Focus: Unit 4 / Language

Teacher’s Name:
Date:

1. accent (noun): the way in which people in a particular area, country, or social group pronounce words

Example: He's got a strong southern/Boston accent.

2. slang (noun): very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular
groups of people

Example: "Chicken" is slang for someone who isn't very brave.

3. bilingual (adjective): able to use two languages equally well

Example: The report recommends that the bank hires more bilingual staff.

4. native (adjective): relating to or describing someone's country or place of birth or someone who was born in a
particular country or place

Example: She decided to live and work in her native Japan.

5. humorous ( adjective ): funny, or making you laugh

Example: Her latest book is a humorous look at teenage life.

6. catch on (phrasal verb): to understand, especially after a long time

Example: He doesn't take hints very easily, but he'll catch on eventually.

7. fall behind (phrasal verb): to fail to do something fast enough or on time

Example: He was ill for six weeks and fell behind with his schoolwork.

8. keep up with something (phrasal verb): to continue to be informed about something

Example: He’s never made an effort to keep up with current events.

9. let somebody down (phrasal verb): to disappoint someone by failing to do what you agreed to do or were
expected to do

Example: You will be there tomorrow - you won't let me down, will you?

10. take off (phrasal verb): to suddenly start to be successful or popular

Example: Her singing career had just begun to take off.