IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary · Topic
Media & Communication vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
Last updated 21 July 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.
Do I need less common words to score Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking?
Yes. The Lexical Resource criterion rewards less common and idiomatic vocabulary used accurately, along with natural collocations and effective paraphrasing — not just a wide list of words.
How many words are in this collection?
This collection has 15 hand-picked words, each with a definition, pronunciation, example sentences, synonyms and collocations.
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