Unique Personalities

Vocabulary
A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb cynical A. seeing little or no good in other people, believing that people do good things for bad reasons A. having strange, unusual or abnormal habits or tastes THIS TERM IS LESS
INSULTING THAN STRANGE, WEIRD OR BIZARRE.

eccentric

egotistical

A. thinking too highly of oneself, considering oneself better than others A. creative, having much imagination A. unable to decide quickly, not knowing what choice to make A. hard to please, too careful in choosing something A. practical, reasonable, something that makes sense A. easily feels emotion, easily hurt emotionally CAN BE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE A. representing high culture, very experienced in life A. often doing things to make other people feel good

imaginative indecisive picky sensible sensitive sophisticated thoughtful

Higher Education
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb apprenticeship N. training in an art or a trade
THIS WORD IS ALSO SOMETIMES USED TO DESCRIBE EDUCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS, COMMON IN EUROPE AND MUCH OF THE WORLD, IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN THEIR PROFESSION THROUGH ON-THE-JOB TRAINING IN COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS. OFTEN THIS INCLUDES ONE OR TWO DAYS A WEEK OF IN-CLASS TRAINING. THIS KIND OF EDUCATION IS UNCOMMON IN THE UNITED STATES.

to be funded

V. to be paid for, to supply the money for

a degree facilities to major a major

N. a title given by a university N. services or conveniences V. to specialize in (a particular academic field) N. the main field of study in which a university student specializes V. to have a secondary specialization in (a particular academic field) N. the secondary field of study in which a student specializes V. to be the short form of, to represent, to mean N. specialized words or expressions used in a particular field, activity, job, science, etc. V. 1) to change schools 2) to move from one place to another SAID OF PEOPLE OR THINGS N. Bachelor of Arts, an undergraduate degree in a humanities-related subject N. Bachelor of Science, an undergraduate degree in a science-related subject N. the graduate degree after a bachelor's and before a Ph.D. THERE ARE ALSO DIFFERENT KINDS OF MASTER'S, INCLUDING M.A. (MASTER
OF ARTS), M.S. (MASTER OF SCIENCE), M.B.A. (MASTER IN BUSINESS

to minor

a minor

to stand for terminology

to transfer

B.A.

B.S.

master's

ADMINISTRATION), ETC.

Ph.D.

N. doctorate, highest graduate degree ALTHOUGH PH.D. STANDS

FOR DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, IT IS COMMONLY USED TO REFER TO A DOCTORATE IN ANY FIELD.

Internet 101
Vocabulary

A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb a browser N. a program used to view the Internet MICROSOFT
INTERNET EXPLORER AND FIREFOX ARE EXAMPLES OF POPULAR INTERNET BROWSERS.

to click

V. 1) to press the button on a computer mouse 2) to make a small, sharp sound N. 1) the pressing of the mouse button 2) a small, sharp sound N. subject matter; the main idea of a book, a paper or a web page V. to legally protect content with a copyright N. the right in law to be the only producer, seller or distributor of a book, a play or a web page V. to artistically arrange the shape or layout of something N. 1) the artistic shape or layout of something 2) an architectural or technical plan for something V. to determine the size, shape and form of a written document N. the size, shape and form of a written document N. breaking a law or rule, disregarding a legal protection N. a series of interconnected computers and databases around the world V. to design the technical arrangement of a web page, building, garden, etc. N. the technical arrangement of a web page, building, garden, etc.

a click

content

to copyright a copyright

to design

a design

to format

a format

infringement

Internet (Net)

to lay out

a layout

World Wide Web (Web)

N. a series of commercial, educational and governmental web pages on the Internet

Ordering in a Restaurant
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb an appetizer a chef chives chowder to come with dressing an entree a menu salmon rare medium-rare medium well-done N. a small dish at the beginning of a meal, a starter N. a skilled cook N. a small onion-like herb commonly added to potatoes N. a kind of soup usually containing fish and vegetables V. to include (in a meal) N. a sauce added to salads N. a main dish N. a list of dishes available in a restaurant N. a large fish with silvery skin and pinkish meat A. very pink ADJECTIVE USED TO DESCRIBE A WAY OF COOKING MEAT A. slightly pink ADJECTIVE USED TO DESCRIBE A WAY OF COOKING MEAT A. normally cooked ADJECTIVE USED TO DESCRIBE A WAY OF COOKING MEAT A. fully cooked ADJECTIVE USED TO DESCRIBE A WAY OF COOKING MEAT

Changing Jobs
Vocabulary

A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to be bought out to be laid off V. to be purchased, taken over by another company V. to lose your job because the company wants to reduce the number of employees A. 1) liking competition, always competing with other people USED TO DESCRIBE PERSONALITIES2) having intense competition USED TO DESCRIBE MARKETS, INDUSTRIES OR BUSINESSES A. 1) very loyal 2) working hard for a person, company or idea V. to reduce the number of employees in a company in order to lower costs V. to throw away, remove, eliminate something or someone A. too old, antiquated V. to reeducate someone for a job, train again V. 1) to form into a smooth shape which can easily move through air or water 2) to improve the performance of something 3) to simplify a process V. to make more modern N. the latest information or news

competitive

dedicated

to downsize

to get rid of

outdated to retrain to streamline

to update an update

Getting an Apartment
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb an application N. a written request for an apartment, a job or entrance into a school or an organization

a credit report

N. a complete history of a person's paying habits

IN THE UNITED STATES, DETAILED CREDIT HISTORIES ARE KEPT ON ALL AMERICANS DESCRIBING HOW THEY PAY THEIR CREDIT CARD BILLS, RENT PAYMENTS, ELECTRICITY BILLS, CAR PAYMENTS, TELEPHONE BILLS, ETC. PEOPLE ARE GIVEN GRADES CALLED "CREDIT RATINGS" FOR HOW WELL THEY PAY OFF THEIR DEBT. WHEN A PERSON MOVES INTO AN APARTMENT, LANDLORDS OFTEN REQUEST CREDIT REPORTS TO FIND OUT IF A PERSON REGULARLY PAYS ON TIME.

to deposit a deposit

V. to put money in a bank N. 1) money which is put in a bank 2) money which is given to ensure that something will be returned or remain in good condition
FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU WANT TO RENT A BICYCLE, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT TO ENSURE THAT YOU BRING THE BIKE BACK.

to fill out furnished a landlord a landlady non-refundable a reference

V. to complete (a form) by writing in the information A. having furniture USED WITH APARTMENTS OR RENTAL PROPERTIES N. the man who runs an apartment building or property N. the woman who runs an apartment building or property A. cannot be returned (money) N. 1) a person who will provide information about your character or ability 2) a written letter which will provide information about your character or ability
WHEN LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES, IT IS COMMON TO
PROVIDE A LANDLORD WITH REFERENCES WHO WILL SAY THAT YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON WHO WILL NOT CAUSE PROBLEMS.

to sublet a tenant

V. to rent your apartment temporarily to someone else N. a person who is renting a room or apartment

States and Territories

Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb

to be classified

V. to be put into a category, to be arranged in classes or groups N. an area of land or political division used for official purposes A. relating to geography ADV. done in a way which is related to geography N. a cultural region in the United States known for its small towns, traditional culture, countryside and colored leaves in autumn N. a large area or part A. independently run, not controlled from the outside N. a smaller, partly self-governing division of certain countries V. to spread out, extend A. 1) connected with rope or string 2) connected (historically, politically, economically, etc.) N. an area of land ruled by a government
"TERRITORY" OFTEN SUGGESTS THAT THE AREA OF LAND IS NOT GIVEN FULL RECOGNITION OR EQUAL POWER IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

a district

geographical geographically New England

a region self-governing

a state

to stretch tied

a territory (territories)

Grocery Store Choices

Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to bill a bill V. to send a request for payment N. a request for payment

to come to to deduct to discount a discount discount to enter

V. to equal (an amount of money), to add up to, to total V. to take away, subtract (an amount of money) V. to reduce or lower the cost of a product N. a reduction in the cost of a product A. costing less money V. 1) to put in information electronically 2) to write in information V. to officially give out or print V. 1) to put things into a grocery bag 2) to put things into a box to move 3) to put things into a suitcase to take with you IDM. in a hurry V. to put a card through a computerized machine quickly so it can scan the information
WE USUALLY USE THIS WORD WITH ATM CARDS, CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, IDENTIFICATION CARDS, ETC.

to issue to pack

pressed for time to swipe

to verify

V. to make sure that something is true

Entertaining Films
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb alternative A. something which is done in a different way, not done in the normal way
IN THE U.S., ALTERNATIVE FILMS ARE USUALLY ARTISTIC FILMS OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS.

artsy

A. extremely artistic, overly artistic, too artistic

THIS OFTEN SUGGESTS THAT SOMEONE TRIED TOO HARD TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTISTIC.

entertaining hilarious

A. something which entertains; amusing and interesting A. something which is very funny; something which makes you laugh A. 1) containing strong emotions or feelings 2) extreme
AN INTENSE FILM IS ONE WHICH EMOTIONALLY DRAINS YOU OR MAKES YOU TIRED. INTENSE IS NOT NECESSARILY NEGATIVE, IT JUST MEANS THAT A MOVIE IS NOT LIGHT OR RELAXING.

intense

light mainstream

A. relaxing, amusing, not too intense

THIS IS THE OPPOSITE OF "INTENSE."

A. something which is usual, or commonly done

MAINSTREAM FILMS ARE THOSE WHICH ARE USUALLY HIGH-BUDGET, POPULAR, AND MADE FOR ENTERTAINMENT. "MAINSTREAM" IS THE OPPOSITE OF "ALTERNATIVE."

superficial

A. 1) not deep or profound; lacking real content 2) only on the surface A. something which makes you keep guessing or makes you question how something will end A. something which makes you think USED TO DESCRIBE MANY
DIFFERENT THINGS, SUCH AS MOVIES, BOOKS, CONVERSATIONS, IDEAS, ISSUES, ETC.

suspenseful

thought-provoking

Returns and Refunds

Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to carry V. to offer a particular item for sale; to have an item in the store N. a technical problem, a flaw, a mistake in construction V. to change one item for another A. annoying, upsetting, bothersome

a defect to exchange irritating

a model a policy

N. a particular type of a mechanical product N. a plan or course of action in business or government which is regularly followed V. to return money which a person paid for a product or service V. to send something large through the mail N. a credit given to a customer which can be used to buy a new product
WHEN CUSTOMERS RETURN A PRODUCT TO A STORE, SOMETIMES INSTEAD OF CASH, THEY
ARE GIVEN A STORE CREDIT WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO BUY ANOTHER PRODUCT OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE.

to refund

to ship store credit

a warranty

N. This is a guarantee given by a company which ensures that the product they sell is well made. If it breaks too soon, they agree to repair it or replace it free of charge.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to carve V. to cut something into a special shape, to cut special designs or patterns into something N. something handmade; a handmade piece of art V. to focus something totally on a particular subject V. to live in a place N. the people who have grown up in and continue to live in a particular area FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU ARE IN SANTA FE AND YOU REFER
TO THE LOCALS, YOU ARE REFERRING TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE GROWN UP IN AND CONTINUE TO LIVE IN SANTA FE.

a craft to devote to inhabit locals

Native American

A. the politically correct term for American Indian people

to resemble a reservation synonymous

V. to be like, to be similar to N. a piece of land given to an American Indian tribe A. being so strongly associated with something that it almost has the same meaning N. a distinct group of native people
THE SIOUX, APACHE, MAASAI AND ZULU ARE ALL FAMOUS TRIBES.

a tribe

Aerospace Industry
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb aerospace N. 1) the science and technology of flying in the air and in outer space 2) the area including earth's atmosphere and outer space A. 1) related to the science and technology of flying in the air and in outer space 2) related to the area including earth's atmosphere and outer space A. having a strong desire for success N. argument or debate about something V. to bring people together so they can work more efficiently or effectively V. to encourage (something) to grow or develop N. a person who works as a representative or connection between two or more companies, agencies, groups, countries, etc. N. the purpose for which a person or thing is sent; a special military or technical project N. a machine sent to explore or check an area

aerospace

ambitious controversy to coordinate

to foster a liaison

a mission

a probe

to probe a stepping-stone a venture

V. to search or explore with a probe N. a way to get ahead, a way to advance N. a project or course of action which involves risk or danger

Humor
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to crack up dry to giggle V. to laugh uncontrollably, to laugh a lot A. not obvious, subtle (sense of humor) V. to laugh a little without opening your mouth very much A. funny, amusing N. the act of speaking or singing like a famous person V. to make jokes, to joke with someone; to not be serious about something N. a person who entertains by telling humorous stories and jokes; a professional comedian who performs live A. funny in a slightly stupid way; funny in a way which is not really intelligent or sophisticated A. 1) sick, disgusting, abnormal 2) using sick or disgusting things in a humorous way A. 1) funny in an intelligent way 2) full of fast, humorous responses

humorous an impression to kid

a stand-up comedian

silly

twisted

witty

Telecommunications
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb a carrier competition N. a company which provides telephone service N. when several companies in an industry sell the same product or service resulting in lower prices and better customer support N. the act of taking a government-controlled industry and opening it up to private companies for the purpose of introducing competition N. a charge for a professional service V. to make the electrical connections required for a machine or information service V. 1) to put in or add a piece of equipment or hardware 2) to add (new software or hardware) to a computer N. when one company (or the government) has control over an industry and does not allow competition V. to make a telephone call N. an area outside a city where people live rather than work N. the industry or technology of sending and receiving messages by telephone (or other electronic devices)

deregulation

a fee to hook up

to install

a monopoly

to place a call the suburbs

telecommunications

Hiking / Trekking
Vocabulary

A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb altitude sickness a canteen dehydration N. an illness caused from being at high elevations N. a container used for carrying drinking water N. a physical condition caused by not drinking enough water; having the water removed from something N. equipment used for a particular purpose (camping, sports, fishing, etc.) V. to go on a walk through nature for pleasure or exercise N. a walk through nature for pleasure or exercise N. written permission from a government office or other organization to do something N. a person who carries gear and supplies on a trek N. a person who is employed to take care of a state park or a national park N. a path (through forest, grass, sand) created when many people or animals walk back and forth over the same area
MARKED PATHS IN NATURAL PARKS AND RESERVES ARE USUALLY CALLED TRAILS.

gear

to hike a hike a permit

a porter a ranger

a trail

to trek a trek

V. to travel by foot over a great distance N. a journey over a great distance

WE OFTEN USE THE WORD "TREK" WHEN A TRIP LASTS SEVERAL DAYS AND IS QUITE CHALLENGING.

Coffee Houses
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb

to appeal to to blend a blend to chat a chat decaf a fad to hang out a hangout overpriced to pop up to sip trendy

V. to attract or interest (a certain group of people) V. to combine, mix together N. a combination, a mixture
"BLEND" IS OFTEN USED TO REFER TO A SPECIAL MIXTURE OF COFFEE BEANS.

V. to talk in a friendly, informal way; to discuss things for fun N. an informal discussion A. without caffeine, with reduced caffeine
THIS IS THE SHORT FORM OF "DECAFFEINATED."

N. a fashion, a trend, a short-term interest V. to spend time at a place (just relaxing or being with friends) N. a place where you spend much of your time A. costing too much money V. to suddenly appear V. to slowly drink A. 1) very fashionable, too fashionable 2) interested in extremely fashionable things
THIS WORD IS SOMETIMES USED IN A NEGATIVE WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SOMETHING HAS BECOME RIDICULOUSLY FASHIONABLE.

E-commerce
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb a cell phone N. a wireless telephone based on cellular technology V. to come together, to become one thing

to converge

a device to distribute

N. a small mechanical machine or instrument V. to divide among many people or places; to pass out, to hand out N. the process of distributing among many people or places; the passing out or handing out of something N. buying and selling things on the Internet N. fast connections (to the Internet) A. related to fast connections (to the Internet) N. a device which transfers information from your computer to a telephone or cable line N. an interconnected set of computers A. can be carried or moved N. forms of electronic communication which do not use wires (such as cellular technology)

distribution

e-commerce high bandwidth high-bandwidth a modem

a network portable wireless communications

Presidential Elections
Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb to abandon to back a ballot to campaign V. to leave something behind; to give something up V. to give support to N. the piece of paper you write your vote on V. to advertise oneself (or someone else) as a candidate in an upcoming election; to work towards getting oneself (or someone else) elected

a campaign

N. 1) the process of trying to get oneself (or someone else) elected 2) an attempt or series of attempts to achieve a goal V. to put (your ballot) in the ballot box N. social relationships which allow you certain opportunities; the people you know who can help you (get a job, raise money, gain power, etc.) V. to have a structured, formal argument about a controversial topic N. a structured, formal argument on a controversial topic V. to choose someone to be a leader through a democratic vote N. the process of choosing a leader through a democratic vote V. to campaign to be president, to try to become president V. to formally express one's choice in writing or by raising one's hand; to make one's choice in an election N. the act of formally expressing one's choice in writing or by raising one's hand

to cast (a ballot) connections

to debate

a debate

to elect

an election

to run for president

to vote

a vote

Turn off the TV

Vocabulary A. = Adjective ADV. = Adverb IDM. = Idiom N. = Noun V. = Verb a commercial a couch potato N. an advertisement on TV N. a lazy person who sits around all day watching TV

a documentary

N. an educational TV program or movie usually describing nature or history N. a serious TV program, movie or play that involves all the emotions V. to sit in a big comfortable chair or lie on a couch and relax this is an informal way of saying "no" A. between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night
THIS EXPRESSION IS USED WHEN REFERRING TO THE TELEVISION SCHEDULE.

a drama

to kick back

nope prime-time prime time

N. the time between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night

THE MOST POPULAR SHOWS ARE SHOWN DURING PRIME TIME.

a sitcom trials and tribulations trivia

N. a half-hour comedy show N. problems and difficulties of life N. unimportant or useless information