in a west-to-east direction.

feeding grounds

Specific areas where animals travel to find and consume food.

chromosome

A genetic structure in cells used by scientists to determine characteristics like an animal's sex.

fluke

The tail of a whale, often used for identification due to distinctive markings.

catalogue

A systematic collection or list, such as the international archive used to match whale photographs.

distinctive

A characteristic that is unique, special, or easily recognizable.

detour

An indirect route or a diversion from a main path.

hostile

An environment that is harsh, unfavorable, or challenging to survive in.

ecology

The branch of biology dealing with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

satellite tracking

A method of following movements or migrations from space.

near-extinction

A state where a population has decreased to the point of being on the brink of disappearing.

habitat

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

air-conditioning

A system designed to control the temperature and humidity levels of an indoor environment.

invention

A newly created device, process, or idea.

humidity

The amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air.

align

To arrange different elements into a straight line or correct relative positions.

device

A machine or tool designed to perform a specific function.

luxury

An item or service that is expensive and provides comfort but is not considered a basic necessity.

productivity

The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industrial or office work, measured by the rate of output.

efficiency

The ability to perform a task or produce output without wasting time, energy, or resources.

critic

A person who expresses an unfavorable opinion or evaluates the faults of something.

global warming

The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere attributed to human activities.

explorer

A person who travels to distant or unknown areas to discover new information.

regard

To consider or think of someone or something in a specified way.

distant

Far away in space or time; remote.

extensively

Covering a wide range or a large area; broadly.

formal

Education or procedures that are official, standardized, or following a set rule.

corps

An organized subdivision of a military or specialized group, such as the nurse corps.

Oriental

Relating to the cultures, languages, or people of the East.

fluent

The ability to speak or write a particular foreign language easily and accurately.

mountainous

A geographical region characterized by many mountains.

region

An area or part of a country or the world having definable characteristics but not always fixed boundaries.

range

A line or series of mountains or hills.

sect

A group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs from those of a larger group to which they belong.

classic

A work of art or literature of recognized and established value.

medal

A metal disk with an inscription or design, made to commemorate an event or awarded as a distinction.

commentary

A series of notes or personal observations provided as an explanation or critique.

customs

The traditional practices, behaviors, and habits of a particular society or place.