IELTS Academic Reading Vocabulary: Passages 1 to 5

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering key academic terms, phrasal verbs, idioms, and collocations from IELTS Reading Passages 1 to 5 (Deep-Sea Mining, Forest Management, Space Junk, Concrete Alternatives, and Growth Mindset).

Breakthrough (n)

An important discovery or major advance that opens the way to resolving a long-standing, difficult problem (Syn: milestone, quantum leap).

Antibiotic-resistant (adj)

Having the capacity to withstand and survive exposure to targeted antimicrobial drugs (e.g., antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs).

Prospecting ground (n phr)

A geographic area or domain rich in potential for discovering valuable natural resources or new opportunities.

Exploit (v)

To make maximum use of natural resources or harness them, often for commercial benefit or self-interest.

In the rush to (do sth) (idiom)

Acting in excessive haste or scrambling to achieve immediate gains while disregarding long-term risks.

Weigh up (phr v)

To carefully evaluate and compare advantages and disadvantages (the pros and cons) before reaching a decision.

Terrestrial (adj)

Relating to the land or dry ground, as opposed to marine environments or outer space (e.g., terrestrial mining, terrestrial ecosystems).

Discharge (v/n)

To release, pump, or dump liquid or industrial chemical waste back into the natural environment.

Urge caution (collocation)

To advise prudence and issue warnings to proceed deliberately and carefully.

Ramification (n)

A complex, far-reaching, and often unpredictable negative consequence resulting from an initial action (Syn: repercussion, fallout).

Accessibility (n)

The degree of ease with which a resource can be approached, reached, harvested, or utilized.

Norm (n)

An accepted standard, rule, or widespread behavioral convention that is standard practice.

Legacy (n)

A lasting consequence, aftermath, or residual effect persisting from historical actions.

Regeneration (n)

The biological process by which a forest, plant community, or organic tissue naturally regrows and recovers.

Invasive (adj)

Describing non-native organisms that proliferate aggressively and disrupt the balance of indigenous ecosystems.

Tailor to (v phr)

To adapt, modify, or customize something specifically to fit particular management goals or personal needs.

Outbreak (n)

A sudden and severe occurrence and spread of a disease or pest infestation.

Resilience (n)

The internal durability, toughness, and capacity of an ecosystem to withstand shocks and bounce back from natural disturbances.

Structural diversity (n phr)

Architectural complexity and layered variation in tree heights, ages, and canopy tiers within an ecosystem.

Cycle back into (v phr)

The recurring process by which organic decomposed nutrients return to and enrich the soil layer.

Constellation (n)

A large, synchronized network or cluster of artificial satellites operating together in orbit.

Shrapnel (n)

High-speed flying metal fragments and sharp splinters produced by an explosion or orbital collision.

Debris (n)

Scattered wreckage, discarded hardware, and space junk originating from broken satellites and rocket stages.

Runaway cascade (n phr)

An uncontrollable domino effect or self-sustaining chain reaction of collisions creating exponentially more fragments.

Point of no return (idiom)

A critical threshold or irreversible stage beyond which environmental or systemic damage can no longer be averted.

Disintegrate (v)

To fragment and burn up completely into dust due to atmospheric friction upon re-entry.

Abide by (phr v)

To strictly adhere to, comply with, and uphold established rules, deadlines, or international accords.

Steward (n)

A responsible caretaker, guardian, or custodian entrusted with protecting shared global resources.

Tragedy of the commons (term/n phr)

The systemic depletion or ruin of a shared public resource caused by individuals exploiting it independently for self-interest.

Cross-correlate (v)

To compare and cross-reference observation data from multiple independent sensors or sources to verify accuracy.

Universal commodity (n phr)

An indispensable, standard trade good that is used and transacted everywhere across the globe (e.g., fuel, cement).

Underpin (v)

To serve as the fundamental structural foundation, anchor, or support for modern society or economic growth.

In abundance (prep phr)

Existing in large, plentiful supplies globally at relatively manageable costs.

Susceptible to (adj phr)

Vulnerable or prone to damage from external threats such as moisture, pests, or fire.

Engineered (adj)

Technically manufactured or modified through chemical treatment and structural bonding to enhance physical performance.

Lock away (phr v)

To securely isolate and sequester carbon within building materials throughout the lifespan of a structure.

Byproduct (n)

A secondary substance or residual material generated during the production of a primary industrial product.

Durability (n)

The long-lasting ability of a material to withstand structural stress, abrasion, and weathering without degrading.

Factor in (phr v)

To incorporate or account for specific variables, such as transportation emissions, when performing an assessment.

Mouldable (adj)

Capable of being easily shaped, bent, or poured into diverse structural and architectural forms while pliable.

Take root (idiom/v phr)

To become deeply entrenched, firmly established, and widely accepted in an educational or cultural setting.

Innate (adj)

Inborn or naturally possessed from birth rather than acquired or developed through training.

Supplant (v)

To supersede, displace, or replace an obsolete belief or practice with a newer alternative.

Instil (in/with) (v)

To persistently impart, inculcate, and establish a constructive mindset or set of values in someone's mind.

Impediment (n)

A significant hindrance, hurdle, or obstacle that impedes execution, adoption, or advancement.

Cognitive dissonance (n phr)

Psychological tension occurring when institutional actions (e.g., fixed-ability grading) directly contradict stated philosophy (e.g., effort praise).

Replicate (v)

To repeat or recreate an experimental protocol to verify whether original research findings can be reproduced.

Conflate with (v phr)

To erroneously blend, equate, or confuse two distinct notions into one (e.g., conflating growth mindset with self-esteem).

Viable construct (n phr)

A workable, logically sound theoretical framework or model that holds up under controlled laboratory testing.

Deluded notion (n phr)

A deceptive, misguided conviction or false premise concerning genuine competence and achievement.