“Nausea” (/ˈnɔːziə/), a noun, is the feeling of wanting to vomit. It’s a common symptom of various conditions and can be quite unpleasant. In the context of the IELTS exam, understanding how to use “nausea” and related vocabulary effectively can significantly enhance your performance, especially in the Listening and Reading sections where health topics are common.
Here are some synonyms for “nausea”:
- Vomiting (/ˈvɑːmɪtɪŋ/): The act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Example: The medication had the side effect of vomiting.
- Sickness (/ˈsɪknəs/): A general feeling of being unwell. Example: She complained of nausea and sickness after eating the seafood.
- Upset stomach (/ˌʌpˈsɛt ˈstʌmək/): A feeling of discomfort in the stomach. Example: He had an upset stomach after eating too much spicy food.
- Queasiness (/ˈkwiːzinəs/): A mild feeling of nausea. Example: The motion of the boat gave her a feeling of queasiness.
“Nausea” in the IELTS Exam
The word “nausea” and its synonyms are frequently used in IELTS Listening and Reading passages related to health, medicine, and well-being. You may encounter these words in:
- Listening Section: Conversations between doctors and patients, lectures on health topics.
- Reading Section: Articles about medical conditions, health advice columns.
Using “Nausea” in Your IELTS Responses
Here are some examples of how you can use “nausea” effectively in your IELTS responses:
Listening Section
Scenario: You hear a conversation between a doctor and a patient.
Doctor: “Are you experiencing any other symptoms besides the headache?”
Patient: “Yes, I’ve also had some nausea and dizziness.”
Question: What other symptoms does the patient mention?
Answer: The patient also mentions experiencing nausea and dizziness.
Reading Section
Passage Excerpt: “Common side effects of this medication include headaches, nausea, and fatigue.”
Question: What are some potential side effects of the medication mentioned in the text?
Answer: According to the text, potential side effects include headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Collocations with “Nausea”
Here are some common collocations with “nausea” that can enhance your vocabulary:
- Experience nausea: “Many pregnant women experience nausea during their first trimester.”
- Suffer from nausea: “He began to suffer from nausea after eating the contaminated food.”
- Relieve nausea: “Ginger is known to help relieve nausea.”
- Induce nausea: “Certain medications can induce nausea as a side effect.”
Idioms Related to “Nausea”
While not directly using the word “nausea,” these idioms convey a similar meaning:
- Turn one’s stomach: “The sight of the accident made my stomach turn.” (Meaning: to cause a feeling of disgust or nausea)
- Feel green around the gills: “She started to feel green around the gills after riding the rollercoaster.” (Meaning: to look or feel sick)
Conclusion
Mastering vocabulary related to health and well-being is crucial for success in the IELTS exam. By understanding the meaning, synonyms, and usage of “nausea,” you can effectively demonstrate your language proficiency and achieve your desired score. Remember to practice using these words in context to improve your fluency and confidence.