The word “chronic” /ˈkrɒnɪk/ (adj.) refers to a condition or problem that persists for a long time or keeps recurring. It’s particularly prevalent in IELTS health-related topics and requires careful attention due to its various applications and collocations.
Understanding Word Origins and Meanings
Similar to conditions like bronchitis and sinusitis, chronic conditions are characterized by their long-lasting nature. The term originates from the Greek “chronos,” meaning time.
Primary Meanings and Usage
- Long-lasting or recurring (medical context):
- “He suffers from chronic back pain.”
- “Chronic diseases require ongoing management.”
- Persistent or habitual (general context):
- “The city faces chronic traffic congestion.”
- “There’s a chronic shortage of skilled workers.”
IELTS Application Analysis
Writing Task 2 Examples
Chronic frequently appears in essays about health and social issues. For example:
“Many developed nations face chronic healthcare challenges due to aging populations, similar to how meningitis affects healthcare systems.”
Speaking Test Applications
In Part 3 discussions about health:
Q: “What are some major health issues in your country?”
A: “One significant concern is the rising number of people with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.”
IELTS speaking topics related to chronic conditions
Common Collocations and Phrases
Medical Context
- Chronic illness
- Chronic condition
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Chronic inflammation, similar to tendonitis
General Usage
- Chronic problem
- Chronic shortage
- Chronic unemployment
- Chronic worrier
- Chronic procrastinator
Idiomatic Expressions
-
“A chronic case of”: Indicating a persistent situation
Example: “He has a chronic case of perfectionism.” -
“Chronically late”: Consistently or habitually late
Example: “She’s chronically late for meetings.”
For those interested in preventive measures against chronic conditions, understanding prophylactic treatments is essential.
Medical vocabulary related to chronic conditions
Practice Exercises and Tips
Common IELTS Task 1 Contexts
- Health statistics graphs
- Disease prevalence charts
- Healthcare spending trends
Sample Task 2 Question
“Chronic diseases are becoming more common in modern society. What are the causes of this trend and what solutions can you suggest?”
Conclusion
Understanding the word “chronic” and its various applications is crucial for IELTS success, particularly in health-related topics. Practice using it in different contexts and remember its common collocations to enhance your vocabulary range and accuracy in the exam.
