Improve your Skills: Reading for First, Unit 5, p.

45

Exam focus
Ex. 1
Answer a
relate to something/somebody to be connected with something/somebody; to refer to
something/somebody
We shall discuss the problem as it relates to our specific case.
The second paragraph relates to the situation in Scotland.
entertaining adj interesting and amusing
an entertaining speech/evening
I found the talk both informative and entertaining.
typical adj having the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing
or group
SYNONYM REPRESENTATIVE a typical Italian cafe
typical of somebody/something This meal is typical of local cookery.
typical for somebody/something The weather at the moment is not typical
for July.
Ex. 2
Answer c
vegetarianism U the practice of eating no meat or fish
the ethics of vegetarianism
follow something to accept advice, instructions, etc. and do what you have been told
or shown to do
to follow a diet/recipe
He has trouble following simple instructions.
Why didn't you follow my advice?
concerning prep (formal) about something; involving somebody/something
He asked several questions concerning the future of the company.
All cases concerning children are dealt with in a special children's court.
Ex. 3
tofu (also bean curd)[uncountable] a soft white substance that is made from soya and
used in cooking, often instead of meat
mild adj (of a flavour) not strong, spicy or bitter
a mild curry mild cheese
Opposite hot
crush something to break something into small pieces or into a powder by pressing
hard
Add two cloves of crushed garlic.
soya milk (North American English soy milk)[uncountable] a liquid made from soya
beans, used instead of milk
sit to stay in one place for a long time and not be used
The encyclopedia sits on my shelf at home, gathering dust.
eventually adv at the end of a period of time or a series of events
 Our flight eventually left five hours late.
I'll get round to mending it eventually.
solid adj hard or firm; not in the form of a liquid or gas
The planet Jupiter may have no solid surface at all.
The boat bumped against a solid object.
press [transitive, intransitive] to push something closely and firmly against
something; to be pushed in this way
press something/somebody/yourself against something She pressed her
face against the window.
press something to something He pressed a handkerchief to his nose.
press something together She pressed her lips together.
press against something His body was pressing against hers.
block [countable] a large piece of a solid material that is square or rectangular in
shape and usually has flat sides
a block of ice/concrete/stone
a chopping block (= for cutting food on)
gain [transitive] to obtain or win something, especially something that you need or
want
gain something to gain entrance/entry/access to something
gain somebody something Her unusual talent gained her worldwide
recognition.
appreciation of something [uncountable, singular] a full or sympathetic
understanding of something, such as a situation or a problem, and of what it involves
I had no appreciation of the problems they faced.
Answers
1B
not have a clue (informal) to know nothing about something or about how to do
something
I don't have a clue where she lives.
2C
rephrase something to say or write something using different words in order to make
the meaning clearer
I suggest you rephrase that remark.
Let me rephrase my question.
point of reference (pl. points of reference) something that you already know that
helps you understand a situation or explain something to somebody
state to formally write or say something, especially in a careful and clear way
state something He has already stated his intention to run for election.
state how, what, etc… State clearly how many tickets you require.
state that… He stated categorically that he knew nothing about the deal.
it is stated that… It was stated that standards at the hospital were dropping.
something is stated to be/have something The contract was stated to be
invalid.
3A 4B 5D
 praise to express your approval or admiration for somebody/something
SYNONYM COMPLIMENT
praise somebody/something She praised his cooking.
praise somebody/something for something/for doing something He praised
his team for their performance.
praise somebody/something as something Critics praised the work as highly
original.
familiarize yourself/somebody (with something) to learn about something or teach
somebody about something, so that you/they start to understand it
SYNONYM ACQUAINT
You'll need time to familiarize yourself with our procedures.
The aim of the course was to familiarize students with the uses of the Internet.
Ex. 4
Answer b
Skills tip
Answers a Yes b No
Exam practice
Giving vegetarianism a chance
vegetarianism U the practice of eating no meat or fish
the ethics of vegetarianism
1
strict adj [usually before noun] very exact and clearly defined
It wasn’t illegal in the strict sense (of the word).
follow something to accept advice, instructions, etc. and do what you have been told
or shown to do
to follow a diet/recipe
He has trouble following simple instructions.
Why didn't you follow my advice?
semi- prefix (in adjectives and nouns) half; partly
semicircular semi-final
dish [countable] food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal
a vegetarian/fish dish
This makes an excellent hot main dish.
dine out to eat dinner in a restaurant or somebody else’s home
throw a party (informal) to give a party
dietary adj [usually before noun] connected with or contained in the food that you eat
and drink regularly
dietary advice/changes/habits dietary supplements
dietary fibre
roast (something) to cook food, especially meat, without liquid in an oven or over a
fire; to be cooked in this way
to roast a chicken the smell of roasting meat
lamb [countable] a young sheep
lamb [uncountable] meat from a young sheep
 a leg of lamb lamb chops
a side of beef/bacon, etc. C one of the two halves of an animal that has been killed
for meat
make an exception to allow somebody not to follow the usual rule on one occasion
Children are not usually allowed in, but I'm prepared to make an exception in
this case.
tuck in/tuck into sth (British English, informal) to eat a lot of food, especially when
it is done quickly and with enthusiasm
Come on, tuck in everyone!
He was tucking into a huge plateful of pasta.
2
mind you (informal) used to add something to what you have just said, especially
something that makes it less strong
I've heard they're getting divorced. Mind you, I'm not surprised—they were
always arguing.
offended adj feeling upset because of something said or done that is rude or
embarrassing
Alice looked rather offended.
greasy adj covered in a lot of grease or oil
greasy fingers/marks/overalls
The sink was piled high with greasy dishes.
hambuger (also burger) (British English also beefburger) [countable] finely
chopped beef made into a flat round shape that is then fried, often served in a bread
roll
hamburger (also burger) also hamburger meat) (both US English) (North
American English also ground beef) (British Englishmince) [uncountable] beef that
has been finely chopped in a special machine
savoury adj (especially US English savory) having a taste that is salty, not sweet
savoury snacks
What’s in the pastry? Is it sweet or savoury?
rib [uncountable, countable] a piece of meat with one or more bones from the ribs of
an animal
drip [intransitive, transitive] to produce drops of liquid
The tap was dripping.
+ adv./prep. Her hair dripped down her back.
drip something (+adv./prep.) Be careful, you're dripping paint everywhere!
as a matter of fact used to add a comment on something that you have just said,
usually adding something that you think the other person will be interested in
It's a nice place. We've stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.
explore to discuss or think about something carefully
Synonym look at
Management need to explore ways of improving office security.
I’m going to explore the possibility of a part-time job.
altogether adv (used to emphasize something) completely; in every way
 The train went slower and slower until it stopped altogether.
I don't altogether agree with you.
get on (also get along) used to talk or ask about how well somebody is doing in a
particular situation
He's getting on very well at school.
How did you get on at the interview?
3
soon enough no later than needed : soon
We'll find out the answer soon enough.
tasteless adj having little or no flavour
tasteless soup
toss something to shake or turn food in order to cover it with oil, butter, etc.
Drain the pasta and toss it in melted butter.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.
dressing (also salad dressing) [countable, uncountable] a thin sauce used to add
flavour to salads, usually made from oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, etc.
a low-calorie dressing
broccoli U a vegetable with a thick green stem and several dark green or purple
flower heads / cây bông cải xanh
soy sauce (also soya sauce) [uncountable] a thin dark brown sauce that is made
from soya beans and has a salty taste, used in Chinese and Japanese cooking
sauté something to fry food quickly in a little hot fat / rán qua, áp chảo
pan a container, usually made of metal, with a handle or handles, used for cooking
food in
pots and pans a large stainless steel pan
courgette (North American English zucchini) a long vegetable with dark green skin
and white flesh / bí xanh
Slice each courgette down the middle and remove the flesh.
aubergine (North American English eggplant)[countable, uncountable] a vegetable
with shiny dark purple skin and soft white flesh / cà tím
basil U a plant with shiny green leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as
a herb / cây húng quế
try your hand (at something) to do something such as an activity or a sport for the
first time
pasta U an Italian food made from flour, water and sometimes eggs, formed into
different shapes and usually served with a sauce. It is hard when dry and soft when
cooked.
Toss the pasta with the hot sauce.
creamy adj hick and smooth like cream; containing a lot of cream
a creamy sauce/soup
spicy adj (of food) having a strong taste because spices have been used to flavour it
SYNONYM HOT spicy chicken wings
creation [countable] (often humorous) a thing that somebody has made, especially
something that shows ability or imagination
 a literary creation
The cake was a delicious creation of sponge, cream and fruit.
abundant adj (formal) existing in large quantities; more than enough
SYNONYM PLENTIFUL
Fish are abundant in the lake.
We have abundant evidence to prove his guilt.
shake, shook, shaken [transitive] to get rid of something
shake something off I can't seem to shake off this cold.
shake something He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something
wrong.
4
rate [countable] a measurement of the number of times something happens or exists
during a particular period
Local businesses are closing at a/the rate of three a year.
a high/low/rising rate of unemployment
eatery (informal, especially North American English) a restaurant or other place that
serves food
simply adv used to emphasize a statement
SYNONYM ABSOLUTELY
You simply must see the play.
The view is simply wonderful!
vegetarianism U the practice of eating no meat or fish
the ethics of vegetarianism
superior (to somebody/something) better in quality than somebody/something else;
greater than somebody/something else
vastly superior superior intelligence
This model is technically superior to its competitors.
offensive adj rude in a way that causes you to feel upset, insulted or annoyed
offensive remarks
The programme contains language which some viewers may find offensive.
offensive to somebody His comments were deeply offensive to a large number
of single mothers.
Opposite inoffensive
guilty (about something) feeling ashamed because you have done something that
you know is wrong or have not done something that you should have done
I felt guilty about not visiting my parents more often.
John had a guilty look on his face.
I had a guilty conscience and could not sleep.
5
relaxed (about something) not caring too much about discipline or making people
follow rules
SYNONYM LAID-BACK
I take a fairly relaxed attitude towards what the kids wear to school.
 counterpart a person or thing that has the same position or function as
somebody/something else in a different place or situation
The Foreign Minister held talks with his Chinese counterpart.
The women's shoe, like its male counterpart, is specifically designed for the
serious tennis player.
cup a bowl-shaped container
an egg cup
stew [uncountable, countable] a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid
in a container that has a lid
beef stew and dumplings I'm making a stew for lunch.
sprinkle [transitive] to shake small pieces of something or drops of a liquid on
something
sprinkle A on/onto/over B Sprinkle chocolate on top of the cake.
sprinkle B with A She sprinkled the strawberries with sugar.
trendy adj (informal) very fashionable
trendy clothes
a shame [singular] used to say that something is a cause for feeling sad or
disappointed
SYNONYM PITY
What a shame they couldn't come.
It's a shame about Tim, isn't it?
It's a shame that she wasn't here to see it.
fashion [uncountable, countable] a popular style of clothes, hair, etc. at a particular
time or place; the state of being popular
dressed in the latest fashionthe new season’s fashions
Long skirts have come into fashion again.
Jeans are still in fashion.
Some styles never go out of fashion.
take root (of an idea) to become accepted widely
Fortunately, militarism failed to take root in Europe as a whole.
image [countable, uncountable] the impression that a person, an organization or a
product, etc. gives to the public
His public image is very different from the real person.
The advertisements are intended to improve the company's image.
inviting adj making you want to do, try, taste, etc. something
SYNONYM ATTRACTIVE an inviting smell
The water looks really inviting.
follow something to accept advice, instructions, etc. and do what you have been told
or shown to do
to follow a diet/recipe
He has trouble following simple instructions.
Why didn't you follow my advice?
Answers
1 C When the writer says,’I wouldn’t want to force my dietary beliefs upon them’,he’s
saying he will eat what his friends prepare in order to be polite.
violate something (formal) to go against or refuse to obey a law, an agreement, etc.
SYNONYM FLOUT to violate international law
dietary adj [usually before noun] connected with or contained in the food that you eat
and drink regularly
dietary advice/changes/habits dietary supplements
dietary fibre
appealing adj attractive or interesting
Spending the holidays in Britain wasn't a prospect that I found particularly
appealing.
Brightly coloured packaging made the pens especially appealing to children.
Opposite unappealing
2 A The writer says,’I started to consume less and less meat’, which refers to a gradual
process.
gradual adj happening slowly over a long period; not sudden
a gradual change in the climate
Recovery from the disease is very gradual.
Opposite sudden
set something (for somebody) | set somebody (to do something) to give somebody
a piece of work, a task, etc.
set something Who will be setting (= writing the questions for) the French
exam?
set something for something What books have been set (= are to be
studied) for the English course?
set something for somebody/yourself She's set a difficult task for herself.
set somebody/yourself something She's set herself a difficult task.
set somebody/yourself to do something I've set myself to finish the job by the
end of the month.
revert to sth (formal) to return to a former state; to start doing something again that
you used to do in the past
After her divorce she reverted to her maiden name.
His manner seems to have reverted to normal.
3 B Examples of vegetarian dishes in the text are ‘broccoli ... with rice and soy sauce’,
‘courgettes and aubergines in olive oil and basil’, ‘vegetable soup with pasta, creamy
mushroom soup and spicy cabbage soup’.
selection [countable] a collection of things from which something can be chosen
SYNONYM CHOICE, RANGE
The showroom has a wide selection of kitchens.
dish [countable] food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal
a vegetarian/fish dish
This makes an excellent hot main dish.
vegetarianism U the practice of eating no meat or fish
the ethics of vegetarianism
 broccoli U a vegetable with a thick green stem and several dark green or purple
flower heads / cây bông cải xanh
soy sauce (also soya sauce) [uncountable] a thin dark brown sauce that is made
from soya beans and has a salty taste, used in Chinese and Japanese cooking
courgette (North American English zucchini) a long vegetable with dark green skin
and white flesh / bí xanh
Slice each courgette down the middle and remove the flesh.
aubergine (North American English eggplant)[countable, uncountable] a vegetable
with shiny dark purple skin and soft white flesh / cà tím
basil U a plant with shiny green leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as
a herb / cây húng quế
creamy adj hick and smooth like cream; containing a lot of cream
a creamy sauce/soup
spicy adj (of food) having a strong taste because spices have been used to flavour it
SYNONYM HOT spicy chicken wings
4 B The writer says that there are too many vegetarians who ‘believe that their way of
eating is superior to any other.’ This refers to them being arrogant.
aggressive adj angry, and behaving in a threatening way; ready to attack
He gets aggressive when he's drunk.a dangerous aggressive dog
arrogant adj behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other
people
unsocial adj (also less frequent unsociable) (British English) outside the normal
times of working
I work long and unsocial hours.
superior (to somebody/something) better in quality than somebody/something else;
greater than somebody/something else
vastly superior superior intelligence
This model is technically superior to its competitors.
5 D The text says, ‘for vegetarianism to take root in society’, and then goes on to say,
‘for all to enjoy’. The second part is a key phrase because it means that vegetarianism
would become ‘established’ in this way.
established adj (only before n) respected or given official status because it has existed
or been used for a long time
They are an established company with a good reputation.
This unit is now an established part of the course.
take root (of an idea) to become accepted widely
Fortunately, militarism failed to take root in Europe as a whole.
6 D The writer expresses a summarising opinion in the middle paragraph ‘What I
discovered is that maintaining a vegetarian diet is not only healthy, delicious and
inexpensive, it’s also abundant in variety.’ He goes on to make a suggestion at the end of
the article. ‘So I propose that, we, vegetarians of the world ... should become more
relaxed about our meat-eating counterparts’.
argue [intransitive, transitive] to give reasons why you think that something is
right/wrong, true/not true, etc., especially to persuade people that you are right
 argue for/against something/doing something They argued for the right to
strike.
argue something She argued the case for bringing back the death penalty.
argue that… He argued that they needed more time to finish the project.
abundant adj (formal) existing in large quantities; more than enough
SYNONYM PLENTIFUL
Fish are abundant in the lake.
We have abundant evidence to prove his guilt.
relaxed (about something) not caring too much about discipline or making people
follow rules
SYNONYM LAID-BACK
I take a fairly relaxed attitude towards what the kids wear to school.
counterpart a person or thing that has the same position or function as
somebody/something else in a different place or situation
The Foreign Minister held talks with his Chinese counterpart.
The women's shoe, like its male counterpart, is specifically designed for the
serious tennis player.
Skills tip
gist (of something) (usually the gist) the main or general meaning of a piece of
writing, a speech or a conversation
to get (= understand) the gist of an argument
I missed the beginning of the lecture—can you give me the gist of what he
said?
pinpoint something to find and show the exact position of somebody/something or
the exact time that something happened
He was able to pinpoint on the map the site of the medieval village.
With this you can pinpoint the precise location of the sound.