This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to the education of children.
academic ability
noun phrase
The degree of competence in educational activities in such subjects as Maths, Science and English.
alongside
preposition
Together and in cooperation with.
Example: A brilliant scientist from one country may be working in a laboratory alongside an equally brilliant scientist from another country, but their early childhood education may have been very different.
childhood
noun
The age span ranging from birth to puberty.
Example: Early childhood education that focuses on developing academic ability may help children enjoy a competitive advantage in their age group.
competitive advantage
noun phrase
The attribute that allows an individual or organization to outperform its competitors.
Example: Early childhood education that focuses on developing academic ability may help children enjoy a competitive advantage in their age group.
playschool
noun
A school where children younger than five years old go to play and learn.
Example: Young schoolchildren paint and draw, they make models and build tree houses, they swim and play ball games, they keep fish and grow plants in the playschool garden.
schoolchildren
plural noun
Children attending school.
Example: Young schoolchildren paint and draw, they make models and build tree houses, they swim and play ball games, they keep fish and grow plants in the playschool garden.
toddler
noun
A child approximately 12 to 36 months old.
Example: In some parts of the world, parents encourage their children to begin studying while they are still toddlers.