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IELTS Academic English

Listening & Reading: Education & campus

Language for following talks, locating detail, and tracking ideas in longer texts. Focus: education & campus.

Independent IELTS study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Academic English
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words
Play word detective with these words All 6 ways to practise

The words

Every word in this set, with what it means. Tap a word to hear it.

education
the process of teaching and learning, usually at school, college, or university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “education.””
graduation
the time when you complete a university degree course or your education at an American high school
“Learners saw the word “graduation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
seminar
a class at a university or college for a small group of students and a teacher to study or discuss a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “seminar” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
diploma
a document showing that a student has successfully completed their high school or university education
“Learners saw the word “diploma” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
educate
to teach a child at a school, college, or university
“A clear example helps learners use “educate” in a sentence about the university study.”
academic
relating to education, especially at college or university level
“During the university study discussion, “academic” signals a particular quality.”
teach
to give lessons in a school, college, or university, or to help someone learn about something by giving them information
“The speaker explains how “teach” is used in a report about the university study.”
lecture
a long talk on a particular subject that someone gives to a group of people, especially to students in a university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “lecture.””
campus
the land and buildings of a university or college, including the buildings where students live
“The speaker used the word “campus” while explaining the university study problem.”
syllabus
a plan that states exactly what students at a school or college should learn in a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “syllabus” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
undergraduate
a student at college or university, who is working for their first degree
“A clear definition of the word “undergraduate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
extracurricular
extracurricular activities are not part of the course that a student is doing at a school or college
“The report describes the university study issue as extracurricular.”
secondary
the education, teaching etc of children between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18
“The report describes the university study issue as secondary.”
commencement
a ceremony at which university, college, or high school students receive their diplomas
“A clear definition of the word “commencement” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
enrolment
the process of arranging to join a school, university, course etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “enrolment.””
qualification
if you have a qualification, you have passed an examination or course to show you have a particular level of skill or knowledge in a subject
“The speaker used the word “qualification” while explaining the university study problem.”
university
an educational institution at the highest level, where you study for a degree
“In this university study, the word “university” helps express a precise idea.”
cite
to mention something as an example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains an idea or situation
“The speaker explains how “cite” is used in a report about the university study.”
student
someone who is studying at a university, school etc
“A clear definition of the word “student” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
thesis
a long piece of writing about a particular subject that you do as part of an advanced university degree such as an MA or a PhD
“The university study report includes a section on the word “thesis.””
embody
to be a very good example of an idea or quality
“In the university study discussion, the verb “embody” describes an action or change.”
propagate
to spread an idea, belief etc to many people
“A clear example helps learners use “propagate” in a sentence about the university study.”
overview
a short description of a subject or situation that gives the main ideas without explaining all the details
“A clear definition of the word “overview” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
scheme
an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training
“The speaker used the word “scheme” while explaining the university study problem.”
drill
a method of teaching students, sports players etc something by making them repeat the same lesson, exercise etc many times
“A clear definition of the word “drill” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
research
to study a subject in detail, especially in order to discover new facts or test new ideas
“The speaker explains how “research” is used in a report about the university study.”
essay
a short piece of writing about a particular subject by a student as part of a course of study
“The speaker used the word “essay” while explaining the university study problem.”
comparative
the comparative form of an adjective or adverb shows an increase in size, quality, degree etc when it is considered in relation to something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative form of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative form of ‘slowly’.
“During the university study discussion, “comparative” signals a particular quality.”
graduate
to obtain a degree, especially a first degree, from a college or university
“The speaker explains how “graduate” is used in a report about the university study.”
mainstream
the most usual ideas or methods, or the people who have these ideas or methods
“The speaker used the word “mainstream” while explaining the university study problem.”
disseminate
to spread information or ideas to as many people as possible
“Learners hear “disseminate” while following the university study explanation.”
illiterate
someone who is illiterate has not learned to read or write
“During the university study discussion, “illiterate” signals a particular quality.”
methodology
A methodology is a system of methods and principles for doing something, for example for teaching or for carrying out research
“A clear definition of the word “methodology” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
freshman
a student in the first year of high school or university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “freshman.””
summary
a short statement that gives the main information about something, without giving all the details
“Learners saw the word “summary” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
study
to learn about a subject at school, university etc
“The speaker explains how “study” is used in a report about the university study.”
degree
a unit for measuring temperature. It can be shown as a symbol after a number. For example, 70° means 70 degrees.
“The university study report includes a section on the word “degree.””
jury
a group of 12 ordinary people who listen to the details of a case in court and decide whether someone is guilty or not
“Learners saw the word “jury” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
postgraduate
someone who is studying at a university to get a master’s degree or a phd
“A clear definition of the word “postgraduate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
receptive
willing to consider new ideas or listen to someone else’s opinions
“During the university study discussion, “receptive” signals a particular quality.”
allegory
a story, painting etc in which the events and characters represent ideas or teach a moral lesson
“A clear definition of the word “allegory” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
archaeology
the study of ancient societies by examining what remains of their buildings, grave s , tools etc
“Learners saw the word “archaeology” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
disciple
someone who believes in the ideas of a great teacher or leader, especially a religious one
“The speaker used the word “disciple” while explaining the university study problem.”
gist
the main idea and meaning of what someone has said or written
“A clear definition of the word “gist” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
theme
the main subject or idea in a piece of writing, speech, film etc
“A clear definition of the word “theme” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
enter
to start working in a particular profession or organization, or to start studying at a school or university
“Learners hear “enter” while following the university study explanation.”
summarize
to make a short statement giving only the main information and not the details of a plan, event, report etc
“The speaker explains how “summarize” is used in a report about the university study.”
dissertation
a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one written for a university degree
“The speaker used the word “dissertation” while explaining the university study problem.”
abstract
a short written statement containing only the most important ideas in a speech, article etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “abstract.””
evolution
the scientific idea that plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time
“The speaker used the word “evolution” while explaining the university study problem.”
truant
a student who stays away from school without permission
“Learners saw the word “truant” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
discipline
a way of training someone so that they learn to control their behaviour and obey rules
“The university study report includes a section on the word “discipline.””
specimen
a small amount or piece that is taken from something, so that it can be tested or examined
“The university study report includes a section on the word “specimen.””
feasible
a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work
“During the university study discussion, “feasible” signals a particular quality.”
maintain
to make something continue in the same way or at the same standard as before
“The speaker explains how “maintain” is used in a report about the university study.”
maintenance
the repairs, painting etc that are necessary to keep something in good condition
“A clear definition of the word “maintenance” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
precise
precise information, details etc are exact, clear, and correct
“During the university study discussion, “precise” signals a particular quality.”
principal
someone who is in charge of a school
“Learners saw the word “principal” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
follower
someone who believes in a particular system of ideas, or who supports a leader who teaches these ideas
“Learners saw the word “follower” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
process
to make food, materials, or goods ready to be used or sold, for example by preserving or improving them in some way
“A clear example helps learners use “process” in a sentence about the university study.”
map
a drawing of a particular area, for example a city or country, which shows its main features, such as its roads, rivers, mountains etc
“Learners saw the word “map” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
college
a school for advanced education, especially in a particular profession or skill
“A clear definition of the word “college” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
catalogue
a complete list of things that you can look at, buy, or use, for example in a library or at an art show
“The speaker used the word “catalogue” while explaining the university study problem.”
graphic
a graphic account or description of an event is very clear and gives a lot of details, especially unpleasant ones
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as graphic.”
instinct
a natural tendency to behave in a particular way or a natural ability to know something, which is not learned
“The university study report includes a section on the word “instinct.””
solemn
very serious and not happy, for example because something bad has happened or because you are at an important occasion
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as solemn.”
profile
a short description that gives important details about a person, a group of people, or a place
“The speaker used the word “profile” while explaining the university study problem.”
speculate
to guess about the possible causes or effects of something, without knowing all the facts or details
“Learners hear “speculate” while following the university study explanation.”
string
a strong thread made of several threads twisted together, used for tying or fastening things
“A clear definition of the word “string” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
allocate
to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made
“The speaker explains how “allocate” is used in a report about the university study.”
vital
the signs that show someone is alive, for example breathing and body temperature
“The report describes the university study issue as vital.”
crude
not exact or without any detail, but generally correct and useful
“During the university study discussion, “crude” signals a particular quality.”
proceed
to continue to do something that has already been planned or started
“Learners hear “proceed” while following the university study explanation.”
acquisition
the process by which you gain knowledge or learn a skill
“The speaker used the word “acquisition” while explaining the university study problem.”
anticipate
to expect that something will happen and be ready for it
“Learners hear “anticipate” while following the university study explanation.”
contact
to communicate with sb, for example by telephone or letter
“In the university study discussion, the verb “contact” describes an action or change.”
aggressive
an aggressive disease spreads quickly in the body
“The report describes the university study issue as aggressive.”
Mount
to increase gradually in amount or degree
“A clear example helps learners use “mount” in a sentence about the university study.”
analytical
thinking about things in a detailed and intelligent way, so that you can examine and understand things
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as analytical.”
dictation
a piece of writing that a teacher reads out to test your ability to hear and write the words correctly
“A clear definition of the word “dictation” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
filament
A filament is a very thin piece or thread of something, for example, the piece of wire inside a light bulb
“The university study report includes a section on the word “filament.””
obstruct
to block a road, passage etc
“Learners hear “obstruct” while following the university study explanation.”
recitation
an act of saying a poem, piece of literature etc that you have learned, for people to listen to
“Learners saw the word “recitation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
recite
to say a poem, piece of literature etc that you have learned, for people to listen to
“In the university study discussion, the verb “recite” describes an action or change.”
school
to train or teach someone to have a certain skill, type of behaviour, or way of thinking
“In the university study discussion, the verb “school” describes an action or change.”
challenger
A challenger is someone who competes with you for a position or title that you already have, for example being a sports champion or a political leader
“The speaker used the word “challenger” while explaining the university study problem.”
dormitory
a large building at a college or university where students live
“The speaker used the word “dormitory” while explaining the university study problem.”
educator
a teacher or someone involved in the process of educating people
“A clear definition of the word “educator” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
fusion
A fusion of different qualities, ideas, or things is something new that is created by joining them together
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fusion.””
hypothesis
an idea that is suggested as an explanation for something, but that has not yet been proved to be true
“The university study report includes a section on the word “hypothesis.””
synopsis
a short description of the main events or ideas in a book, film etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “synopsis.””
homework
work that a student at school is asked to do at home
“The university study report includes a section on the word “homework.””
inspiration
a good idea about what you should do, write, say etc, especially one which you get suddenly
“The university study report includes a section on the word “inspiration.””
supersede
if a new idea, product, or method supersedes another one, it becomes used instead because it is more modern or effective
“In the university study discussion, the verb “supersede” describes an action or change.”
teacher
someone whose job is to teach, especially in a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “teacher.””
alumnus
a former student of a school, college etc
“The speaker used the word “alumnus” while explaining the university study problem.”
headmaster
a male teacher who is in charge of a school
“Learners saw the word “headmaster” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
lodge
a small house on the land of a large country house, usually at the main entrance gate
“A clear definition of the word “lodge” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
morality
beliefs or ideas about what is right and wrong and about how people should behave
“The speaker used the word “morality” while explaining the university study problem.”
nickel
a hard silver-white metal that is often combined with other metals, for example to make steel. It is a chemical element: symbol Ni
“Learners saw the word “nickel” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
probe
a long thin metal instrument that doctors and scientists use to examine parts of the body
“The university study report includes a section on the word “probe.””
rampant
a plant that is rampant grows and spreads quickly, in a way that is difficult to control
“During the university study discussion, “rampant” signals a particular quality.”
coed
a woman student at a university
“A clear definition of the word “coed” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
conception
an idea about what something is like, or a general understanding of something
“Learners saw the word “conception” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
scholastic
relating to schools or teaching
“The speaker uses “scholastic” to characterize the university study situation.”
foster
to help a skill, feeling, idea etc develop over a period of time
“A clear example helps learners use “foster” in a sentence about the university study.”
likelihood
the degree to which something can reasonably be expected to happen
“The university study report includes a section on the word “likelihood.””
overlap
the amount by which two activities, ideas, things etc overlap
“The speaker used the word “overlap” while explaining the university study problem.”
demolish
to prove that an idea or opinion is completely wrong
“The speaker explains how “demolish” is used in a report about the university study.”
illusion
an idea or opinion that is wrong, especially about yourself
“A clear definition of the word “illusion” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
supplementary
provided in addition to what already exists
“The speaker uses “supplementary” to characterize the university study situation.”
imaginative
containing new and interesting ideas
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as imaginative.”
formalize
to make a plan, decision, or idea official, especially by deciding and clearly describing all the details
“The speaker explains how “formalize” is used in a report about the university study.”
surveyor
someone whose job is to examine the condition of a building, or to measure and record the details of an area of land
“A clear definition of the word “surveyor” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
idea
a plan or suggestion for a possible course of action, especially one that you think of suddenly
“A clear definition of the word “idea” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
example
a specific fact, idea, person, or thing that is used to explain or support a general idea, or to show what is typical of a larger group
“The university study report includes a section on the word “example.””
proctor
someone who watches students in an examination to make sure that they do not cheat
“The speaker used the word “proctor” while explaining the university study problem.”
tutorial
a period of teaching and discussion with a tutor, especially in a British university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “tutorial.””
calvinism
the Christian religious teachings of John Calvin, based on the idea that events on Earth are controlled by God and cannot be changed by humans
“Learners saw the word “calvinism” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
coeducation
a system in which students of both sexes are educated together
“Learners saw the word “coeducation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
correspond
if two things or ideas correspond, the parts or information in one relate to the parts or information in the other
“A clear example helps learners use “correspond” in a sentence about the university study.”
shift
to change a situation, discussion etc by giving special attention to one idea or subject instead of to a previous one
“Learners hear “shift” while following the university study explanation.”
substitute
someone who does someone else’s job for a limited period of time, especially in a sports team or school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “substitute.””
vague
unclear because someone does not give enough detailed information or does not say exactly what they mean
“The report describes the university study issue as vague.”
address
the details of the place where someone lives or works, which you use to send them letters etc
“Learners saw the word “address” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
apply
to make a formal request, usually written, for something such as a job, a place at a university, or permission to do something
“Learners hear “apply” while following the university study explanation.”
contribute
to give money, help, ideas etc to something that a lot of other people are also involved in
“A clear example helps learners use “contribute” in a sentence about the university study.”
fresher
a student who has just started at a college or university
“A clear definition of the word “fresher” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
outbuilding
a building near a main building, for example a barn or shed
“Learners saw the word “outbuilding” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
paradox
a situation that seems strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that are very different
“A clear definition of the word “paradox” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
promulgate
to spread an idea or belief to as many people as possible
“In the university study discussion, the verb “promulgate” describes an action or change.”
theoretical
relating to the study of ideas, especially scientific ideas, rather than with practical uses of the ideas or practical experience
“The report describes the university study issue as theoretical.”
display
a part of a piece of equipment that shows information, for example a computer screen
“Learners saw the word “display” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
penetrate
to enter something and pass or spread through it, especially when this is difficult
“In the university study discussion, the verb “penetrate” describes an action or change.”
schoolroom
a room used for teaching in a small school
“The speaker used the word “schoolroom” while explaining the university study problem.”
unschooled
An unschooled person has had no formal education
“The report describes the university study issue as unschooled.”
balance
a state in which all your weight is evenly spread so that you do not fall
“Learners saw the word “balance” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
doctorate
a university degree of the highest level
“The speaker used the word “doctorate” while explaining the university study problem.”
hostile
angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them
“The report describes the university study issue as hostile.”
spare
an additional thing, for example a key, that you keep so that it is available
“A clear definition of the word “spare” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
dispute
to say that something such as a fact or idea is not correct or true
“Learners hear “dispute” while following the university study explanation.”
educable
able to learn or be educated
“The speaker uses “educable” to characterize the university study situation.”
keen
someone who is keen is eager to work or learn, and enjoys doing it
“During the university study discussion, “keen” signals a particular quality.”
protein
one of several natural substances that exist in food such as meat, eggs, and beans, and which your body needs in order to grow and remain strong and healthy
“The speaker used the word “protein” while explaining the university study problem.”
reinforce
to give support to an opinion, idea, or feeling, and make it stronger
“The speaker explains how “reinforce” is used in a report about the university study.”
ideal
the best or most suitable that something could possibly be
“During the university study discussion, “ideal” signals a particular quality.”
illustrate
to make the meaning of something clearer by giving examples
“The speaker explains how “illustrate” is used in a report about the university study.”
revise
to change something because of new information or ideas
“Learners hear “revise” while following the university study explanation.”
classical
belonging to a traditional style or set of ideas
“During the university study discussion, “classical” signals a particular quality.”
review
a careful examination of a situation or process
“Learners hear “review” while following the university study explanation.”
resistance
a refusal to accept new ideas or changes
“The speaker used the word “resistance” while explaining the university study problem.”
stress
to emphasize a statement, fact, or idea
“In the university study discussion, the verb “stress” describes an action or change.”
classmate
a member of the same class in a school, college or – in the US – a university
“The speaker used the word “classmate” while explaining the university study problem.”
aptitude
Someone's aptitude for a particular kind of work or activity is their ability to learn it quickly and to do it well
“The university study report includes a section on the word “aptitude.””
Congress
a formal meeting of representatives of different groups, countries etc, to discuss ideas, make decisions etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “congress.””
contradiction
a difference between two statements, beliefs, or ideas about something that means they cannot both be true
“The speaker used the word “contradiction” while explaining the university study problem.”
curriculum
the subjects that are taught by a school, college etc, or the things that are studied in a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “curriculum” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
domain
an area of activity, interest, or knowledge, especially one that a particular person, organization etc deals with
“The university study report includes a section on the word “domain.””
fountain
a structure from which water is pushed up into the air, used for example as decoration in a garden or park
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fountain.””
scan
to examine an area carefully but quickly, often because you are looking for a particular person or thing
“The speaker explains how “scan” is used in a report about the university study.”
distract
to take someone’s attention away from something by making them look at or listen to something else
“Learners hear “distract” while following the university study explanation.”
ingenious
an ingenious plan, idea, or object works well and is the result of clever thinking and new ideas
“The speaker uses “ingenious” to characterize the university study situation.”
oppose
to disagree with something such as a plan or idea and try to prevent it from happening or succeeding
“Learners hear “oppose” while following the university study explanation.”
reception
a particular type of welcome for someone, or a particular type of reaction to their ideas, work etc
“The speaker used the word “reception” while explaining the university study problem.”
remnant
a small part of something that remains after the rest of it has been used, destroyed, or eaten
“The speaker used the word “remnant” while explaining the university study problem.”
scar
a feeling of fear or sadness that remains with you for a long time after an unpleasant experience
“The speaker used the word “scar” while explaining the university study problem.”
ultimate
someone’s ultimate aim is their main and most important aim, that they hope to achieve in the future
“The speaker uses “ultimate” to characterize the university study situation.”
angle
the space between two straight lines or surfaces that join each other, measured in degrees
“A clear definition of the word “angle” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
comprehensive
including all the necessary facts, details, or problems that need to be dealt with
“The report describes the university study issue as comprehensive.”
contrast
a difference between people, ideas, situations, things etc that are being compared
“Learners saw the word “contrast” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
fierce
a fierce person or animal is angry or ready to attack, and looks very frightening
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as fierce.”
install
to put a piece of equipment somewhere and connect it so that it is ready to be used
“A clear example helps learners use “install” in a sentence about the university study.”
levy
A levy is a sum of money that you have to pay, for example, as a tax to the government
“The university study report includes a section on the word “levy.””
meticulous
very careful about small details, and always making sure that everything is done correctly
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as meticulous.”
signature
your name written in the way you usually write it, for example at the end of a letter, or on a cheque etc, to show that you have written it
“Learners saw the word “signature” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
verbal
a word that has been formed from a verb, for example a gerund, infinitive, or participle
“The university study report includes a section on the word “verbal.””
cognitive
related to the process of knowing, understanding, and learning something
“The report describes the university study issue as cognitive.”
decipher
to find the meaning of something that is difficult to read or understand
“In the university study discussion, the verb “decipher” describes an action or change.”
flush
to become red in the face, for example when you are angry or embarrassed
“Learners hear “flush” while following the university study explanation.”
odd
a number that cannot be divided exactly by two, for example 1, 3, 5, 7 etc
“During the university study discussion, “odd” signals a particular quality.”
plague
a disease that causes death and spreads quickly to a large number of people
“Learners saw the word “plague” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
skeleton
the most important parts of something, to which more detail can be added later
“The speaker used the word “skeleton” while explaining the university study problem.”
strait
a narrow passage of water between two areas of land, usually connecting two seas
“A clear definition of the word “strait” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
tap
to hit your fingers lightly on something, for example to get someone’s attention
“The speaker explains how “tap” is used in a report about the university study.”
tune
a series of musical notes that are played or sung and are nice to listen to
“The university study report includes a section on the word “tune.””
tunnel
a passage that has been dug under the ground for cars, trains etc to go through
“Learners saw the word “tunnel” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
widespread
existing or happening in many places or situations, or among many people
“The report describes the university study issue as widespread.”
empirical
based on scientific testing or practical experience, not on ideas
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as empirical.”
faculty
a department or group of related departments within a university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “faculty.””
fastidious
very careful about small details in your appearance, work etc
“During the university study discussion, “fastidious” signals a particular quality.”
intricate
containing many small parts or details that all work or fit together
“During the university study discussion, “intricate” signals a particular quality.”
practical
relating to real situations and events rather than ideas, emotions etc
“During the university study discussion, “practical” signals a particular quality.”
primary
relating to the education of children between 5 and 11 years old
“The report describes the university study issue as primary.”
sketch
a simple, quickly made drawing that does not show much detail
“Learners saw the word “sketch” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
conceive
to think of a new idea, plan etc and develop it in your mind
“In the university study discussion, the verb “conceive” describes an action or change.”
density
the degree to which an area is filled with people or things
“The university study report includes a section on the word “density.””
elaborate
to give more details or new information about something
“A clear example helps learners use “elaborate” in a sentence about the university study.”
intelligence
the ability to learn, understand, and think about things
“A clear definition of the word “intelligence” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
profession
a job that needs a high level of education and training
“The university study report includes a section on the word “profession.””
slice
to cut meat, bread, vegetables etc into thin flat pieces
“In the university study discussion, the verb “slice” describes an action or change.”
principle
the basic idea that a plan or system is based on
“Learners saw the word “principle” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
propose
to suggest something as a plan or course of action
“In the university study discussion, the verb “propose” describes an action or change.”
readily
quickly, willingly, and without complaining
“The team responded readily when the university study plan changed.”
crust
the hard brown outer surface of bread
“The speaker used the word “crust” while explaining the university study problem.”
extensive
large in size, amount, or degree
“During the university study discussion, “extensive” signals a particular quality.”
innovation
the introduction of new ideas or methods
“The speaker used the word “innovation” while explaining the university study problem.”
housemaster
a male teacher who is in charge of one of the houses (= groups of children of different ages ) in a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “housemaster.””
pension
an amount of money paid regularly by the government or company to someone who does not work any more, for example because they have reached the age when people stop working or because they are ill
“The university study report includes a section on the word “pension.””
diphthong
a vowel sound made by pronouncing two vowels quickly one after the other. For example, the vowel sound in ‘main’ is a diphthong.
“The speaker used the word “diphthong” while explaining the university study problem.”
disjunctive
a disjunctive conjunction expresses a choice or opposition between two ideas. For example, ‘or’ is a disjunctive conjunction.
“The report describes the university study issue as disjunctive.”
don
a university teacher, especially one who teaches at the universities of Oxford or Cambridge
“The speaker used the word “don” while explaining the university study problem.”
flighty
a woman who is flighty changes her ideas and opinions often, and only remains interested in people or things for a short time
“During the university study discussion, “flighty” signals a particular quality.”
intercourse
an exchange of ideas, feelings etc which make people or groups understand each other better
“A clear definition of the word “intercourse” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
schoolmaster
a male teacher, especially in a private school (= one that parents pay to send their children to )
“The university study report includes a section on the word “schoolmaster.””
schoolmistress
a female teacher, especially in a private school (= one that parents pay to send their children to )
“Learners saw the word “schoolmistress” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
critique
a detailed explanation of the problems of something such as a set of political ideas
“Learners saw the word “critique” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
matriculate
to officially begin studying at a university or, in the US, at a school or college
“A clear example helps learners use “matriculate” in a sentence about the university study.”
honorary
an honorary title, rank, or university degree is given to someone as an honour
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as honorary.”
sophomore
a student who is in their second year of study at a college or high school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “sophomore.””
arcade
a covered passage at the side of a row of buildings with pillar s and arch es supporting it on one side
“The university study report includes a section on the word “arcade.””
coherent
if a piece of writing, set of ideas etc is coherent, it is easy to understand because it is clear and reasonable
“The report describes the university study issue as coherent.”
dizzy
feeling unable to stand steadily, for example because you are looking down from a high place or because you are ill
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as dizzy.”
dunce
If you say that someone is a dunce, you think they are stupid because they find it difficult or impossible to learn what someone is trying to teach them
“A clear definition of the word “dunce” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
innovative
an innovative idea or way of doing something is new, different, and better than those that existed before
“During the university study discussion, “innovative” signals a particular quality.”
March
an organized event in which many people walk together to express their ideas or protest about something
“A clear definition of the word “march” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
dialectic
a method of examining and discussing ideas in order to find the truth, in which two opposing ideas are compared in order to find a solution that includes them both
“Learners saw the word “dialectic” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
encyclopedia
a book or cd, or a set of these, containing facts about many different subjects, or containing detailed facts about one subject
“The university study report includes a section on the word “encyclopedia.””
framework
a set of ideas, rules, or beliefs from which something is developed, or on which decisions are based
“Learners saw the word “framework” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
gasoline
a liquid obtained from petroleum, used mainly for producing power in the engines of cars, trucks etc
“Learners saw the word “gasoline” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
generalize
to form a general principle or opinion after considering only a small number of facts or examples
“Learners hear “generalize” while following the university study explanation.”
lecturer
someone who gives lectures, especially in a university
“Learners saw the word “lecturer” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
Module
a part of a spacecraft that can be separated from the main part and used for a particular purpose
“Learners saw the word “module” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
peripheral
a piece of equipment that is connected to a computer and used with it, for example a printer
“The university study report includes a section on the word “peripheral.””
pragmatic
dealing with problems in a sensible practical way instead of strictly following a set of ideas
“The report describes the university study issue as pragmatic.”
stitch
a short piece of thread that has been sewn into a piece of cloth, or the action of the thread going into and out of the cloth
“A clear definition of the word “stitch” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
audience
a group of people who come to watch and listen to someone speaking or performing in public
“Learners saw the word “audience” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
censor
to examine books, films, letters etc to remove anything that is considered offensive, morally harmful, or politically dangerous etc
“Learners hear “censor” while following the university study explanation.”
description
a piece of writing or speech that gives details about what someone or something is like
“The university study report includes a section on the word “description.””
experiment
to try using various ideas, methods etc to find out how good or effective they are
“The speaker explains how “experiment” is used in a report about the university study.”
headmistress
a female teacher who is in charge of a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “headmistress.””
invoke
to make a particular idea, image, or feeling appear in people’s minds by describing an event or situation, or by talking about a person
“In the university study discussion, the verb “invoke” describes an action or change.”
orthodox
orthodox ideas, methods, or behaviour are accepted by most people to be correct and right
“During the university study discussion, “orthodox” signals a particular quality.”
permeate
if liquid, gas etc permeates something, it enters it and spreads through every part of it
“A clear example helps learners use “permeate” in a sentence about the university study.”
somewhat
You use somewhat to indicate that something is the case to a limited extent or degree
“The speaker explained the university study change somewhat.”
specification
a detailed instruction about how a car, building, piece of equipment etc should be made
“The speaker used the word “specification” while explaining the university study problem.”
diffuse
to make heat, light, liquid etc spread through something, or to spread like this
“Learners hear “diffuse” while following the university study explanation.”
erroneous
erroneous ideas or information are wrong and based on facts that are not correct
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as erroneous.”
gloss
a note in a piece of writing that explains a difficult word, phrase, or idea
“The university study report includes a section on the word “gloss.””
lobby
a wide passage or large hall just inside the entrance to a public building
“The university study report includes a section on the word “lobby.””
succinct
Something that is succinct expresses facts or ideas clearly and in few words
“The report describes the university study issue as succinct.”