Words can sometimes have two completely different meanings. For example as a verb ‘converse’ can mean ‘to talk with someone,’ but as a noun it means ‘the opposite.’

They conversed for hours about old times. (talked)
Brian was happy with the change, but for the majority of the staff, the converse was true. (the opposite)

When you learn new vocab, make sure that you note collocations too. For this group of words some collocations are:
conversation about, conversant with
devotion to, devote time to something, devoted to
diminution of, diminishing returns
distortion of, distortion to

Check the meanings of the words if you don’t already know them. Check the meanings of the various forms as sometimes they are different. You can check them at Time4english by clicking the words (http://www.time4english.com/aamain/lounge/awl.asp).

Vocabulary for IELTS – Academic Word List 100

Complete the sentences. Choose the correct word and then use the correct form of the word.

1. There are so many new ______________ out on the market these days; it’s impossible to keep up. (device, distort)
2. What she says is not right; it’s a ______________ of the facts. (converse, distort)
3. I’m not fully _______________ with the new regulations. (converse, diminish)
4. She’s a yoga _______________ ; she’s been studying for years. (devote, device)
5. Oil seems to have been bringing ______________ returns for the last several years. (devote, diminish)

Answers (in the wrong order)
5. diminishing   3. conversant   2. distortion   1. devices     4. devotee