English vocabulary in context

1. After a long day of work, I like to unwind by taking a hot bath and listening to calming music.

2. She was always drawn to the arts, so she pursued a degree in fine arts.

3. It’s important to keep in mind the potential risks involved before making a decision.

4. As a detail-oriented person, I always make sure to double-check my work before submitting it.

5. Pursuits such as painting are popular hobbies.

6. Psychometric testing is used to examine workers’ intelligence and personality traits.

7. Once again, John is burning the midnight oil working all night in order to finish his report.

8. Mr Richard was impressed and congratulated David on a whale of a job that he had done on the new project.

9. Mobile phones have become indispensable to most people, and users often cannot do without them.

10. Being outgoing has its advantages, as it allows me to easily engage with new people and form connections.

11. The new device is used to electronically transmit information to all departments.

12. The organisation works hard to effectively propagate and spread its ideas to its audience.

13. The CEO must be able to handle high-pressure situations and make difficult decisions on a daily basis.

14. Some of the most important traits for a successful leader include effective communication, strategic thinking, and resilience.

15. It’s always good to try out new recipes when cooking, even if they’re not your usual go-to dishes.

16. Andrew raced through the crowded street in an attempt to go as fast as he could to the meeting.

17. Amy is really tired as Mr Giles is rushing her to finish the project quickly by the end of the week.

18. While it’s important to take our work seriously, it’s equally crucial to have fun and enjoy the little moments in life.

19. Successful time management requires careful planning and sticking to schedules – even when things get busy.

20. Every now and then, it’s essential to indulge in self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking yourself out for a nice meal.

Unit 19

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

In life, discipline is key to success. Without it, one may flounder and struggle to achieve their goals. If you’re struggling with discipline, it can be helpful to foster an environment that exudes motivation. This could mean surrounding yourself with positive influences or setting mandatory routines for yourself.

Of course, even with discipline, there may be times when we make mistakes. In some cases, these mistakes can lead to dismissal from a job. Your employer can give you notice or the boot, but it’s important to remember that being a lame duck won’t help anyone. Instead, try to evaluate what went wrong and how you can improve moving forward. So. if you’ve been given your walking papers, don’t lose hope. This can be a difficult experience, but it can also be a wake-up call to improve your skills and work harder.

We should always strive to take on challenges even when we have our work cut out for us. You may just need to do things the hard way and work even harder to find a new, lucrative opportunity. Sometimes we have to do a 180 and approach things in a different way to expedite our progress.

Remember, obstacles are a part of life, but they don’t have to hinder us forever. With determination and a positive attitude, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way. Just be sure to ooze confidence as you tackle each task. And if someone tries to do a job on you, stay strong and don’t let them bring you down.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

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

1. Wendy was given _____________________ when her supervisor saw her leaving the office much earlier than she was supposed to.

2. The _____________________ appraised the high-tech equipment in the company at approximately one million dollars.

3. The sales team _____________________ when they suddenly decided to use a completely new concept instead of the one that was originally planned.

4. The prospect of working abroad was an _____________________ idea that made Janet very excited.

5. The new system is a _____________________ that was never fit for purpose and doesn’t get used.

6. That’s terrible, Jim! Your competitor really _____________________ by stealing your clients!

7. Some candidates can find their job prospects _____________________ by lack of computer skills and experience.

8. Peter is really positive; he _____________________ confidence!

9. Much to the surprise of everyone, the director announced _____________________ of ten employees following funding cuts.

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

11. Mike is _____________________ with all the extra work he has; he’ll never make his deadline.

12. Jack refused the help that his colleagues offered, preferring to _____________________ and learn on his own.

13. It is expected that Martin will be given _____________________; he is incompetent and constantly late for work.

14. In order to _____________________ the process, the company employed more staff on the project.

15. Gregory and his family run a highly _____________________ business that makes huge profits.

16. Denise clearly _____________________ pride when she boasts of her great new sales figures.

17. Maintaining classroom _____________________ is the first task of every teacher.

18. Although Mitch is the fastest worker in the office, he was given _____________________ by his boss and eventually lost his job.

19. Alison has _____________________ as she has to type the whole report over again.

20. Additional classes are _____________________ for all students and must be attended.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Wendy was given her walking papers when her supervisor saw her leaving the office much earlier than she was supposed to.

2. The evaluator appraised the high-tech equipment in the company at approximately one million dollars.

3. The sales team did a 180 when they suddenly decided to use a completely new concept instead of the one that was originally planned.

4. The prospect of working abroad was an exhilarating idea that made Janet very excited.

5. The new system is a lame duck that was never fit for purpose and doesn’t get used.

6. That’s terrible, Jim! Your competitor really did a job on you by stealing your clients!

7. Some candidates can find their job prospects hindered by lack of computer skills and experience.

8. Peter is really positive; he oozes confidence!

9. Much to the surprise of everyone, the director announced the dismissal of ten employees following funding cuts.

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

11. Mike is floundering with all the extra work he has; he’ll never make his deadline.

12. Jack refused the help that his colleagues offered, preferring to do things the hard way and learn on his own.

13. It is expected that Martin will be given the boot; he is incompetent and constantly late for work.

14. In order to expedite the process, the company employed more staff on the project.

15. Gregory and his family run a highly lucrative business that makes huge profits.

16. Denise clearly exudes pride when she boasts of her great new sales figures.

17. Maintaining classroom discipline is the first task of every teacher.

18. Although Mitch is the fastest worker in the office, he was given notice by his boss and eventually lost his job.

19. Alison has her work cut out for her as she has to type the whole report over again.

20. Additional classes are mandatory for all students and must be attended.

Unit 20

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

When it comes to travelling, there is a wide range of options available. You can rough it and camp in the wilderness or stay in a five-star hotel with all the amenities. It all depends on your budget and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, you might have to make some sacrifices. For example, you might have to eat stale bread or sleep in a cramped room. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the adventure!

If you’re planning a trip, it’s important to consider your relationship with the place you’ll be visiting. Do you have family or friends there? Have you been there before? If not, it might be helpful to do some research beforehand to get a sense of what to expect.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to find a place to reside. This could be a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. Make sure to book in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

While traveling can be enjoyable and exciting, it is also likely to come with some challenges or difficulties along the way. Even the best-laid plans can succumb to unforeseen circumstances. Your flight might get cancelled, or you might get lost in an unfamiliar city. You might struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, or homesickness. In these moments, it’s important to stay focused and keep your wits about you. If you stay positive and talk yourself through the challenges, you’ll come out stronger on the other side.

At the end of the day, travelling is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and creating tangible memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, take a stroll down that unfamiliar street and see where it takes you. You never know what adventures await you!

2. Match the words with the definitions.

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

1. The Grand Canyon offers a_____________________ of breathtaking views for visitors to admire.

2. The topics we cover in class _____________________ from history to science to literature.

3. My_____________________ improved since we started communication therapy together.

4. I_____________________ in a small town on the outskirts of Chicago.

5. When backpacking through the mountains, it’s necessary to_____________________ and live off the land.

6. He_____________________ spoke a word during the entire meeting.

7. The hotel_____________________ included a luxurious spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.

8. The bread was_____________________, so I didn’t enjoy my sandwich.

9. It’s often necessary to_____________________ in order to achieve one’s goals.

10. When traveling alone in a foreign country, it’s important to_____________________ and stay alert.

11. A quality pair of boots can_____________________ if cared for properly.

12. After moving away for college, Jane experienced_____________________ for the first time.

13. When faced with adversity, some people are able to_____________________ than before.

14. After dinner, we decided to_____________________ along the beach and watch the sunset.

15. Many people_____________________ with public speaking, even seasoned professionals.

16. Despite his best efforts, he eventually_____________________ to fatigue and fell asleep.

17. She_____________________ skimmed the article without truly understanding its content.

18. When dealing with a difficult client, it’s important to approach the situation_____________________.

19. The tech support representative_____________________ me through the process of resetting my password.

20. The_____________________ benefits of exercise include increased energy levels and improved cardiovascular health.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. The Grand Canyon offers a range of breathtaking views for visitors to admire.

2. The topics we cover in class range from history to science to literature.

3. My relationship with my sister has improved since we started communication therapy together.

4. I reside in a small town on the outskirts of Chicago.

5. When backpacking through the mountains, it’s necessary to rough it and live off the land.

6. He scarcely spoke a word during the entire meeting.

7. The hotel amenities included a luxurious spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.

8. The bread was stale, so I didn’t enjoy my sandwich.

9. It’s often necessary to make sacrifices in order to achieve one’s goals.

10. When traveling alone in a foreign country, it’s important to keep your wits about you and stay alert.

11. A quality pair of boots can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

12. After moving away for college, Jane experienced homesickness for the first time.

13. When faced with adversity, some people are able to come out stronger than before.

14. After dinner, we decided to take a stroll along the beach and watch the sunset.

15. Many people struggle with public speaking, even seasoned professionals.

16. Despite his best efforts, he eventually succumbed to fatigue and fell asleep.

17. She superficially skimmed the article without truly understanding its content.

18. When dealing with a difficult client, it’s important to approach the situation tactfully.

19. The tech support representative talked me through the process of resetting my password.

20. The tangible benefits of exercise include increased energy levels and improved cardiovascular health.

Unit 21

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

In today’s world, having credentials is important for getting a job. However, getting those credentials can be a daunting task. It requires hard work and dedication. Sometimes, it may seem like your efforts are spiraling out of control and you may feel discouraged by the challenges. But in hindsight, all of the effort will be worth it.

When it comes to getting credentials. the first thing that you should consider is taking an aptitude test. It’s designed to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. This can prevent you from going down the wrong path. It’s important to remember that assumptions about our capabilities can sometimes belie the true nature of our potential. With perseverance and hard work, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible. Beyond that, it’s important to believe in yourself and not let others taint your dreams. Applaud yourself for your accomplishments, even if they seem small.

To gain experience and build your credentials, you may apply for an internship. An internship can serve as a stepping stone towards your career goals. It provides an incentive for you to work harder and instills valuable skills that you can recount in future job interviews. Your employer can vouch for your work ethic and provide a positive recommendation.

Remember, every endeavour requires effort and dedication. Don’t overstate your abilities, but also don’t underestimate them. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

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

1. John got the job because of his excellent _____________________; he is highly qualified.

2. Andrew had to do an _____________________ in order that his employer would be able to check his skills and abilities.

3. Don’s supervisor _____________________ for his positive attitude and confirmed his collaboration skills.

4. Excellent teaching material can motivate students and give them an _____________________ to continue working hard.

5. Greg’s _____________________ lasted for one year, providing him with additional experience for a business graduate.

6. We can solve this problem if we _____________________ to it.

7. George _____________________ everything that Roger proposed during the project meeting.

8. _____________________, Jack regrets not having accepted the position; it would probably have been the best thing to do.

9. Many duties require workers to think _____________________ as opposed to literally.

10. Martin _____________________ in detail all the things he did on his one-year training course.

11. Matt manages the front desk; _____________________, he also trains new inductees.

12. Mr Jones managed to _____________________ a sense of responsibility in his students by showing them how to take charge of their studies.

13. Participating in the training programme was a little _____________________ at first but she soon got over her nerves.

14. Sarah’s friends all helped her in her _____________________ to collect donations for charity.

15. The director _____________________ Brenda’s impressive ideas and approved of her proposals.

16. The importance of effective collaboration among employees cannot be _____________________.

17. The problem with the project is in danger of _____________________.

18. The training course proved to be the _____________________ which helped James to find a job.

19. The unfortunate incident in the office may have _____________________ Samantha’s reputation.

20. People tend to make _____________________ about you when you have a disability.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. John got the job because of his excellent credentials; he is highly qualified.

2. Andrew had to do an aptitude test in order that his employer would be able to check his skills and abilities.

3. Don’s supervisor vouched for his positive attitude and confirmed his collaboration skills.

4. Excellent teaching material can motivate students and give them an incentive to continue working hard.

5. Greg’s internship lasted for one year, providing him with additional experience for a business graduate.

6. We can solve this problem if we set our minds to it.

7. George belied everything that Roger proposed during the project meeting.

8. In hindsight, Jack regrets not having accepted the position; it would probably have been the best thing to do.

9. Many duties require workers to think abstractly as opposed to literally.

10. Martin recounted in detail all the things he did on his one-year training course.

11. Matt manages the front desk; beyond that, he also trains new inductees.

12. Mr Jones managed to instil a sense of responsibility in his students by showing them how to take charge of their studies.

13. Participating in the training programme was a little daunting at first but she soon got over her nerves.

14. Sarah’s friends all helped her in her endeavour to collect donations for charity.

15. The director applauded Brenda’s impressive ideas and approved of her proposals.

16. The importance of effective collaboration among employees cannot be overstated.

17. The problem with the project is in danger of spiralling out of control.

18. The training course proved to be the stepping stone which helped James to find a job.

19. The unfortunate incident in the office may have tainted Samantha’s reputation.

20. People tend to make assumptions about you when you have a disability.

Unit 22

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

When planning a trip, there are many factors to consider. One important factor is the destination itself. Do you want to go somewhere scenic and picturesque, or do you prefer a bustling city?

Another factor to consider is the resources available to you. Do you have the financial resources to travel abroad, or will you need to stay closer to home? If you’re considering a transatlantic trip, it’s important to adjust your expectations accordingly. The culture and customs may be vastly different from what you’re used to. It’s important to be amiable and empathetic towards those you meet on your travels.

Co-ordination is key when planning any trip. Make sure to co-ordinate with your travel companions so that everyone is on the same page. This can help avoid any impulsive decisions that may exacerbate tensions during the trip.

When evaluating potential destinations, it’s important to be fact-orientated. Look up reviews and gather information about the location before making a decision. This can help you make a decisive choice that you’ll be happy with. Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to plan your itinerary.

A methodical approach can help ensure that you make the most of your trip. However, it’s also important to leave room for spontaneity and exploration. Finally, remember to release any stress or worries you may have about the trip. Take a deep breath and enjoy the experience. Whether it’s an expansion of your horizons or simply a chance to relax and unwind, travel can be a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of adventure and satisfy your curiosity.