The IELTS exam often features vocabulary related to health and medicine. One crucial word you’re likely to encounter is “diagnosis.” Understanding its meaning, usage, and related terms can significantly boost your performance in the listening, reading, writing, and even speaking sections.
Understanding “Diagnosis”
Pronunciation: /ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnoʊ.sɪs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The identification of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
Synonyms: identification, determination, recognition, pinpointing, detection
Antonyms: uncertainty, ambiguity, mystery
Example:
- The doctor’s diagnosis was a relief; it was a treatable condition.
Doctor Examining Patient
“Diagnosis” in the IELTS Exam
The word “diagnosis” frequently appears in the IELTS exam, especially in the reading and listening sections. You might find it in passages about healthcare systems, medical breakthroughs, or even personal stories about illness.
Listening Section
In the listening section, you might hear a conversation between a doctor and a patient where the word “diagnosis” is used.
Example:
- Doctor: “After reviewing your test results, the diagnosis is clear: you have a mild case of anemia.”
Reading Section
In the reading section, you might encounter a passage about a new medical technology that helps with quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
Example:
“This groundbreaking technology allows for the early diagnosis of various cancers, leading to more effective treatment options.”
Writing Section
While less common in the writing section, you could potentially use “diagnosis” when presenting an argument related to healthcare.
Example:
“Early diagnosis is crucial in the fight against infectious diseases, as it allows for timely intervention and prevents further spread.”
Speaking Section
In the speaking section, you can use “diagnosis” to discuss personal experiences with illness or your views on healthcare.
Example:
- “My grandmother received a diagnosis of diabetes a few years ago, which led her to make significant lifestyle changes.”
Using “Diagnosis” Effectively
Let’s explore how to incorporate “diagnosis” and related terms into your IELTS responses:
Collocations:
- Make a diagnosis: “The doctor was able to make a quick diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms.”
- Confirm a diagnosis: “Further tests were needed to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia.”
- Receive a diagnosis: “She was relieved to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment.”
- Early diagnosis: “Early diagnosis is essential for treating many types of cancer.”
- Differential diagnosis: “The doctor considered several possibilities during the differential diagnosis.”
Idioms:
While there aren’t any common idioms directly using “diagnosis,” you can use it figuratively:
- “The team’s problems are easy to diagnose, but finding a solution will be difficult.” (Here, “diagnose” refers to identifying the root cause of a problem, not a medical condition).
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary related to healthcare, such as “diagnosis,” is vital for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. By understanding the meaning, usage, and related terms, you can confidently approach various sections of the test and demonstrate your language proficiency. For further exploration of health-related vocabulary, you can check out this helpful resource: (https://www.ielts.net/what-does-diagnosis-mean/). Keep practicing, and best of luck with your IELTS preparation!