Virus /ˈvaɪrəs/ (n.) – a tiny organism that causes disease in humans, animals, and plants
Synonyms: pathogen, germ, microbe, infection
Antonyms: antidote, cure, remedy
Understanding viral load and its impact on health is crucial for IELTS candidates, as medical vocabulary frequently appears in all test sections.
Common Usage and Pronunciation
The term “virus” derives from Latin, meaning “poison” or “toxic substance.” In modern usage, it primarily refers to infectious agents. Understanding its proper pronunciation is essential:
- British English: /ˈvaɪrəs/
- American English: /ˈvaɪrəs/
IELTS Topic Analysis
Viruses and related terminology commonly appear in:
- Reading passages about medical research
- Listening sections discussing health issues
- Writing Task 2 essays on public health
- Speaking Part 3 discussions about global health challenges
The concept of virus mutation often appears in academic texts, requiring comprehensive vocabulary knowledge.
Vocabulary Application Examples
Reading Test Examples
“Recent studies suggest that certain viruses can remain dormant in the human body for decades before causing symptoms.”
Writing Task 2 Sample
When discussing global health challenges:
“The rapid spread of viral infections poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, necessitating international cooperation.”
Speaking Part 3 Response
Question: How do you think modern society should deal with new viruses?
Sample Answer: “I believe effective epidemiology and international collaboration are essential in combating new viral threats.”
Healthcare professional explaining virus prevention measures
Common Collocations
- Viral infection
- Virus outbreak
- Computer virus
- Viral diseases
- Antiviral drug
Related Idioms and Expressions
-
“Going viral” (becoming very popular very quickly)
Example: “The health awareness campaign went viral on social media.” -
“Like a virus” (spreading rapidly)
Example: “Fear spread like a virus through the community.”
Understanding these expressions is crucial as they may appear in various IELTS test sections, particularly in passages about pneumonia and other viral diseases.
Practice Questions
- Reading: “Discuss the impact of viral infections on public health systems.”
- Writing Task 2: “To what extent should governments invest in virus research?”
- Speaking: “How has your community been affected by viral outbreaks?”
Remember to incorporate relevant medical terminology while maintaining clarity and precision in your responses.
