Updated on January 03, 2025
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Health

This vocabulary set focuses on health-related terms, covering everything from diet and medical conditions to social issues like poverty and wellbeing. These words are useful for IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks, especially when discussing public health, personal fitness, or healthcare systems.

Health Flashcards - Vocabulary Practice for IELTS

These exercises focus on Health Vocabulary

 

List of Health Words for the IELTS

Word/Phrase

Definition

Example

Peel

To remove the outer layer of fruit or vegetables.

Peel the carrots before cooking them.

Slice

To cut into thin, flat pieces.

Slice the bread for sandwiches.

Mix

To combine two or more substances.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly before baking.

Bake

To cook food using dry heat in an oven.

She loves to bake fresh bread every weekend.

Add

To put something together with another thing.

Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Mixture

A combination of different substances.

The cake mixture should be smooth before baking.

Rub

To apply pressure and friction.

Rub the ointment onto the affected area.

Packet Food

Pre-packaged and often processed food.

Avoid eating too much packet food as it may contain preservatives.

Option

A choice or alternative.

A healthy diet is always a better option.

In My First Year at University

A time reference during initial university studies.

In my first year at university, I struggled to maintain a healthy diet.

Make a Suggestion

To propose an idea or plan.

The doctor made a suggestion to exercise more.

Slow Down

To reduce speed or activity.

You need to slow down and focus on your health.

Junk Food

Unhealthy food with little nutritional value.

Eating too much junk food can lead to obesity.

Wherever

In any place or situation.

Wherever you go, try to choose healthy meals.

Medical Examination

A check-up to assess health.

She went for a medical examination before starting her job.

Pregnancy

The condition of carrying a developing baby.

Regular check-ups during pregnancy are essential for both mother and child.

Affect

To influence or change.

Poor diet can affect your overall health.

Take Medication

To consume medicine as prescribed.

He needs to take medication daily for his condition.

Lose Weight

To reduce body mass.

She started exercising regularly to lose weight.

Accept Pain

To endure or tolerate discomfort.

Athletes often have to accept pain as part of their training.

Define

To explain the meaning of something.

Can you define what a balanced diet is?

Illness

A condition of being unwell.

Early treatment can prevent serious illness.

Disability

A physical or mental condition that limits abilities.

He has a hearing disability, but it doesn’t stop him from leading a full life.

Nevertheless

Despite that; however.

He was tired; nevertheless, he completed the workout.

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints causing pain.

Arthritis affects millions of elderly people worldwide.

Influence

To have an effect on something.

Media can greatly influence people’s eating habits.

Indicate

To point out or show.

The results indicate a strong link between diet and health.

According To

As stated by someone or something.

According to the report, obesity rates are rising.

Whether

Expressing a doubt or choice.

I’m unsure whether to join the gym or take yoga classes.

Obese

Extremely overweight.

Being obese increases the risk of heart disease.

Society

A community of people living together.

Health issues often reflect problems within society.

Genetic

Relating to genes or heredity.

Some health conditions are genetic in origin.

Moreover

In addition to what has been said.

Moreover, regular exercise improves mental health.

Neighbourhood

A local area where people live.

The neighbourhood has a new gym and wellness center.

Tend To

To be likely to do something.

People tend to eat more when stressed.

Impact

A strong effect or influence.

Diet has a significant impact on overall health.

Closely Linked To

Directly connected with.

Diabetes is closely linked to poor diet and lack of exercise.

Wellbeing

The state of being comfortable and healthy.

Regular exercise contributes to overall wellbeing.

Income

Money earned from work or investments.

Low income can limit access to healthy food options.

Poverty

The state of being extremely poor.

Poverty often leads to poor living and health conditions.

Homeless

Without a permanent place to live.

Homeless individuals face numerous health challenges.

Judgment

The ability to make decisions or opinions.

Good judgment is essential when choosing what to eat.

Matter

An issue or subject that is important.

Healthy eating is a serious matter in modern society.

Valuation

The assessment of worth or importance.

The valuation of physical fitness has increased in recent years.

Slimness

The state of being thin.

Many people idealize slimness as a sign of health.

Noticeable

Easy to see or recognize.

The effects of his diet were noticeable within weeks.

Belly

The front part of the body between the chest and hips.

Doing core exercises helps tone your belly.

Be Aimed At

Intended to achieve something.

The new campaign is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.

Feel Pressured

To experience stress or pressure to do something.

Many teens feel pressured to look a certain way.

Lead To

To result in or cause.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems.

Obsession

An unhealthy preoccupation with something.

His obsession with dieting negatively impacted his mental health.

Processed Food

Food altered during preparation for longer shelf life.

Eating too much processed food is unhealthy.

Lack Of

Absence or shortage of something.

A lack of exercise can lead to weight gain.

Extent

The degree or scope of something.

The extent of the damage caused by poor nutrition is significant.

Healthcare

Medical services for maintaining health.

Access to affordable healthcare is a basic human right.

Luxury

Something expensive and not essential.

For many, regular spa treatments are a luxury.

Unequal Society

A community with significant disparities.

An unequal society struggles with widespread health inequalities.

Divided Society

A society split by economic or social differences.

A divided society often has unequal access to healthcare.

Essential

Absolutely necessary.

Healthy eating is essential for maintaining good health.

Cosmetic Surgery

Surgery to improve appearance.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular.

Common Problem

A frequent or widespread issue.

Obesity is a common problem in many developed countries.

Become Accustomed To

To get used to something.

Over time, I’ve become accustomed to eating healthier.

Wrist

The joint connecting the hand and arm.

Repetitive typing can lead to wrist pain.

Back Pain

Discomfort in the back.

Poor posture often leads to back pain.

Overweight

Weighing more than what is considered healthy.

Being overweight can increase the risk of diabetes.

Prevent Illness

To take measures to avoid sickness.

Vaccination helps prevent illness.

Cure

A solution that restores health.

Medical research aims to find a cure for cancer.

Illustration of Health

Usage in IELTS Exam Formats

Reading Section

  • Words like processed food, obese, and impact frequently appear in passages discussing diet and public health.

Listening Section

  • Terms like medical examination, take medication, and wellbeing may be heard in discussions about personal health or healthcare systems.

Writing Section

  • Use phrases like closely linked to, prevent illness, lead to, and affect to discuss health issues in Task 2 essays.

    • Example: “Poor dietary habits are closely linked to the rise in obesity rates worldwide.”

Speaking Section

  • Employ terms like feel pressured, healthcare, and junk food when discussing health habits, fitness goals, or healthcare systems in Part 2.

    • Example: “Many young people feel pressured to stay slim due to societal standards.”

Common Mistakes

  1. Confusing "Obese" and "Overweight":

    • Mistake: "He is overweight, so he has a medical condition."

    • Correction: "He is obese, which increases his risk of medical conditions."

  2. Misusing "Prevent" and "Cure":

    • Mistake: "The medicine prevents the disease."

    • Correction: "The medicine cures the disease, but vaccines prevent it."

  3. Mixing "Affect" and "Effect":

    • Mistake: "The diet had a positive affect on his health."

    • Correction: "The diet had a positive effect on his health."

  4. Overusing "Wellbeing" in Place of "Health":

    • Mistake: "His physical wellbeing is poor because of junk food."

    • Correction: "His physical health is poor because of junk food."

  5. Using "Take Medication" Incorrectly:

    • Mistake: "He took medication for losing weight."

    • Correction: "He took medication to treat his illness."

FAQ 

What’s the difference between "illness" and "disability"?

"Illness" refers to a temporary condition, while "disability" is a long-term or permanent limitation.

How is "processed food" relevant in IELTS Writing?

It’s useful when discussing diet and health, e.g., “Processed food contributes to obesity and other health problems.”

What does "closely linked to" mean?

It highlights a strong connection, e.g., “Obesity is closely linked to poor dietary habits.”

How can I use "prevent illness" in an essay?

Discuss healthcare strategies, e.g., “Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent illness.”

What’s the best way to use "lead to" in Speaking?

Explain cause and effect, e.g., “Eating too much junk food can lead to weight gain.”
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