Healthy activities / habits things that are good

for your health

a healthy appetite

a healthy economy

taking regular exercise

a healthy bank balance

playing sport(s)

a healthy profit

(going) swimming

a healthy attitude

(going) cycling

a healthy respect

going to the gym

doing yoga / pilates / tai chi

eating fresh fruit and vegetables

to look after your health

eating organic foods

to take care of our health

eating regular meals

to maintain your health

drinking water

to be in good / poor health

having a balanced diet

to regain your health

Unhealthy habits things that are bad for your

health

Verb + Noun Collocations

Verb + Adjective Collocations

to feel healthy

smoking

to look healthy

binge drinking (excessive amounts of

alcohol)

to be healthy

taking drugs

to keep / stay healthy

eating too much salt / fat / sugar

being overweight

Health Collocations

Useful Linking Expressions

Adding more detail

In (actual) fact,

a health farm

Actually,

a health centre

More to the point,

a health club

Indeed,

a health service

To be more precise / exact,

a health risk / hazard

a health check

a health problem

a health visitor

a health inspector

health food

health insurance

healthcare

health and safety (rules / regulations /

guidelines)

a healthy lifestyle

a healthy diet

Yes, in my opinion the government has a big

responsibility to try to persuade people to live
more healthily. I think they could provide more
education in schools to teach children how to
eat more healthily and show them the
importance of taking physical exercise. In fact,
its the parents too that also need to be reeducated on these issues. Another thing, I think
there should be more government warnings on
TV showing people the dangers of obesity and
poor diet, for example. Actually, they do have
some that show the health risks of smoking and
drinking, which are quite powerful, but not really
about healthy eating. Finally, there could be
more public facilities to help people keep fit, like
swimming pools, gyms and sports
centres. More to the point they need to be
affordable so that everyone has the opportunity
to use them.

Work

to apply for a job / post / promotion

to get / have a part-time/full-time job

to work in [field / place]

to work for [a company]

to specialise in [field]

to be a qualified [job]

to work shifts / unsociable hours

to get / have an interview

to be shortlisted

to be demoted / promoted

to be transferred / to put in for a

transfer

to be fired / sacked / dismissed

to be made redundant

to retire / to be retired

to get a pension

the perks of a job (benefits)

to work from home (home-working)

to be self-employed / to work for

yourself

to work / do flexi-time / overtime

Useful Linking Expressions

Sequencing ideas

firstly / first of all,

secondly,

thirdly,

then

another point / reason / example is

lastly / finally, .

overall,

Sample Answer
Qu. What changes have there been in recent years in
employment in your country?
I think there have been many changes in the types of
jobs that people do nowadays compared to 20 or 30
years ago. First of all there are much fewer jobs
related to heavy industry such as mining or shipbuilding or even manufacturing. Secondly, there has
been a big increase in the number of jobs in the
service and leisure industries like shops, gyms, and
hotels. And finally, since the launch of the internet
there has been a big surge in the number of jobs
related to IT, such as web development and design.

TRAVEL

Popular methods of transport in cities

cheaper public transport

more pedestrianised streets

by metro

more electric trams

by tram

more accessible metro system

by bus

by motorbike / scooter / moped

by bike

on foot

to go by bus

to catch the metro

to take the tram

to go on the motorbike

to cycle

to walk

Other methods of transport

by plane

by train

by coach

by boat / ferry

Transport problems

long delays (in airports)

lost luggage

cancellations (of flights / trains)

missed connections

traffic-jams / congestion

roadworks / diversions

breakdowns / accidents

pollution

Solutions to inner-city congestion

road access charges in city centres

bypasses / ringroads

park and ride schemes

free rental of city bikes

more cycle lanes

more frequent buses

Useful Linking Expressions

Giving examples

for example

for instance

such as

like / as

another example / way

Sample Answer
Qu. 5 What measures could be taken to reduce
problems of congestion in cities?
There are many ways that congestion could be
reduced in big cities. In my city, for example, they have
introduced a bike rental system where members can
pick up a bike at one point and drop it off at another.
Its proving to be very popular and as a result more
cycle lanes are also being provided.
Another example, which unfortunately doesnt exist in
my city, is a park and ride scheme where you leave
your car outside the city in a carpark and then take a
free bus into the centre. Another way to prevent people
bringing their cars into the city would be to charge a
special fee to access the centre, like they do in
London, though I guess this wouldnt be quite so
popular with the residents.

TOURISM

area becomes too built-up due to

increase of hotels/shops etc

may cause increase in prices of local

services and goods

Positive aspects of holidays (personal)

chance to unwind

spend quality time with family / friends

get away from work / stressful

environment

have a change of routine / scenery

visit new places / experience new

things / cultures

Useful Linking Expressions

Adding more reasons / examples

in addition (to)

furthermore,

as well as

also

Positive aspects of holidays (commercial)

not only but also

creates new jobs in tourist industry

both and

attracts media attention to the resort

besides

ensures good level of infrastructure

improves services for local residents

provides revenue to protect /maintain

local heritage

broaden your horizons

visit family or friends abroad

Negative aspects of holidays (personal)

loss of earnings (if self-employed)

can be stressful (to be out of your

comfort zone)

can be difficult to cope in foreign

country / unfamiliar place

may encounter travel problems

(plane/train delays / traffic jams)

may not have access to health facilities

may lose your luggage

may not be able to speak the local

language

Negative aspects of holidays (commercial)

can cause overcrowding

tourists may not respect local

customs/traditions

can cause excess of litter / noise

may cause damage to local

environment

Sample Answer
Qu.2 What are some of the benefits of going away on
holiday?
There are many benefits of going on
holiday. Besides giving you a chance to unwind and
relax, it also allows you to spend some quality time with
your family, not only in a different environment but
more importantly, away from the routine pressures of
work and daily life.In addition to this, it also gives you
the opportunity to broaden your horizons by visiting
new places and experiencing a different way of life.

ENVIRONMENT

using natural remedies as alternative

medicine

Environmental Problems

destruction of the rainforests

(deforestation)

Useful Linking Expressions

Explaining causes

melting of the icecaps

extinction of many species (loss of

biodiversity)

caused by

due to

destruction of the ozone layer

because of

global warming / the greenhouse

effect

a result of

rising sea levels

pollution of land, sea and air

leads to

increase of natural disasters eg,

earthquakes, landslides, floods

results in

causes

Causes of Environmental Problems

excessive emissions of greenhouse

gases, eg carbon dioxide

chemical and industrial waste

emissions from cars and planes

improper dumping of household waste

overuse of non-renewable fossil fuels

genetic modification

over-consumption

over-urbanisation

Solutions to Environmental Problems

recycling

using renewable sources of energy, eg

solar heating, wind-farms

replanting trees

cutting carbon emissions

cleaner waste disposal

sustainable consumption and

development

buying products with less packaging

buying organic products

buying products made from recycled

material / renewable sources

Explaining effects

Sample Answer
Qu.1 Which environmental problems are people most
concerned about in your country?
I think people in my country are most concerned about
future shortages of fresh drinking water, which I
suppose is both a result of poor water management
and general global warming. I think everyone is feeling
the effects of the latter problem which is causing us to
experience more extreme temperatures, for example,
much colder winters and much hotter summers. The
long hot summers are particularly worrying in the south
of the country where there is a real risk of drought due
to the consistent lack of rainfall.

TECHNOLOGY

Uses of internet for communication

blended learning (online + face-toface)

sending emails

sending text messages

tele-conferencing

offers more flexibility for the learner

video conferencing

online chatting

allows people in rural areas the same

study opportunities

social networking

cheaper for students (no travel /

accmmodation costs)

blogging

posting messages on forums

students & teachers are less bound

by time and space

using an intranet system

Advantages

Advantages

Technology and Work

automated processes

offers immediate communication

automated manufacturing

cheaper than telephone calls / faceto-face meetings

automated customer services

high-tech computer systems

allows global communication without

the need to travel

computerised filing / administrative

systems

more convenient / people can

communicate on-the-move

huge databases

allows friends and family overseas to

stay connected

intranet system / internal emailing

gives everybody the chance to have a

public voice

Disadvantages

people may lose real social skills

people may spend less time

socialising face-to-face

people may become more introverted

people may become adicted to social

network sites

people spend too much time in front

of a screen

Disadvantages

has made some jobs redundant

gives customers less personal service

requires staff to be technically skilled

may cause security issues /files may

be lost

requires a lot of investment

breakdowns in the system may cause

severe problems

Useful Linking Expressions

Giving reasons

Technology and Education

interactive whiteboards

e-learning

online degrees

self-access centres / study

online tutor

due to (the fact that)

because of

because

as a result of

thats why

FREE TIME
Popular Outdoor Leisure Activities

Useful Linking Expressions

Natural fillers

playing / practising / doing sport(s)

I suppose

rambling / hiking / walking

I guess

running/ jogging

Let me think

cycling

Let me see

fishing

Um, well

horse riding

Er, Im not sure

(wind) surfing

like, you know

(ice) skating

I dont know

sailing / canooing / kayaking

skiing

snowboarding

skateboarding

hanging out / meeting up with friends

eating out / going to restaurants or

cafes

Popular Indoor Leisure Activities

going to the gym / keeping fit / doing

exercise

doing yoga / pilates / aerobics

doing martial arts (karate/judo)

swimming

going to the cinema / theatre

playing a musical instrument

acting (amateur dramatics)

dancing (ballet / tap / ballroom / hiphop / freestyle / latin)

singing (in a group / choir)

playing computer games

surfing the internet

cooking

reading

playing board games

doing puzzles

listening to music

Sample Answer
Qu. Do you agree that its important for people of
different ages to do leisure activities together?
Um well I think in some cases it could be
important for people of different ages to do leisure
activities together. For example, parents or even
grandparents can enjoy doing fun things with their
children or grandchildren, like, you know, things that
dont require a lot of physical ability such as playing
games, reading or cooking. I guess that sometimes it is
very important for older people to do things with
younger ones, especially more difficult skills that need
to be taught like I dont know martial arts or
playing a musical instrument.

ENTERTAINMENT

Useful Linking Expressions

Cinema (advantages)

Giving more exact information

the thrill of watching something on the

big-screen

more exciting/intense atmosphere

big screen really brings the characters

to life

able to appreciate the cinematography

can enjoy a night out with friends

the excitement of watching a premiere

screening

Watching TV (advanatges)

can sit in the comfort of your own

home

can choose what you want to watch

can flick through the channels

can invite your friends round

can watch a variety of programmes

can switch it off if you get bored

Film-making

social responsibility to make

educational/informative films

good media for reaching wide

audiences

has high impact on the public

can get worldwide recognition

can deliver social messages

can bring widespread attention to

social/world problems

Technology & Entertainment (examples)

online gaming / games / gambling

downloading films / videos (YouTube)

downloading music (iTunes)

computer game consoles (PlayStation

/ Wii)

social networking (Facebook / Twitter)

in (actual) fact

actually

as a matter of fact

to be more exact

to be more precise

Sample Answer
Qu. Do you think that films shown in cinemas should
have an educational value?
No, I dont think that its necessary for all films to be
educational. In fact, I think people go to the cinema
because they simply want to be entertained, not
always educated. Watching a film on the big screen is
a form of escapism and so people want adventure,
romance or fantasy. As far as Im concerned, if Im
looking to be educated I would choose to read a book
or watch a documentary, although actually I do also
enjoy historical films which teach me something about
the past.

EDUCATION

a university graduate

School

a postgraduate student / course

to do a postgraduate course / a
Masters / a PhD (Doctorate)

to be a qualified [job title]

to qualify in [subject]

to take a gap year

to drop out of university

nursery / primary / secondary schools /

education

state school / private school

boarding school

all girls / all boys school

to go to / attend school

the curriculum

extra-curricular activities

school trips

to sit / do / take an exam

However,

to resit / retake an exam

Nevertheless,

to revise (for an exam)

On the one hand . but on the other

hand

to pass / to fail an exam

Although

to get exam results

Despite

to get qualifications / to be qualified

But,

to leave school / a school-leaver

to drop out of school / to be a dropout

to study for [a qualification / an exam]

to be academic / to be an all-rounder

University

tertiary / higher education

colleges of higher education / technical

colleges / universities

to apply for a course

to get an (un)conditional offer

to do a course in [subject]

halls of residence / student

accommodation

student union / student body

an undergraduate

a graduation ceremony

to get a university degree / a Masters /

a Doctorate (Phd)

to graduate from university / to

graduate in [subject]

Useful Linking Expressions

Introducing a contrast

Sample Answer
Qu.1 Is there a system of free state education in your
country?
In my country there is a state education system
offering free education for children from 318, although parents still have to pay for food,
materials, school trips and other extra-curricular
activities. This is only one part of the system, however,
because there are also private schools and semiprivate schools, which are partly funded by the state.
So on the one hand it appears that we do have free
state education, but in actual fact it isnt available to
everyone because places are limited.

COMMUNICATION

Common forms of communication

Reasons for communicating

giving a demonstration / demonstrating

speaking / talking face-to-face

giving instructions / instructing

speaking / talking on the phone / by

mobile phone

asking for / giving directions (directing)

asking for / giving advice (advising)

sending a text message / an SMS

(texting)

making a complaint / complaining

sending / writing a letter (snail mail)

making small talk / building social

relations

sending / writing an email

exchanging views / opinions

using an electronic messenger service

gossiping

social networking

sending a fax

Business communication

writing a report / proposal /

recommendation

Non-verbal forms of communication

lip-reading

participating in a call conference

using body language

participating in a video conference

using sign language

giving a presentation

using hand gestures / signals

chairing a meeting

using facial expressions

Informal utterances

Effective communication skills

maintaining eye-contact

Give me a call

projecting your voice

Call me

varying your intonation

Send me a text / an email

punctuating your sentences

Text me / email me

emphasizing / repeating key words

Drop me a line (letter/email)

engaging the listener

Give me a buzz (call)

Give me a bell (call)

Keep / Stay in touch

Ill be in touch

Useful Linking Expressions

Giving opinions

In my view,

In my opinion,

Other forms of communication

From my point of view,

making / giving a speech

In my experience,

speaking in public / public speaking

As I see it,

giving a lecture / lecturing

Personally, I think

giving a seminar

I believe / feel that

For me personally,

As far as Im concerned,