The IELTS exam assesses your ability to understand and use English in a variety of contexts. Medical vocabulary, particularly terms like “Stroke,” frequently appear in the listening, reading, and even writing sections. This article will delve into the meaning of “stroke” and its related terms, analyze its relevance in the IELTS, and provide you with the tools to confidently use it in your exam.
Understanding “Stroke” and Its Synonyms
Stroke (noun) /stroʊk/:
- A sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, which can cause lasting brain damage, paralysis, or death.
Synonyms:
- Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (noun) /ˌserəbroʊˈvæskjʊlər ˈæksɪdənt/: This is the formal medical term for a stroke.
- Brain attack (noun) /breɪn əˈtæk/: A more informal term for stroke, emphasizing the seriousness and suddenness of the condition.
Example: My grandfather suffered a stroke last year and has been undergoing physiotherapy to regain his mobility.
stroke-symptoms|Stroke Symptoms|An infographic showing the common symptoms of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty.
“Stroke” in the IELTS Exam
“Stroke” is a high-frequency word in the IELTS, especially in listening and reading passages related to health, lifestyle, and aging. You might encounter it in:
- Listening: A dialogue between a doctor and a patient discussing symptoms or treatment options.
- Reading: An article about the risk factors, prevention methods, or the impact of stroke on individuals and families.
- Writing Task 2: An essay discussing healthcare systems or the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing chronic diseases.
Applying “Stroke” in Different IELTS Sections
Listening:
Imagine listening to a conversation between two friends:
Friend 1: I heard your father wasn’t feeling well.
Friend 2: Yes, he had a minor stroke last week. Thankfully, he received immediate medical attention.
Analysis: Here, “stroke” is used to describe the medical event the father experienced.
Reading:
You might come across a sentence like this in a passage about healthy aging:
“Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.”
Analysis: This sentence highlights “stroke” as a preventable health condition.
Writing Task 2:
Topic: Some people believe that governments should prioritize funding for preventive healthcare over treatment for illnesses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Sentence: Investing in public awareness campaigns about the importance of a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a significant decrease in the incidence of preventable diseases like stroke and diabetes.
Analysis: In this context, “stroke” is used as an example of a preventable disease.
Collocations and Related Phrases
Using “stroke” correctly with other words can enhance your fluency and demonstrate your command of vocabulary:
- Suffer a stroke: This emphasizes the experience of having a stroke.
- Risk of stroke: Refers to the likelihood of someone having a stroke.
- Stroke prevention: Measures taken to avoid a stroke.
- Stroke recovery: The process of regaining function after a stroke.
- Early signs of a stroke: Symptoms that suggest a stroke is happening.
Idioms and Figurative Language
While “stroke” is primarily a medical term, it can also be used metaphorically:
- A stroke of luck: A sudden, unexpected instance of good fortune.
- At the stroke of midnight: Exactly at midnight.
Example: By a stroke of luck, I bumped into an old friend who helped me get my dream job.
Conclusion
Mastering medical vocabulary is essential for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. By understanding the meaning of “stroke,” its synonyms, and how to use it in various contexts, you can approach the exam with confidence. Remember to practice using these terms in your writing and speaking to further enhance your fluency and vocabulary. Don’t forget to explore other medical terms frequently used in the IELTS to build a strong vocabulary foundation.
