Boost your PTE Academic score by mastering these essential vocabulary words tailored for Nigerian students preparing for the test.

Understanding the Role of Vocabulary in the PTE Academic Exam

A strong vocabulary is vital for excelling in the PTE Academic exam, especially for Nigerian test-takers aiming to study or migrate abroad. Vocabulary impacts all four PTE modules—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening—and directly influences your ability to comprehend passages, express ideas fluently, and understand spoken English in academic contexts.

Common Vocabulary Challenges Faced by Nigerian Students

Many Nigerian students grow up speaking English but still struggle with academic vocabulary. This is because PTE tests formal, structured, and topic-specific language—not everyday English or Pidgin English. Some of the common problems include:

• Overuse of informal expressions.

• Limited range of academic or topic-specific terms.

• Difficulty understanding nuanced meanings in passages.

To overcome this, candidates must focus on targeted vocabulary building.

High-Frequency Academic Words You Must Know

These words frequently appear across PTE Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking tasks. Mastering them helps improve comprehension and communication.

1. Analyze

Definition: To examine in detail
Example: The teacher asked us to analyze the poem’s theme.

2. Assess

Definition: To evaluate or estimate
Example: You must assess the situation before taking action.

3. Concept

Definition: An idea or theory
Example: The concept of gravity was discussed in class.

4. Context

Definition: Circumstances or background
Example: The word’s meaning depends on its context.

5. Data

Definition: Facts and statistics
Example: Researchers collected data from 500 students.

6. Derive

Definition: To get from a source
Example: The word is derived from Latin.

7. Establish

Definition: To set up or prove
Example: The university was established in 1960.

8. Factor

Definition: An element contributing to a result
Example: Poverty is a major factor in dropout rates.

9. Function

Definition: Purpose or role
Example: The lungs function to provide oxygen.

10. Indicate

Definition: To show or point out
Example: The graph indicates a drop in scores.

Topic-Specific Vocabulary for Common PTE Themes

The PTE frequently touches on specific academic themes. Here’s a vocabulary list by subject area to help Nigerian students perform better.

Education

• Curriculum: Academic program

• Pedagogy: Teaching method

• Scholarship: Financial aid for students

• Syllabus: Outline of study topics

• Literacy: Ability to read and write

Environment

• Sustainability: Avoidance of resource depletion

• Deforestation: Cutting down trees

• Pollution: Harmful substances in the environment

• Biodiversity: Variety of life

• Conservation: Protecting natural resources

Technology

• Innovation: Introduction of new ideas

• Artificial Intelligence: Machines mimicking human intelligence

• Cybersecurity: Protection from digital threats

• Automation: Use of machines in production

• Digital Divide: Gap in technology access

Health

• Nutrition: Healthy food intake

• Diagnosis: Identifying illness

• Vaccine: Immunization agent

• Epidemic: Widespread disease

• Rehabilitation: Recovery process

Economics

• Inflation: Rise in prices

• GDP: Gross Domestic Product

• Subsidy: Government financial aid

• Unemployment: Lack of jobs

• Import: Bring goods into a country

Useful Synonyms to Improve Writing Scores

Using a variety of words instead of repeating common terms enhances your writing. Here are high-value synonyms:

Transition Words for Better Coherence

Transition words make your writing more cohesive and are scored under the “Written Discourse” criteria.

Additive:

• Furthermore

• Moreover

• In addition

Contrastive:

• However

• On the other hand

• Nevertheless

Causal:

• Therefore

• As a result

• Consequently

Time-related:

• Subsequently

• Initially

• Eventually

Vocabulary for Describing Graphs in the Writing Section

For Summarize Written Text and Essay Writing, describing visual data accurately is key.

Example:

“The number of students rose significantly in 2023, while the unemployment rate remained steady.”

Strategies for Learning and Retaining Vocabulary

1. Use Flashcards

Apps like Anki or Quizlet are effective for spaced repetition learning.

2. Read Widely

Focus on academic articles, international news, and PTE prep material.

3. Practice with PTE Materials

Take notes of unknown words and learn their meanings and usage.

4. Speak and Write with New Words

Incorporate them in your daily practice to improve active recall.

5. Group Words by Topic

Create word clusters like “health-related words,” “education-related terms,” etc., for easier memorization.

Common Nigerian English Pitfalls to Avoid in PTE

Certain expressions common in Nigerian English may not be accepted in international academic contexts. Avoid:

• “I am coming” (when you mean “I’ll be back”)

• “He dropped from school” (correct: “He dropped out of school”)

• “She is in the university” (correct: “She is at university”)

Instead, focus on standard academic English. Avoid slang, informal phrases, and local idioms.

Final Vocabulary Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the vocabulary list:

1. The scientist could not _______ the results without more data.

2. The government offered a _______ to farmers for buying equipment.

3. Technology _______ have changed the way we live.

4. Deforestation poses a threat to _______.

5. The teacher asked us to write a summary in proper _______.

Answers:

1. assess

2. subsidy

3. innovations

4. biodiversity

5. context

Conclusion

For Nigerian aspirants preparing for the PTE Academic, mastering academic and topic-specific vocabulary is a game-changer. Building vocabulary improves not only test scores but also confidence in all English communication contexts. With consistent practice, exposure to formal texts, and smart usage of words in speaking and writing, you’ll be fully equipped to tackle the vocabulary demands of the PTE.