1.

Describing data
marked very clear; noticeable (adj)
plateaued remained steady or unchanged (v.past)
relatively judged in relation to sth else (adv)
repeatedly again and again (adv)
forecast say what will happen; predicted (adj; v)
decline become worse or lower; go down (v)
previous the one/s before; earlier (adj)
comparison examining the differences (n)
variation change (n)
upward going up (adj)

1. Sales __________ between 2010 and 2015 and are expected to remain unchanged.

2. There was a __________ change in 1995, when numbers rose significantly.

3. Between 1975 and 1985, the figures fell ____________ steeply compared to earlier years.

4. The mixture is then sifted ___________ until only the smooth power remains.

5. The numbers are _________ to have fallen significantly by 2050.

6. Car use soared in _________ to that of bicycles over the same period.

7. Despite this rise, the number of students is expected to ____________ in the next 10 years.

8. This figure for 2005 were less impressive than in _________ years.

9. There was little ____________ in the figures over the next 20 years.

10. This ____________ trend is expected to be maintained until 2020, when numbers will fall.
Answer:
1. Sales __________ between 2010 and 2015 and are expected to remain unchanged. plateaued

2. There was a __________ change in 1995, when numbers rose significantly. marked

3. Between 1975 and 1985, the figures fell ____________ steeply compared to earlier years.
relatively

4. The mixture is then sifted ___________ until only the smooth power remains. repeatedly

5. The numbers are _________ to have fallen significantly by 2050. forecast

6. Car use soared in _________ to that of bicycles over the same period. comparison

7. Despite this rise, the number of students is expected to ____________ in the next 10 years. decline

8. This figure for 2005 were less impressive than in _________ years. previous.

9. There was little ____________ in the figures over the next 20 years. variation

10. This ____________ trend is expected to be maintained until 2020, when numbers will fall.
upward
2. Beliefs and feelings
plausible believable; credible (adj)
doubtful uncertain; unlikely to happen (adj)
reasonable fair, acceptable (adj)
relentless continuous; never-ending (adj)
resentment hidden anger; bitterness (n)
viable able to work or succeed (adj)
philosophy belief; way of thinking (n)
frustrated upset; disappointed (adj)
questionable wrong in some way (adj)
envisage mentally picture; imagine (v)

1. It seems ________ to assume that children who are bad at maths dislike those classes.

2. It is __________ that such an extreme step would be popular.

3. In the past, cigarette adverts gave very _______________ explanations for their health benefits.

4. For the homeless, the struggle to simply survive can often feel ______________.

5. A boss who takes long breaks can cause a great deal of __________ among employees.

6. I can’t _____________ this solution working because I think too many people will oppose it.

7. Public transport is unpopular and inefficient, so we need to find a _________ alternative.

8. The decision to allow logging here is _______________ given the threat to the environment.

9. My teaching __________ is that students learn more by doing than just observing.

10. Many people feel ___________ at the lack of progress in fighting poverty.
Answer:
1. It seems ________ to assume that children who are bad at maths dislike those classes.
reasonable

2. It is __________ that such an extreme step would be popular. doubtful.

3. In the past, cigarette adverts gave very _______________ explanations for their health benefits.
plausible

4. For the homeless, the struggle to simply survive can often feel ______________ relentless

5. A boss who takes long breaks can cause a great deal of __________ among employees.
resentment

6. I can’t _____________ this solution working because I think too many people will oppose it.
envisage

7. Public transport is unpopular and inefficient, so we need to find a _________ alternative. viable

8. The decision to allow logging here is _______________ given the threat to the environment.
questionable

9. My teaching __________ is that students learn more by doing than just observing. philosophy

10. Many people feel ___________ at the lack of progress in fighting poverty. frustrated.
3. Tone and position
admittedly reluctantly agreeing (adv)
frankly in a direct way; honestly (adv)
perspective way of viewing an idea (n)
seemingly appearing to be true (adv)
surely emphasise sth you feel is true (adv)
concede admit that sth is true (v)
pragmatic practical; realistic; logical (adj)
astonishing very surprising; shocking (adj)
adamant refusing to alter a decision; insistent (adj)
undoubtedly without any doubt (adv)

1. The internet gives us __________ instantaneous communication.

2. ________, I do not believe it is possible to persuade everyone to give up their car.

3. __________, the threat of prison deters criminals, but a jail is not a suitable place for a child.

4. Although lack of exercise is a problem, overeating is _____________ the main cause of obesity.

5. Time passes slowly to a child, but as we grow older, we gain a different ________.

6. An __________ number of people ignore safety warnings and are hurt as a result.

7. It is time to ___________ that this strategy has failed and should be abandoned.

8. The government is _________ that increasing taxes is the only way to raise more money.

9. __________, the more we invest in scientific research, the faster we will see results.

10. A much more __________ approach is needed, because this proposal seems unrealistic.
Answer:
1. The internet gives us __________ instantaneous communication. seemingly

2. ________, I do not believe it is possible to persuade everyone to give up their car. frankly

3. __________, the threat of prison deters criminals, but a jail is not a suitable place for a child.
Admittedly

4. Although lack of exercise is a problem, overeating is _____________ the main cause of obesity.
surely

5. Time passes slowly to a child, but as we grow older, we gain a different ________ perspective.

6. An __________ number of people ignore safety warnings and are hurt as a result. astonishing

7. It is time to ___________ that this strategy has failed and should be abandoned. concede

8. The government is _________ that increasing taxes is the only way to raise more money.
adamant

9. __________, the more we invest in scientific research, the faster we will see results. Undoubtedly

10. A much more __________ approach is needed, because this proposal seems unrealistic.
pragmatic
4. People
fallible able to be wrong or make mistakes (adj)
sociable friendly; seeking company (adj)
self-esteem belief in yourself (n)
stereotypical having typical qualities (adj)
tendency recurring action or behaviour (n)
gender sex (male or female) (n)
lifetime period of time you’re alive (n)
empathize understand someone’s feelings (v)
hardwired automatic (behaviour) (adj)
habitually usually; repeatedly (adv)

1. People with low __________ are often unwilling to take on new challenges.

2. There is a _________ for new parents to be overprotective of their children.

3. One argument used to support automation is that humans are _________.

4. People tend to have a ______________ view of scientists as boring and studious.

5. Most people are quite ___________ and like to seek out the company of others.

6. Sadly, I don’t think the issue of world peace will be resolved in my ________.

7.Parents are _________ to love and care for their children.

8. There are few women leaders, so greater _________ equality is needed.

9. Young people _________ stay up late, so they are often tired.

10. A good friend is one who can _________ with you when you have a problem.
Answer:
1. People with low __________ are often unwilling to take on new challenges. self-esteem

2. There is a _________ for new parents to be overprotective of their children. tendency

3. One argument used to support automation is that humans are _________ fallible

4. People tend to have a ______________ view of scientists as boring and studious. stereotypical

5. Most people are quite ___________ and like to seek out the company of others. sociable

6. Sadly, I don’t think the issue of world peace will be resolved in my ________ lifetime.

7.Parents are _________ to love and care for their children. hardwired

8. There are few women leaders, so greater _________ equality is needed. gender

9. Young people _________ stay up late, so they are often tired. habitually

10. A good friend is one who can _________ with you when you have a problem. empathise
5. Health and fitness
sedentary sitting a lot; inactive (adj)
psychological related to thoughts; mental (adj)
beneficial helpful; positive (adj)
intake amount you take in (food or drink) (n)
detrimental harmful; negative (adj)
well-being health and happiness (n)
severity how serious something is (n)
preventive intended to stop something occurring (adj)
additives chemicals added to food (n.plural)
eradicate get rid of; eliminate; wipe out (v)

1. Eating fast food on a regular basis can have a _________ effect on your health.

2. Patients do not always act in a way that is ___________ to their recovery.

3. People who are overweight need to reduce their __________ of sweet and fatty foods.

4. Our _______ lifestyle, with hours spent at a computer, causes many health problems.

5. Extreme boredom can bring on depression or similar _________ problems.

6. More research into _______ medicine could help to stop diseases from occurring.

7. Medical care varies depending on the __________ of the problem.

8. One day we may manage to __________ diseases that are common today.

9. Most packaged food contains unhealthy ________ used to add flavour and colour.

10. People who exercise regularly benefit from a greater sense of ___________.
Answer:
1. Eating fast food on a regular basis can have a _________ effect on your health. detrimental

2. Patients do not always act in a way that is ___________ to their recovery. beneficial

3. People who are overweight need to reduce their __________ of sweet and fatty foods. intake

4. Our _______ lifestyle, with hours spent at a computer, causes many health problems. sedentary

5. Extreme boredom can bring on depression or similar _________ problems. psychological

6. More research into _______ medicine could help to stop diseases from occurring. preventive

7. Medical care varies depending on the __________ of the problem. severity

8. One day we may manage to __________ diseases that are common today. eradicate

9. Most packaged food contains unhealthy ________ used to add flavour and colour. additives

10. People who exercise regularly benefit from a greater sense of ___________ well-being
6. Community
considerate kind and helpful; thoughtful (adj)
mainstream common; average (ideas) (adj)
civilization culturally advanced human society (n)
supportive helpful and encouraging (adj)
appropriate right for an occasion; suitable (adj)
voluntary done willingly, without payment (adj)
foster help something grow (e.g. attitude or idea) (v)
engage get involved; join in
charitable helping the poor or needy (adj)
multicultural having many different cultures (adj)

1. The young often want to be different and to rebel against __________ society.

2. We wear clothes that are _______________ for a situation, such as wearing a suit to a wedding.

3. There are few primitive tribes that have not been touched by ____________.

4. A good behaviour is someone who behaves in a _____________ way and doesn’t play loud music.

5. Children who are brought up in a _______________ environment perform better at school.

6. My city is very _______________; there are people from many different countries.

7. I give money to small local authorities rather than big _____________ organisations.

8. The best way to adapt to a new place is to _______________ in local activities.

9. My first job was a __________________ position helping out in a children’s hospital.

10. If we ________ the idea of helping others in children, they may go on to volunteer later in life.
Answer:
1. The young often want to be different and to rebel against __________ society. mainstream

2. We wear clothes that are _______________ for a situation, such as wearing a suit to a wedding.
appropriate

3. There are few primitive tribes that have not been touched by ____________. civilization

4. A good behaviour is someone who behaves in a _______________ way and doesn’t play loud
music. considerate

5. Children who are brought up in a _______________ environment perform better at school.

supportive

6. My city is very _______________; there are people from many different countries. multicultural

7. I give money to small local authorities rather than big _____________ organisations. charitable

8. The best way to adapt to a new place is to _______________ in local activities. engage

9. My first job was a __________________ position helping out in a children’s hospital. voluntary

10. If we ____________ the idea of helping others in children, they may go on to volunteer later in
life. foster
7. Science
ascertain make sure; establish (v)
release allow to escape (e.g. a gas); give off (v)
absorb take in; soak up (a liquid or gas) (v)
potential ability; capability (n)
precise exact; accurate (adj)
breakthrough important new discovery (n)
accumulate collect over time; gather; build up (v)
synthetic man-made; artificial (adj)
advances progress; developments (n.plural)
quantify count; measure (v)

1. Trees _______________ carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and so improve our air quality.

2. Chemicals can _______________ toxic gases into the atmosphere, so their use must be monitored.

3. This amazing discovery has the __________________ to revolutionise the way we travel.

4. Once researchers ________________ the cause of the disease, the search for a cure can begin.

5. Archaeologists make an educated guess if a ___________ age cannot be determined.

6. Thanks to _________________ in artificial intelligence, robots are now much more common.

7. Concepts we cannot easily ______________, such as happiness, are very difficult to study.

8. Clothes made from natural material must be washed carefully than ___________ ones.

9. Toxic chemicals can ___________ over time in the body and cause health problems.

10. I feel sure that an important ____________________ in cancer treatment is only a few years away.
Answer:
1. Trees _______________ carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and so improve our air quality.
absorb

2. Chemicals can _______________ toxic gases into the atmosphere, so their use must be monitored.
release

3. This amazing discovery has the __________________ to revolutionise the way we travel. potential

4. Once researchers ________________ the cause of the disease, the search for a cure can begin.
ascertain

5. Archaeologists make an educated guess if a ___________ age cannot be determined. precise

6. Thanks to _________________ in artificial intelligence, robots are now much more common.
advances

7. Concepts we cannot easily ______________, such as happiness, are very difficult to study. quantify

8. Clothes made from natural material must be washed carefully than ___________ ones.

synthetic

9. Toxic chemicals can ___________ over time in the body and cause health problems.

accumulate

10. I feel sure that an important __________________________ in cancer treatment is only a few years
away. breakthrough
8. Study
specialize concentrate on one subject (study) (v)
cognitive connected to thinking; mental (adj)
achievement reaching a goal; success (n)
failure lack of success; collapse (n)
determination trying hard; not giving up (n)
collaborate work together with (v)
profound deep; intense (effect or feeling) (adj)
curiosity desire to know or find out; interest (n)
miscalculation bad judgement or calculation (n)
methodical in a careful or ordered way (adj)

1. A poor diet can affect a child’s ____________ development and so affect their studies.

2. In poor areas, students need a great deal of ____________ to achieve a good education.

3. Passing the test gave me a great sense of __________ after so much hard work.

4. In my view, high school is too early to _________ in only one or two subjects.

5. The _________________ of the programme cause the school’s closure and many job losses.

6. Encouraging ________________ in children may help to produce future scientists.

7. Changes in government can have a ______________ effect on research funding.

8. Students who can record observations in a _________________ way can make good scientists.

9. Progress is faster if scientists share research and ________ with other teams.

10. The rocket failed to take off because of a _________________ in the amount of fuel needed.
Answer:
1. A poor diet can affect a child’s ____________ development and so affect their studies. cognitive

2. In poor areas, students need a great deal of ____________ to achieve a good education.
determination

3. Passing the test gave me a great sense of __________ after so much hard work. achievement

4. In my view, high school is too early to _________ in only one or two subjects. specialize

5. The _________________ of the programme cause the school’s closure and many job losses. failure

6. Encouraging ________________ in children may help to produce future scientists. curiosity

7. Changes in government can have a ______________ effect on research funding. profound

8. Students who can record observations in a _________________ way can make good scientists.
methodical

9. Progress is faster if scientists share research and ________ with other teams. collaborate

10. The rocket failed to take off because of a _________________ in the amount of fuel needed.
miscalculation
9. Advertising
ignore pay no attention to (v)
guarantee promise that something will happen (v)
prominent noticeable; stand out (adj)
incorporate use; include; contain (v)
bombard attack continuously; pester (v)
endorse recommend a product or brand (v)
gullible easily tricked; too trusting (adj)
pressure forcefully persuade; compel (v)
entice persuade by offering something; tempt (v)
inescapable cannot be avoided; unavoidable (adj)

1. Food companies try to ___________________ words that sound healthy into a marketing campaign.

2. It makes little sense to ________________ customers with adverts and thus annoy them.

3. Billboards can be an eyesore if they are too __________________, they should be less conspicuous.

4. Few companies will _________ that a product will work for more than a few years.

5. Online adverts can jump around the screen, making them almost impossible to _______.

6. Sports people and celebrities are paid a great deal of money to ____________ a product.

7. Online adverts often try to ______________ people to click on them by offering a free download.

8. It is wrong to ____________ someone into buying something they can’t afford.

9. Adverts can be found on all forms of media; they’re ___________________.

10. We should teach children not to be too _______________ and to question marketing claims.
Answer:
1. Food companies try to ________________________ words that sound healthy into a marketing
campaign. incorporate

2. It makes little sense to ________________ customers with adverts and thus annoy them. bombard

3. Billboards can be an eyesore if they are too __________________, they should be less conspicuous.
prominent

4. Few companies will _________ that a product will work for more than a few years. guarantee

5. Online adverts can jump around the screen, making them almost impossible to _______. ignore

6. Sports people and celebrities are paid a great deal of money to ____________ a product. endorse

7. Online adverts often try to ______________ people to click on them by offering a free download.
entice

8. It is wrong to ____________ someone into buying something they can’t afford. pressure

9. Adverts can be found on all forms of media; they’re ___________________. inescapable.

10. We should teach children not to be too _______________ and to question marketing claims.
gullible
10. Travel and places
cautious avoiding risks; wary (adj)
wander walk without aim; stroll; roam (v)
adventurous willing to try new things; daring (adj)
unspoilt beautiful or undamaged (place) (adj)
spontaneous act without planning; unplanned (adj)
wilderness land not used by people (n)
paradise a perfect place (n)
foreign strange; unfamiliar (adj)
leisurely in a relaxed way; not rushed (adj, adv)
rival be as good as something else (v)

1. When I visit a new city, I like to ___________ around the streets to soak up the atmosphere.
2. The first time I travelled on a plane by myself I felt very ______ and daring.
3. I’m not very _____________ person; I spend a long time planning activities for a trip.
4. Rock climbing can be scary, so it isn’t recommended for people who are _______.
5. There is now so much development that it is difficult to find _________ areas.
6. I grew up in a tiny village, so when I first saw the city everything felt ______ to me.
7. Nowhere on earth can _________ the beaches on the eastern side of the island.
8. My friend enjoyed the market and said it was a shopper’s _______, but I found it boring.
9. In the city, tourists walk at a ______ pace while the locals rush everywhere.
10. Some people enjoy camping in the _________, while others prefer cultural holidays.
Answer:
1. When I visit a new city, I like to __________________ around the streets to soak up the
atmosphere. wander
2. The first time I travelled on a plane by myself I felt very ______ and daring. adventurous
3. I’m not very _____________ person; I spend a long time planning activities for a trip.
spontaneous
4. Rock climbing can be scary, so it isn’t recommended for people who are _______. cautious
5. There is now so much development that it is difficult to find _________ areas. unspoilt
6. I grew up in a tiny village, so when I first saw the city everything felt ______ to me.
foreign
7. Nowhere on earth can _________ the beaches on the eastern side of the island. rival
8. My friend enjoyed the market and said it was a shopper’s _______, but I found it boring.
paradise
9. In the city, tourists walk at a ______ pace while the locals rush everywhere. leisurely
10. Some people enjoy camping in the _________, while others prefer cultural holidays.
wilderness
11. Government
guidelines official advice, rules (n.pl)
instil put an idea or feeling in someone’s mind (v)
corrupt dishonest; abusing your power (adj)
resolve firmly decide; undertake (v)
instability lack of stability; uncertainty (n)
consensus general agreement; unity (n)
taxpayer person paying tax; ordinary citizen (n)
expenditure total amount a government spends (n)
authority legal power; right (n)
bureaucracy admin system; official procedures (n)

1. Governments should try to ______ a sense of responsibility into every citizen.

2. Businesses and individuals need clear ________ on how to recycle.
3. The government should ________ to do everything to improve hospitals.
4. If government officials are __________, businesses can simply pay a bribe to get their way.
5. If there is political _______, a country’s infrastructure can suffer as a result.
6. Unfortunately, annual _____________ on the arts tends to decrease year by year.
7. Small business owners often waste a great deal of time dealing with _____.
8. Large companies do not have the _________ to dump rubbish wherever they want to.
9. We need to reach a ________ on the issue of how to reduce homelessness.
10. The average _________ wants public money to be spent on services like buses and trains.
Answer:
1. Governments should try to ______ a sense of responsibility into every citizen. instil
2. Businesses and individuals need clear ________ on how to recycle. guidelines
3. The government should ________ to do everything to improve hospitals. resolve
4. If government officials are __________, businesses can simply pay a bribe to get their way.
corrupt
5. If there is political _______, a country’s infrastructure can suffer as a result. instability
6. Unfortunately, annual _____________ on the arts tends to decrease year by year. expenditure
7. Small business owners often waste a great deal of time dealing with _____. bureaucracy
8. Large companies do not have the _________ to dump rubbish wherever they want to.
authority
9. We need to reach a ________ on the issue of how to reduce homelessness. consensus
10. The average _________ wants public money to be spent on services like buses and trains.
taxpayer
12. Animals
survival continuing to live or exist (n)
abandon leave (a place) permanently; desert (v)
cruelty behaviour that causes pain (n)
colony group of animals that live together (n)
conservation protecting plants or animals (n)
creature living things (not a plant) (n)
captivity the state of being locked up (n)
sanctuary safe, protected place (n)
defence reaction to attack; self-protection (n)
co-exist live in the same time or place (v)

1. A development can be stopped if a _______ of endangered animals is discovered at a site.

2. Animals are often forced to ________ their natural habitat because of urban development.
3. It is important to understand that the __________ of animals is critical to our own existence.
4. Tree planting is an effective __________ strategy that is also easy to carry out.
5. Charities aimed at stopping _______ to animals warn against giving pets as presents.
6. Zoos provide a _______ for endangered animals that would otherwise die in the wild.
7. Animals usually only hurt humans as a _______ mechanism or to protect their young.
8. We need to find a way to _______ with animals so we are less of a threat to them.
9. Although zoo animals live in _______, their enclosures often mimic their natural habitat.
10. Vegetarians feel that it is wrong to kill any living _______ for food.
Answer:
1. A development can be stopped if a ___________ of endangered animals is discovered at a
site. colony
2. Animals are often forced to ________ their natural habitat because of urban development.
abandon
3. It is important to understand that the __________ of animals is critical to our own existence.
survival
4. Tree planting is an effective __________ strategy that is also easy to carry out. conservation.
5. Charities aimed at stopping _______ to animals warn against giving pets as presents.
cruelty
6. Zoos provide a _______ for endangered animals that would otherwise die in the wild.
sanctuary
7. Animals usually only hurt humans as a _______ mechanism or to protect their young.
defence
8. We need to find a way to _______ with animals so we are less of a threat to them. co-exist.
9. Although zoo animals live in _______, their enclosures often mimic their natural habitat.
captivity
10. Vegetarians feel that it is wrong to kill any living _______ for food. creature
13. Space
collide crash into; strike (v)
misuse bad usage of something (n)
hollow empty inside (adj)
rotation turning; spinning (n)
fragile easily broken; delicate (adj)
vertical pointing or going up (adj)
universal existing everywhere; worldwide (adj)
boost (give) added power; increase (n; v)
prolonged over a long time; lengthy (adj)
transmit send out (a signal) (v)

1. A meteor that is about to _______ with Earth is a common science-fiction plot.

2. We still know little about the moon; some claim it may be _______ rather than solid.
3. Astronauts often say that, from space, the Earth looks beautiful but very _________.
4. Many see space missions as a _______ of public funds that could be better spent locally.
5. Although it spins constantly, we can’t see or feel the Earth’s _______.
6. The fascination with the stars and planets is _______, and is found in every culture.
7. No doubt we will continue to _______ signals into space to try and contact alien life forms.
8. The invention of the rocket engine gave spacecraft the _______ needed to go into orbit.
9. Planes take off horizontally, but a spaceport is needed for a rocket’s _______ take off.
10. It can be dangerous for astronauts to spend _______ periods in outer space.
Answer:
1. A meteor that is about to _______ with Earth is a common science-fiction plot. collide
2. We still know little about the moon; some claim it may be _______ rather than solid.
hollow
3. Astronauts often say that, from space, the Earth looks beautiful but very _________. fragile
4. Many see space missions as a _______ of public funds that could be better spent locally.
misuse
5. Although it spins constantly, we can’t see or feel the Earth’s _______. rotation
6. The fascination with the stars and planets is _______, and is found in every culture.
universal
7. No doubt we will continue to _______ signals into space to try and contact alien life forms.
transmit
8. The invention of the rocket engine gave spacecraft the _______ needed to go into orbit.
boost
9. Planes take off horizontally, but a spaceport is needed for a rocket’s _______ take off.
vertical
10. It can be dangerous for astronauts to spend _______ periods in outer space. prolonged
14. Technology and design
appliance domestic machine (n)
creativity imagination; ingenuity (n)
surpass do or be better than; beat; outperform (v)
run-down in bad condition; neglected (adj)
hardware the physical parts of computer (n)
upgrade improve the quality of something (n; v)
innovative a new use of something; inventive (adj)
computerized run or controlled by computer (adj)
devise come up with; invent (v)
equipped have (a tool) included or attached (adj)

1. Design engineering requires _____________ as well as scientific knowledge.

2. Computer _____________ leaks toxic substances into the ground if it is disposed of carelessly.
3. Each year we are promised that the very latest phone will _____________ previous models.
4. The building was very _____________ until the new owners completely renovated it. run-
5. The toaster is an _____________ that was novel in its day, but is taken for granted now.
6. The car I hired was _____________ with a satnav, so we were able to navigate quite easily.
7. In modern cars, many processes that were once mechanical are now _____________.
8. Our desire to continually __________ our devices has a negative effect on the environment.
9. Batteries can be unreliable, so we need to _________ a better way to power mobile devices.
10. Videoconferencing is being used in an _____________ way to help doctors in remote areas.
Answer:
1. Design engineering requires _____________ as well as scientific knowledge. creativity
2. Computer _____________ leaks toxic substances into the ground if it is disposed of carelessly.
hardware
3. Each year we are promised that the very latest phone will _____________ previous models.
surpass
4. The building was very _____________ until the new owners completely renovated it. run-
down
5. The toaster is an _____________ that was novel in its day, but is taken for granted now.
appliance
6. The car I hired was _____________ with a satnav, so we were able to navigate quite easily.
equipped
7. In modern cars, many processes that were once mechanical are now _____________.
computerised
8. Our desire to continually _____________ our devices has a negative effect on the
environment. upgrade
9. Batteries can be unreliable, so we need to _____________ a better way to power mobile
devices. devise
10. Videoconferencing is being used in an _____________ way to help doctors in remote areas.
innovative
15. Fashion
possessions things you own; belongings (n.pl)
ethical morally right (behaviour or choice) (adj)
disposable intended to be thrown away (adj)
individuality what makes you different or unique (n)
manufacturer company making goods; producer (n)
emerge appear; arise (v)
second-hand use; not new (adj)
donate give money or goods to charity (v)
impulse sudan urge or desire (n; adj)
material related to possessions; physical (adj)

1. Some use clothes and hairstyles to show their _____________, others don’t like to stand out.
2. Every _____________ should take responsibility for the environmental impact of their goods.
3. Waste became a problem as soon as the concept of _____________ products was introduced.
4. _____________ shoppers prefer to buy goods produced in a sustainable way.
5. Even though people have a great deal of _____________, they continue to buy more.
6. We should encourage more people to ___________ old clothes or electrical goods to charity.
7. Charity shops raise money by selling _____________ clothes at very low prices.
8. I don’t believe success is measured in _____________ goods; I think happiness matters more.
9. New trends _____________ each year, but none last for very long.
10. The only purchase I have ever regretted was an _____ buy that I just didn’t think through.
Answer:
1. Some use clothes and hairstyles to show their _____________, others don’t like to stand out.
individuality
2. Every _____________ should take responsibility for the environmental impact of their goods.
manufacturer
3. Waste became a problem as soon as the concept of _____________ products was introduced.
disposable
4. _____________ shoppers prefer to buy goods produced in a sustainable way. ethical
5. Even though people have a great deal of _____________, they continue to buy more.
possessions
6. We should encourage more people to _____________ old clothes or electrical goods to
charity. donate
7. Charity shops raise money by selling _____________ clothes at very low prices. second-hand
8. I don’t believe success is measured in _____________ goods; I think happiness matters more.
material
9. New trends _____________ each year, but none last for very long. emerge
10. The only purchase I have ever regretted was an _____________ buy that I just didn’t think
through. impulse
16. The city
imbalance lack of balance; inequality (n)
shortage not enough of something; lack (n)
deprived poor; disadvantaged (adj)
sanitation system to remove dirty water or waste (n)
homelessness the issue of people having no home (n)
overwhelmed unable to cope; strongly affected (adj)
congested having too much traffic (adj)
affluent rich; wealthy; prosperous (adj)
amenities facilities; conveniences (n.pl)
poverty the condition of being poor (n)

1. There is a growing ______________ between the rich and the poor.

2. A lack of ________ is the cause of many health problems in poorer countries.
3. If rents increase sharply, there is often a corresponding increase in ________.
4. I remember there being a water ________ during a drought when I was young.
5. Children in ________ areas don’t have access to schools or basics such as clean water.
6. As so many people drive their own car, _____________ roads are now a common sight.
7. People in rural areas do not have the benefit of _________ such as shopping centres.
8. Increasing employment is one way of reducing _________ in poor areas of the city. poverty
9. If the population expands too quickly, services like hospitals quickly become ___________.
10. People living in __________ areas of the city do not generally make use of public transport.
Answer:
1. There is a growing ______________ between the rich and the poor. imbalance
2. A lack of ________ is the cause of many health problems in poorer countries. sanitation
3. If rents increase sharply, there is often a corresponding increase in ________. homelessness
4. I remember there being a water ________ during a drought when I was young. shortage
5. Children in ________ areas don’t have access to schools or basics such as clean water.
deprived
6. As so many people drive their own car, _____________ roads are now a common sight.
congested
7. People in rural areas do not have the benefit of _________ such as shopping centres.
amenities
8. Increasing employment is one way of reducing _________ in poor areas of the city. poverty
9. If the population expands too quickly, services like hospitals quickly become ____________.
overwhelmed
10. People living in _____________ areas of the city do not generally make use of public
transport. affluent
17. Issues
scenario possible future situation (n)
escalate become worse; intensify (v)
contemplate think carefully; consider (v)
inevitable certain to happen; unavoidable (adj)
acknowledge admit or accept that something is true (v)
crisis extremely bad situation; emergency (n)
critical very serious or important; crucial (adj)
dispute argument; disagreement (n)
chaos total confusion; disorder; turmoil (n)
measures preventive actions; steps (n.pl)

1. Before taking action, we need to __________ the impact such a move might have.
2. We must __________ that the arrival of humans had a negative effect on the environment.
3. Poor management can cause a situation to _________ rather than improve.
4. Sadly, it seems __________ that countries will continue to go to war.
5. A period of drought followed by flooding is the worst possible __________ for farmers.
6. One of the _________ that could be taken to reduce traffic is a tax on car purchases.
7. It is _________ for world leaders to find a way to cooperate on this issue.
8. Without an effective government it is likely that there would be ____________.
9. If we don’t take action, what is now a worrying problem could turn into a _______________.
10. The ___________ between medical staff and the government has still not been resolved.
Answer:
1. Before taking action, we need to __________ the impact such a move might have.
contemplate
2. We must __________ that the arrival of humans had a negative effect on the environment.
acknowledge
3. Poor management can cause a situation to _________ rather than improve. escalate.
4. Sadly, it seems __________ that countries will continue to go to war. inevitable
5. A period of drought followed by flooding is the worst possible __________ for farmers.
scenario
6. One of the _________ that could be taken to reduce traffic is a tax on car purchases.
measures
7. It is _________ for world leaders to find a way to cooperate on this issue. critical
8. Without an effective government it is likely that there would be ____________. chaos
9. If we don’t take action, what is now a worrying problem could turn into a _______________.
crisis
10. The ___________ between medical staff and the government has still not been resolved.
dispute
18. Environment
urgent needing quick attention; pressing (adj)
ecosystem all the living things in an area (n)
pollutant a substance that pollutes (n)
hazardous dangerous to health or safety (adj)
safeguard keep safe; protect (v)
vegetation plants and trees in an area (n)
degrade become spoiled or lower in quality (v)
deforestation removal of forests; logging (n)
unprecedented never seen before; unheard-of (adj)
intervene step in; become involved (v)

1. The loss of one species can have an impact on the whole _________.
2. Overfishing has reduced fish stocks so much that ________ action is needed.
3. If there is a risk of bushfires, people often remove trees to help _______ their homes.
4. Before it was removed from petrol, lead was a common _______ found in the air.
5. There are strict regulations concerning the disposal of _______ waste.
6. The authorities must _______ now to ensure that logging in the area is halted.
7. The government allowed developers to clear the _______ for a new housing estate.
8. Flooding has increased each year and now occurs on an _________ scale.
9. Continual framing causes land to _________ over time, so crops cannot be grown each year.
10. We should plant replacement trees in areas where _______ is widespread.
Answer:
1. The loss of one species can have an impact on the whole _________. ecosystem
2. Overfishing has reduced fish stocks so much that ________ action is needed. urgent
3. If there is a risk of bushfires, people often remove trees to help _______ their homes.
safeguard
4. Before it was removed from petrol, lead was a common _______ found in the air. pollutant
5. There are strict regulations concerning the disposal of _______ waste. hazardous.
6. The authorities must _______ now to ensure that logging in the area is halted. intervene
7. The government allowed developers to clear the _______ for a new housing estate.
vegetation
8. Flooding has increased each year and now occurs on an _________ scale. unprecedented
9. Continual framing causes land to _________ over time, so crops cannot be grown each year.
degrade
10. We should plant replacement trees in areas where _______ is widespread. deforestation
19. Energy
abundant in large quantities; plentiful (adj)
scarce not easy to find; rare (adj)
unsustainable using more than can be replaced (adj)
exploit take advantage or make the most of (v)
squander waste (money, supplies or opportunity) (v)
biofuels fuels made from a living thing or waste (n)
finite having an end; limited (adj)
achievable realistic; attainable (adj)
regulate control something with rules (v)
supply give or provide a resource (v)

1. We must not _________ the chance we now have to make petrol-free cars the norm.
2. In the 1960s, there were many new oil finds, but these are now _______.
3. Several countries now want to find a way to _______ the moon’s natural resources.
4. We need to invest in alternative fuels, because our use of fossil fuels is _______.
5. Experts disagree about whether there are _______ supplies of oil or they are in decline.
6. There is only a _______ amount of fossil fuels like coal; one day we will run out.
7. Our greenhouse gas emission targets do not seem _______ given our reliance on oil.
8. It is important for governments to _______ energy so that it remains affordable.
9. Energy companies may be unable to _______ enough power to meet our demands.
10. _______ made from waste materials are a renewable and viable option for the future.
Answer:
1. We must not _________ the chance we now have to make petrol-free cars the norm.
squander
2. In the 1960s, there were many new oil finds, but these are now _______. scarce
3. Several countries now want to find a way to _______ the moon’s natural resources. exploit
4. We need to invest in alternative fuels, because our use of fossil fuels is _______.
unsustainable.
5. Experts disagree about whether there are _______ supplies of oil or they are in decline.
abundant
6. There is only a _______ amount of fossil fuels like coal; one day we will run out. finite
7. Our greenhouse gas emission targets do not seem _______ given our reliance on oil.
achievable
8. It is important for governments to _______ energy so that it remains affordable. regulate
9. Energy companies may be unable to _______ enough power to meet our demands. supply
10. _______ made from waste materials are a renewable and viable option for the future.
biofuels
20. Business and work
competitive involving competition with others (adj)
flexibility ability to change or adapt (n)
monopoly no competitors; exclusive control (n)
high-street ordinary or traditional (shops) (adj)
leadership the ability to lead (n)
household of the people in a house; domestic (adj)
delegate give tasks to others; pass on (v)
demanding need a lot of attention; stressful (adj)
ambitious having a strong desire to succeed (adj)
entrepreneurs people who start businesses (n.pl)

1. On the other hand, mobile technology has brought greater ________ than ever before.
2. Customers pay more if one business is allowed to have a ________.
3. There are now so many shops selling similar goods that business is very ________.
4. A good boss needs strong ________ skills not just charisma.
5. ________ shops now have to work very hard to compete with online retailers.
6. Although scientists drive scientific progress, we need ________ to create jobs.
7. Work is more ________ now because email and mobiles make it difficult to totally shut off.
8. Typical ________ expenses, like groceries, have risen considerably in the last few years.
9. As a boss, you have to learn how to ________ and not try to do every task yourself.
10. The internet gives _____________ business owners the chance to expand globally.
Answer:
1. On the other hand, mobile technology has brought greater ________ than ever before.
flexibility
2. Customers pay more if one business is allowed to have a ________. monopoly
3. There are now so many shops selling similar goods that business is very ________.
competitive
4. A good boss needs strong ________ skills not just charisma. leadership
5. ________ shops now have to work very hard to compete with online retailers. high-street
6. Although scientists drive scientific progress, we need ________ to create jobs.
entrepreneurs
7. Work is more ________ now because email and mobiles make it difficult to totally shut off.
demanding
8. Typical ________ expenses, like groceries, have risen considerably in the last few years.
household
9. As a boss, you have to learn how to ________ and not try to do every task yourself.
delegate
10. The internet gives _____________ business owners the chance to expand globally. ambitious
21. Crime
vandalism damage to property (n)
bystander someone watching nearby; onlooker (n)
wrongdoing any bad or illegal action (n)
lenient soft; not strict (punishment) (adj)
prosecute legally accuse someone of a crime; sue (v)
predominantly mostly; largely (adv)
weapon object used to fight (gun or knife etc.) (n)
prohibit legally prevent something; forbid; ban (v)
legalise make something legal; authorise (v)
punish make someone suffer for a crime (v)

1. Shops here are regularly subject to ______________, forcing them to board up their windows.

2. Nowadays, a ______________ is more likely to photograph or video a crime rather than report it.

3. Some people believe the courts should not be too ______________, even with young offenders.

4. One way to protect the environment is to ______________ those who dump rubbish.

5. The guilty often deny any ______________, just as an innocent person would.

6. We could reduce violent crime by making it much more difficult to obtain a ______________.

7. One way to ___________ a child without physically hurting them is to take away their computer.

8. Airlines now ______________ people from bringing sharp objects onto a plane.

9. Many people worry that if we ______________ drugs, more people will become addicted to them.

10. Bullying is now ______________ carried out on online or through social media.
Answer:
1. Shops here are regularly subject to ______________, forcing them to board up their windows.
vandalism

2. Nowadays, a ______________ is more likely to photograph or video a crime rather than report it.
bystander

3. Some people believe the courts should not be too ______________, even with young offenders.
lenient

4. One way to protect the environment is to ______________ those who dump rubbish. prosecute

5. The guilty often deny any ______________, just as an innocent person would. wrongdoing

6. We could reduce violent crime by making it much more difficult to obtain a ______________.
weapon

7. One way to ______________ a child without physically hurting them is to take away their
computer. punish

8. Airlines now ______________ people from bringing sharp objects onto a plane. prohibit

9. Many people worry that if we ______________ drugs, more people will become addicted to them.
legalise

10. Bullying is now ______________ carried out on online or through social media. predominantly
22. The media
speculate make guesses about a topic or person (v)
viewer person watching (TV etc.) (n)
manipulate control something or someone (negative) (v)
controversial causing disagreement (subject or topic) (adj)
infamous famous for something bad or negative (adj)
scrutinize examine very carefully (v)
censor control what is published (cut or band) (v)
distorted altered; inaccurate (adj)
spotlight public attention; publicity; limelight (n)
imply suggest something without stating it (v)

1. The press often ________________ about the cause of an accident rather than waiting for the facts.

2. The use of genetically modified crops is a ________________ issue often debated in the media.

3. The average television ________________ wants to be entertained rather than educated.

4. Newspapers contain almost as many stories about ________________ criminals as celebrities.

5. The media can ________________ public opinion through the way they present a news story.

6. The media tend to report bad news rather than good, which gives a _____________ view of a city.

7. The press see it as part of their job to ________________ the lives of public figures.

8. Personally, I would not enjoy living my life in the ________________ the way many celebrities do.

9. I am opposed to the idea of allowing the government to ____________ what appears in the news.

10. The press can damage a reputation even if they just _______ that someone has behaved badly.
Answer:
1. The press often ________________ about the cause of an accident rather than waiting for the facts.
speculate

2. The use of genetically modified crops is a ________________ issue often debated in the media.
controversial

3. The average television ________________ wants to be entertained rather than educated. viewer

4. Newspapers contain almost as many stories about ________________ criminals as celebrities.

infamous

5. The media can ________________ public opinion through the way they present a news story.
manipulate

6. The media tend to report bad news rather than good, which gives a ________________ view of a
city. distorted

7. The press see it as part of their job to ________________ the lives of public figures. scrutinize

8. Personally, I would not enjoy living my life in the ________________ the way many celebrities do.
spotlight

9. I am opposed to the idea of allowing the government to ________________ what appears in the
news. censor

10. The press can damage a reputation even if they just ________________ that someone has behaved
badly. imply
23. The arts
audience the people who watch or read something (n)
moving causing sadness; emotional (adj)
inspire make you want to do or create something (v)
venue place where an event happens (n)
interactive actively involving the visitor or user (adj)
sacrifice give up; do without something (v)
influence cause someone’s to change; affect (v)
convey communicate or express (emotion) (v)
spectator person watching a live event (n)
escapism a way to avoid reality or being bored (n)

1. Museums with ______________________ exhibits appeal to children because they make the visit fun.

2. I recently read a book that told a very ______________________ and tragic story.

3. There are often big crowds of people outside a concert ______________________ waiting to get in.

4. One of the main purposes of art is the reaction that it provokes from an ______________________.

5. Arts festivals are important because they can ______________________ us all to be more creative.

6. An artist’s background can often ______________________ their ideas and the work they produce.

7. The paintings that appeal to me most are those that ______________________ strong emotions.

8. For me, going to the cinema is a great from of ______________________.

9. I prefer to be a ______________________, I don’t have the talent to be a performer.

10. Many artists struggle and have to ______________________ everyday comforts to pursue their work.
Answer:
1. Museums with interactive exhibits appeal to children because they make the visit fun.
interactive

2. I recently read a book that told a very moving and tragic story. moving

3. There are often big crowds of people outside a concert venue waiting to get in. venue

4. One of the main purposes of art is the reaction that it provokes from an audience. audience

5. Arts festivals are important because they can inspire us all to be more creative. inspire

6. An artist’s background can often influence their ideas and the work they produce. influence

7. The paintings that appeal to me most are those that convey strong emotions. convey

8. For me, going to the cinema is a great from of escapism. escapism

9. I prefer to be a spectator, I don’t have the talent to be a performer. spectator.

10. Many artists struggle and have to sacrifice everyday comforts to pursue their work. sacrifice
24. Change and time
instantly immediately (adv)
topical current; happening now (adj)
insignificant unimportant; slight (adj)
remnant piece of the past; remains (n)
persist continue to do or happen (negative) (v)
minute tiny; very small (adj)
imperceptible invisible; unnoticeable (adj)
subtle small but important (adj)
considerable large; noticeable; significant (adj)
consistently in a constant or unchanging way (adv)

1. It is a very _________________________ issue and there are often articles about it in the newspaper.

2. That idea is a __________________ from another time and seems out of place in the modern world.

3. Many companies ______________ in contaminating the area by ignoring the rules and regulations.

4. Once the container is heated, the mixture thickens almost __________________.

5. Despite this sharp rise, over the remaining period, any changes in the data were _______________.

6. It takes a __________________ amount of time and effort to move from Band 3 to Band 8.

7. If you look very closely, you can see that it is covered in __________________ hairs.

8. The change in tides is gradual and almost __________________ to the human eye.

9. Even a __________________ change in working hours can have a big impact on employees.

10. From 1970 onwards, the figures fell ______________ each year and did not rise again until 1995.
Answer:
1. It is a very topical issue and there are often articles about it in the newspaper. topical

2. That idea is a remnant from another time and seems out of place in the modern world.
remnant

3. Many companies persist in contaminating the area by ignoring the rules and regulations.
persist

4. Once the container is heated, the mixture thickens almost instantly. instantly

5. Despite this sharp rise, over the remaining period, any changes in the data were
insignificant. insignificant

6. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to move from Band 3 to Band 8.
considerable

7. If you look very closely, you can see that it is covered in minute hairs. minute

8. The change in tides is gradual and almost imperceptible to the human eye. imperceptible

9. Even a subtle change in working hours can have a big impact on employees. subtle

10. From 1970 onwards, the figures fell consistently each year and did not rise again until
1995. consistently
25. Letter writing
inconvenient causing problems or difficulties (adj)
behalf (acting) for someone (n)
consider think about an idea (v)
hesitate pause before acting; stop to think (v)
ruined spoiled; damaged (adj)
unforeseen unexpected; sudden (adj)
privileged (feel) special; given advantages (adj)
accidentally not deliberately; unintentionally (adv)
response answer; reaction (n)
unpleasant not enjoyable; upsetting (adj)

1. There was no washing machine or dryer, which was very ______________.

2. My whole holiday was ______________ because the hotel was still under construction.

3. I hope you will ______________ my proposal and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

4. Please do not ______________ to contact me if you need any more information.

5. As you are away, I will be delighted to give the talk on your ______________.

6. I feel very ______________ to be invited to attend such an important conference.

7. My son ______________ knocked your vase over and I’m afraid it broke.

8. I am afraid I will have to cancel the meeting due to ______________ circumstances.

9. The room was very dirty and full of rubbish, which was very ______________.

10. I look forward to hearing your ______________ very soon.

Answer:
1. There was no washing machine or dryer, which was very inconvenient. inconvenient

2. My whole holiday was ruined because the hotel was still under construction. ruined

3. I hope you will consider my proposal and I look forward to hearing from you soon. consider

4. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any more information. hesitate

5. As you are away, I will be delighted to give the talk on your behalf. behalf

6. I feel very privileged to be invited to attend such an important conference. privileged

7. My son accidentally knocked your vase over and I’m afraid it broke. accidentally

8. I am afraid I will have to cancel the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. unforeseen

9. The room was very dirty and full of rubbish, which was very unpleasant. unpleasant

10. I look forward to hearing your response very soon. response