Read the book: «English vocabulary in context»

© Asya Gann, 2023

ISBN 978-5-0060-4206-3

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Preface

English Vocabulary in Context has been written to help learners expand their vocabulary. This book will aid students in learning useful vocabulary from a wide range of topics relevant to modern life, including climate change, health, entertainment, and travel.

Primarily designed as a self-study reference and practice book, it can also be effectively used by teachers in the classroom with groups of students. The book is aimed at students with at least an intermediate level of English. It consists of 100 units, with each unit starting with a reading passage that sets the target vocabulary in context. These passages are followed by exercises that allow students to practice using the new vocabulary.

A full answer key is provided after each unit, facilitating self-assessment. Additionally, an index is located at the back of the book, listing all the new words and phrases introduced throughout the book.

Unit 1

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, why not try glamping? Glamping is becoming increasingly popular among travellers who want to get off the beaten track and enjoy nature in a luxurious way.

Glamping offers a range of accommodations that are out of the ordinary. From renovated vintage trailers to safari tents, each retreat is uniquely decorated and comes with its own peculiar charm. Imagine waking up in a quaint cabin nestled in the lush woods or enjoying a morning coffee on a terrace overlooking a vibrant valley.

But don’t be fooled by the opulence of glamping. While it may offer lavish amenities like hot tubs and gourmet meals, it’s still a form of camping. You’ll need to be prepared for the outdoors and embrace the ruggedness of nature. However, with glamping, you can still enjoy the comforts of home while being in the thick of something truly special.

Glamping is also a great option for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Without distractions like TV and Wi-Fi, you can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings and appreciate the priceless beauty of nature. Plus, it’s a great way to recharge and rejuvenate with some vigorous outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking.

So if you’re looking for a thriving adventure that’s anything but worn out, consider glamping as your next retreat. It’s an experience that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. We wanted to get away from the _____________________ of the city.

2. Louise enjoys _____________________ because she likes the idea of camping but also wants her home comforts!

3. When he’s playing sports, Mark always likes to be _____________________ the action.

4. Isaac and Mary hosted a ________________ dinner party with hundreds of different dishes.

5. The hikers were looking for _____________________ in the village for the night.

6. Because of the constant rain, the rainforest is very _____________________.

7. The room had a thick _____________________ carpet.

8. I want to get _____________________ while traveling and see things people usually miss.

9. The Palace of Versailles in France is known for its _____________________ and luxury.

10. There was nothing _____________________ about the town; it was very normal.

11. It was _____________________ that she always wore mismatched shoes.

12. The Mona Lisa is a _____________________ piece of art.

13. The _____________________ little village is full of pretty cottages and small shops.

14. The _____________________ houses in my street are much better than those in their original condition.

15. The country house is a nice _____________________ from the hustle and bustle of the city.

16. I grew up in a _____________________, a house in a row of similar ones.

17. The city has a _____________________ music scene with lots of local bands.

18. The area is very _____________________ with lots of people from different places all living together.

19. Even though Granddad is 85, he is very _____________________ and goes for long walks every day.

20. I’ve had these shoes for six years and they’re really _____________________; there are even holes in the soles!

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Louise enjoys glamping because she likes the idea of camping but also wants her home comforts!

3. When he’s playing sports, Mark always likes to be in the thick of the action.

4. Isaac and Mary hosted a lavish dinner party with hundreds of different dishes.

5. The hikers were looking for lodgings in the village for the night.

6. Because of the constant rain, the rainforest is very lush.

7. The room had a thick luxurious carpet.

8. I want to get off the beaten track while travelling and see things people usually miss.

9. The Palace of Versailles in France is known for its opulence and luxury.

10. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the town; it was very normal.

11. It was peculiar that she always wore mismatched shoes.

12. The Mona Lisa is a priceless piece of art.

13. The quaint little village is full of pretty cottages and small shops.

14. The renovated houses in my street are much better than those in their original condition.

15. The country house is a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

16. I grew up in a terrace, a house in a row of similar ones.

17. The city has a thriving music scene with lots of local bands.

18. The area is very vibrant with lots of people from different places all living together.

19. Even though Granddad is 85, he is very vigorous and goes for long walks every day.

20. I’ve had these shoes for six years and they’re really worn out; there are even holes in the soles!

Unit 2

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

Poverty is a complex issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including economic, social and political ones. One of the biggest challenges facing impoverished communities is a lack of education. Without education, people in these communities are unable to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their lives.

Ignorance and prejudice are also major obstacles that must be overcome in order to help impoverished communities. Prejudice and stereotypes can prevent people from seeing the intrinsic value of individuals and their cultures. It is important to latch onto the positive aspects of these communities and to recognize their strengths. Unfortunately, many people take advantage of impoverished communities. They exploit the vulnerable people in these communities for their own gain.

In order to make progress, we must fill the void left by years of neglect and disperse resources among those who need them most. This requires nimble thinking and a willingness to look at things from a crooked angle.

In addition, it’s important to remember that help should be reciprocal. Rather than simply giving handouts, we should work with these communities to create sustainable solutions that empower them to improve their own lives. Efforts to improve the lives of impoverished communities should not be provincial, limited to one area or group. Instead, we should distribute these efforts among different communities and populations, working towards a common quest for equality and justice.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Some politicians may pass certain laws _____________________ regardless of how it affects the general population.

2. The pirates all set off on a _____________________ for the secret treasure.

3. The homeless and _____________________ people in the city rely on soup kitchens and community support to survive.

4. The government scheme _____________________ money throughout the community by giving it to social schemes.

5. The creative arts are _____________________ to a good education.

6. The business relationship was _____________________ with both parties benefiting equally.

7. The Supreme Court must ensure _____________________ is served for both the accuser and the accused.

8. To truly understand the complexity of the situation, we must approach it _____________________ and explore all possible perspectives.

9. Unscrupulous employers often _____________________ their employees by paying them less than what they deserve.

10. Some people can _____________________ their friends by asking for unreasonable favors from others.

11. Reconnecting with nature helps to _____________________ created by modern life.

12. Puzzles help to keep the mind _____________________ and mentally agile.

13. I’m not interested in government _____________________ – all I want is a job.

14. People nowadays try to _____________________ onto some sense of spirituality in order to give their lives meaning.

15. The government has implemented several measures to _____________________ businesses from polluting the environment.

16. Most managers try to _____________________ and encourage effective collaboration among their employees.

17. It is essential that we show compassion towards _____________________ populations.

18. It was a small village and many people had _____________________ attitudes that were out of line with current opinion.

19. _____________________ of the law is no excuse in court.

20. His supervisor’s comments helped to clear up any _____________________ that Sam had about what the job involved.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Some politicians may pass certain laws for their own gain regardless of how it affects the general population.

2. The pirates all set off on a quest for the secret treasure.

3. The homeless and impoverished people in the city rely on soup kitchens and community support to survive.

4. The government scheme disperses money throughout the community by giving it to social schemes.

5. The creative arts are intrinsic to a good education.

6. The business relationship was reciprocal with both parties benefiting equally.

7. The Supreme Court must ensure justice is served for both the accuser and the accused.

8. To truly understand the complexity of the situation, we must approach it from a crooked angle and explore all possible perspectives.

9. Unscrupulous employers often take advantage of their employees by paying them less than what they deserve.

10. Some people can exploit their friends by asking for unreasonable favours from others.

11. Reconnecting with nature helps to fill the void created by modern life.

12. Puzzles help to keep the mind nimble and mentally agile.

13. I’m not interested in government handouts – all I want is a job.

14. People nowadays try to latch onto some sense of spirituality in order to give their lives meaning.

15. The government has implemented several measures to prevent businesses from polluting the environment.

16. Most managers try to foster and encourage effective collaboration among their employees.

17. It is essential that we show compassion towards vulnerable populations.

18. It was a small village and many people had provincial attitudes that were out of line with current opinion.

19. Ignorance of the law is no excuse in court.

20. His supervisor’s comments helped to clear up any prejudices that Sam had about what the job involved.

Unit 3

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

When we travel, we often have to scrutinise the different options available to us. Do we want a direct flight, or are we willing to take a connecting flight? We may choose to splurge on a chartered flight, or opt for a more budget-friendly option with an economy class ticket. And what if our flight is delayed or we experience a bumpy landing? Regardless of our choice, we should always be prepared for any delays or unexpected twists and turns that may come our way.

These are all important considerations that can make or break a trip. Sometimes, we may even venture off the beaten path and head to a far-flung location. This can be exciting, but it also means we may find ourselves in a desolate area without the usual amenities we are used to.

Travelling to dangerous countries may also seem like it flies in the face of reason, but the experience gained can be invaluable. If we keep an open mind and remain undimmed by the challenges we may face, we can discover new and subtle aspects of a culture that we would not have otherwise seen.

Travelling can also be overwhelming at times, especially if we are pressed for time or have a tight schedule. We may feel like we are being whirled around from one place to another without a moment to catch our breath. Throughout the whirl of flights and unexpected delays, it’s important to keep our composure and not fly off the handle. But we must remember that we are sovereign over our own experiences. We can choose to slow down and take things at our own pace, even if it means missing out on some sights or activities.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. There was only a _____________________ change in the schedule, as Mary chose to make only minor alterations.

2. The region declared itself a _____________________ state, independent from the rest of the country.

3. The _____________________ nine o’clock train to London will arrive at 09:15.

4. The tourist agency organised a _____________________ across the Amazon for the group.

5. The play was so moving that I was _____________________ by emotion.

6. The government’s proposal was thoroughly _____________________ as there were many points that needed further clarification.

7. The dancers _____________________ each other around the dancefloor.

8. Ryan _____________________ and got very angry when he realized that his bag had been stolen.

9. Rita thinks that _____________________ are less stressful because there are no changes till you reach your destination.

10. Rachel had her tickets upgraded from _____________________; the seats were so much nicer!

11. Polly likes traveling to _____________________ on the other side of the world.

12. Our journey from London to Sydney had a _____________________ in Singapore where we had to change aircraft.

13. Karl’s ideas are very controversial and _____________________ everything we thought we knew about economics.

14. It was a smooth flight in general, but there was a bit of a _____________________.

15. I can’t stay; I’m _____________________ already as it is.

16. Even after being a doctor for many years, Helen’s passion for her work is _____________________; she enjoys every moment!

17. _____________________ is cheap but you don’t get a free meal with your ticket.

18. Dartmoor is a _____________________ of Devon with very little population.

19. After arriving at the island, they decided to _____________________ up the volcano.

20. The mystery novel was full of _____________________ that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. There was only a subtle change in the schedule, as Mary chose to make only minor alterations.

2. The region declared itself a sovereign state, independent from the rest of the country.

3. The delayed nine o’clock train to London will arrive at 09:15.

4. The tourist agency organised a chartered flight across the Amazon for the group.

5. The play was so moving that I was overwhelmed by emotion.

6. The government’s proposal was thoroughly scrutinised as there were many points that needed further clarification.

7. The dancers whirled each other around the dancefloor.

8. Ryan flew off the handle and got very angry when he realised that his bag had been stolen.

9. Rita thinks that direct flights are less stressful because there are no changes till you reach your destination.

10. Rachel had her tickets upgraded from economy to business class; the seats were so much nicer!

11. Polly likes travelling to far-flung locations on the other side of the world.

12. Our journey from London to Sydney had a connecting flight in Singapore where we had to change aircraft.

13. Karl’s ideas are very controversial and fly in the face of everything we thought we knew about economics.

14. It was a smooth flight in general, but there was a bit of a bumpy landing.

15. I can’t stay; I’m pressed for time already as it is.

16. Even after being a doctor for many years, Helen’s passion for her work is undimmed; she enjoys every moment!

17. Economy class is cheap but you don’t get a free meal with your ticket.

18. Dartmoor is a desolate area of Devon with very little population.

19. After arriving at the island, they decided to venture up the volcano.

20. The mystery novel was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

Unit 4

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

In today’s society, it is important to have a growth mindset in order to flourish and not stagnate. This means being aware of the inherent abilities we possess and nurturing them to traverse new paths.

However, many people are oblivious to their potential due to a dormant mindset. It is easy to get caught up in the daily agitation of life, especially when societal pressures push us to conform to certain standards at the expense of our own happiness. This arid way of thinking can have negative repercussions on our mental health and overall well-being.

To combat this, we must avow to change our mindset and embrace new facets of ourselves. We can do this by soaking in new experiences and perspectives, and abjuring old habits that no longer serve us. At the instigation of a supportive community or mentor, we can learn to abide by our values and beliefs while still growing and evolving. By doing so, we can create a positive ripple effect on those around us and contribute to a more thriving society.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Adam has a very determined _____________________; he never gives up once he’s decided to start a task.

2. Competitiveness is an _____________________ element of athletes’ behaviour that drives them to success.

3. Education plays an important role in _____________________ our ability to develop and become better people.

4. Ellen hates flying and always feels a great deal of _____________________ in the air.

5. Jon pointed out that there are so many _____________________ making up a person’s identity that it’s often difficult to categorise people.

6. Martin was _____________________ to the offence he had caused; he had no idea he came across as rude.

7. Opening the new branch of the travel agency was _____________________ of Jeff; he was the person to push it through.

8. Paul went on a hiking trip to Brazil where he _____________________ the Amazon.

9. The lecture on corporate finance was so _____________________ that I struggled to stay awake throughout the session

10. In order to maintain a peaceful society, it is necessary for citizens to _____________________ the laws and regulations put in place by their government.

11. The government is working hard to bring about much-needed _____________________ change by influencing public opinion.

12. The hotel has _____________________ financially as it hasn’t made a profit for many years.

13. The Mayor _____________________ publicly that he knew nothing about the proposed development.

14. The politician _____________________ the scheme proposed by the opposition and renounced all their policies.

15. The seaside town has been _____________________ since the resort opened; tourism has helped the whole community to thrive.

16. The _____________________ volcano has remained inactive for hundreds of years.

17. The _____________________ to the planet arising from mass tourism will cause problems for generations to come.

18. Tom worked extremely hard to get the promotion _____________________ his health.

19. The small changes you make today can have a _____________________ on your future.

20. We _____________________ all the amazing new experiences while we were in Italy.