Academic Word List

The Academic Word List

570 key words from academic texts

The Academic Word List (AWL) is made up of the 570 most common academic words found in academic texts. As you prepare for the test, get into the habit of learning 10 – 15 of these words every week. In this way, you will be better able to understand academic texts and express yourself in academic language.

To help you learn the words on the academic word list, we have built an Android app called Key English | IELTS Vocabulary. We have organized the vocabulary of the Academic Word List from most to least common. The app enables you to play a range of games with academic vocabulary to help you learn and remember the definitions, examples, synonyms, word-types and spelling.

Below is the Academic Word List.

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Academic Word List Summary
  • Composed of the 570 most common words in academic texts
  • Organised in sublists from most to least common
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