Meningitis /ˌmenɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs/ (noun) – inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Common synonyms and related terms:
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Spinal meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis
- Viral meningitis
- Cerebrospinal infection
Understanding the Medical Term
Meningitis is a critical medical condition frequently appearing in IELTS reading passages and listening tests, particularly in academic contexts. The condition requires immediate medical attention, often involving a lumbar puncture for diagnosis.
Understanding meningitis terminology and symptoms in medical context
Common Collocations
- Acute meningitis
- Chronic meningitis
- Meningitis outbreak
- Meningitis symptoms
- Meningitis vaccination
IELTS Application Analysis
Reading Section Examples
Common question types involving ‘meningitis’:
- Matching headings
- True/False/Not Given
- Gap-filling exercises
Sample passage:
“Meningitis remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Early symptoms include severe headache, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.”
Listening Section Examples
Frequently appears in:
- Medical consultations
- Health lectures
- Patient case studies
IELTS medical vocabulary usage in exam context
Key Vocabulary Combinations
Medical Procedures
- Diagnose meningitis
- Treat meningitis
- Prevent meningitis
- Monitor meningitis symptoms
- Administer meningitis vaccine
Common Expressions and Idioms
-
“Racing against time” (regarding meningitis treatment)
Example: “When dealing with meningitis, doctors are often racing against time to prevent complications.” -
“Better safe than sorry”
Example: “Although it might be a false alarm, with potential meningitis symptoms, it’s better safe than sorry.”
Practice Examples
Writing Task 2 Sample
Topic: Healthcare Systems
“Some countries have implemented mandatory meningitis vaccination programs for university students. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such policies.”
Speaking Part 3 Sample
Question: “What are the most serious health issues in your country?”
Model Answer: “One significant concern is meningitis, particularly among young people. The government has implemented various prevention programs…”
Conclusion
Understanding meningitis-related vocabulary is crucial for medical topics in IELTS. Focus on:
- Symptoms and diagnosis terminology
- Prevention and treatment vocabulary
- Public health context
- Medical procedure terminology
Practice using these terms in context through sample IELTS questions and medical texts to build confidence and accuracy in exam situations.
