Unit 1 - Design (Speaking)

aesthetic (adj)

/esˈθetɪk/ attractive or beautiful to look at 🎯 Context in Unit: Used to evaluate if a product looks good when presenting your design. 🔗 Collocations: aesthetic appeal [sức hút thẩm mỹ], highly aesthetic. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: How does a well-designed product make life easier?) A well-designed product should have a strong aesthetic appeal, but it must also be easy to use. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name an everyday object that you bought just because of its aesthetic design.

innovative (adj)

/ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ new and original 🎯 Context in Unit: Used when designing a new product to solve a problem. 🔗 Collocations: innovative approach [cách tiếp cận đổi mới], innovative design. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) To solve the umbrella problem, I want to create an innovative jacket that produces an invisible air shield against the rain. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the most innovative app on your smartphone?

principle (n)

/ˈprɪnsəpl/ a basic belief or idea that affects how something is done 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing the rules of good design. 🔗 Collocations: guiding principle [nguyên tắc chỉ đạo], basic principle. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Look at poorly designed objects) The iron in the picture ignores the basic principle of safety because the handle is placed under the hot metal. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is one guiding principle you follow to wake up early?

thorough (adj)

/ˈθɜːroʊ/ complete; not missing any necessary parts or details 🎯 Context in Unit: Planning a product design carefully. 🔗 Collocations: thorough understanding [sự hiểu biết cặn kẽ], thorough investigation.📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: What problem is the group trying to solve?) The students did a thorough analysis of umbrellas and found that they break easily in the wind. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you usually do a thorough review before you buy a new phone?

unobtrusive (adj)

/ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/ not attracting too much attention 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing products that do their job quietly. 🔗 Collocations: unobtrusive design [thiết kế không phô trương], remain unobtrusive. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: What do you wish your classroom had?) I wish our classroom had an unobtrusive air conditioner so we could hear the teacher clearly. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you prefer a loud alarm clock or an unobtrusive one?

evaluate (v)

/ɪˈvæljueɪt/ to think carefully about something to decide how good or bad it is 🎯 Context in Unit: Judging the poorly designed objects on page 22. 🔗 Collocations: evaluate effectiveness [đánh giá tính hiệu quả], carefully evaluate. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Look at poorly designed objects) When I evaluate the water tap in the picture, I can clearly see it is too short for the sink. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do you evaluate if a restaurant is good for a quick lunch?

pioneer (v)

/ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/ to do something for the first time 🎯 Context in Unit: Inventing new solutions for everyday problems. 🔗 Collocations: pioneer a technique [tiên phong một kỹ thuật]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as a designer) I would love to be a designer so I can pioneer new technologies that help homeless people build cheap houses. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name a company that pioneered the modern smartphone.

vertical (adj)

/ˈvɜːrtɪkl/ standing or pointing up and down 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing the shapes or handles of bad products. 🔗 Collocations: vertical line, vertical position [vị trí thẳng đứng]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Look at poorly designed objects) The airplane seats have a strict vertical design, which makes them extremely uncomfortable for long flights. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you prefer wearing shirts with vertical or horizontal stripes?

artificial (adj)

/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl/ made by people; not natural 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing synthetic materials for new inventions. 🔗 Collocations: artificial intelligence, artificial material [vật liệu nhân tạo].📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Solutions for umbrellas) We could use a strong artificial material for umbrellas so they never snap in the wind. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you prefer natural light or artificial light when studying?

come up with (phr v)

/kʌm ʌp wɪð/ to think of an idea, plan, or solution 🎯 Context in Unit: Brainstorming in the Speaking Task. 🔗 Collocations: come up with a solution [nghĩ ra giải pháp], come up with an idea.📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: 30 minutes for lunch problem) To solve the lunch problem, we need to come up with a meal delivery app specifically for students. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Tell me about a time you came up with a great idea.

complex (adj)

/kəmˈpleks/ involving lots of details; difficult to understand 🎯 Context in Unit: Identifying why a product frustrates users. 🔗 Collocations: complex problem [vấn đề phức tạp], highly complex. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an object) I wish my TV remote were not so complex, because I only use three of the fifty buttons. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the most complex subject you studied in high school?

computer-generated (adj)

/kəmˈpjuːtər ˈdʒenəreɪtɪd/ created by a computer program 🎯 Context in Unit: Presenting your new product design virtually. 🔗 Collocations: computer-generated imagery [hình ảnh do máy tính tạo ra]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a product) Before building my new umbrella, I would create a computer-generated model to test its strength. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you enjoy watching computer-generated movies?

device (n)

/dɪˈvaɪs/ a machine or piece of equipment used for a specific purpose 🎯 Context in Unit: The everyday objects we wish we could change. 🔗 Collocations: electronic device [thiết bị điện tử], mobile device. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Trouble waking up) A good solution is to put your mobile device on the other side of the room so you have to stand up. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What electronic device can you not live without?

feature (n)

/ˈfiːtʃər/ an important part or piece of something 🎯 Context in Unit: Specific parts of a product you want to improve. 🔗 Collocations: key feature [tính năng chính], unnecessary features. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an everyday object) I wish my backpack had a waterproof feature so my laptop would stay safe in heavy rain. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is your favorite feature on your smartphone?

feedback (n)

/ˈfiːdbæk/ comments about how good something is, so that improvements can be made 🎯 Context in Unit: Getting opinions on your new design from classmates. 🔗 Collocations: constructive feedback [phản hồi mang tính xây dựng]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) After I present my new product to the class, I hope to receive constructive feedback to improve it. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do you feel when a teacher gives you negative feedback?

figure out (phr v)

/ˈfɪɡjər aʊt/ to be able to understand something or solve a problem 🎯 Context in Unit: Finding solutions to the listed speaking problems. 🔗 Collocations: figure out a solution [tìm ra giải pháp], figure out how to. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Travel without money) If my friends and I want to travel, we must figure out a way to take the bus instead of flying. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What do you do when you can't figure out a math problem?

functional (adj)

/ˈfʌŋkʃənl/ designed to be good at doing a particular job 🎯 Context in Unit: Contrasting useful objects with useless ones. 🔗 Collocations: highly functional [tính công năng cao], purely functional. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Well-designed vs poorly designed) A functional product saves us time, whereas a poorly designed product just creates frustration. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Are the shoes you are wearing right now more fashionable or functional?

layer (v)

/ˈleɪər/ to put one thing on top of another 🎯 Context in Unit: Suggesting solutions for cold or rainy weather without umbrellas. 🔗 Collocations: layer clothing [mặc nhiều lớp quần áo]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Avoid getting wet without an umbrella) One easy solution is to layer our clothing with a waterproof raincoat over our normal shirts. ⚡ Actionable Practice: When it's very cold outside, how many shirts do you layer?

measure (v)

/ˈmeʒər/ to find the size, weight, or amount of something 🎯 Context in Unit: Designing a product accurately. 🔗 Collocations: accurately measure [đo lường chính xác]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Look at poorly designed objects) The tap is bad because the designer failed to accurately measure the distance to the sink. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do we normally measure our body weight?

operate (v)

/ˈɒpəreɪt/ to use or control a piece of equipment 🎯 Context in Unit: How users interact with machines daily. 🔗 Collocations: operate machinery [vận hành máy móc], easy to operate. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an object) I wish my coffee machine were easier to operate when I am tired in the morning. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you know how to operate a manual transmission car?

similarity (n)

/ˌsɪməˈlærəti/ the fact that two things are like each other 🎯 Context in Unit: Comparing different product designs. 🔗 Collocations: striking similarity [sự giống nhau đáng kinh ngạc]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Reflect on products) There is a striking similarity between all good products: they are simple and solve a real need. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is one similarity between you and your best friend?

simulation (n)

/ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃn/ a situation or activity in which people pretend that something is real 🎯 Context in Unit: Testing a new product design safely. 🔗 Collocations: computer simulation [mô phỏng máy tính]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as a designer) Designers can run a computer simulation to see if a new umbrella can survive a storm. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Why do pilots practice flying in a simulation before a real plane?

three-dimensional (adj)

/ˌθriː dɪˈmenʃənl/ having length, width, and depth 🎯 Context in Unit: Visualizing a new product in the Speaking Task. 🔗 Collocations: three-dimensional model [mô hình 3 chiều]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) I will build a three-dimensional prototype of my invention so the class can see exactly how it works. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Have you ever watched a three-dimensional movie at the cinema?

train (v)

/treɪn/ teach someone how to do a particular job or activity 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing the "personal trainer" prompt. 🔗 Collocations: train staff [đào tạo nhân viên], properly trained. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Personal trainer, chef, or driver?) I wish I had a personal trainer to train me to be stronger and healthier. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How long does it take to train a dog to sit?

classic (adj)

/ˈklæsɪk/ popular for a very long time because it is very good 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing long-lasting, well-designed objects. 🔗 Collocations: classic design [thiết kế kinh điển], classic example. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Well-designed products) A classic backpack is a great example of a product that makes life easier for students every single day. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name a classic movie that everyone should watch.

element (n)

/ˈelɪmənt/ a basic part of something 🎯 Context in Unit: Identifying specific parts of a bad design. 🔗 Collocations: key element [yếu tố then chốt], essential element. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Look at poorly designed objects) The most dangerous element of that iron is the terrible handle placement. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is an essential element of a good smartphone?

environmentally friendly (adj)

/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈfrendli/ not harmful to the air, water, earth, etc. 🎯 Context in Unit: The speaking model's goal for a new umbrella. 🔗 Collocations: environmentally friendly product [sản phẩm thân thiện với môi trường].📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella solutions) Making umbrellas from recycled materials would be much more environmentally friendly than using cheap plastic. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name one environmentally friendly habit you practice daily.

flexible (adj)

/ˈfleksəbl/ able to change, bend, or move easily; or be used for different purposes 🎯 Context in Unit: A solution for umbrellas breaking in the wind. 🔗 Collocations: flexible material [vật liệu linh hoạt], flexible schedule.📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella solutions) If the frame is made of a flexible plastic, the umbrella will bend in the wind instead of breaking. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Are you a flexible person when your travel plans change suddenly?

image (n)

/ˈɪmɪdʒ/ a picture in a magazine, on a computer, etc. 🎯 Context in Unit: Looking at the visual prompts on page 22. 🔗 Collocations: clear image [hình ảnh rõ nét]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Poorly designed objects) Just looking at the image of that backwards iron makes me feel frustrated. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you care a lot about your public image on social media?

industrial (adj)

/ɪnˈdʌstriəl/ connected with the production of goods in factories, especially using machines 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing career choices (industrial designer).🔗 Collocations: industrial design [thiết kế công nghiệp]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as a designer) I would enjoy a career in industrial design because I want to create products that are mass-produced to help millions. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does your city have a large industrial area?

measurement (n)

/ˈmeʒərmənt/ the size, or amount of something, expressed in numbers, or standard units 🎯 Context in Unit: Calculating sizes for a new product.🔗 Collocations: exact measurement [số đo chính xác]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Poorly designed objects) The tap is bad because the designer failed to take the exact measurements of the sink basin. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you know the exact measurement of your height?

process (n)

/ˈprɑːses/ a set of actions done in a particular order for the purpose of making, or doing something 🎯 Context in Unit: The steps taken to brainstorm and design a product. 🔗 Collocations: design process [quá trình thiết kế], slow process. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) The first step in our design process is identifying exactly what frustrates users every morning. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is learning English a fast or slow process?

alter (v)

/ˈɔːltər/ to change 🎯 Context in Unit: Expressing what you want to change about an everyday object. 🔗 Collocations: alter significantly [thay đổi đáng kể], alter the design. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an object) If I could alter my laptop, I would make the battery last for a full week. ⚡ Actionable Practice: If you could alter one rule at your school, what would it be?

contrast (n)

/ˈkɑːntræst/ a large difference 🎯 Context in Unit: Comparing good design to bad design. 🔗 Collocations: sharp contrast [sự tương phản rõ rệt], in contrast to. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Well-designed vs poorly designed) In sharp contrast to poorly designed chairs, a good office chair supports your back and prevents pain. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the biggest contrast between city life and country life?

eventually (adv)

/ɪˈventʃuəli/ after a long period of time 🎯 Context in Unit: The result of bad design breaking over time. 🔗 Collocations: eventually break [cuối cùng cũng bị hỏng]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella problems) Because standard umbrellas are poorly made, they eventually break and are thrown into the trash. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What job do you hope to eventually get after you graduate?

fly in the face of (id)

/flaɪ ɪn ðə feɪs ʌv/ to contradict; to be the opposite of what is expected 🎯 Context in Unit: Used in the speaking model about bad umbrella design contradicting environmentalism. 🔗 Collocations: fly in the face of logic [đi ngược lại logic]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Poorly designed objects) Putting the handle under a hot iron flies in the face of basic safety rules. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does wearing shorts to a formal wedding fly in the face of tradition?

income (n)

/ˈnkʌm/ money that someone earns 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing reasons for choosing a career.🔗 Collocations: main source of income [nguồn thu nhập chính], high income.📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as designer) I want to be a designer because successful tech designers usually earn a very high income. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What jobs provide the highest income in your country?

extract (v)

/ɪkˈstrækt/ to remove something from a particular place 🎯 Context in Unit: Academic review word; moving something out. 🔗 Collocations: extract information [trích xuất thông tin]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Trouble waking up) A coffee machine that automatically extracts fresh espresso at 7 AM would definitely help me wake up! ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is it painful to have a tooth extracted?

interact (v)

/ˌɪntərˈækt/ to talk, or do things with other people 🎯 Context in Unit: How we physically use or engage with products. 🔗 Collocations: interact with technology [tương tác với công nghệ]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Well-designed products) Good design allows a user to interact with their phone naturally, without reading a manual. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How often do you interact with native English speakers?

off the top of my head (id)

/ɔf ðə tɒp ʌv maɪ hɛd/ without thinking carefully or checking facts 🎯 Context in Unit: Speaking model idiom for quickly suggesting ideas. 🔗 Collocations: guess off the top of my head [đoán ngay lập tức].📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Travel without money) Off the top of my head, I suggest we go camping nearby instead of buying expensive flight tickets. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Off the top of your head, what is the best restaurant in your city?

ring true (id)

/rɪŋ truː/ seem to be correct 🎯 Context in Unit: Agreeing with a speaking partner in a discussion. 🔗 Collocations: ring true for someone [nghe có vẻ đúng với ai đó]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella problems) What you said about umbrellas breaking easily completely rings true for me; I bought one yesterday and it's already broken. ⚡ Actionable Practice: If someone says "Hard work always pays off," does that ring true to you?

status (n)

/ˈsteɪtəs/ the amount of respect or importance that a person or thing has 🎯 Context in Unit: Why people buy certain products instead of others. 🔗 Collocations: social status [địa vị xã hội], high status. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an object) I wish my car was a luxury model, mostly because it would give me higher social status. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What brands give people high social status in your culture?

substitute (n)

/ˈsʌbstɪtuːt/ a thing that replaces another, similar thing 🎯 Context in Unit: Finding alternative solutions to problems. 🔗 Collocations: suitable substitute [sự thay thế phù hợp]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: 30 minutes for lunch) A healthy protein bar is a great substitute for a full meal when you don't have time to go to a cafe. ⚡ Actionable Practice: When cooking, what is a healthy substitute for sugar?

insight (n)

/ˈɪnsaɪt/ an idea that helps you to understand something 🎯 Context in Unit: Having a sudden idea for a product design. 🔗 Collocations: gain insight [có được cái nhìn sâu sắc]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as designer) Designers sometimes need to step away from their desk to gain fresh insight into a problem. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Who gives you valuable insight when you have a problem?

nap / doze (n/v)

/næp/ /doʊz/ a short or light sleep 🎯 Context in Unit: Resting to generate design ideas. 🔗 Collocations: take a nap, doze off [ngủ gật]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Trouble waking up) If you have trouble waking up, you should avoid taking a nap in the late afternoon. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you feel energized after you take a nap?

nod off (v)

/nɒd ɔf/ fall asleep (often by accident) 🎯 Context in Unit: Accidentally falling asleep while working. 🔗 Collocations: nod off easily. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Trouble waking up) If I don't drink coffee, I usually nod off during my morning classes. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Have you ever nodded off while watching a movie?

nonrapid-eye-movement (phr)

/nɒnˈræpɪd aɪ ˈmuːvmənt/ during sleep, when the eyes are still 🎯 Context in Unit: Biological phase of rest for creativity. 🔗 Collocations: nonrapid-eye-movement sleep. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: How does sleep help?) Entering nonrapid-eye-movement sleep allows the brain to subconsciously fix complex design problems. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does this phase happen when you are awake or sleeping?

slumber (n)

/ˈslʌmbər/ sleep 🎯 Context in Unit: Synonym for sleep.🔗 Collocations: deep slumber [giấc ngủ sâu].📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Trouble waking up) You need a full eight hours of slumber to perform well in your design classes. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What do you do to ensure a peaceful slumber?

Cumbersome (adj)

/ˈkʌmbərsəm/ large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use 🎯 Context in Unit: Perfect for describing "poorly designed objects" like bad umbrellas or heavy equipment. 🔗 Collocations: cumbersome process [quy trình rườm rà], cumbersome equipment. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella problems) Traditional umbrellas are incredibly cumbersome to carry around when it stops raining. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name an object in your house that is very cumbersome to move.

Streamline (v)

/ˈstriːmlaɪn/ to make a system or product simpler and more effective 🎯 Context in Unit: The main goal of "good design" and proposing solutions. 🔗 Collocations: streamline the process [tối ưu hóa quy trình], streamline production. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: How a well-designed product helps) A well-designed smartphone app streamlines our daily tasks so we can save a lot of time. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How could your school streamline the process of taking exams?

Pragmatic (adj)

/præɡˈmætɪk/ solving problems in a practical and sensible way 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing practical solutions (like the lunch or travel problems) rather than just aesthetic ones. 🔗 Collocations: pragmatic approach [cách tiếp cận thực tế], highly pragmatic. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Travel without money) A pragmatic solution to our travel problem is to take a train, which is much cheaper than flying. ⚡ Actionable Practice: When you argue with a friend, do you use an emotional or pragmatic approach?

Alleviate (v)

/əˈliːvieɪt/ to make something bad such as pain or problems less severe 🎯 Context in Unit: Directly targets the prompt asking you to "suggest solutions to the problems below". 🔗 Collocations: alleviate the problem [giảm nhẹ vấn đề], alleviate stress. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Homeless population problem) To alleviate the homeless crisis, the city could build affordable micro-apartments. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What do you do to alleviate stress before a big IELTS exam?