Here ais some topic vocabulary, especially collocations, suitable for using in Cambridge B2 First Writing part 1 essays divided into commonly used categories.
Please try and choose the vocabulary you like and think you will be able to remember rather than trying to remember them all. Having a personal ‘vocabulary bank’ is extremely useful and it should grow as your English level improves.
The topics are
Family / Relationships
1/ nuclear family
Meaning: a couple and their dependent children, regarded as a basic social unit.
Example: Protecting his father’s ranch has put Kayce’s own nuclear family in harm’s way.
2/ extended family
Meaning: a family which extends beyond the nuclear family to include grandparents and other relatives.
Example: Given space, there are ways in which even larger populations than the extended family can be accommodated under one roof.
3/ close relatives
Meaning: parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and grandchildren
Example: Last year a further 1,000 gave their kidneys to lose relative or friend known to be a good match.
4/ distant relatives
Meaning: A relative who is not closely related to you. Great-aunts, cousins, and second cousins are examples of distant relatives.
Example: But the centenary of her death seemed to me the perfect time to re-examine her life, particularly because she is a distant relative.
5/ blood relative
Meaning: a person who is related to another by birth rather than by marriage.
Example: Your sister is your blood relative, but your brother-in-law is not.
6/ close-knit family
Meaning: bound together by intimate social or cultural ties or by close economic or political ties close-knit families.
Example: He came from a close knit family, so it was difficult for his girlfriends to be accepted.
7/ loving family
Meaning: a family which raises their children and looks after their older relatives in a loving atmosphere with little or no conflict.
Example: He was raised in a loving family.
8/ respectable family
Meaning: A family who has or deserves the respect from others. Having a good social standing.
Example: She came from a respectable family.
9/ dysfunctional family
Meaning: A dysfunctional family is one that has at its core destructive and harmful parenting and a lack of concern for the child.
Example: Although he grew up in a dysfunctional family, he studied hard and was successful.
10/ late husband/wife
Meaning: a husband/wife who has died
Example: He married again, but never got over his late wife.
11/ estranged [formal] husband/wife
Meaning: a husband/wife is one who lives in a different place and has a difficult
relationship with their husband/wife
Example: Harriet felt more estranged from her husband than ever
12/ trial separation
Meaning: A trial separation is an informal splitting of a couple. Unlike legal separation, this is purely a personal arrangement and does not require legal proceedings.
Example: After a trial separation, they decided to get a divorce.
13/ get a divorce
Meaning: to stop being married
Example: After trying hard to make things work, they got a divorce.
14/ bitter/acrimonious divorce
Meaning: a divorce full of anger, arguments and bad feeling
Example: Their divorce was one of the most bitter lawyers had experienced for several years.
15/ ex-husband/ex-wife
Meaning: a man/woman that she/he used to be married to
Example: Although they don’t see each other often, she still has a good relationship with her ex-husband.
16/ broken home
Meaning: Children whose parents have separated or divorced are said to come from a broken home
Example: the last thing he wanted was for his children to come from a broken home.
17/ deprived home
Meaning: a poor home, not having the things that are necessary for a pleasant life, such as enough money, food or good living conditions
Example: they came from a deprived home, but they were always clean and tidy.
18/ confirmed bachelor
Meaning: a man who seems to have no intention of ever marrying
Example: Jack has had lots of girlfriends. He’s a confirmed bachelor.
19/ start a family
Meaning: to have your first child
Example: They are hoping to start a family soon. (NOT begin a family)
20/ have children
Meaning: to give birth
Example: I’d like to have three children. (NOT get children)
21/ expect a baby
Meaning: to be pregnant
Example: Astrid is expecting a baby. (NOT wait for a baby)
22/ the baby is due
Meaning: when a baby is expected to be born
Example: The baby is due next week.
23/ single parent/mother
Meaning: Someone (usually female) who has a child and is either unmarried, divorced or widowed.
Example: It’s hard being a single parent.
24/ raise / bring up children / a family
Meaning: to take care of and look after children until they are old enough to look after themselves.
Example: Violet had to bring up four young children on her own. Raise a family is more common in US than in UK English.
25/ apply for custody of give/grant [formal] custody
Meaning: custody, the legal right or duty to care for a child after its parents have separated or died
Example: The father applied for custody of the children, but the judge gave/ granted custody to the mother.
26/ provide for your family
Meaning: to earn enough money to support your family
Example: Nico works very long hours to provide for his family.
27/ set up home
Meaning: to start an independent life in one’s own flat or house
Example: We live with my mum now, but we’ll set up home on our own soon.
Technology
1/ pushing back the frontiers
Meaning: extending the limits
Example: Honourable scientists want to push the frontiers of medicine, cure illnesses and alleviate suffering. – Sunday Times
2/ publish their findings
Meaning: Publish Results
Example: HELIX researchers expect to soon publish their findings on the links between satellite and ground monitor data. – Environmental health perspectives
3/ harnessing technology
Meaning: making use of technology
Example: Harnessing technology will be essential to be more effective and to reduce costs.
4/ cutting-edge design
Meaning: the most innovative design
Example: Do not expect cutting-edge design in the dozen bedrooms. – Times, Sunday Times (2013)
5/ run smoothly
Meaning: work without problems
Example: And much praise has been lavished on the volunteers and service personnel who kept things running smoothly. – The Sun (2012)
6/ Installing equipment
Meaning: to fit the equipment or machinery where it is going to be used and make it ready for use.
Example: Even installing equipment to catch rainwater for use round the house has its obstacles.
7/ wear and tear
Meaning: damage caused by ordinary use
Example: He teaches a method that ensures wear and tear of the vocal chords is kept to a minimum.
8/ crash
Meaning: a computer system or computer stops working suddenly
Example: the system crashed last night because there were too many users.
9/ a power cut
Meaning: The electricity stops working either for repair or by accident.
Example: there was a power cut this afternoon, so I couldn’t finish that job.
10/ production may be halted
Meaning: the manufacture of some kind of produce could be stopped in the near future.
Example: Parts are running low, so production may need to be halted until more arrive.
11/ Computers have to be shut down
Meaning: switched off completely
Example: The computers need to be shut down during the Christmas holiday.
12/ enter a PIN
Meaning: PIN = Personal Identification Number = a kind of password for cash machines and mobile phones. To enter a PIN means to input the number so you can access your information.
Example: When I went to the cash machine, I almost forgot to enter my PIN.
13/ swipe a card
Meaning: to pass your bank card or other kind of card over a terminal so you can pay or enter somewhere.
Example: The security was very tight, we had to swipe our cards to enter each room.
14/ Online banking
Meaning: using the internet to do banking
Example: Most banks offer online banking these days.
15/ stored on a phone
Meaning: To keep data or information on a mobile phone
Example: I don’t need to remember my friend’s phone numbers because they’re stored on my phone.
16/ downloading new apps
Meaning: to transfer specific software to your device such as a mobile phone.
Example: My son never has enough storage on his phone because he is always downloading new apps.
17/ Wi-Fi hotspots
Meaning: Public places where people can access the internet via a wireless signal
Example: New tourist spots have lots of wi-fi hotspots.
18/ remote access
Meaning: being able to access a computer in another location.
Example: Technical support fixed my computer problem by remote access.
19/ switch channels
Meaning: to change from one TV programme to another
Example: Sometimes you can find something good to watch if you try switching channels.
20/ flat-screen TV
Meaning: large this TVs, often hung on walls
Example: We have a huge flat screen TV in our living-room.
21/ remote control
Meaning: A small box used to control air conditioners, TVs and so on
Example: I couldn’t find the remote control to turn on the TV.
22/ High-definition TV
Meaning: A TV that has an extremely clear picture
Example: We bought a high-definition TV last week. The difference is amazing.
23/ GPS
Meaning: Global Positioning Satellite – software that can display your location on an electronic map or give you directions to where you would like to go..
Example: He turned on the car’s GPS so he could find his way to her house.
Travel
1/ travel arrangements
Meaning: includes buying tickets, arranging changes and deciding dates for travel.
Example: Her duties included bookkeeping, handling the payroll for other staff, making travel arrangements and performing other administrative tasks. – Times, Sunday Times
2/ Travel agent
Meaning: a person or business that arranges people’s holidays and journeys.
Example: Then he left in another taxi and I followed him to a travel agent.- Forbes (2002)
3/ business travel
Meaning: taking a trip or travelling in order to work, have a meeting or some other business activity.
Example: Using a car for shopping trips and leisure activities creates more air pollution than commuting and business travel, a study has found. – Times, Sunday Times
4/ an extremely tiring journey
Meaning: a journey that makes the traveller incredibly tired
Example: Driving to the local villages from the capital is an extremely tiring journey.
5/ return journey
Meaning: to return to where you started after a trip somewhere.
Example: The return journey was much smoother so I was quite refreshed when I got back to the office.
6/ business trip
Meaning: a journey made somewhere and back again for business purposes in one’s working capacity
Example: He left on a business trip to Germany.
7/ day-trip
Meaning: A day trip is a journey to a place and back again on the same day, usually for pleasure.
Example: We took the family on a day trip to Brighton.
8/ boat trip
Meaning: a trip in a boat
Example: We then take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river and also admire the head from the clifftop. – Times, Sunday Times (2009)
9/ travel brochures
Meaning: a brochure, often from a travel agency, which advertises holidays, hotels, etc
Example: The view was spectacular, just like in the travel brochure.
10/ Camping trips
Meaning: a trip to go camping (usually sleeping outside or in a tent)
Example: My friend Bob and I used to go camping trips in the holidays because they were cheaper.
11/ overnight journey
Meaning: a journey by any means of transport that starts on one day and finishes on the next.
Example: it was an overnight journey, so the train was a sleeper.
12/ in-flight entertainment
Meaning: Movies, games or other on screen entertainment in a plane.
Example: I love travelling with that airline, their in-flight entertainment is great.
13/ in-flight magazine
Meaning: a magazine to read during a flight that has details about destinations, the airline and safety rules.
Example: I have taken numerous flights, but have never seen anyone read the in-flight magazine.
14/ boarded the plane
Meaning: going onto a plane
Example: after the passengers boarded the plane, it was ready for take-off.
15/ connecting flight
Meaning: a flight taken from an airport other than that from which the journey began, and which is taken in a different aeroplane from that used for the previous stage of the journey
Example: he group was on a flight to Detroit where they planned to catch a connecting flight to Gatwick.
16/ Domestic flights
Meaning: flights from one place to another within a country
Example: Domestic flights were not affected by the strike, but international flights were.
17/ a window seat
Meaning: the seat in a plane or a train that is beside the window
Example: My wife prefers the window seat, but I prefer the aisle seat.
18/ an aisle seat
Meaning: the seat in a plane or a train that is beside the passageway between the seats
Example: My wife prefers the window seat, but I prefer the aisle seat.
19/ A charter flight
Meaning: flight on a plane rented for special use
Example: There are now direct charter flights in high season to the island – although these are far less frequent than to more mainstream destinations. – Times, Sunday Times (2008)
20/ A scheduled flight
Meaning: Regular flight organized by the company which owns the plane
Example: Scheduled flight passenger numbers had dipped by 12 per cent to 40.6 million, from 46.1 million a year ago. – Times, Sunday Times
21/ Family run hotel
Meaning: a hotel owned by a family in which family members work
Example: It was a small family run hotel where she had stayed once when she was a student.
22/ Run-down hotel
Meaning: a hotel that needs renovation and looks tired and old fashioned.
Example: It was an old run-down hotel which had seen better days.
23/ Luxury hotel
Meaning: an expensive hotel where everything is the best
Example: The rich and famous usually only stay in luxury hotels where they can relax and get some peace.
24/ Budget accommodation
Meaning: a hotel, apartment or hostel that is cheap
Example: He offers budget accommodation in a pine-fresh farmhouse, and riding excursions for 10 an hour.
25/ Make a reservation
Meaning: arranging a room for your stay in a hotel sometime in the future.
Example: We were lucky we had made reservations because the hotel was so busy.
26/ Fully booked
Meaning: If a hotel or restaurant is fully booked, it has no rooms or tables left for a particular time or date.
Example: If your first choice of hotel is fully booked, you’ll be offered an alternative place to stay.
Society
1/ Solving social problems
Meaning: improving issues such as homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.
Example: Independent schools cannot solve all educational and social problems.
2/ to address the issues
Meaning: to understand it or deal with a problem
Example: the local government held a meeting to address the issues of the public.
3/ large-scale economic migration
Meaning: numerous people moving from one country to another so they can make more money to look after their families.
Example: Large-scale economic migration is a huge problem in the Mediterranean.
4/ a force for good
Meaning: a positive influence
Example: The church is starting to reassert itself as a force for good.
5/ A novel solution.
Meaning: new and original solution
Example: Luckily, the armed forces have come up with a novel solution. – The Sun
6/ a breakdown in law and order
Meaning: Lawlessness and anarchy where the government and police lose control of the population.
Example: There was a breakdown in law and order after the King was shot.
7/ public disorder
Meaning: expression of dissatisfaction by crowds of people, especially about a political matter
Example: There was public disorder at the protests at the weekend.
8/ social fabric
Meaning: social structure
Example: If the government wants better rounded citizens, it should look to the educational system and our social fabric, not to the ministry of defence. – Times, Sunday Times
9/ to take draconian measures
Meaning: extremely severe steps
Example: the government was accused of taking draconian measures to control the strikers.
10/ run-down areas
Meaning: parts of a town or city in very bad condition
Example: there are many social problems in run-down areas
11/ antisocial behavior
Meaning: behaviour that is thought of as unacceptable by the majority of the population, such as smoking inside or public nudity.
Example: The youth of today are often accused of anti-social behaviour due to the way they dress and act.
12/ underage drinking
Meaning: to drink alcohol before you are legally allowed to do so.
Example: Underage drinking is a huge problem for some schools.
13/ dysfunctional families
Meaning: families that do not behave in the same way as most families due to some issue such as divorce.
Example: It was an oddly touching portrait of a loving but dysfunctional family. – Times, Sunday Times
16/ break the cycle
Meaning: bring a stop to a negative pattern of behavior
Example: Counselling often helps the patient to break the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives.
17/ low-income families
Meaning: families that do not earn much money.
Example: For a low-income family, pricing plays a larger role than taste and quality in whether the food will be purchased. – Wikipedia
18/ poor sanitary conditions
Meaning: a place that is not clean and healthy enough to live in
Example: Some of these people live in poor sanitary conditions.
19/ unfit for human habitation
Meaning: Not being suitable for people to live in.
Example: These days, these houses would be considered unfit for human habitation.
20/ affordable housing
Meaning: cheaper houses, usually built with help from the government.
Example: the government has promised to build more affordable housing by the end of the decade.
21/ neighbourhood watch schemes
Meaning: arrangements where neighbours help each other to keep their area safe and free from crime because the police are too slow to respond.
Example: That neighbourhood has a very successful neighbourhood watch scheme.
22/ illegal substances,
Meaning: formal: an illegal drug
Example: The youths were charged with possession of illegal substances.
23/ claim benefits
Meaning: to receive financial support from the state
Example: the poorest families all claim benefits
Health
1/ In good shape
Meaning: to be healthy and not be too fat or too thin
Example: He’s in good shape for his age.
2/ regular vigorous exercise
Meaning: energetic exercise done regularly
Example: Many people learn relaxation techniques, while regular, vigorous exercise is a good mood booster and balancer. – The Sun (2014)
3/ a balanced diet
Meaning: a diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth
Example: Man cannot live by bread alone and everyone needs a balanced diet. – The Sun (2010)
4/ healthy eating
Meaning: eating food that is good for you, not just to feel full.
Example: In recent years we have been bombarded with messages about the importance of healthy eating.
The Sun (2014)
5/ a personal fitness programme
Meaning: exercises that will benefit one person
Example: His trainer gave him a personal fitness programme to build his muscles.
6/ terminally ill
Meaning: to be so ill you are going to die
Example: His mother is terminally ill with cancer.
7/ excruciating/unbearable pain
Meaning: extreme pain
Example: She was in unbearable pain before the doctor gave her an injection.
8/ trivial/minor ailments
Meaning: illness that is not serious
Example: apart from suffering the occasional trivial ailment, I have never been sick.
9/ serious illness
Meaning: an illness that could have a severe impact on life.
Example: Cancer is a serious illness.
10/ life-threatening
Meaning: an event, disease or action that someone could die from
Example: She’s in hospital, but it isn’t like threatening.
11/ acutely/intensely painful
Meaning: severely painful
Example: Her condition is stable, although still intensely painful.
12/ relieved/alleviated the pain
Meaning: reduced pain
Example: The medicine relieved her pain.
15/ a heavy cold
Meaning: a bad cold
Example: She had a heavy cold last week.
16/ watch what you eat
Meaning: to be careful about what you eat
Example: She had to watch what she ate because of the medicine she was taking.
17/ to go on a diet
Meaning: to eat less to lose weight and become thinner.
Example: My wife lost 10kg last year after going on a diet.
18/ a serious medical condition
Meaning: (see 9/ a serious illness) an illness that could have a severe impact on life.
Example: Cancer is a serious medical condition.
19/ to have an operation
Meaning: when a doctor cuts a patient open and repairs inside their body.
Example: I had a small operation last weekend.
20/ a course of medication
Meaning: medicine to be taken several times a day for a specified length of time.
Example: The doctor has given me a course of medication for the next few months.
21/ to respond well to treatment
Meaning: to feel better after being treated by a doctor.
Example: the patient responded well to treatment and was home a week later.
22/ to make a full recovery
Meaning: to return to full health after an illness or other medical problem.
Example: After the operation, the patient made a full recovery.
23/ be in poor health
Meaning: not be very well
Example: My gran’s been in poor health for years
24/ an infectious disease
Meaning: diseases caught from someone with that disease
Example: There are a number of infectious diseases which mainly affect children.
25/ a rare illness/disease
Meaning: an illness that seldom occurs
Example: The baby was born with a rare illness
26/ suffer from a chronic disease
Meaning: to have a disease which usually lasts throughout a person’s life
Example: Oscar Wilde suffered from a chronic ear disease which ultimately led to his death.
27/ critically ill
Meaning: extremely/dangerously ill
Example: She’s still critically ill in hospital
28/ fight for one’s life
Meaning: in danger of dying
Example: The accident has left three people fighting for their lives
29/ untimely/premature death
Meaning: death at too early an age
Example: We were all saddened by the young woman’s untimely/premature death.
Work
1/ a fulfilling job
Meaning: a satisfying and worthwhile job
Example: Many people believe that nursing and teaching are fulfilling jobs.
2/ a high-powered job
Meaning: a very important and responsible job
Example: Executives with high-powered jobs rarely spend enough time with their families.
3/ a demanding job
Meaning: a job that requires a lot of time, energy and attention
Example: He is constantly exhausted due to his demanding job.
4/ a steady-job
Meaning: a job that develops gradually without interruptions and will not change quickly.
Example: She is happy, has a steady job and is getting married next year.
5/ to apply for a job
Meaning: to send your personal details in order to e considered for employment
Example: Your student days are over, you should apply for a job.
6/ a permanent job
Meaning: a job that will last forever (or as long as possible)
Example: There is no such thing as a permanent job these days, things have changed.
7/ to work closely with
Meaning: to work with someone on the same project so you know what each other are doing at any time.
Example: The manager wants you to work closely with Robert so the proposal will be finished on time.
8/ at the height/peak of your career
Meaning: To achieve the highest level of employment in that field.
Example: She reached the height of her career when she won the Best Businesswoman award in 2021.
9/ to wreck/ruin someone’s career
Meaning: to take action so that another person is seen as a liability at work so they will never be promoted again and will probably never get another job in the same field.
Example: His enemies ruined his career, so he will never get the same kind of job again in that city.
10/ to embark on a career
Meaning: to start a career
Example: Julie was quite nervous about embarking on her new career as an air steward.
11/ to climb the career ladder
Meaning: gradually getting promoted so an employees position becomes higher and higher.
Example: Tom started as an office boy and climbed the career ladder until he became the CEO.
12/ a promising career
Meaning: A career that looks as if it will be successful in the future.
Example: Susan looks as if she has a promising career in front of her.
13/ to have a career in … (ie medicine)
Meaning: to specialise in one field such as medicine, engineering etc.
Example: Neil has decided to have a career in architecture.
14/ to have experience
Meaning: to have working knowledge of problems because you have encountered before.
Example: Grace has experience of the problems caused by sickness in the office.
15/ a good team player
Meaning: a person who co-operates well with other people
Example: Brian is a good team player, I don’t know what we’d do without him.
16/ a stimulating working environment
Meaning: a workplace that makes the employees work happily and creatively together.
Example: Creative people prefer to work in a stimulating working environment.
4/ an integral part of a close knit team?
Meaning: an essential person in a team that works very closely with each other.
Example: James was an integral part of a close knit team, so he will be missed.
17/ job satisfaction
Meaning: feeling as if your employment is worthwhile and gives you what you need.
Example: The project I am working on now gives me an incredible feeling of job satisfaction.
18/ generous benefits
Meaning: good rewards for work – not just salary but also perhaps a company car, good holiday entitlement, etc.
Example: There is a superb salary and generous benefits on offer.
19/ to join the staff
Meaning: to start working somewhere as a member of staff
Example: Julia is going to join the staff at an international company.
20/ to make a living
Meaning: earn enough to live (can also be used just to refer to
one’s job and how one earns one’s money)
Example: She makes a living as a hairdresser.
21/ to lay off staff
Meaning: dismiss staff because there is no work for them to do
Example: The company will need to lay off staff if it is going to survive.
22/ to go freelance
Meaning: work for several different organizations rather than working full-time for one
Organization
Example: Sarah decided it would be better to work freelance, it would give her more money and time.
23/ a network of contacts
Meaning: people you know through work who can help you
Example: One of the reasons Peter is a top salesman is his network of contacts.
24/ a very tempting offer
Meaning: a job or salary offer which is makes you think seriously about changing your position.
Example: Stanley had been made a very tempting offer by one of the bigger companies.
25/ a fast-track scheme
Meaning: system for rapid training and promotion of talented staff
Example: The bank has a fast track scheme for those who are intelligent enough.
26/ to hand in your resignation
Meaning: to give the Human resources Department or your boss a letter to say why you don’t want to work there any more.
Example: I tried to stop him, but Trevor insisted on handing in his resignation.
27/to be relieved of your duties
Meaning: dismissed (formal)
Example: Bob was relieved of his duties after he hit Mary.
28/ unsocial hours
Meaning: working hours outside of 9am to 6pm
Example: Colin gets very good pay for working unsocial hours.
29/ a very high turnover of staff
Meaning: the workers change frequently
Example: Our company has a high turnover of staff, so it’s difficult to have any friends there.
Education
1/ continuous assessment
Meaning: system where the quality of a student’s work is judged by pieces of course work and not by one final examination
Example: These days a student’s final score consists of both exam scores and continual assessment results.
2/ to provide training
Meaning: to make training available for staff
Example: Everyone tries to get a position at companies that provide training.
3/ tertiary education
Meaning: university or college
Example: Tertiary education is essential in this day and age if someone wants to get a good job.
4/ further education
Meaning: university or college
Example: He’s going to go on to further education after high school.
6/ to win a scholarship
Meaning: an award given to a student who may not be able to afford the school/university fees, so they can study there.
Example: She won a scholarship to Oxford University.
7/ a straight A student
Meaning: a student who always gets very good marks
Example: May as always a straight A student, right through school.
8/ to secure a place
Meaning: (formal) was accepted as a student; (informal: got a place)
Example: It is really difficult to secure a place at any of the top universities these days.
9/ one of the most prestigious universities / schools
Meaning: an educational institution that is very highly regarded nationally or internationally.
Example: Saint Andrews University is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK.
11/ academic year
Meaning: the time from the start of the course year to the end, often October to June.
Example: The first week of the academic year is always the hardest.
12/ core subjects
Meaning: subjects which all the students on the course have to do
Example: The core subjects at Chinese schools are Maths, Chinese and English.
13/ set texts
Meaning: specific books which students must study
Example: The lectures and tutorials are very interesting, but the set texts are a bit dry and boring.
14/ distinguished scholars
Meaning: someone who has been recognised as excellent at studying in their field.
Example: Most students would like to learn as much as they can, but few aspire to be a distinguished scholar.
15/ leading authorities in the field
Meaning: people who are well known and respected in their area of study.
Example: Even the leading authorities in the field cannot agree on the which answer is correct.
17/ evening courses
Meaning: courses of study that are in the evening, often for people who also work.
Example: Many people take evening courses to earn professional qualifications.
18/ entry requirements for university
Meaning: the qualifications someone needs to be admitted into university and study what they want.
Example: Due to the large amount of students leaving school this year, the entry requirements for most universities are very high.
14/ mature students
Meaning: students who are older than the average student
Example: Mature students bring experience and a different point of view to a class of school leavers.
19/ a marked improvement
Meaning: a noticeable improvement in someone’s score
Example: Those that take extra classes show a marked improvement in their test results.
20/ a natural talent
Meaning: Someone who can do something naturally, without seeming to have to study.
Example: He has a natural talent for maths, but is hopeless at Biology.
21/ full marks
Meaning: 100%
Example: If the percentage of students who get full marks is too high, the exam is too easy.
22/ room for improvement
Meaning: Someone’s score can be improved
Example: They are improving, but there is still some room for improvement.
23/ to learn something by heart
Meaning: to remember something word by word
Example: Some people like to learn the words of a song by heart.
24/ a thirst for knowledge
Meaning: never wanting to stop learning
Example: Although her results are average, she has an incredible thirst for knowledge.
25/ A quick learner
Meaning: someone who learns quickly and easily
Example: I would much rather work with someone who is a quick learner than someone who takes a long time to take in new information.
Media and Advertising
1/ to broadcast propaganda
Meaning: to send out a programme on television or radio that may be false or exaggerated in order to gain support for a political leader, a party, etc
Example: The media in North Korea broadcast propaganda every day about the dangers of war with South Korea and the USA.
2/ a leading article
Meaning: a piece of writing which deals with the most important news item of the day.
Example: Newspapers in my country often have a leading article on some sensational crime that has been committed.
3/ editorial policy
Meaning: the policy of the newspaper, as decided by the person in charge of producing the newspaper
Example: The editorial policy of a newspaper determines whether serious news items are reported in a responsible way.
4/ sensationalism
Meaning: reporting which tries to get your interest by presenting facts or events as more shocking or worse than they are.
Example: Unfortunately, sensationalism has resulted in much public distrust of the media.
5/ to carry a story
Meaning: to include an item in a news report
Example: The media nowadays carries too many stories about celebrities and trivia and not enough serious news.
6/ news coverage
Meaning: the reporting of news and sport in newspapers, tv, or radio.
Example: The US presidential election received global news coverage, so that the whole world became interested in the outcome.
7/ to make front page headlines
Meaning: to be an important item of news in the newspapers, on radio or TV.
Example: It seems that every insignificant event in the lives of celebrities makes front page headlines.
8/ breaking news
Meaning: newly received information about an event that is currently taking place
Example: One disadvantage of the printed media is that it is unable to carry the latest
breaking news stories.
9/ up to the minute
Meaning: having the latest information
Example: Newspapers are unable to provide up to the minute news coverage of events as they happen.
10/ falling circulation
Meaning: the decline in the number of copies of a newspaper sold each day Example: As a result of their falling circulation, newspapers are losing advertising
11/ celebrity endorsement
Meaning: A form of brand or advertising campaign that involves a well known person using their fame to help promote a product or service
Example: Celebrity endorsement by famous TV stars is commonly used by companies to encourage consumers to trust and buy their products.
12/ to subscribe to a magazine
Meaning: to pay money regularly in order to receive a copy of a magazine
Example: Those with a strong interest in a particular field sometimes prefer to subscribe to a magazine which has articles relating to that area.
13/ the financial/business sections
Meaning: Newspapers have increasingly turned to providing expert, detailed analysis of recent events, for Example in their financial or business sections.
14/ online advertising
Meaning: advertising a product or service on the internet
Example: The growing popularity of online advertising has resulted in a loss of revenue for the printed media in general.
15/ to slash the prices of products
Meaning: to reduce the price dramatically
Example: Supermarkets, for example, always carry huge in-store advertisements when they
slash the prices of products.
16/ to be wary of something
Meaning: not completely trusting or certain about something
Example: Consumers must always be wary of the claims made in advertisements, because such claims are often exaggerated or untrue.
17/ to promote their products
Meaning: to make products popular by advertising them
Example: Most large enterprises contract specialist marketing companies to promote their products.
18/ to buy goods impulsively
Meaning: to buy things suddenly without any planning and without considering the effects they may have
Example: Advertising motivates consumers to buy goods impulsively.
19/ to be swayed by advertisements
Meaning: to be influenced to buy things as a result of advertising
Example: If consumers were not easily swayed by advertisements, the advertising industry would not exist.
20/ market research
Meaning: the action of collecting information about what people buy
Example: In deciding how to promote their products or services, businesses should first conduct market research.
21/ a price war
Meaning: a situation in which companies or shops continually reduce their prices in order to attract customers away from their competitors
Example: Advertising plays a key role in price wars between supermarkets.
22/ to launch a product
Meaning: to introduce a new product
Example: Companies have recognised that the services of the marketing industry are essential to launch a new product successfully.
23/ target audience
Meaning: consumers whom businesses aim at when selling their products
Example: Companies which sell soft drinks, like Coca Cola, aim mainly at a target audience
of children and adolescents.
24/ brand awareness
Meaning: the action of bringing the name of a company to the attention of the public
Example: Advertising, not the quality of the product, is responsible for creating brand awareness among consumers, as can be seen by the success of market leaders such as Nike or Coca Cola.
25/ prime time television
Meaning: the hours during which most people are watching TV
Example: Although advertising on prime time television is expensive, it is guaranteed to reach a large audience. V
26/ the electronic media
Meaning: broadcast media which use electronic technology, such as the internet, television, radio, DVDs, etc.
Example: In contrast, to print media, the electronic media are growing in popularity, especially among the youth.
27/ to impose regulations on
Meaning: to control something by means of rules
Example: Governments must impose regulations on the advertising industry in order to protect consumers.
28/ commercial advertising
Meaning: advertising on the radio or television, between or during programmes.
Example: Commercial advertising on television provides the revenue for most TV channels.
29/ telemarketing
Meaning: a method of selling things or taking orders for sales by telephone
Example: Telemarketing has become a growth industry, employing millions of people across the world.
The Environment
1/ to discharge chemical waste
Meaning: to dispose of waste products from chemical processes.
Example: Nowadays, more and more company and industrial zones have been discharging chemical waste into rivers, causing death to many fish and other aquatic animals.
2/ environmental degradation
Meaning: the process or fact of the environment becoming worse
Example: Africa is a continent in which environmental degradation is evident in the spread of deserts and the extinction of animal species.
3/ to take action on global warming
Meaning: to do what has to be done on problems related to global warming
Example: There have been numerous international conferences to warn of the dangers, but many governments have refused to take action on global warming.
4/ to be bio-degradable
Meaning: a substance or chemical that can be changed to a natural harmless state by the action of bacteria
Example: Most plastics are not biodegradable, and remain as waste products in the environment for thousands of years.
5/ to deplete natural resources
Meaning: To reduce the amount of natural resources.
Example: Timber companies must not be allowed to deplete natural resources by cutting down trees without planting new trees to replace them.
6/ ozone layer depletion
Meaning: refers to a steady decline in the total amount of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere
Example: Ozone layer depletion has the effect of allowing harmful radiation from the sun to penetrate the atmosphere and this increases the risk to humans of skin cancer.
7/ an ecological crisis
Meaning: a serious situation that occurs when the environment of a species or a population changes in a way that destabilizes its continued survival
Example: Environmental degradation caused by human activity is provoking an ecological crisis which threatens our existence.
8/ Carbon footprint
Meaning: a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced by the daily activities of a company or person
Example: By providing subsidies, governments should encourage companies to reduce their carbon footprint through energy efficiency or other ‘green measures’.
9/ to cut down on emissions
Meaning: to reduce the amount of gases sent out into the air
Example: People must be made aware of the need to cut down on emissions from their cars if we are to reduce air pollution.
10/ to fight climate change
Meaning: To try to prevent changes in climate patterns, such as rainfall, temperature and winds.
Example: Unless we consume less of the Earth’s natural resources, it will be impossible to fight climate change and safeguard our future.
11/ to reduce the dependence/reliance on fossil fuels
Meaning: to decrease people’s consumption of fossil fuels, like oil, coal or gas.
Example: Governments must invest heavily in solar and wind energy projects in order to reduce our dependence/reliance on fossil fuels.
12/ to alleviate environmental problems
Meaning: to make bad environmental problems less severe
Example: Everyone can assist in the effort to alleviate environmental problems in the local community through simple actions such as recycling waste or planting a tree in their garden.
13/ to throw one’s weigh behind something
Meaning: To use one’s influence to help support
Example: The council is to throw its weight behind a campaign to save one of the borough’s best-loved beauty spots.
14/ to hold somebody accountable for + noun/gerund
Meaning: to consider someone responsible for something; to blame something on someone
Example: Companies which discharge chemical waste from their factories into the sea or into rivers must be held accountable for their actions and be fined heavily.
15/ to achieve sustainable development
Meaning: economic development that is achieved without depleting natural resources
Example: Organic methods must be introduced everywhere in order to achieve sustainable development in agriculture.
16/ alternative energy sources
Meaning: refers to any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel
Example: Clean energy which does not pollute the Earth can only come from greater reliance on alternative energy sources.
17/ captive breeding
Meaning: the reproduction of animals in confinement, not in their natural habitats.
Example: A successful captive breeding programing zoos has resulted in an increase in the world’s panda population.
18/ to stem from
Meaning: to be caused by
Example: Scientists say that global warming partly stems from
the increase in car exhaust emissions.
19/ environmental impact assessment
Meaning: a study into how a development, like a new road, a new dam or other construction activity will affect the plants, animals and local communities living in an area.
Example: The government must commission an independent environmental impact assessment whenever a new development is proposed.
20/ the greenhouse effect
Meaning: the natural process by which the sun warms the surface of the Earth.
Example: Our burning of fossil fuels is increasing the greenhouse effect and making the Earth hotter, endangering all life on the planet.
21/ global warming
Meaning: the process by which the Earth is getting hotter, as a result of the greenhouse effect – in particular the increase in carbon dioxide in the air.
Example: Perhaps the major environmental challenge which faces humanity today is global warming, because it threatens our survival.
22/ habitat destruction
Meaning: the process that occurs when a natural habitat, like a forest or wetland, is changed so dramatically by humans that plants and animals which live there.
Example: The elephant population in the world is declining because of habitat destruction
caused by human exploitation of the environment.
23/ endangered species
Meaning: plants or animals that only exist in very small numbers, so that in future they may disappear forever
Example: One example of an endangered species is the lowland gorilla, which has almost disappeared as a result of the destruction of its forest habitat.
24/ on the brink of extinction
Meaning: an animal or plant which has almost disappeared from the planet
Example: Before the captive breeding program in zoos, the giant panda was on the brink of extinction
25/ renewable energy
Meaning: energy is renewable when it source, like the sun or wind, cannot be exhausted or can easily be replaced (like wood, as we can plant trees for energy)
Example: More funding is required from government funds to help companies to develop
renewable energy, such as companies which produce solar panels for buildings.
26/ wind farms
Meaning: an area of land on which there are a lot of windmills or wind turbines for producing electricity
Example: Wind farms should be constructed in mountainous areas or in the sea, close to land.
27/ environmentally friendly
Meaning: behavior or products that do not harm the environment
Example: We can help to protect the environment by using detergents and cosmetics that are environmentally friendly.
28/ toxic waste
Meaning: highly poisonous byproducts of industrial activity.
Example: Many species of fish are endangered as a result of the toxic waste dumped by industries into the rivers and the sea.
29/ the green movement
Meaning: all the organisations concerned with the protection of the environment
Example: Individuals should join one of the organisations which form part of the green movement, in order to campaign for changes in official policy on the environment.
Sport and Exercise
1/ to take up sport/to take up exercise
Meaning: to start doing a sport, to start doing exercise
Example: Governments should provide sports facilities to encourage more people to take up sport.
2/ to get into shape
Meaning: to become fit
Example: If people have a sedentary lifestyle, they must do regular exercise to get into shape.
3/ to keep fit
Meaning: to stay in good physical condition
Example: A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are essential for people to keep fit.
4/ to exert oneself
Meaning: to make a big physical effort to do something
Example: I believe that sports professionals deserve high salaries, because constant hard training is necessary so that they can exert themselves to the limit when they compete.
5/ to work out at the gym
Meaning: to train the body by physical exercise at the gym
Example: As part of a healthy lifestyle, people of all ages should work out at the gym on a regular basis.
6/ to be out of condition
Meaning: to be physically unfit
Example: One of the causes of obesity is that many people are out of condition and fail to exercise regularly.
7/ to be in the peak of condition
Meaning: to be in the best possible physical condition
Example: Sports professionals should receive high salaries, because they must always be in the peak of condition in order to perform at the highest levels.
8/ to take gentle exercise
Meaning: to do exercise which is not physically demanding or tiring
Example: Even the elderly can keep fit by taking gentle exercise, like jogging or even a walk in the park.
9/ alternative forms of exercise
Meaning: taking exercise in less common ways, involving the mind as well as the body Example: Alternative forms of exercise, such as yoga and tai chi, are popular in my country among people of all ages.
10/ to outlaw dangerous sports
Meaning: to ban or prohibit sports which have a high risk of causing injury
Example: I believe that the government should outlaw dangerous sports because participants may suffer serious injuries.
11/ on safety grounds
Meaning: for reasons of safety
Example: Boxing is a very dangerous sport and must be outlawed on safety grounds.
12/ a high/low probability of injury
Meaning: you are very likely/not very likely to be injured
Example: If anyone plans to take up mountaineering or skydiving, they should be aware that there is a high probability of injury.
13/ life-threatening injuries
Meaning: injuries which are so serious that the person may die
Example: Paragliding and cliff-jumping are two examples of extreme sports in which life- threatening injuries are sustained all too often by those who take part.
14/ an extreme sport
Meaning: a sporting activity which is very dangerous
Example: Personally, I cannot understand why some people take up an extreme sport, and they should consider all the risks first.
15/ essential sports gear
Meaning: the equipment and clothing needed to practice a particular sport
Example: In order to reduce the risks associated with dangerous sports, participants should undergo rigorous training and use all the essential sports gear required.
16/ to take sensible precautions
Meaning: to do something in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger Example: Anyone engaging in an extreme sport must take sensible precautions and seek expert advice.
17/ to foster a competitive spirit
Meaning: encourage the desire to beat others in a sports event
Example: The problem with encouraging sport at school is that it fosters a competitive spirit among students, instead of teaching children simply to do the best that they can in all aspects of life.
18/ the Olympic ideal
Meaning: the ultimate goal is not to win but to know that you have taken part and done your best in a competition
Example: Unfortunately, professional sport is just another branch of the entertainment industry, and the Olympic ideal has been lost.
19/ a win-at-all-costs attitude
Meaning: an idea that a match or competition must be won, using all possible means Example: Youth sport is being ruined by a win-at-all-costs attitude, which includes cheating and breaking the rules in order to achieve victory.
20/ be disqualified from participating
Meaning: not to be allowed to join a competition
Example: Sportsmen or sportswomen who take drugs should be disqualified from participating in sport for a long time.
21/ performance-enhancing drugs
Meaning: drugs which improve the ability of a sportsperson to compete
Example: Athletes who take performance-enhancing drugs are not only cheating, but they also set a bad example for young people.
22/ to fail a drugs test
Meaning: to fail an examination before or after a competition to make sure that you have not taken illegal drugs to improve your performance
Example: Cycling is a sport which has been discredited in recent years, as so many competitors have failed drugs tests.
23/ to use illegal substances
Meaning: to use drugs or medicines which are not allowed under the rules of a competition Example: In professional sport, it has become increasingly common to use illegal substances in order to win at all costs.
24/ to place too much value on sport
Meaning: to regard sport as too important
Example: I would argue that schools place too much value on sport in the curriculum, and participation in sport should be an out-of-school activity.
25/ a sports fan
Meaning: a person who takes a keen interest in sport
Example: While I think that it is healthy to be a sports fan, people should remember that for most people, sport is just entertainment, not a matter of life and death.
26/ to set a record
Meaning: to achieve the best result ever achieved in a sport
Example: Real Madrid have set a record for the number of goals scored in a match.
27/ sports coverage
Meaning: the activity of reporting news related to sport
Example: Many top sports stars are now known to millions of people around the world because of global sports coverage by the media.
28/ sports commentators
Meaning: people who are experts on sport and talk or write about it in the media Example: Not only sports stars, but even some sports commentators have become well- known celebrities.
29/ sports merchandising
Meaning: the activity of selling products connected with a sport or sportsperson Example: Sports merchandising is a multi-billion dollar business worldwide, in the form of t-shirts and sports equipment.
30/ the endorsement of sporting goods
Meaning: an advertising statement, usually by a famous sportsperson, saying that they use or like a particular product.
Example: In addition to their fabulous salaries, sports celebrities also make a great deal of money through their endorsement of sporting goods such as trainers or even casual clothes or deodorants!