IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary · Topic
Media & Communication vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
The press, the internet, and how information spreads. This collection gathers 15 high-value words for the media & communication topic, each with a clear definition, example sentences and the collocations that make it sound natural in the IELTS Speaking test.
Word list
All 15 words in this collection, with meanings and example sentences.
- advertising
- The activity of promoting products or services to the public.
- “Online advertising has overtaken print.”
- broadcast
- To transmit a programme or information by radio, television, or online.
- “The match was broadcast live around the world.”
- coverage
- The reporting of an event or subject by the press, television, or online.
- “The election received wall-to-wall coverage.”
- bias
- A tendency to favour or oppose something unfairly, affecting judgement.
- “Readers accused the paper of political bias.”
- influential
- Having a great effect on someone or something.
- “She is one of the most influential voices in journalism.”
- viral
- (Of content) spreading very quickly and widely online.
- “The clip went viral overnight.”
- censorship
- The suppression or control of information considered unacceptable.
- “The regime imposed strict censorship on the press.”
- credible
- Able to be believed; convincing and trustworthy.
- “Always check that a source is credible.”
- misinformation
- False or inaccurate information, especially that spread unintentionally.
- “Social media can spread misinformation rapidly.”
- take at face value
- To accept something as it appears, without questioning it.
- “Don't take everything you read at face value.”
- take with a pinch of salt
- To regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.
- “Take online reviews with a pinch of salt.”
- transparency
- Openness and honesty, so that actions and information can be easily seen and understood.
- “Voters are demanding greater transparency.”
- disseminate
- To spread information or knowledge widely.
- “Universities disseminate research through journals and conferences.”
- scrutiny
- Critical observation or examination.
- “Public figures are under constant media scrutiny.”
- sensationalism
- The presentation of stories in a way designed to provoke excitement at the expense of accuracy.
- “Tabloid sensationalism distorts serious issues.”
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Frequently asked questions
How can I remember media & communication vocabulary for IELTS?
Use spaced repetition and active recall rather than rote lists: review each word with flashcards and quizzes at growing intervals, and practise saying it aloud in your own example sentences.
How many words are in this collection?
This collection has 15 hand-picked words, each with a definition, pronunciation, example sentences, synonyms and collocations.