20 Topics for Reading Comprehension - Vocabulary List

This set contains key vocabulary related to personality traits, life experiences, achievements, and emotional states as seen in reading comprehension contexts.

acclaim (n)

sự khen ngợi, tung hô

account (n)

câu chuyện kể lại, tường thuật

achievement

A thing that somebody has done successfully, especially using their own effort and skill.

acumen

The ability to make good judgments and take quick decisions.

admirable

Deserving respect and approval.

adopt

To take somebody's child into your family and become their legal parent(s).

adversity

A difficult or unpleasant situation.

ambition

A strong desire to do or to achieve something.

ambitious

Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.

aptitude

A natural ability or skill at doing something.

attainment

Something that you have succeeded in doing or getting, usually after a lot of effort.

avid

Extremely eager or interested in something.

biography

The story of a person's life written by somebody else.

biological

Connected by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption.

bond

To develop a close connection or strong relationship with someone.

brilliant

Extremely intelligent or skilled; outstanding.

commitment

A promise or firm decision to do something; the willingness to work hard and give your energy and time to a job or an activity.

composure

The state of being calm and in control of your feelings or behavior.

conduct

The way a person behaves in a particular situation or way of life.

courage

The ability to do something dangerous or difficult even though you are afraid.

dedication

The hard work and effort that somebody puts into an activity or a purpose because they think it is important.

determination

The quality of trying to do something even when it is difficult.

devote

To give an amount of time, attention, or self to something or someone.

diagnose

To say exactly what an illness or the cause of a problem is.

dignity

A calm and serious manner that deserves respect.

disability

A physical or mental condition that means you cannot use a part of your body completely or easily, or that you cannot learn things easily.

discrimination

The practice of treating somebody or a particular group in society less fairly than others.

distinguished

Very successful and admired by other people.

eloquence

The ability to use language and express your opinions well, especially when speaking in public.

emerge

To become known or start to exist.

expose

To show the truth about something or someone, especially when it is something bad or dishonest.

figure

A person who is well known or has a particular type of importance.

high-flyer

A person who is extremely successful in their job or school and is likely to continue to be successful.

humble

Having a low social or economic position.

impaired

Damaged or not functioning normally.

indolent

Not wanting to work; lazy.

initiative

The ability to decide and act on your own without waiting for somebody to tell you what to do.

instil

To gradually make somebody feel, think, or behave in a particular way over a period of time.

maturity

The state of being fully grown or developed; the quality of behaving in a sensible way like an adult.

memoir

An account written by somebody they know well, or based on their own personal experience.

misfortune

Bad luck, or an unlucky event.

modesty

The quality of not talking much about your own abilities or achievements.

patriotism

Love of your country and the desire to defend it.

perseverance

The quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties.

pessimism

A feeling that bad things will happen and that something will not be successful.

prominent

Important or famous.

prowess

Great skill at doing something.

recognition

Public praise and rewards for somebody's work or actions.

resilience

The ability of people or things to feel better quickly after something unpleasant, such as shock, injury, etc.

stature

The importance and respect that a person has because of their ability and achievements.

tenacity

The quality of continuing to try to do something even when it is difficult.

thoughtfulness

The quality of being kind and thinking about other people's needs.

unwavering

Not changing or becoming weaker in any way.

visionary

Having original and creative ideas about the future.

wane

To become gradually weaker or less important.

a sense of humour

The ability to find things funny, the way in which people see that some things are funny or be able to make other people laugh.

be held in high esteem/regard

To be admired or respected very much by people.

drop out

To leave school, college, etc. without finishing your studies.

earn somebody something

To get something that you deserve, such as money, praise, or a promotion, because of your work or qualities.

identify with somebody

To feel that you understand and share the feelings of somebody else.

pass away

To die (used as a polite way to avoid the word 'die').