Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for IGCSE Pathway Year 12 | Essential Word Pack

Year 12 Essential Word Pack: 200 words and meanings

Use these 200 words to understand academic instructions, read across subjects, discuss ideas and organise independent study after IGCSE. Each entry gives one working sense, a useful phrase and an original example. This is an independent teaching bank; school-year labels and examination routes vary.

School and examination requirements · Practice and learning guide

1–20: Organising independent study

Use these words to understand commitments and make workable arrangements.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
1	agenda noun	A list of matters to discuss or deal with at a meeting.	set the agenda Our agenda puts the room booking before the discussion of decorations.
2	allocate verb	Give a particular amount of time, money or another resource to something.	allocate time to We allocate twenty minutes to checking the figures before writing our conclusion.
3	arrangement noun	A plan or agreement about how something will happen.	make an arrangement We made an arrangement to exchange notes after the practical lesson.
4	attendance noun	Being present at a place or event, or the record of this.	record attendance The organiser records attendance at each session to check how many students return.
5	briefing noun	A short meeting or explanation that gives people necessary information.	attend a briefing The volunteers attend a briefing about their roles before visitors arrive.
6	calendar noun	A system or record showing dates and planned activities.	update the calendar Update the shared calendar when the presentation date changes.
7	commitment noun	Something you have agreed to do that requires your time or effort.	keep a commitment I cannot accept another role until I have checked my existing commitments.
8	consent noun	Permission or agreement given for something to happen.	obtain consent The group obtains consent before recording anyone's interview for the project.
9	deadline noun	The latest time or date by which something must be completed.	meet a deadline We can meet Friday's deadline if the first draft is ready on Wednesday.
10	enrol verb	Register yourself or someone else for a course or organised activity.	enrol on a course I plan to enrol on the introductory course before choosing an advanced topic.
11	extension noun	Extra time allowed beyond an original deadline or period.	request an extension She requested an extension and explained which part of the work was unfinished.
12	feedback noun	Information about work or performance that can guide improvement.	act on feedback His feedback identified an unclear label, so we revised the diagram.
13	induction noun	An introduction that helps a new member understand a place or organisation.	complete an induction The library induction showed us how to find journals and borrow equipment.
14	negotiate verb	Discuss different needs or positions in order to reach an agreement.	negotiate a deadline The teams negotiated a deadline that allowed both groups to check the results.
15	obligation noun	Something you are required or committed to do.	fulfil an obligation Returning the borrowed recorder is an obligation even after the project is marked.
16	priority noun	Something treated as more important or urgent than other tasks.	give priority to Give priority to confirming the venue because every invitation needs its address.
17	punctual adjective	Arriving or doing something at the agreed or expected time.	be punctual Being punctual lets the group begin its discussion without repeating the instructions.
18	reschedule verb	Arrange for an activity to happen at a different time.	reschedule a meeting We rescheduled the meeting after two members reported a timetable clash.
19	timetable noun	A plan showing when lessons, activities or events will take place.	check the timetable Check the timetable before promising to attend both afternoon workshops.
20	workload noun	The amount of work a person or group needs to complete.	manage a workload Dividing the tasks by difficulty helped us manage an uneven workload.

21–40: Finding and recording information

Use these words to locate material and keep a usable record of its origin.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
21	abstract noun	A brief account of the purpose, methods and main findings of a study.	read the abstract The abstract helped me decide whether the article addressed my research question.
22	annotate verb	Add short explanatory or critical notes to a text or other material.	annotate a passage Annotate the passage with questions about claims that lack supporting examples.
23	bibliography noun	A list of books and other sources connected with a piece of work.	compile a bibliography Her bibliography lists the sources she consulted while preparing the exhibition.
24	citation noun	A reference identifying the source of information or ideas used in work.	include a citation Include a citation beside the borrowed finding so readers can trace it.
25	archive noun	An organised collection of records preserved for later access.	consult an archive The school archive contains programmes from concerts held many years ago.
26	database noun	An organised collection of information that can be stored and searched electronically.	search a database We searched the library database for articles about urban transport.
27	directory noun	An organised list of people, organisations, resources or locations.	consult a directory The directory gives the contact details of the clubs taking part.
28	extract noun	A passage or section taken from a longer text or work.	read an extract The extract ends before the author explains the second cause.
29	index noun	An ordered list that helps readers locate topics within a publication.	use the index Use the index to find the pages discussing river erosion.
30	keyword noun	An important word used to describe a topic or help find information.	choose a keyword Changing the keyword from weather to rainfall produced more relevant results.
31	locate verb	Find the position or place of something.	locate a source I could locate the original report because the reference included its full title.
32	metadata noun	Information describing a file, document or dataset, such as its author or date.	check the metadata The metadata records when the photograph was taken and who created it.
33	paraphrase verb	Express someone else's meaning in different wording while preserving the idea.	paraphrase a finding Paraphrase the finding accurately and still acknowledge the original source.
34	journal noun	A publication that regularly presents articles in a particular field of study.	academic journal The journal publishes studies about how people learn additional languages.
35	reference noun	Details that identify a source so someone else can find it.	complete a reference A complete reference helps the reader distinguish two articles with similar titles.
36	repository noun	A place or system where material is stored and made available.	institutional repository The university repository holds research papers that students can search online.
37	retrieve verb	Find and bring back stored information or material.	retrieve a record We used the document number to retrieve the correct version from the archive.
38	search verb	Look carefully or systematically for something.	search for evidence Search for evidence that challenges the idea as well as evidence supporting it.
39	source noun	The place, person or work from which information comes.	identify the source Identify the source of the figure before including it in your presentation.
40	transcript noun	A written record of spoken words, such as an interview or discussion.	check a transcript The interviewer checked the transcript against the recording before analysing it.

41–60: Reading conditions and limits

Small words about time, quantity and conditions can change the whole instruction.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
41	approximately adverb	Close to a stated amount, without claiming that amount is exact.	approximately twenty Approximately twenty people attended; we did not record an exact total.
42	assumption noun	Something accepted as true for reasoning or planning without establishing it first.	check an assumption Our plan used the assumption that the hall would be available.
43	conditional adjective	Depending on a particular requirement or event being satisfied.	conditional approval Approval is conditional on providing the missing equipment list.
44	predominantly adverb	Mainly, although not completely or exclusively.	predominantly digital The collection is predominantly digital, but several maps remain on paper.
45	provisional adjective	Temporary or not yet final because further decisions or information are expected.	provisional timetable The provisional timetable may change once every speaker has confirmed.
46	threshold noun	A level or point at which a rule, change or response begins.	reach a threshold The club will open another group when enrolment reaches its stated threshold.
47	successive adjective	Following one after another in a sequence.	successive weeks We recorded the same measurements over three successive weeks.
48	simultaneously adverb	At the same time as something else.	work simultaneously Two groups can work simultaneously because they use different rooms.
49	respectively adverb	In the same order as the people or things already mentioned.	ten and twelve respectively The red and blue teams collected ten and twelve books respectively.
50	whereas conjunction	Used to contrast two facts or situations.	whereas the second The first group measured distance, whereas the second group measured time.
51	exempt adjective	Freed from a requirement that would otherwise apply.	exempt from Students with prior approval are exempt from repeating the introductory task.
52	inclusive adjective	Including the stated endpoints or the items specified.	Monday to Friday inclusive The exhibition runs from Monday to Friday inclusive, so Friday is included.
53	exclusive adjective	Limited to a specified person, group or purpose.	exclusive access The archive gives registered researchers exclusive access to this working room.
54	minimum noun	The lowest amount or level allowed, needed or recorded.	meet the minimum The task specifies a minimum of two sources, so one source is insufficient.
55	maximum noun	The highest amount or level allowed, possible or recorded.	exceed the maximum Our group cannot exceed the maximum of six participants for this activity.
56	exception noun	A case to which a general rule or description does not apply.	make an exception The notice explains one exception to the usual borrowing rule.
57	restriction noun	A limit on what is allowed or on how something may be used.	a time restriction The time restriction applies to equipment use, not to reading in the room.
58	eligible adjective	Meeting the stated conditions for taking part or receiving something.	eligible for You are eligible for the workshop if you have completed the introductory session.
59	mandatory adjective	Required by a rule or instruction rather than left to choice.	mandatory training The notice says the equipment training is mandatory for every new user.
60	optional adjective	Available to choose, without being required.	optional session The extra discussion is optional, so missing it does not leave the task incomplete.

61–80: Talking about quantities and data

These working meanings help you read a small dataset without changing its units or scope.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
61	baseline noun	A starting measurement or condition used for later comparison.	establish a baseline We counted visitors before changing the display to establish a baseline.
62	cohort noun	A group sharing a particular characteristic or period of entry.	a student cohort The study followed one cohort of students from the start of the course.
63	distribution noun	The pattern showing how values or cases are spread across categories or amounts.	describe a distribution The distribution shows many short journeys and a few very long ones.
64	frequency noun	The number of times an event or value occurs within a stated set or period.	record a frequency We recorded the frequency of each response in the class survey.
65	interval noun	A gap or period between two points, times or values.	a fixed interval Record the temperature at a fixed interval of five minutes.
66	magnitude noun	The size or extent of a quantity, change or effect.	compare the magnitude Compare the magnitude of the changes before deciding which needs attention.
67	median noun	The middle value in ordered data, or the mean of the two middle values.	find the median For the ordered values two, four and nine, the median is four.
68	proportion noun	A part considered in relation to the whole.	a larger proportion A larger proportion of the second group returned the form.
69	rate noun	An amount measured in relation to another quantity, often time.	a rate per hour The arrival rate was twelve visitors per hour during the observation.
70	ratio noun	A comparison showing the relative amounts of two or more quantities.	a ratio of two to one The ratio of blue counters to red counters is two to one.
71	sample noun	A selected part of a larger group or collection examined for a purpose.	select a sample Our sample includes twenty notices collected from three school buildings.
72	scale noun	A set of ordered marks or values used to measure or represent something.	read the scale Read the graph's scale before comparing the heights of its bars.
73	trend noun	A general direction of change across observations or time.	an upward trend An upward trend appears across the month despite two days with fewer visitors.
74	variable noun	A characteristic or quantity that can take different values.	record a variable Journey time is one variable recorded for each participant.
75	variance noun	A statistical measure of how far values spread around their mean.	compare the variance The teacher used variance to compare the spread of the two datasets.
76	outlier noun	An observation that lies unusually far from the main pattern of a dataset.	check an outlier We checked the outlier against the original record before deciding what to do.
77	precision noun	The closeness of repeated measurements to one another in a measurement context.	measurement precision Similar repeat readings suggest precision, even if the instrument needs calibration.
78	estimate noun	An approximate value reached by judgement or calculation.	make an estimate Our estimate of attendance uses last week's count and the number of replies.
79	unit noun	A standard amount used to express a measurement.	state the unit State the unit beside the number so readers know whether it describes metres or kilometres.
80	aggregate noun	A total or combined collection formed from separate amounts or groups.	report the aggregate The aggregate hides the fact that one class improved while another did not.

81–100: Following a method

Use action words to explain exactly what you did and what someone else should repeat.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
81	calibrate verb	Establish how an instrument's readings relate to reference values under specified conditions.	calibrate an instrument We calibrated the balance before comparing the masses of the samples.
82	classify verb	Arrange things into groups using stated characteristics.	classify by material Classify the objects by material before counting each category.
83	compare verb	Examine similarities and differences between things.	compare the results Compare the results using the same units and the same observation period.
84	control verb	Keep a condition at a chosen level or prevent it from varying freely.	control the temperature We controlled the temperature while testing the two materials.
85	replicate verb	Repeat a study or procedure to investigate whether its findings can be obtained again.	replicate a study Another group tried to replicate the study using the same instructions.
86	procedure noun	An ordered way of carrying out an activity.	follow a procedure Follow the written procedure so that no measurement step is missed.
87	protocol noun	A specified set of rules or instructions for carrying out a process.	follow the protocol The protocol states when readings must be taken and how they should be recorded.
88	observe verb	Watch or notice something carefully to gather information.	observe a change Observe the change before offering an explanation for it.
89	record verb	Preserve information in writing, images, sound or another retrievable form.	record a result Record each result immediately instead of relying on memory later.
90	measure verb	Find the size, amount or degree of something using an agreed method.	measure the distance Measure the distance from the same starting point on every trial.
91	apparatus noun	Equipment arranged or used for a particular task or investigation.	set up the apparatus The teacher checked the apparatus before the class began the investigation.
92	trial noun	One test or attempt within a planned investigation.	repeat a trial Repeat the trial and note whether the same result appears.
93	randomise verb	Use a chance-based method to determine an order or allocation.	randomise the order We randomised the order of the cards before showing them to participants.
94	systematic adjective	Following an organised method rather than proceeding without a plan.	a systematic check A systematic check found that every missing value came from the same day.
95	standardise verb	Make methods or conditions consistent according to an agreed standard.	standardise the instructions Standardise the instructions so that each group receives the same explanation.
96	monitor verb	Check something over time to notice its condition or changes.	monitor progress We monitored progress weekly and recorded delays before they became larger problems.
97	adjust verb	Change something slightly to make it fit a purpose or condition.	adjust the setting Adjust the setting only after recording the value used in the previous trial.
98	isolate verb	Separate a factor or item from others so that it can be examined.	isolate a factor The revised investigation tries to isolate the effect of light.
99	verify verb	Check whether information, a result or a claim is accurate.	verify a calculation Verify the calculation before using it to support the recommendation.
100	document verb	Make a detailed record of facts, decisions or events.	document a change Document the change so that the next group understands why the procedure differs.

101–120: Clarifying and discussing ideas

Choose language that makes disagreement specific and questions easier to answer.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
101	acknowledge verb	Recognise or openly accept that something exists or is relevant.	acknowledge a concern We acknowledged the concern about noise before suggesting a different room.
102	clarify verb	Make something easier to understand by explaining it more precisely.	clarify an instruction Could you clarify whether the limit applies to each section or the whole response?
103	elaborate verb	Add relevant detail to explain an idea more fully.	elaborate on a point Please elaborate on the point about travel time with a concrete example.
104	interrupt verb	Stop someone speaking or an activity continuing, at least briefly.	interrupt politely I interrupted politely because we had misunderstood which task was due.
105	objection noun	A stated reason for opposing a proposal or disagreeing with something.	raise an objection Her objection concerned the cost, not the purpose of the project.
106	query noun	A question raised to obtain information or check a possible problem.	raise a query I raised a query about the unexplained figure in the final column.
107	rephrase verb	Express an idea again using different words.	rephrase a question Rephrase the question if the listener understands the words but misses the point.
108	respond verb	Say or do something in reaction to a question, event or statement.	respond to feedback Respond to the feedback by explaining which change you will make first.
109	summarise verb	Give a shorter account containing the main points.	summarise a discussion Summarise the discussion without adding an agreement that nobody actually made.
110	tentative adjective	Expressed or arranged cautiously because it may need revision.	a tentative explanation We offered a tentative explanation because only half the records were available.
111	courteous adjective	Showing consideration and good manners towards others.	a courteous request A courteous request can still state clearly what information is missing.
112	attentive adjective	Listening or watching carefully and taking notice.	an attentive listener An attentive listener noticed that the speaker had changed the proposed date.
113	pertinent adjective	Directly relevant to the matter being considered.	a pertinent question The question about access was pertinent because the event was on the upper floor.
114	explicit adjective	Stated directly and clearly rather than left to be inferred.	explicit permission The organiser gave explicit permission to use the photographs in the display.
115	implicit adjective	Suggested or understood without being stated directly.	an implicit expectation Regular reminders created an implicit expectation that everyone would bring notes.
116	ambiguity noun	Uncertainty caused by wording or information that permits more than one interpretation.	remove ambiguity Naming the two group leaders removed the ambiguity in the word they.
117	nuance noun	A small but meaningful difference in expression, attitude or meaning.	notice a nuance The nuance between unwilling and unable matters when explaining the missed deadline.
118	consensus noun	General agreement within a group, though not necessarily identical views on every detail.	reach a consensus We reached a consensus on the venue while retaining different views about the programme.
119	disagreement noun	A difference between opinions, accounts or conclusions.	explain a disagreement Explain the disagreement by identifying which assumption each speaker uses.
120	interpretation noun	An explanation of what something means or how it should be understood.	support an interpretation Support your interpretation with the actual words in the notice.

121–140: Understanding organisations and participation

These words help with meetings, public information and shared responsibilities.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
121	access noun	The ability or opportunity to enter, obtain or use something.	access to information Students need access to the instructions before they can make an informed choice.
122	authority noun	The recognised power or right to make decisions or give instructions.	have authority to The group leader has authority to book a room but cannot change the timetable.
123	committee noun	A group appointed or elected to consider matters or organise an activity.	serve on a committee The committee checked the proposals before recommending one to the school.
124	community noun	People connected by a shared place, interest or other relationship.	a school community The school community contributed books in several languages to the new collection.
125	consultation noun	A process of seeking and considering people's views before a decision.	hold a consultation The consultation invited comments from students who use the study room.
126	governance noun	The arrangements through which an organisation is directed and held responsible.	school governance The report explains how school governance assigns decisions to different groups.
127	infrastructure noun	Basic systems and facilities that enable a place or organisation to function.	digital infrastructure The new course needs reliable digital infrastructure as well as teaching materials.
128	outreach noun	Activity intended to connect with people beyond an organisation's usual participants.	community outreach The outreach session introduced the library to families who had not visited before.
129	institution noun	An established organisation with a particular educational, public or social role.	an educational institution The institution published a clear explanation of how its courses are organised.
130	participant noun	A person who takes part in an activity or study.	invite participants Each participant received the same explanation before the discussion began.
131	policy noun	An agreed approach or set of principles guiding decisions and actions.	review a policy The committee reviewed its booking policy after students reported difficulties.
132	provision noun	The supply or availability of something needed, such as a service.	library provision Evening library provision gives some students a place to study after their activities.
133	representation noun	Acting or speaking on behalf of a person or group.	student representation Student representation on the committee allows concerns to reach the decision makers.
134	responsibility noun	A duty to deal with something or answer for an action.	take responsibility for Each member takes responsibility for checking one section of the final programme.
135	stakeholder noun	A person or group with an interest in, or affected by, a decision.	consult stakeholders We consulted stakeholders who would use, clean or supervise the proposed room.
136	regulation noun	An official rule governing an activity or organisation.	follow a regulation The organiser checked the relevant regulation before planning the exhibition layout.
137	service noun	An organised activity that provides help or meets a need.	provide a service The borrowing service allows students to use equipment they do not own.
138	volunteer noun	A person who freely offers to do a task, often without payment.	recruit a volunteer A volunteer explained the display to visitors during the afternoon session.
139	welfare noun	The wellbeing and basic needs of people or other living beings.	student welfare The discussion considered student welfare alongside the proposed timetable changes.
140	equity noun	Fairness that takes account of differing needs, circumstances or barriers.	promote equity Providing more than one way to join the discussion can support equity.

141–160: Planning resources and everyday projects

Use these words to explain what is available, what is needed and what may run short.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
141	budget noun	A plan for how much money is available and how it will be used.	prepare a budget The group prepared a budget before ordering materials for the exhibition.
142	capacity noun	The amount a place, system or person can hold or handle.	room capacity The room's capacity limits how many visitors can attend each session.
143	contingency noun	A possible future situation for which preparation may be needed.	a contingency plan Our contingency plan identifies another venue if the outdoor area becomes unavailable.
144	demand noun	The amount of a product, service or resource people want or need.	meet demand The library added a session when demand exceeded the available places.
145	expenditure noun	Money spent on a particular activity or during a period.	record expenditure Record expenditure when the payment is made, keeping the receipt with the entry.
146	income noun	Money received by a person or organisation over a period.	project income Ticket income covered part of the project's printing costs.
147	maintenance noun	Work done to keep equipment, buildings or systems in suitable condition.	routine maintenance The room is closed briefly for routine maintenance of its equipment.
148	procurement noun	The organised process of obtaining goods or services for an organisation.	equipment procurement The procurement process compares the required equipment before an order is placed.
149	resource noun	Something available to help achieve a purpose, including time, materials or expertise.	share a resource The groups shared the recorder because it was a limited resource.
150	supply noun	The amount of something available for use or the act of providing it.	a limited supply A limited supply of stands meant that some posters needed another display method.
151	surplus noun	An amount left over after needs or costs have been met.	a small surplus The project finished with a small surplus of unused materials.
152	shortage noun	A situation in which less is available than is needed.	a shortage of A shortage of volunteers required the organisers to shorten the opening hours.
153	storage noun	Space or arrangements for keeping things until they are needed.	secure storage The models need dry storage before the exhibition opens next week.
154	stock noun	A supply of goods or materials kept ready for use or distribution.	check the stock Check the remaining stock before ordering more folders for the event.
155	forecast noun	A prediction based on available information about what may happen.	revise a forecast We revised the attendance forecast after receiving more registrations.
156	inventory noun	A detailed list of items held in a place or collection.	update an inventory Update the inventory when equipment is borrowed or returned.
157	reserve verb	Keep or arrange something for a particular future use.	reserve a room Reserve the room before telling participants where the workshop will take place.
158	renewable adjective	Able to be naturally replenished on a timescale relevant to human use.	a renewable resource A renewable resource still needs careful management when use can outpace replenishment.
159	sustainable adjective	Able to continue over time without exhausting the resources or support it depends on.	a sustainable arrangement A sustainable arrangement shares the weekly work among several volunteers.
160	consumption noun	The use of resources, goods or energy.	energy consumption We recorded energy consumption during the same hours on each observation day.

161–180: Working with digital information

The examples teach communication about files and records without assuming a particular application.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
161	attachment noun	A file sent along with an electronic message.	include an attachment The attachment contains the data that the email asks us to check.
162	authentication noun	A process of checking that a claimed identity is genuine.	complete authentication The service requires authentication before allowing access to the private folder.
163	backup noun	An additional copy kept so information can be recovered if the original is lost.	keep a backup Keep a backup of the project before making extensive changes.
164	browser noun	Software used to access and view websites.	open a browser Open the reference in a browser and check that the full article loads.
165	credential noun	Information or evidence used to establish identity, qualification or permission.	login credential A login credential should not be included in the screenshot of your work.
166	encryption noun	Changing data into a protected form that requires an appropriate key to read.	use encryption The explanation distinguishes encryption from simply hiding a file's name.
167	export verb	Save or transfer data from a system in a form usable elsewhere.	export a file Export the results into the format requested by the project leader.
168	filter verb	Select or hide items according to specified conditions.	filter by date Filter the records by date before comparing this month's results.
169	format noun	The arrangement or file type in which information is presented or stored.	a readable format Submit the document in a format that the recipient can open.
170	hyperlink noun	A selectable connection that takes a reader to another location or resource.	check a hyperlink Check the hyperlink to ensure it opens the intended source rather than its homepage.
171	input noun	Data or material supplied to a process or system.	check the input Incorrect input can produce an inaccurate total even when the calculation is correct.
172	licence noun	Permission to use something under specified conditions.	check a licence Check the image licence before deciding whether you can reuse the photograph.
173	permission noun	Approval or authority to do something or use a resource.	request permission Request permission before changing a shared document owned by another group.
174	privacy noun	Control over access to personal information or private activities.	respect privacy The public display helps protect privacy by omitting names and other identifying details.
175	revision noun	A changed version or the act of reviewing and improving work.	track a revision The latest revision corrects the label while keeping the original measurements.
176	spreadsheet noun	A digital arrangement of rows and columns used to organise data and calculations.	create a spreadsheet Create a spreadsheet with separate columns for dates, counts and comments.
177	synchronise verb	Make copies or activities match in information or timing.	synchronise the files Synchronise the files after checking which version contains the approved changes.
178	template noun	A prepared model or structure used as a starting point.	adapt a template Adapt the template so its headings match this investigation's actual purpose.
179	update verb	Change information or a system to include newer details or improvements.	update a record Update the record when the organiser confirms the new meeting place.
180	version noun	A particular form of something that differs from earlier or alternative forms.	identify the version Identify the version by its date and label before sending it for review.

181–200: Developing independent learning habits

Use these words to describe an obstacle and choose a practical next action.

No.	Word and form	Meaning	Natural use and example
181	adapt verb	Change an approach or behaviour to suit new conditions.	adapt a strategy I adapted my revision strategy when the questions required explanation rather than recall.
182	aspiration noun	Something a person hopes to achieve in the future.	a personal aspiration Her aspiration to study engineering encouraged her to explore several related subjects.
183	barrier noun	Something that prevents or makes progress, access or understanding difficult.	remove a barrier A clearer explanation removed the language barrier in the instructions.
184	collaboration noun	Working with others towards a shared purpose.	effective collaboration Effective collaboration included agreeing who would check each part of the result.
185	competence noun	The ability to do something to an appropriate standard.	develop competence Competence with the equipment grows through accurate practice and useful feedback.
186	confidence noun	Belief in your ability or in the reliability of something.	build confidence Explaining one small example helped me build confidence before the whole presentation.
187	curiosity noun	A desire to find out or understand more.	intellectual curiosity Curiosity led the group to investigate why the two sources disagreed.
188	independence noun	The ability to act or make decisions without relying entirely on others.	develop independence Independence includes recognising when a specific question would help you proceed.
189	motivation noun	A reason or desire that encourages someone to act.	sustain motivation A useful real-world question helped sustain our motivation during the longer project.
190	persistence noun	Continuing a worthwhile effort despite difficulty or delay.	show persistence She showed persistence by trying a corrected method after the first attempt failed.
191	reflection noun	Careful thought about an experience, decision or idea.	write a reflection My reflection explains which misunderstanding caused the error and what I changed.
192	resilience noun	The ability to recover or adapt when facing difficulty or disruption.	develop resilience Support from the group helped him show resilience after the presentation went wrong.
193	routine noun	A regular pattern of actions used for a familiar purpose.	establish a routine Our routine includes checking tomorrow's tasks before leaving school.
194	setback noun	A difficulty or event that delays progress.	respond to a setback Losing one interview was a setback, so we revised the scope honestly.
195	strategy noun	A planned approach used to achieve a goal or solve a problem.	choose a strategy Choose a strategy that addresses the actual difficulty rather than repeating every task.
196	support noun	Help that enables someone or something to continue or improve.	ask for support Ask for support with the unfamiliar instructions before the deadline becomes urgent.
197	transition noun	A change from one stage, situation or form to another.	manage a transition The transition to independent study required a different way of organising my week.
198	wellbeing noun	A person's overall condition of health, comfort and ability to manage life.	support wellbeing A realistic workload leaves room for rest and supports student wellbeing.
199	initiative noun	The ability or willingness to begin useful action without waiting to be directed.	show initiative She showed initiative by checking the missing information before the meeting.
200	balance noun	An arrangement that gives appropriate attention to different needs or demands.	maintain a balance Maintain a balance between learning new words and using familiar words accurately.

Choose your next learning step

Start with the task that is useful today. The practice passages and model answers are original teaching examples, not predicted examination questions.

Return to a word group

• 1–20: Organising independent study
• 21–40: Finding and recording information
• 41–60: Reading conditions and limits
• 61–80: Talking about quantities and data
• 81–100: Following a method
• 101–120: Clarifying and discussing ideas
• 121–140: Understanding organisations and participation
• 141–160: Planning resources and everyday projects
• 161–180: Working with digital information
• 181–200: Developing independent learning habits

Practise and check your understanding

• What does Year 12 need after IGCSE?
• Turn a recognised word into a usable word
• The Fencing Method: clarify one thing at a time
• Reading lab: understand a project notice
• Speaking lab: repair a misunderstanding
• Precision lab: words that are easy to misuse
• Twelve practice tasks: choose, explain and transfer
• Answers and explanations
• Build a routine that shows what you can use
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources and companion reading
• Essential Word Packs for other years

What does Year 12 need after IGCSE?

Year 12 is a school-year label. In this series it marks the transition after the usual IGCSE period into pre-university study; your school may organise its years differently. This pack is a selected learning resource, not a prescribed examination vocabulary list. It supports reading briefs, discussing ideas, managing projects and explaining evidence across subjects.

For a concrete examination example, Cambridge English Language 9093 in 2027–2028 uses AS Paper 1 Reading (2 hours 15 minutes, 50 marks) and Paper 2 Writing (2 hours, 50 marks). Paper 1 includes a 150–200-word directed response worth 10 marks, a comparison worth 15 and a separate text analysis worth 25. See the official 2027–2028 syllabus.

Knowing explicit helps you distinguish a stated instruction from an inference. Knowing paraphrase helps you explain a source without substituting random synonyms. Neither skill supplies an analysis by itself: show the relevant detail, explain its meaning and answer the question actually set. For another subject, check that subject’s assessment objectives rather than importing English Language requirements.

The 9093 subject page lists syllabuses by examination year, including a different 2029–2031 version. Match the version to when you will sit the examination. Use the essay-writing companion for extended writing practice; use this pack to strengthen the everyday reading and communication on which that work depends.

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Turn a recognised word into a usable word

Start with a task you actually need to do. If you are planning a discussion, choose agenda, clarify, pertinent, consensus and summarise. If you are analysing a dataset, choose sample, unit, median, outlier and baseline. Working with a small relevant set gives you an immediate reason to distinguish the meanings.

Use four checks. First, explain the word without repeating it. Second, identify the word class used in the example. Third, say its natural combination aloud. Finally, write a new example that belongs to a different situation. A learner who recognises eligible but writes “eligible of the course” needs help with its grammatical pattern, not another difficult adjective.

The natural-use column supplies a starting combination, not every possible one. Cambridge’s explanation of collocation concerns words that commonly occur together. Use a reliable dictionary to check unfamiliar combinations. You can meet a deadline, request an extension and respond to feedback; changing the verb may change the meaning or sound awkward.

Keep a short record: “word; meaning here; useful phrase; my example; correction.” Add the source sentence when you meet another sense. Record in Group 5 is a verb, but a record is a noun. Inclusive in Group 3 concerns included endpoints, while other contexts concern participation. Learn the sense supported by the sentence before generalising.

For a support route, read the example with a partner and explain the situation in your strongest language before choosing the English word. For a stretch route, write a plausible wrong example and explain exactly why it fails. The second task tests the boundary of meaning, not your ability to make a sentence longer.

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The Fencing Method: clarify one thing at a time

The eduKate Fencing Method uses controlled sentence expansion and a change of context. Begin with a correct base, add one useful detail, consider tone or intention, add a logical connection, then use the word elsewhere. The following ladder is original practice using clarify.

1. Base: “Please clarify the deadline.” The verb has a clear object.
2. Detail: “Please clarify the deadline for the survey.” Now the recipient knows which task is meant.
3. Tone: “Could you clarify the deadline for the survey, please?” The request is courteous and remains direct.
4. Reason: “Could you clarify the deadline for the survey, please, because the email and calendar give different dates?” The question identifies a specific problem.
5. New context: “Could you clarify whether this graph shows total attendance or attendance per session?” The same verb now helps with data reading.

Check the logical addition. “Please clarify the deadline because the survey is interesting” gives a weak reason for needing clarification. A date conflict, missing time or unclear submission method would explain the request more directly. Good expansion adds information that the reader can use.

Make the answer equally precise

A weak reply says, “The usual time.” A stronger reply says, “Submit the survey by 4 pm on Thursday; the calendar still shows the earlier Friday date.” The improved answer resolves the actual ambiguity. It does not add unrelated details about the project.

Try a second ladder with provisional: “The timetable is provisional.” Add who will confirm it, then explain what could change. A suitable result is: “The timetable is provisional until all speakers confirm their availability, so check the final version before booking a room.” Transfer the word to a tentative budget or travel plan. Do not use it to mean inaccurate: a provisional plan can be accurate about what is currently agreed.

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Reading lab: understand a project notice

Original practice notice: The school archive is running a four-week oral-history project. Participation is optional, but the introductory briefing is mandatory for anyone who chooses to join. The provisional timetable lists interviews on two successive Tuesdays. Final dates will be confirmed after participants give their availability. Students must obtain consent before recording an interview and must omit names from the public display. A maximum of twelve students can enrol. The coordinator will consider requests for an extension to the transcript deadline, but approval is not automatic. Each group must keep the recording securely, submit a checked transcript and provide references for any additional historical sources.

Read before answering

1. Can a student choose not to join the project?
2. Can a student join but skip the briefing?
3. Are the Tuesday interview dates final?
4. Does removing names from the display mean consent is unnecessary?
5. Would thirteen participants fit the stated maximum?
6. What must a group do beyond recording the interview?

Worked answers

1. Yes. Optional applies to participation. 2. No, under this notice: the briefing is mandatory for those who join. The words apply to different actions and therefore do not contradict each other. 3. No. Provisional and the confirmation sentence show that dates may change.

4. No. Consent before recording and omission of names from the display are separate instructions. 5. No. The stated upper limit is twelve. 6. Keep the recording securely, check and submit the transcript, and reference additional historical sources. A useful answer preserves all three duties without inventing a required essay.

Convert the notice into a working plan

Write three headings in your notes: “Before recording”, “After recording” and “Still to confirm”. Place consent and briefing under the first; secure storage, transcript checking and source references under the second; final interview dates under the third. If you need an extension, write a request rather than assuming one exists.

This transformation makes the vocabulary operational: you use the meanings to organise action. Keep the original notice available so a neat summary does not hide a missed condition. The University of Leeds offers guidance on selective note making; this particular three-heading activity is our teaching example.

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Speaking lab: repair a misunderstanding

Use the same project notice for a short paired conversation. One person coordinates the project and one wants to join. The learner must ask a specific question, listen to the answer, then restate the resulting action. This is communication practice, not an official speaking examination.

Learner: “I understand that joining is optional. Could you clarify whether the briefing is optional too?”
Coordinator: “The briefing is mandatory for everyone who joins.”
Learner: “So I can decide whether to join, but if I join, I need to attend the briefing.”

The final turn checks understanding rather than merely saying “Okay”. Try another exchange about the provisional dates. A useful question is, “When will the final timetable be available?” A less useful question is, “What is happening?” because the coordinator cannot tell which detail you need.

Disagree without changing the evidence

Imagine one group member says, “We should begin tomorrow because the timetable is already fixed.” Reply: “I agree that we should prepare, but the notice calls the timetable provisional. Could we confirm the date before arranging an interview?” You acknowledge the useful intention, identify the relevant wording and propose an action.

Listeners can check three things: did the speaker name the actual uncertainty, preserve the source’s condition, and finish with a workable next step? If the answer is unclear, ask for a rephrase rather than awarding a score for sophisticated vocabulary. For a stretch task, give a thirty-second briefing covering purpose, commitments and unresolved details without reading the original notice aloud.

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Precision lab: words that are easy to misuse

1. Optional, mandatory and conditional

An optional task may be chosen. A mandatory task is required under the relevant instruction. A conditional arrangement depends on a stated requirement. In “Access is conditional on attending training”, access is not promised simply because you ask. Do not reduce all three ideas to the vague phrase “you can do it”.

2. Respectively keeps the order

“Aisha and Ben collected eight and eleven responses respectively” pairs Aisha with eight and Ben with eleven. Reversing the names reverses those pairings unless the numbers are also changed. When a sentence contains several groups, separate sentences may communicate more clearly than one long list with respectively.

3. Proportion, rate and total

In an invented example, 12 of 20 students attend one session and 15 of 30 attend another. The second session has the larger total, but the first has the larger attendance proportion: 60% rather than 50%. If the first session lasts one hour and the second lasts three, totals alone still do not describe a rate per hour. Name the quantity you are comparing.

4. Precision is not automatically accuracy

An instrument might produce nearly identical readings while consistently reading too high. The repeats are close together, but comparison with a suitable standard is still needed. In this pack precision uses its measurement sense; in ordinary prose it can also refer to exact wording. State the context rather than pretending a word has only one definition. NIST’s measurement terminology guidance distinguishes precision from accuracy.

To calibrate an instrument is to establish how its indications relate to reference values under specified conditions. Adjusting the instrument is a separate action. The International Vocabulary of Metrology distinguishes calibration from adjustment; record what was actually done rather than treating the terms as interchangeable.

5. Source, citation and reference

The article or interview you use is a source. A citation points to the source near the borrowed information. A reference supplies identifying details. Changing the wording of a source’s idea does not make the idea your own. See the University of Leeds guidance on academic practice for recording source details and distinguishing your words from quotations.

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Twelve practice tasks: choose, explain and transfer

1. The schedule may change when the room is confirmed. Choose provisional or mandatory to describe the schedule.
2. A course requires attendance at its induction. Complete: “The induction is ___.”
3. Leila and Tom recorded five and nine observations respectively. How many did Tom record?
4. A notice allows a maximum of four group members. Does a group of five meet the limit? Explain.
5. Repair: “Please clarify me the instructions.”
6. Repair: “We did a feedback about the poster.” Use feedback naturally.
7. Twenty people were invited and fifteen attended. State the attendance proportion as a percentage.
8. One reading is far from the other readings. Should you delete it immediately? Use outlier in your answer.
9. A summary says an extension is guaranteed. The source says requests will be considered. Correct the summary.
10. A partner cannot understand which document you mean. Write a courteous clarification using version.
11. Write a two-sentence project update using deadline and contingency. Invent modest details and keep them consistent.
12. Use allocate in a new context outside school. Identify the resource and its intended use.

For the open questions, compare meaning and grammar with the explanations below. You do not need to reproduce the model wording. After checking, choose one error and write a fresh example that avoids it.

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Answers and explanations

1. Provisional. The schedule awaits confirmation. Mandatory would describe a requirement, not its readiness to change.
2. Mandatory. The instruction requires attendance. It may also be an induction that you find useful, but usefulness is not what establishes the requirement.
3. Nine. Respectively preserves the order of the two names and the two numbers.
4. No. Five exceeds the maximum of four. A limit on group size is not a target that may be freely exceeded.
5. “Please clarify the instructions for me.” Alternatively, “Please explain the instructions to me.” In this use, clarify takes the thing being made clear as its object.
6. “We gave feedback on the poster.” “We received feedback on the poster” also works if the group was listening. Choose the verb that identifies who did what.
7. 75%. Fifteen divided by twenty is 0.75. The denominator is the invited group in this question, not the number of respondents to a different survey.
8. No. “We should check the outlier against the original record before deciding how to handle it.” It may be an error or a genuine observation. Its unusual position alone does not settle that question.
9. “The coordinator will consider requests for an extension.” Keep the uncertainty. “An extension has been approved” would add a decision not supplied by the source.
10. Example: “Could you confirm whether we should use the version labelled Tuesday or the one labelled Final?” Both alternatives are identified, making the question answerable.
11. Example: “Our deadline is Friday afternoon. As a contingency, we have reserved the smaller room if the main room is unavailable.” The reserve plan addresses an identifiable problem; another coherent plan is acceptable.
12. Example: “At home, we allocate one shelf to library books so they are easy to find before returning them.” The resource is shelf space and the purpose is organisation. “We allocate happy” fails because it does not name an allocatable resource.

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Build a routine that shows what you can use

Try a manageable two-week cycle with one group of twenty words. Adjust the number to the demands of your subjects. On each of the first four days, choose five relevant words and make a meaning-and-example record. On the next two days, cover the record, recall the meanings and use several words in a short explanation. Then check and correct what you wrote.

During the following week, return to the troublesome words after a gap and use them in another task: a project email, a reading note or an oral explanation. Mix a few secure words with uncertain ones. This is a suggested classroom routine, not a proven optimal interval. The Institute of Education Sciences practice guide supports spacing learning and using retrieval; it does not prescribe this pack’s exact schedule.

Record evidence of use rather than a confidence score alone. “I recognised conditional” is different from “I noticed the condition in a notice and acted on it correctly.” “I remembered ratio” is different from “I distinguished a ratio from a percentage in my own data explanation.” Both stages are useful, but they reveal different next steps.

Work towards stronger examination performance

After a real practice answer, identify one vocabulary choice that improved precision and one that created confusion. Check task fulfilment, evidence and sentence control alongside word choice. A polished term cannot compensate for an invented fact or an unanswered question. Use teacher feedback and the applicable mark scheme to evaluate the complete response.

If many entries are already familiar, move to the transfer tasks rather than memorising longer definitions. If several examples are difficult, reduce the set and ask a teacher to model one sentence aloud. Progress means doing more with language accurately and independently; this pack does not assign an official grade or guarantee a distinction.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Year 12 still IGCSE?

In this pathway Year 12 is post-IGCSE preparation for pre-university study. School structures vary. Ask your school which qualification, subject code and examination-year syllabus apply to you, then use this general pack alongside those requirements.

Why does this list contain familiar words such as source and record?

Familiar words often carry the important distinctions in a task. A student may recognise source but not distinguish it from a citation, or know record as a noun without confidently using the verb. The examples make those uses visible.

Must I learn the words in numerical order?

No. The numbers make the collection easy to navigate. Start with the group that helps your current task, then revisit words in other contexts. There is no requirement to finish one group before reading another.

Are the natural phrases the only correct combinations?

No. They are useful starting points. A word can occur in several grammatical patterns and have several senses. Check a reliable dictionary when you want to use a different pattern, and test whether the resulting sentence expresses your intended meaning.

Can I practise with a partner?

Yes. Let one person ask a question or give an instruction, and let the other explain what it means and what action follows. Switch roles. Give specific feedback about meaning, grammar or missing information rather than simply praising the number of advanced words used.

Will learning these words secure a top grade?

No vocabulary list can promise that. Accurate vocabulary supports clear understanding and expression, while examination performance also depends on knowledge, evidence, task fulfilment and control under the relevant assessment conditions. Use the pack to improve those real performances.

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Sources and companion reading

The word selection, meanings, sentences, passages and activities are independent eduKate teaching material. The sources below support the examination context and specific learning guidance; they do not prescribe this 200-word sequence or guarantee an outcome.

• International Vocabulary of Metrology: calibration — Calibration establishes a measurement relationship and differs from adjustment.
• U.S. Energy Information Administration: renewable sources — Renewable resources are naturally replenishing and limited by availability.
• NIST: measurement terminology — Precision and accuracy are distinct measurement concepts.
• Cambridge English Language 9093: syllabus for 2027–2028 — Official AS and A Level assessment reference.
• Cambridge English Language 9093 subject page — Choose the syllabus matching the examination year.
• University of Leeds: note making — Guidance on selective notes from reading and listening.
• University of Leeds: skills for good academic practice — Source records, quotations and acknowledgement.
• Cambridge Dictionary: collocation — The purpose of learning natural word combinations.
• Institute of Education Sciences: Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning — General evidence for spacing and retrieval, not a validation of this word list.
• eduKate: the Fencing Method for Vocabulary — The teaching method adapted in original examples.

For extended composition and essay practice, continue with the Year 12 Words for Essay Writing guide. For the broader collection that inspired this format, see 200 vocabulary words for a 12-year-old.

Explore the Years 1–13 Essential Word Packs

For all 26 vocabulary guides, help choosing a level and a practical study routine, open the Years 1–13 Vocabulary Study Guide.

Choose the closest learning stage, then adapt the pace to the learner. Years 1–9 build foundations, Years 10–11 support the usual IGCSE stage, and Years 12–13 continue into pre-university learning. School structures differ.

• Year 1 Essential Word Pack
• Year 2 Essential Word Pack
• Year 3 Essential Word Pack
• Year 4 Essential Word Pack
• Year 5 Essential Word Pack
• Year 6 Essential Word Pack
• Year 7 Essential Word Pack
• Year 8 Essential Word Pack
• Year 9 Essential Word Pack
• Year 10 Essential Word Pack
• Year 11 Essential Word Pack
• Year 12: this Essential Word Pack
• Year 13 Essential Word Pack

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