Preparing for an exam can be stressful, and it can be difficult to know what to study. While there is no replacement for classes with an experienced teacher, there are some things you can do at home to help you prepare. Vocabulary is a huge part of the TOEFL exam and there are a lot of marks available for the variety of your speech and writing. At times there are also new words in the reading or listening section that can be confusing! However, there is an academic word list that you can study that will help you both understand new words and also broaden your vocabulary. You will probably see these words in the exam in the prompts, passages, questions or listening sections.
Here you can find all the definitions of the 25 most important words from group 1 as well as some examples of how to use them.
25 Useful words for TOEFL or TOEIC
1. Available
If something is available, you can buy it, own it, or have it.
If someone is available they have enough time to do something
E.G.
- References are available on request.
- I am available for interview on the 10th of November.
2. Sector
One of the areas into which the economic activity of a country is divided.
E.G. – In the financial sector, banks and insurance companies have both lost a lot of money.
3. Process
A series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result
E.G. – The political party has begun the painful (in this context difficult) process of rethinking its policies and strategy.
4. Principle (not to be confused with principal)
A basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works.
E.G. – This organisation runs on the principle that all of the members have the same rights.
5. Data
Information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer.
E.G. – The data was/were collected by various researchers.
6. Source
Someone or something that supplies information.
E.G. – According to government sources (people in the government) many politicians are worried about this issue (see issue later).
7. Assessment
The act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something
E.G. – Would you say that is a fair assessment of the situation?
8. Create
To make something new, or invent something.
E.G. – Jim Henson created the Muppets.
9. Derived
Coming from or caused by someone else.
E.G. – The English word ‘olive’ is derived from the Latin word ‘oliva’
10. Factor
A fact or situation that influences the result of something.
E.G. – People’s voting habits are influenced by political, social and economic factors.
– More useful words for TOEFL or TOEIC –
11. Definition
A statement that explains the meaning of a word or phrase.
E.G. – Each country has its own definition of the terms ¨asylum seekers¨ and ¨refugees¨.
12. Assume (different meaning than the usual)
To take or begin to have responsibility or control, or to begin to have a characteristic.
E.G. – The new president assumes office at midnight.
13. Benefit
To be helped by something or to help someone
E.G. – How do you think the job market benefits from lower taxes?
14. Evidence
One or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true.
E.G. – There is growing evidence that people who eat healthy food and exercise live longer.
15. Established
Accepted or respected because of having existed for a long period of time.
E.G. – The government has established procedures for dealing with criminals.
16. Authority
The moral or legal right or ability to control.
E.G. – The United Nations has used its authority to bring back peace to the area.
17. Issues
A subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about.
E.G. – What are the issues that can affect who you vote for.
18. Labour
Practical work, especially when it involves hard physical effort.
E.G. – New technology has reduced the need for labour in many sectors, is this a positive or negative?
19. Occur
To exist, to be present, or to happen.
To come into existence.
E.G.
- Violence of some kind seems to occur in every society.
- When I think about this question, it occurs to me that…
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20. Function
The natural purpose (of something) or the duty (of someone)
E.G. – His function in the company is to recruit new staff.
21. Theory
Something suggested as a reasonable explanation for facts, a condition, or an event, especially a systematic or scientific explanation.
E.G. – There are many theories that vaccines are responsible for other illnesses, what do you think?
22. Income
A company’s profit in a particular period of time.
E.G. – The company’s profit has grown dramatically this year.
23. Required
Necessary according to the rules or for a particular purpose.
E.G. – What do you think is required for students to succeed academically?
24. Approach
A way of considering or doing something.
E.G. – Since my previous idea didn’t work, I need to consider a different approach.
25. Role
The position or purpose that someone or something has in a situation, organisation, society or relationship.
E.G. – Do you agree that the government has a huge role in promoting human rights?
¿What do you think about this list? We hope you found useful words for TOEFL or TOEIC in our first group. Comment below if you have questions.
If you need extra help to prepare TOEFL or TOEIC, please contact with us. More info about TOEFL or TOEIC preparation.
