1.
Week 1
1.To strive = to try hard
To pull something off = to do successfully
I strive to eat and do daily exercise healthy diet, although I don’t always pull it off
2. To get up to = to do
I don’t get up to much in my free time.
3. To get into something = to become interested in an activity / hobby
I recently got into yoga and I am really enjoying it now
4. To consider = to think about (doing something) To take up = to begin a hobby
I’m considering taking up [the drums] it’s wanted to
5. Close-knit (adj.) /kləʊsˈnɪt/ = people who are close and supportive
I’m from a close-knit family
6. A number of years = some years
I live in [Spain] and I’ve been living here for a number of years
7. To get on (with s.o.) = to have a good relationship
We have our moments = we have our disagreements / ups and downs
I get on well with my [ brother] although we do have our moments
8. To date = until now
Touch wood = said to avoid bad luck!
I’ve not had any serious illnesses to date, touch wood!
9. Born and bred /bɔːn ən bred/ = born and raised
I am from Manchester born and bred
10. To jump at the chance = to eagerly take the opportunity
Many people jump at the chance to work overseas, seeing it as a way
of earning far more than they could in their own country.
11. Contemporary (v.) 當代的;現代的
contemporary music/literature/art/fashion
e.g. Although the play was written hundreds of years ago, it still has a
contemporary feel to it.
12. Commitment
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A pledge or promise to carry out a certain action or to support a
cause; dedication to a task or relationship.
• Example Sentence: "My commitment to my studies has greatly improved my
academic performance."
Week 3
13. From my perspective…
Offers a personal viewpoint
From my perspective, education should be affordable for everyone.
14. As far as I’m concerned…
Offers a personal viewpoint
As far as I’m concerned, work-life balance is essential.
15. Frankly speaking…
Expresses a direct or blunt opinion
Frankly speaking, I think we need stricter laws on pollution.
16. On the whole…
Generalizes or gives an overview
On the whole, I think the education system needs improvement.
17. It depends…
Used when there are multiple possible answers’
It depends on the weather. If it’s sunny, I’ll go for a walk.
18. Generally speaking…
Refers to a general truth or trend
Generally speaking, most people prefer to work from home nowadays.
19. I’m under the impression that…
When you believe something to be true but aren’t certain
I’m under the impression that public transport is becoming more efficient.
20. It goes without saying…
Refers to an obvious or well-known fact
It goes without saying that a healthy diet is crucial for good health.
21. To put it bluntly…
Offers a straightforward or harsh opinion
To put it bluntly, I think we need to take climate change more seriously.
Week 4
22. Obligation
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A duty or commitment to do something.
• Example Sentence: "I felt a strong obligation to help my friend when she was
going through a tough time."
23. Chores
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: Routine tasks or duties, often related to household maintenance.
• Example Sentence: "On weekends, I usually complete my chores, like
cleaning my room and doing the laundry."
24. Sightseer
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A person who visits places of interest for pleasure.
• Example Sentence: "As a sightseer, I took my time exploring the historical
landmarks around the city."
25. Travelogue
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A narrative or documentary about a travel experience.
• Example Sentence: "After my trip to Japan, I decided to write a travelogue to
share my experiences with others."
26. Itinerary
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A detailed plan outlining a journey or travel schedule.
• Example Sentence: "Before going on vacation, I prepared a meticulous
itinerary to ensure I wouldn’t miss any attractions."
27. Excursion
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A short journey or trip, especially one taken for pleasure.
• Example Sentence: "We planned an excursion to the mountains for the
weekend to enjoy nature."
Week5
28. Gadget
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A small mechanical or electronic device or tool.
• Example Sentence: "I love using the latest tech gadget, like my smart watch,
to track my fitness."
29. Tech-savvy
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Meaning: Having a good understanding of technology and being able to use it
effectively.
• Example Sentence: "In today’s job market, it’s essential to be tech-savvy to
succeed in most fields."
30. Breakthrough
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A significant and often sudden advance or development in
knowledge or technology.
• Example Sentence: "The scientist announced a breakthrough in cancer
research that could change treatment protocols."
31. Algorithm
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: A set of rules or calculations used for problem-solving, often by
computers.
• Example Sentence: "Many social media platforms use complex algorithms to
personalize the content you see."
32. Advocacy
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: The act of supporting or arguing for a cause or policy.
• Example Sentence: "Her advocacy for environmental issues inspired many
people in the community to take action."
33. Aesthetics
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: The set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of
beauty.
• Example Sentence: "The aesthetics of the new art gallery were praised for
their modern and minimalist design."
34. Sculpture
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: The art of creating three-dimensional works by shaping materials
such as stone, metal, or wood.
• Example Sentence: "The sculpture in the park captures the beauty of
movement in a unique way."
35. Marginalization
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Meaning: The process of making a particular group of people less important
or sidelined.
• Example Sentence: "The marginalization of certain communities can lead to
social and economic inequalities."