The term “kidney failure” is relatively common in IELTS, particularly in the Listening and Reading sections, where health-related topics are frequently discussed. It’s crucial for test-takers to be familiar not only with this term but also with its synonyms and related vocabulary to perform well in the exam.
Here are some key synonyms and related terms for “kidney failure”:
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renal failure | Noun | A medical condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function properly. | Renal failure can be acute or chronic, depending on how quickly it develops. |
| End-stage renal disease (ESRD) | Noun phrase | The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed for survival. | Patients with end-stage renal disease often experience a range of complications. |
| Dialysis | Noun | A medical procedure that filters the blood to remove waste products and excess fluid when the kidneys are not functioning properly. | Patients with kidney failure often require regular dialysis treatments. |
| Kidney transplant | Noun phrase | A surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys have failed. | Kidney transplant is a life-saving treatment for many people with end-stage renal disease. |
| Nephrologist | Noun | A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. | A nephrologist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your condition. |
| Uremia | Noun | A condition that occurs when waste products build up in the blood due to kidney failure. | Uremia can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and confusion. |
Breaking Down “Kidney Failure”
-
Meaning: “Kidney failure” refers to a medical condition where the kidneys are no longer able to perform their primary functions, such as filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
-
Pronunciation:
- kid·ney – /ˈkɪdni/
- fail·ure – /ˈfeɪljər/
-
Usage in a sentence: “Early detection and treatment can significantly slow the progression of kidney failure.”
“Kidney Failure” in the IELTS Exam
Understanding “kidney failure” and related terms can benefit you in several sections of the IELTS exam:
1. Listening Section:
You might encounter this term in lectures or conversations about health, diseases, or medical treatments.
Example:
- Listening passage: “The lecture today will focus on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for chronic kidney disease, also known as kidney failure.”
2. Reading Section:
Articles on health, biology, or medical advancements may use “kidney failure” and its synonyms.
Example:
- Reading passage excerpt: “The development of new dialysis technologies offers hope for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease who are waiting for kidney transplants.”
3. Writing Section (Task 2):
You may need to discuss health-related issues, where knowledge of this terminology can be beneficial.
Example:
- Essay topic: “The increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension is contributing to a rise in cases of kidney failure. Discuss the implications of this trend for individuals and healthcare systems.”
Using “Kidney Failure” Effectively in Your Writing
Here are some examples of how you can effectively use “kidney failure” and related terms in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:
- “One significant consequence of uncontrolled diabetes is an increased risk of developing kidney failure.”
- “Advances in medical technology have led to improved survival rates for patients with end-stage renal disease.”
- “Governments should allocate more resources towards raising awareness about kidney disease and promoting early detection through regular health check-ups.”
Collocations and Idioms:
While there aren’t many idioms directly related to “kidney failure,” you can use descriptive language to express its severity:
- “His kidneys were failing fast, and he urgently needed a transplant.”
- “The news that she had end-stage renal disease was a devastating blow to her and her family.”
Conclusion
Mastering vocabulary related to health and medicine is crucial for success in the IELTS. By understanding the meaning, synonyms, and usage of “kidney failure,” you can confidently tackle various question types and demonstrate your language proficiency. Remember to practice incorporating these terms naturally in your writing and speaking to enhance your fluency and accuracy.