Vocabulary Skills - Second Edition: CELPIP Study Guide
Introduction and Systematic Vocabulary Development
Language Development Goals: Learning new words systematically is essential for improving listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. This guide comprises over core words common in Canadian English.
The Vocabulary Journal: A tool used to collect, define, and analyze new words. For each entry, students should include:
A definition.
An example sentence.
A synonym (similar meaning).
An antonym (opposite meaning).
Weekly Goal Setting: Challenge yourself to add new words per week.
A recommended strategy is starting on a Monday, entering the date, and adding one or two words daily.
Review worksheets once a week. Cover the right-hand definitions and test your memory.
Once confident, put the worksheet aside but return monthly to perform a maintenance review.
Tips for Improving Vocabulary
Daily Immersion: Spend at least minutes reading English (newspapers, online articles, books) and minutes listening (radio, TV, videos). The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is specifically recommended.
Practical Application: Effortfully use new words in daily conversations with friends or colleagues. Include them in letters or emails.
Technology: Utilize language-learning mobile apps (many are free) and online dictionaries or thesauruses.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Aim to learn at least one new idiom or phrasal verb every week. Observe the context of use and replicate it.
Persistence: A bit of daily effort leads to higher scores on the CELPIP Test.
Unit 1: Classroom Vocabulary
infer (verb): To determine something through indirect means. Example: Students can infer the meaning of a word from the sentence context.
interpret (verb): To provide the meaning of something; to explain. Example: Sammy's partner interpreted the lab results for him.
predict (verb): To make an educated guess about a future occurrence. Example: Mohammed predicted exam questions after reviewing his notes.
elaborate (verb): To give more information; to add details. Example: Miss Atkins asked the class to elaborate on the party plans.
outline (verb): To lay out the main features of something. Example: Mina outlined the important points for the test.
compare (verb): To look at two or more things closely to see similarities or differences. Example: Thiago compared his listening test results.
contrast (verb): To look at two or more things and determine how they are different. Example: Mariam learned the contrast between "p" and "b" sounds.
persuade (verb): To convince someone to do something through argumentation or urging. Example: Camila persuaded her parents to let her join a class.
demonstrate (verb): To show or explain something using reasoning or evidence. Example: The teacher demonstrated changing a statement into a question.
generalize (verb): To say something is universal based on a few examples. Example: Ben generalized that taking notes helps all students.
assess (verb): To evaluate ability, often through testing. Example: Marc assesses performance based on participation and scores.
summarize (verb): To retell information concisely using fewer words. Example: Emma asked for a summary of the reading homework.
gist (noun): The main idea or bare-bones explanation. Example: Edward got the gist of the lesson despite being sleepy.
response (noun): The relaying back of information; an answer. Example: There was no response when Althea asked a question.
coherence (noun): The way information and ideas flow together logically. Example: Shirley's speech lacked coherence.
Unit 2: Emotions Vocabulary
gloomy (adj.): Very sad or depressed. Example: Barbara felt gloomy after failing her test.
furious (adj.): A state of extreme anger. Example: Sakura was furious when her window was broken.
ecstatic (adj.): A state of extreme excitement or happiness. Example: John was ecstatic about his promotion.
confident (adj.): Feeling as though you can do anything; self-assurance. Example: Terry felt confident about passing.
cautious (adj.): Being careful or aware of possible dangers. Example: Chloe is cautious about sharing personal info online.
indifferent (adj.): Not caring; disinterest. Example: Laura was indifferent about her brother's basketball skills.
bashful (adj.): Shy and easy to embarrass. Example: Lionel feels bashful talking to others.
lonely (adj.): Feeling alone, isolated, or disconnected. Example: Heidi felt lonely home alone.
sympathetic (adj.): Understanding what someone else is going through. Example: Walter felt sympathetic toward Jasmine.
horrified (adj.): Shocked and appalled; experiencing fear or disgust. Example: Edmond was horrified by the break-in.
guilty (adj.): Feeling bad or remorseful about past actions. Example: Miguel felt guilty for breaking the computer.
surprised (adj.): Slightly stunned by something unexpected. Example: Carmen was surprised by the flowers.
exhausted (adj.): State of extreme tiredness. Example: Malak was exhausted from working three jobs.
jealous (adj.): Feeling resentful of others' successes or advantages. Example: Aiden was jealous of his brother.
anxious (adj.): Worried, fearful, or uneasy. Example: Julie felt anxious before her final exam.
Unit 3: Environment and Nature Vocabulary
botany (noun): Scientific study of plants. Example: People study botany to learn how plants support life.
toxic (adj.): Something poisonous or having the effect of poison. Example: Toxic waste damages the environment.
deplete (verb): To decrease the available amount of something. Example: Carbon dioxide depletes the ozone layer.
pollution (noun): Harmful substances (exhaust, garbage) in the environment. Example: Oil spills cause water pollution.
extinction (noun): The state of an entire species no longer existing. Example: Dinosaurs reached extinction long ago.
resources (noun): Useful supplies available to humans (e.g., water, timber). Example: Water is a precious natural resource.
global (adj.): Referring to the entire planet; all countries. Example: Climate change has global effects.
fauna (noun): Everything in the animal kingdom. Example: African fauna includes giraffes.
flora (noun): Everything in the plant kingdom. Example: Rainforest flora includes orchids.
reserve (noun): A protected area banning hunting/development. Example: We drove by a nature reserve.
ecosystem (noun): Interconnected communities of animals and plants. Example: Extinction of one species affects the entire ecosystem.
substance (noun): Tangible matter. Example: Fire extinguisher materials are harmful substances.
summit (noun): The highest peak of a mountain. Example: The tourists made it to the summit.
geology (noun): Scientific study of rocks and geographical features. Example: Gerard is an expert on soil because of geology classes.
impact (noun): The effect or influence of something. Example: Cutting down forests has a significant environmental impact.
Unit 4: Health Vocabulary
chronic (adj.): Continuing for a long time; constant and unrelenting. Example: Chronic neck pain after an accident.
nauseating (adj.): Causing sickness to the stomach; inclined to vomit. Example: A nauseating smell from the fridge.
acute (adj.): Severe but lasting for a short time (opposite of chronic). Example: An acute stomach ache.
pulse (noun): Rhythmic expansion/contraction of arteries from the heart. Example: The music set her pulse racing.
muscle (noun): Body parts responsible for strength and movement. Example: Sore leg muscles after running .
nutrients (noun): Healthy substances absorbed from food. Example: Fruits provide essential nutrients.
antibiotics (noun): Medicine used against microorganisms and bacteria. Example: Doctors prescribe antibiotics for infections.
effect (noun): A change resulting from an action. Example: The effects of the medicine were felt the next day.
medical (adj.): Related to the medical industry, illness, or injury. Example: Lola went to medical school.
cancer (noun): Disease caused by harmful tumors growing in the body. Example: Treatments prevent the spread of cancer.
infection (noun): Result of germs/bacteria entering the body and causing sickness. Example: Cleaning a wound prevents infection.
metabolism (noun): Speed at which the body processes food into energy. Example: High metabolism prevents weight gain.
bacteria (noun): Single-celled organisms (can be good or bad). Example: Clean surfaces to prevent bacteria build-up.
insomnia (noun): State of being unable to sleep normally. Example: Sasuke had not slept in days due to insomnia.
unbalanced (adj.): Lacking internal or external balance. Example: An unbalanced diet (candy for three meals).
Unit 5: Computer-Related Vocabulary
monitor (noun): A computer screen.
keyboard (noun): A device used to enter letters into the computer.
mouse (noun): A hardware device used to move the cursor.
cursor (noun): An icon on the screen showing position.
button (noun): A box on the screen you click to perform an action.
backspace (noun/verb): A key that erases characters to the left of the cursor.
delete (noun/verb): A key that erases characters to the right or selected blocks.
audio (noun): Sound.
scroll wheel (noun): Rotating device between mouse buttons for moving up/down pages.
shift (noun): A key used for capitalization and changing function keys.
enter (noun): A key that starts a new line or completes an action.
headset (noun): Device for listening and speaking (includes microphone).
prompt (noun): A message on the screen telling the user what to do.
tab (noun): Moves the cursor about spaces at a time; used for indenting.
click (verb): Pressing down on the left or right side of the mouse.
spell check (noun): Tool to check spelling, often accessed via right-click.
Unit 6: Work, Success, and Failure Vocabulary
accomplishment (noun): Something completed or achieved. Example: Sense of accomplishment from a new job.
earnings (noun): Wages, money earned, or profits. Example: Earnings weren't as high as expected.
commute (noun/verb): Daily habitual travel between home and work. Example: Commuting hours daily.
supervisor (noun): Higher-status person who oversees others. Example: The supervisor approved the vacation.
promotion (noun): Increase in responsibility and pay. Example: Working hard to get a promotion.
ambition (noun): The drive to succeed or improve circumstances. Example: Having the ambition to achieve goals.
professional (adj.): Expert behavior; appropriate to the workplace. Example: Responding to customers in a professional manner.
executive (noun/adj.): Admin authority; top of corporate hierarchy. Example: Attending an executive meeting.
candidate (noun): Someone seeking employment and being considered. Example: Talented candidates for the job.
determined (adj.): Driven; having the mind set on a specific outcome. Example: Determined to finish a long job.
evaluation (noun): Official examination of performance. Example: Worried about an upcoming evaluation.
schedule (noun): Daily or weekly plan of activities. Example: Working a -hour weekly schedule.
qualified (adj.): Having the right skills, history, and background. Example: Applying for a position if qualified.
potential (noun): Possibility of becoming or doing something great. Example: Having potential but not challenging oneself.
obstacle (noun): Something that hinders progress or gets in the way. Example: Overcoming obstacles and challenges.
Unit 7: Shapes and Patterns Vocabulary
circle (adj. circular): A round shape. Example: Circular picture frame.
triangle (adj. triangular): A three-sided shape. Example: Mountains look like triangles.
rectangle (adj. rectangular): Four-sided shape (two sides longer). Example: Cardboard box.
diamond: Shape of the infield in baseball or a kite.
square: Four equal sides. Example: Chessboard squares.
star (adj. star-shaped): Gold star from a teacher.
heart (adj. heart-shaped): Valentine's cards.
horizontal: Left to right. Example: Horizontal blinds.
vertical: Up and down. Example: Vertical gardening boxes.
diagonal: On an angle. Example: Diagonal lines joining words.
zigzag: Back and forth pattern. Example: Lightning strikes.
striped: Pattern of lines. Example: Zebras have striped fur.
polka-dot (adj. polka-dotted): Pattern of spots.
plaid: Pattern common on Scottish kilts and flannel shirts.
checkered: Pattern of alternating squares (e.g., 1950s diner floors).
Unit 8: Physical Descriptions Vocabulary
moustache: Hair on the upper lip.
beard: Hair on the chin and jawline.
overweight: Above a normal weight.
plain: Average looking; not flashy.
tanned: Darker skin from sun exposure.
chubby: Extra weight, typically used with a "cute" connotation (e.g., baby legs).
gorgeous: Very beautiful or magnificent.
underweight: Below average weight.
pimples: Red bumps on the face; acne.
wrinkles: Creases in skin caused by age.
muscular: Strong, well-defined muscles.
handsome: Very attractive (usually for men).
tattoos: Permanent body art.
stocky: Short and solid; broad-shouldered.
scruffy: Looking messy or unkempt.
Unit 9 and 10: Prefixes and Suffixes
Common Prefixes (Meaning: "Not" or "Opposite")
de- (opposite): defrost, deplane, devalue.
dis- (not, opposite): disable, disembark, dislike.
un- (not): un-invite, unable, uneven.
ex- (out of): exhale, exterior.
en- / em- (cause to / put into): enable, embark.
ir- / il- / im- / in- (not): irresponsible, illogical, impatient, inactive.
Common Suffixes
-sion, -tion (state of being): education, completion.
-ness (state of being): loudness, stubbornness.
-ance, -ence (state or quality): silence, confidence.
-ment (condition): employment, judgement.
-er, -or (one who): employer, actor.
-ist (one who): biologist, economist.
-ate (make): accelerate, terminate.
-ize (become): harmonize, criticize.
-able, -ible (capable of being): portable, responsible.
-ity, -ty (quality): mobility, safety.
Unit 11: Relationships Vocabulary
close (adj.): Near physically or emotionally.
tenant (noun): Person renting space from a landlord.
partner (noun): Spouse or business associate.
divorce (noun): Declaration that a marriage is over.
acquaintance (noun): Someone known but not necessarily a friend.
colleague (noun): A co-worker.
distant (adj.): Far away emotionally or physically.
relatives (noun): Family members.
strained (adj.): Tense or forced relationship.
employee (noun): Someone working for a business.
engaged (adj.): Promised to be married.
landlord (noun): Person who takes rent for space.
mentor (noun): Someone admired who has had an impact on you.
neighbour (noun): Person living near you.
fiancé (noun): Person one is promised to marry.
Unit 12: Personality Vocabulary
generous (adj.): Willing to share; charitable.
arrogant (adj.): Exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceited.
withdrawn (adj.): Shy; avoids company; timid.
courageous (adj.): Very brave.
outgoing (adj.): Social and talkative; sociable.
objective (adj.): Basing decisions on facts, not feelings; neutral.
clever (adj.): Intelligent and quick-thinking.
idealistic (adj.): Unrealistic ideas of perfection; naive.
foolish (adj.): Lacking sense; inattentive; stupid.
practical (adj.): Realistic; thinking things through.
pessimistic (adj.): Expecting the worst; gloomy.
subjective (adj.): Based on personal opinion; personal.
miserly (adj.): Tight with money; stingy.
cowardly (adj.): Not brave; spineless.
optimistic (adj.): Expecting positive outcomes; hopeful.
humble (adj.): Modest; not bragging.
Unit 13: Travel and Transportation Vocabulary
accommodations: Places to stay (hotels, hostels).
campsite: A place to set up a tent/park a truck.
resort: Large hotel with all-inclusive food and entertainment.
layover: Short stop during a long journey.
sightseeing: Visiting interesting sites and attractions.
destination: The final stop in a trip.
journey: A long trip from one place to another.
passengers: People riding on public or private transport.
excursion: A short outing/trip.
motorboat: Self-propelled boat with a motor.
Unit 14: Social and Topical Issues Vocabulary
conservative: Side of traditional values; favoring less govt spending.
liberal: Progressive social/political outlook; govt should meet basic needs.
government: Governing body of a country or community.
elections: Process where people select representatives.
activist: Individual devoted to promoting a cause.
broadcast: Sending news/info via radio or TV.
industry: Manufacturing or resource-based commercial enterprise.
culture: Group behaviors and beliefs; heritage.
bias: Prejudice; being partial to one side.
public: Open to all individuals in a society.
economy: Productivity and prosperity of a region; money brought in.
education: Process of engaging in study or schooling.
poverty: Extreme state of being poor.
immigration: Moving to a new country with intention to stay.
inflation: Rise in prices paired with a devalued currency.
Unit 15: Science and Technology Vocabulary
capacity (noun): Maximum amount something can contain.
discipline (noun): A branch or field of study.
mechanism (noun): Pieces combined to perform a function; machinery.
malfunction (verb): To stop working or function poorly.
experiment (noun): Controlled test to check a hypothesis.
synthetic (adj.): Artificial material; an imitation.
cognition (noun): Mental processes of thinking and knowing.
organism (noun): Any life form (single-celled to large animals).
analyze (verb): To break something down to its essential elements.
invention (noun): A new creation meant for a desired purpose.
variable (noun): Something likely to change or adapt.
hypothesize (verb): To make an educated guess that can be tested.
thermometer (noun): Instrument measuring temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Example: Mom turned the heat to .
conduct (verb): To act as a channel (e.g., copper conducts electricity).
theory (noun): A tested scientific proposition or general speculation.