The IELTS exam, particularly the speaking and writing sections, often requires you to discuss health-related topics. Therefore, a strong vocabulary related to health and illness is essential. One such word is “contagious,” a term frequently used in discussions about diseases. Mastering this word and its synonyms will significantly enhance your ability to articulate ideas effectively and achieve a higher band score.
Understanding “Contagious”
Contagious /kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/ (adjective): (of a disease) spread from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact.
Synonyms:
- Infectious: /ɪnˈfek.ʃəs/ (adjective): likely to be passed to people.
- Transmissible: /trænzˈmɪs.ə.bəl/ (adjective): able to be passed from one person or animal to another.
- Communicable: /kəˈmjuː.nɪ.kə.bəl/ (adjective): able to be given from one person to another.
Examples:
- The common cold is a contagious viral infection.
- Measles is highly infectious, especially among children.
- Mosquitoes can transmit transmissible diseases like malaria.
- Sexually communicable infections (STIs) are a serious health concern.
Contagious Disease Transmission
“Contagious” in the IELTS Exam
The word “contagious” and its synonyms are highly relevant to several IELTS topics, including:
- Healthcare: Discussing public health measures, disease prevention, or the impact of contagious diseases.
- Technology: Describing the rapid spread of information or trends online as “contagious.”
- Society: Analyzing the spread of ideas, behaviors, or emotions within communities.
Applying “Contagious” in Your IELTS Responses
1. Speaking Test
Part 2: Describe a time when you or someone you know had a contagious illness.
“My sister once caught a highly contagious stomach bug. It spread through our family like wildfire, and we all had to stay home from work and school. It was a nightmare trying to contain the infection, but thankfully, we all recovered quickly.”
2. Writing Task 2:
Governments should invest more in preventing the spread of contagious diseases. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
“Investing in preventive measures is crucial to combat the spread of contagious diseases. Public awareness campaigns can educate individuals about proper hygiene practices, while vaccination programs can build herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.”
Collocations with “Contagious”
- Highly contagious: Emphasizes the ease of transmission.
- Rapidly contagious: Highlights the speed of transmission.
- Contagious disease/illness: Refers to a specific ailment that spreads easily.
Idioms Related to “Contagious”
- Spread like wildfire: To spread very quickly, often uncontrollably. “News of the scandal spread like wildfire through the media.”
- Go viral: (informal) To become very popular very quickly on the internet. “The video of the cat playing the piano went viral.”
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “contagious” and its synonyms appropriately will undoubtedly enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately in the IELTS exam. Remember to practice using these words in various contexts related to health, technology, and society to improve your vocabulary range and fluency.