English Exam Preparation Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards highlighting key terms from the lecture’s sample exam readings and exercises.

research

careful study and investigation to discover new information or reach a deeper understanding of a subject

pick up (a language)

to learn a language informally, usually by practicing or being exposed to it rather than through formal study

cautious

being careful to avoid danger, mistakes, or risks

surroundings

the environment or area around a person or place

urgency

the quality of requiring immediate action or attention

initiative

a plan or program begun to solve a problem or improve a situation; also the ability to take the first step independently

sustainable

able to continue over the long term without exhausting resources or causing severe environmental harm

ecosystem

a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment

biodiversity

the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, considered important for ecological balance

volunteer

a person who freely offers time and skills to help others or support a cause without receiving payment

raise awareness

to increase people’s knowledge or understanding of a subject or issue

credit card

a plastic card issued by a bank that allows the holder to buy goods or services on credit

impulsive buying

purchasing goods suddenly without prior planning or consideration of the consequences

over-reliance

dependence on something or someone to an excessive degree

indebtedness

the state of owing money; a condition of being in debt

consumption

the act of using goods and services; spending for personal or household needs

materialism

a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort more important than spiritual or social values

evaluate

to judge or determine the value, quality, or importance of something

counter-urbanisation

the movement of people from large cities to live in rural areas

alleviate

to lessen, reduce, or make something such as pain or a problem easier to bear

congestion

overcrowding or clogging, especially of traffic or people in a space

infrastructure

the basic physical and organizational structures, such as roads and power supplies, needed for the operation of a society

amenities

useful or desirable features of a place, such as schools, parks, or public transport, that make living there more comfortable

deforestation

the large-scale clearing of forests, often resulting in environmental harm

phenomenon

an observable event, situation, or occurrence, often unusual or noteworthy

sustainability

the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs

commissioning process

a systematic procedure during building projects to ensure the finished facility meets the owner’s performance requirements

practitioner

a person actively engaged in an art, discipline, or profession

efficacy

the ability to produce a desired or intended result

integrate

to combine parts so that they work together effectively as a whole

operational costs

day-to-day expenses required to run a business or facility

maintenance costs

expenses associated with keeping buildings, equipment, or systems in good working condition

minimize

to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree