The word ‘ward’ /wɔːd/ (noun/verb) is frequently encountered in IELTS tests, particularly in healthcare and medical contexts. Synonyms include unit, division, section (for hospital areas), while related terms include protect, guard, defend (as a verb).
Modern hospital ward with medical equipment and nursing staff
Understanding Different Meanings of ‘Ward’
- As a noun (medical context):
- A section or room in a hospital
Example: “The patients in the surgical ward require constant nurse supervision.”
- As a verb:
- To protect or guard against something
Example: “Doctors must ward off potential infectious disease outbreaks in hospitals.”
Common Usage in IELTS Tests
Reading Section
‘Ward’ frequently appears in passages about healthcare systems or medical facilities. Understanding its context is crucial for answering detail-oriented questions.
Example passage:
“The pediatric ward has implemented new prophylactic measures to prevent the spread of pneumonia among young patients.”
Healthcare professionals working in hospital ward environment
Writing Section
Task 1
When describing hospital data or medical facility layouts:
“The graph shows that the emergency ward experienced a 50% increase in patient admissions during winter months.”
Task 2
For essays about healthcare:
“Modern hospitals require specialized wards to provide effective immunization programs and treatment.”
Word Combinations and Collocations
Common phrases include:
- Hospital ward
- Emergency ward
- Pediatric ward
- Maternity ward
- Psychiatric ward
Medical Idioms and Expressions
-
“Under ward” – Being cared for in a hospital
Example: “The patient has been under ward for three weeks.” -
“Ward rounds” – Regular patient checks by medical staff
Example: “The doctors conduct ward rounds twice daily.” -
“Ward off illness” – To prevent sickness
Example: “Regular exercise helps ward off various diseases.”
Remember to practice these expressions in context, particularly for speaking and writing tasks where medical scenarios are common themes in IELTS examinations.
