IELTS Speaking – Vocabulary Focus: Stars and Space

Here is a useful vocabulary table containing 10 words you should know if you want to talk about Stars and Outer space.

This is an IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic from January ~ August 2023.

Vocabulary Table

Word	Part of Speech	Definition	Example Sentence
Star	Noun	A celestial object that emits light and heat due to nuclear reactions happening in its core.	The brightest star in the sky is Sirius.
Planet	Noun	A celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.	Mars is often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance.
Galaxy	Noun	A massive system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.	The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our solar system.
Comet	Noun	A celestial object consisting of ice, dust, and gas that travels in an elliptical orbit around the sun.	Halley’s Comet is visible from Earth approximately every 76 years.
Meteor	Noun	A small body of matter from space that enters Earth’s atmosphere and produces a streak of light as it burns up due to friction.	The annual Perseid meteor shower is a popular event for stargazers.
Constellation	Noun	A group of stars that form a recognizable pattern.	The Big Dipper is one of the most easily recognizable constellations in the northern hemisphere.
Orbit	Noun	The path an object takes as it revolves around another object in space.	The International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.
Telescope	Noun	An instrument used for observing distant objects in space, such as stars and planets.	Galileo was one of the first people to use a telescope for astronomical observations.
Nebula	Noun	A cloud of gas and dust in space where stars are born.	The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest and most well-known nebulas in the night sky.
Astronomy	Noun	The scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena in the universe.	I have always been fascinated by astronomy and the mysteries of the cosmos.

Example Answers

See how the same vocabulary is used in the example answers below:

• Can you see many stars at night where you live?

“Yes, I can see many stars at night where I live. I live in a rural area with minimal light pollution, which makes it ideal for stargazing. On clear nights, I can see a wide variety of stars, constellations, and even the occasional meteor. Sometimes, I’ll even use my telescope to get a closer look at certain celestial objects, like planets or nebulas. I feel very lucky to have such a great view of the night sky from where I live.”

• Do you enjoy looking at the stars at night?

“Well, I don’t mind looking at the stars in the sky, I guess. It’s a nice enough pastime. Sometimes I find it relaxing to just sit outside and stare up at the night sky for a little while. I’ve never really used a telescope, though. I suppose it could be interesting to see planets and nebulas up close, but it’s not something I’m particularly passionate about. Overall, I find astronomy and stargazing to be okay, but it’s not really something that gets me super excited or anything.

• Do you think it’s important to study stars?

“Yes, I do think it’s important to learn about the stars. Understanding concepts like planets, galaxies, and nebulas can help us better understand our place in the universe and the mysteries that lie beyond our planet. Furthermore, knowledge of astronomy can help us better appreciate the night sky and the natural beauty of celestial objects like comets and meteor showers. Overall, while it may not be necessary for everyone to become experts in the field, a basic understanding of the stars can certainly be valuable and enriching.”