Unit 7 - Gold Experience B2

ebook

Meaning: a book that is read in digital form on a screen or electronic device

Example 1: I downloaded the ebook before my flight.

Example 2: The ebook is cheaper than the printed edition.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; e-book is also common

Spanish: libro electrónico

ending

Meaning: the final part of a story, film, book, etc.

Example 1: I loved the film, but the ending was disappointing.

Example 2: Don't tell me the ending—I haven't finished the book yet.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; happy/sad/surprising ending

Spanish: final

illustrations

Meaning: pictures or drawings used to explain or decorate a book or text

Example 1: The children's book has beautiful illustrations.

Example 2: The illustrations make the instructions easier to understand.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun; singular illustration

Spanish: ilustraciones

novel

Meaning: a long fictional story written as a book

Example 1: I'm reading a historical novel at the moment.

Example 2: Her first novel became a bestseller.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun

Spanish: novela

paperback

Meaning: a book with a soft paper or card cover

Example 1: I bought the paperback because it was cheaper.

Example 2: The novel is available in hardback and paperback.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun/adjective

Spanish: libro de tapa blanda

passage

Meaning: a section of text taken from a book, article, etc.

Example 1: Read the passage and answer the questions.

Example 2: The teacher asked us to analyse a short passage from the novel.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; passage from + text

Spanish: pasaje; fragmento de texto

print

Meaning: to produce words or images on paper, or the printed form of something

Example 1: Can you print this document for me?

Example 2: The article is available online and in print.

Pattern / Usage: verb/noun; print + document / in print

Spanish: imprimir; publicar en papel

publisher

Meaning: a person or company that prepares and produces books, magazines, etc.

Example 1: The author sent the manuscript to several publishers.

Example 2: A major publisher bought the rights to the book.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; publish → publisher

Spanish: editorial; editor/a

series

Meaning: a group of related books, programmes, films, or events

Example 1: I'm watching a crime series on Netflix.

Example 2: The book is the first in a three-part series.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; singular and plural form are both 'series'

Spanish: serie

complicated plot

Meaning: a story with many events, characters, or connections that are difficult to follow

Example 1: The film has a complicated plot, so you need to pay attention.

Example 2: I enjoyed the book despite its complicated plot.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: complicated plot

Spanish: trama complicada

final scene

Meaning: the last scene of a film, play, or story

Example 1: The final scene completely changed my opinion of the film.

Example 2: Everyone was silent during the final scene.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: final scene

Spanish: escena final

happy ending

Meaning: an ending in which the main characters are successful or happy

Example 1: I prefer films with a happy ending.

Example 2: After everything they went through, the story deserved a happy ending.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: happy ending

Spanish: final feliz

main character

Meaning: the most important person in a story

Example 1: The main character is a teenager who moves to a new city.

Example 2: I couldn't relate to the main character at first.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: main character

Spanish: personaje principal

rave reviews

Meaning: extremely positive reviews

Example 1: The film received rave reviews from critics.

Example 2: The restaurant opened to rave reviews.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: receive/get rave reviews

Spanish: críticas excelentes

special effects

Meaning: visual or sound effects created to show things that cannot be filmed normally

Example 1: The film has amazing special effects.

Example 2: Good special effects can make fantasy worlds feel real.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: efectos especiales

unexpected twist

Meaning: a surprising change in the direction of a story

Example 1: The final episode has an unexpected twist.

Example 2: I didn't see the unexpected twist coming.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: unexpected twist / plot twist

Spanish: giro inesperado

weak storyline

Meaning: a story that is not interesting, convincing, or well developed

Example 1: The acting was good, but the film had a weak storyline.

Example 2: A weak storyline can ruin an otherwise impressive production.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: weak storyline

Spanish: trama/historia floja

figure (sth or sb) out

Meaning: to understand something or someone, or find the answer to a problem

Example 1: I can't figure out how this app works.

Example 2: It took me a while to figure him out.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; figure + object + out / figure out + wh-clause

Spanish: entender/descubrir algo o a alguien

cheer (sb) up

Meaning: to make someone feel happier

Example 1: I called her to cheer her up.

Example 2: A funny film might cheer you up.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; separable: cheer + person + up

Spanish: animar a alguien

leave out (sth)

Meaning: to not include someone or something

Example 1: You left out an important detail.

Example 2: Don't leave my name out of the report.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; separable: leave + object + out

Spanish: dejar algo afuera; omitir

take in (sth)

Meaning: to understand, absorb, or remember information

Example 1: There was so much information that I couldn't take it all in.

Example 2: It takes time to take in everything you hear in a lecture.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; separable with pronoun: take it in

Spanish: asimilar/entender algo

go for (sth)

Meaning: to choose or try to get something

Example 1: I think I'll go for the cheaper option.

Example 2: She decided to go for a job in consulting.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; go for + option/job/prize

Spanish: elegir/ir por algo

fall for (sth)

Meaning: to believe something that is not true, especially a trick

Example 1: I can't believe you fell for that story.

Example 2: Don't fall for online scams that promise easy money.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; fall for + trick/story/scam

Spanish: creerse algo; caer en un engaño

give in

Meaning: to stop resisting and accept what someone wants

Example 1: He refused at first but eventually gave in.

Example 2: Don't give in just because the task feels difficult.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; give in to + person/demand

Spanish: ceder; rendirse

look up

Meaning: to search for information in a book, dictionary, or online

Example 1: I looked the word up in a dictionary.

Example 2: If you don't know the address, look it up online.

Pattern / Usage: phrasal verb; separable: look + object + up

Spanish: buscar información

at a guess

Meaning: used when you are estimating without exact information

Example 1: At a guess, I'd say there were about 200 people there.

Example 2: How much will it cost? At a guess, maybe $500.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: calculando/a ojo

at ease

Meaning: relaxed and comfortable

Example 1: She made everyone feel at ease.

Example 2: I never feel completely at ease in very formal events.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; put sb at ease / feel at ease

Spanish: cómodo/a; relajado/a

at first

Meaning: in the beginning, before something changes

Example 1: At first, I found the job difficult.

Example 2: I didn't understand the film at first.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: al principio

at length

Meaning: for a long time and in great detail

Example 1: We discussed the issue at length.

Example 2: The author talks at length about his childhood.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; discuss/talk about sth at length

Spanish: extensamente; con detalle

at short notice

Meaning: with very little time to prepare

Example 1: Thanks for meeting me at such short notice.

Example 2: It's hard to travel at short notice when flights are expensive.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; at short notice

Spanish: con poca anticipación

at times

Meaning: sometimes

Example 1: The work can be stressful at times.

Example 2: The story is funny, but at times it's quite dark.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: a veces

by choice

Meaning: because you decided to, not because you had to

Example 1: She works part-time by choice.

Example 2: He lives alone by choice.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: por elección

by day/night

Meaning: during the daytime or during the night

Example 1: The town is quiet by day but lively by night.

Example 2: He works by night and studies by day.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: de día/de noche

by email

Meaning: using email

Example 1: Please send the documents by email.

Example 2: We received the confirmation by email.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: por email

by rights

Meaning: according to what is fair, expected, or legally correct

Example 1: By rights, she should have won the competition.

Example 2: The land belongs to the community by rights.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; somewhat formal

Spanish: por derecho; en teoría

by rail/sea/air

Meaning: using train, ship, or aircraft as transport

Example 1: We travelled across Europe by rail.

Example 2: The equipment was sent by air.

Pattern / Usage: transport phrase; by + means of transport, no article

Spanish: por tren/mar/aire

for a reason

Meaning: because there is a particular cause or purpose

Example 1: The rule exists for a reason.

Example 2: She chose that option for a reason.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: por una razón

for instance

Meaning: for example

Example 1: Some cities, for instance Copenhagen, have excellent cycling infrastructure.

Example 2: You could use a podcast, for instance, to practise listening.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: por ejemplo

for short

Meaning: as a shorter form of a name or expression

Example 1: My name is Alexander, but everyone calls me Alex for short.

Example 2: The Financial Times is often called the FT for short.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: como forma abreviada

for sure

Meaning: certainly; without doubt

Example 1: I don't know for sure yet.

Example 2: One thing is for sure: we need more time.

Pattern / Usage: informal fixed phrase

Spanish: con seguridad; seguro

in conclusion

Meaning: used to introduce the final summary or opinion

Example 1: In conclusion, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Example 2: In conclusion, I would recommend option B.

Pattern / Usage: formal discourse phrase

Spanish: en conclusión

in general

Meaning: usually or considering most cases

Example 1: In general, the feedback was positive.

Example 2: People in general prefer simple solutions.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: en general

in particular

Meaning: especially one person or thing

Example 1: I liked the second chapter in particular.

Example 2: Nothing in particular is worrying me.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en particular

in progress

Meaning: currently happening and not yet finished

Example 1: The investigation is still in progress.

Example 2: Several projects are currently in progress.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en curso

in theory

Meaning: according to an idea or rule, although reality may be different

Example 1: In theory, the process should take only two days.

Example 2: The plan sounds good in theory, but it may be difficult in practice.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; contrast 'in practice'

Spanish: en teoría

on demand

Meaning: available whenever someone asks for or wants it

Example 1: The service lets you watch films on demand.

Example 2: Reports can be generated on demand.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: bajo demanda

on loan

Meaning: borrowed temporarily

Example 1: The painting is on loan from another museum.

Example 2: The player is at the club on loan for one season.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; on loan from/to

Spanish: prestado

on screen

Meaning: shown on a television, cinema, or computer screen

Example 1: The two actors work well together on screen.

Example 2: The instructions appear on screen.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en pantalla

on second thoughts

Meaning: used when you change your mind after thinking again

Example 1: On second thoughts, I think I'll stay home.

Example 2: I was going to buy it, but on second thoughts I decided to wait.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: pensándolo mejor

on my/your/our way

Meaning: while travelling towards a place, or in the process of going somewhere

Example 1: I'll call you on my way home.

Example 2: We stopped for coffee on our way to the airport.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; on + possessive + way to + place

Spanish: en camino

ashamed of

Meaning: feeling guilty or embarrassed about something you did or are connected with

Example 1: He was ashamed of his behaviour.

Example 2: You shouldn't be ashamed of asking for help.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: ashamed of + noun/-ing

Spanish: avergonzado/a de

aware of

Meaning: knowing that something exists or is happening

Example 1: Are you aware of the risks?

Example 2: She wasn't aware of how serious the problem was.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: aware of + noun/wh-clause

Spanish: consciente de

capable of

Meaning: having the ability or qualities needed to do something

Example 1: She's capable of managing the project alone.

Example 2: The system is capable of processing thousands of transactions.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: capable of + noun/-ing

Spanish: capaz de

respectful of

Meaning: showing respect for someone or something

Example 1: We should be respectful of other people's opinions.

Example 2: The design is respectful of the building's history.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: respectful of + noun

Spanish: respetuoso/a de

typical of

Meaning: having the usual qualities of a person, thing, or group

Example 1: That reaction is typical of him.

Example 2: The architecture is typical of the region.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: typical of + noun

Spanish: típico/a de

according to

Meaning: as stated by someone or shown by information

Example 1: According to the report, sales increased by 8%.

Example 2: According to my teacher, this expression is very common.

Pattern / Usage: preposition: according to + source; not normally 'according to me' for personal opinion

Spanish: según; de acuerdo con

attached to

Meaning: connected physically, emotionally, or as part of a document

Example 1: The file is attached to the email.

Example 2: She became very attached to the dog.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: attached to + noun

Spanish: apegado/a a; adjunto/a a

dedicated to

Meaning: committed to spending time and effort on something

Example 1: She's dedicated to improving public education.

Example 2: The team is fully dedicated to the project.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: dedicated to + noun/-ing

Spanish: dedicado/a a

limited to

Meaning: restricted to a particular number, group, or amount

Example 1: The offer is limited to new customers.

Example 2: Places are limited to twenty participants.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: limited to + noun/number

Spanish: limitado/a a

similar to

Meaning: almost the same as something else but not exactly

Example 1: This model is similar to the previous one.

Example 2: Her experience is very similar to mine.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: similar to + noun; NOT similar with

Spanish: similar a

clever at

Meaning: good at doing or understanding something

Example 1: She's clever at finding simple solutions.

Example 2: He's very clever at maths.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: clever at + noun/-ing

Spanish: bueno/a para; hábil en

brilliant at

Meaning: extremely good at doing something

Example 1: She's brilliant at explaining complex ideas.

Example 2: He's brilliant at tennis.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: brilliant at + noun/-ing

Spanish: excelente en

horrified at

Meaning: extremely shocked or upset by something

Example 1: I was horrified at the amount of waste.

Example 2: She was horrified at how badly they treated the animals.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: horrified at/by + noun

Spanish: horrorizado/a por

slow at

Meaning: taking more time than usual to do something

Example 1: I'm slow at reading legal documents in English.

Example 2: He's a bit slow at making decisions.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: slow at + noun/-ing

Spanish: lento/a para

surprised at

Meaning: feeling surprise because of something

Example 1: I was surprised at the final result.

Example 2: She was surprised at how quickly he learned.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: surprised at/by + noun

Spanish: sorprendido/a por

experienced in

Meaning: having knowledge or skill from doing something many times

Example 1: She's experienced in managing international teams.

Example 2: We need someone experienced in valuation.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: experienced in + noun/-ing

Spanish: con experiencia en

interested in

Meaning: wanting to know more about or take part in something

Example 1: I'm interested in learning more about AI.

Example 2: She isn't interested in the offer.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: interested in + noun/-ing

Spanish: interesado/a en

involved in

Meaning: taking part in or connected with an activity or situation

Example 1: He was involved in the negotiations.

Example 2: Several departments are involved in planning the event.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: involved in + noun/-ing

Spanish: involucrado/a en

successful in

Meaning: achieving the result you wanted in a particular activity

Example 1: She was successful in getting the proposal approved.

Example 2: The company has been successful in attracting new customers.

Pattern / Usage: adjective + preposition: successful in + noun/-ing

Spanish: exitoso/a en

A-list

Meaning: belonging to the group of the most famous or successful people in entertainment

Example 1: The film has an A-list cast.

Example 2: Several A-list actors attended the premiere.

Pattern / Usage: adjective/noun; A-list actor/celebrity

Spanish: de primera línea / de las grandes estrellas

appeal

Meaning: the quality that makes something attractive or interesting, or a formal request to change a decision

Example 1: The film has broad international appeal.

Example 2: Part of the city's appeal is its nightlife.

Pattern / Usage: noun/verb; appeal to + person

Spanish: atractivo; atractivo/interés

be absorbed in

Meaning: to be completely focused on and interested in something

Example 1: She was absorbed in the book and didn't hear me.

Example 2: I get so absorbed in work that I lose track of time.

Pattern / Usage: adjective phrase: be absorbed in + noun/-ing

Spanish: estar absorto/a en

boast about

Meaning: to talk too proudly about something you have or have done

Example 1: He kept boasting about his new car.

Example 2: She never boasts about her achievements.

Pattern / Usage: verb + preposition: boast about + noun/-ing

Spanish: presumir de

cast

Meaning: the group of actors in a film, play, or TV programme, or to choose actors

Example 1: The film has an excellent cast.

Example 2: They cast a young actor in the main role.

Pattern / Usage: noun/verb; cast sb as + role

Spanish: reparto; seleccionar actores

congratulate on

Meaning: to tell someone that you are pleased about their success

Example 1: I congratulated her on getting the promotion.

Example 2: Everyone congratulated the team on their victory.

Pattern / Usage: verb + preposition: congratulate + person + on + noun/-ing

Spanish: felicitar por

daydream

Meaning: to think pleasantly about things you would like to happen instead of paying attention

Example 1: I was daydreaming during the lecture.

Example 2: He often daydreams about travelling around the world.

Pattern / Usage: verb/noun; daydream about + noun/-ing

Spanish: soñar despierto/a

deny

Meaning: to say that something is not true, or refuse to admit doing something

Example 1: He denied taking the money.

Example 2: The company denied that the data had been leaked.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: deny + -ing / deny that + clause

Spanish: negar

deliver

Meaning: to take something to a person or place, or to give a speech or performance

Example 1: The package will be delivered tomorrow.

Example 2: She delivered a powerful speech at the conference.

Pattern / Usage: verb; deliver + package/speech/presentation

Spanish: entregar; pronunciar

escapism

Meaning: the activity of avoiding real-life problems by enjoying entertainment or imagination

Example 1: For some people, fantasy novels are a form of escapism.

Example 2: Films can provide a few hours of escapism after a stressful day.

Pattern / Usage: uncountable noun

Spanish: escapismo; evasión

eye-catching

Meaning: attractive and noticeable

Example 1: The advert uses an eye-catching design.

Example 2: She wore an eye-catching red jacket.

Pattern / Usage: compound adjective; eye-catching + noun

Spanish: llamativo/a

film adaptation

Meaning: a film based on a book, play, or other original work

Example 1: The film adaptation is very different from the novel.

Example 2: Fans were disappointed by the latest film adaptation.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: adaptación cinematográfica

film maker

Meaning: a person who directs, produces, or creates films

Example 1: The documentary was made by an independent film maker.

Example 2: Young film makers presented their work at the festival.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; 'filmmaker' is more commonly written as one word

Spanish: cineasta

genuinely

Meaning: truly and sincerely; not falsely

Example 1: I was genuinely surprised by the result.

Example 2: She seems genuinely interested in the project.

Pattern / Usage: adverb; genuine → genuinely

Spanish: genuinamente; de verdad

genre

Meaning: a type or category of art, film, music, or literature

Example 1: Science fiction is my favourite film genre.

Example 2: The novel mixes several genres.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; genre of + art

Spanish: género

go blank

Meaning: to suddenly be unable to remember or think of anything

Example 1: My mind went blank when they asked me the question.

Example 2: I knew the answer, but I went completely blank.

Pattern / Usage: idiom; go blank / mind goes blank

Spanish: quedarse en blanco

insist on

Meaning: to say firmly that something must happen or is true

Example 1: He insisted on paying for dinner.

Example 2: She insists on checking every detail herself.

Pattern / Usage: verb + preposition: insist on + noun/-ing

Spanish: insistir en

laugh out loud

Meaning: to laugh in a way that can be heard

Example 1: That scene made me laugh out loud.

Example 2: I rarely laugh out loud when I'm reading.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; often abbreviated LOL online

Spanish: reírse a carcajadas

let-down

Meaning: something that is disappointing because it is worse than expected

Example 1: The final episode was a bit of a let-down.

Example 2: After all the hype, the event was a real let-down.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; be a let-down

Spanish: decepción

make-believe

Meaning: imaginary and not real, especially in children's play or stories

Example 1: The children created a make-believe world.

Example 2: Fantasy lets us enter a world of make-believe.

Pattern / Usage: adjective/noun

Spanish: imaginario/a; de fantasía

mind goes blank

Meaning: to suddenly be unable to think or remember

Example 1: My mind goes blank when I'm nervous.

Example 2: Her mind went blank in the middle of the presentation.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; mind + go blank

Spanish: la mente se queda en blanco

memorable

Meaning: worth remembering because it was special, interesting, or unusual

Example 1: It was a memorable trip.

Example 2: The speaker ended with a memorable quote.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; memory → memorable

Spanish: memorable

persuade

Meaning: to make someone agree to do or believe something through reasons or argument

Example 1: She persuaded me to apply for the role.

Example 2: We couldn't persuade them that the plan was safe.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: persuade + person + to + verb / persuade sb that + clause

Spanish: persuadir/convencer

predictable

Meaning: easy to know in advance because it follows an expected pattern

Example 1: The ending was too predictable.

Example 2: His reaction was completely predictable.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; predict → predictable

Spanish: predecible

realise

Meaning: to suddenly understand or become aware of something

Example 1: I realised that I'd left my wallet at home.

Example 2: She didn't realise how late it was.

Pattern / Usage: verb; realise that + clause / realise + wh-clause; British spelling

Spanish: darse cuenta

refuse

Meaning: to say that you will not do or accept something

Example 1: He refused to answer the question.

Example 2: She refused the offer because the salary was too low.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: refuse to + verb / refuse + noun

Spanish: negarse; rechazar

ripped

Meaning: very muscular and clearly defined, especially informally

Example 1: He got ripped after months of training.

Example 2: The actor looked completely ripped for the role.

Pattern / Usage: informal adjective; get/be ripped

Spanish: musculoso/a; marcado/a

script

Meaning: the written text of a film, play, programme, or speech

Example 1: The actors read through the script before filming.

Example 2: She wrote the script in six weeks.

Pattern / Usage: countable noun; write/read a script

Spanish: guion

scriptwriting

Meaning: the activity or skill of writing scripts

Example 1: She studied scriptwriting at university.

Example 2: Good scriptwriting makes dialogue sound natural.

Pattern / Usage: uncountable noun

Spanish: escritura de guiones

spooky

Meaning: slightly frightening or mysterious, often in a fun way

Example 1: The old house looked spooky at night.

Example 2: That music creates a spooky atmosphere.

Pattern / Usage: adjective

Spanish: escalofriante; inquietante

threaten

Meaning: to say or show that you may harm someone or cause something bad to happen

Example 1: He threatened to leave if nothing changed.

Example 2: Climate change threatens many coastal communities.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: threaten to + verb / threaten + noun

Spanish: amenazar