(OP ee eC collocation practice for me ale Learning and practising the most useful words of English George WoolardKey Words for Fluency Upper intermediate collocation practice learning and practising the most useful words of English George Woolard THOMSON ————— United Kingdom + United States + Australia + Canada * Mexico + Singapore + SpainTHOMSON —4__~ Key Words for Fluency Upper Intermediate George Woolard Publisher: Christopher Wenger Director of Product Development: Anita Raducanu Director of Marketing: Amy Mabley Developmental Editor: Jimmie Hill intl, Marketing Manager: Eric Bredenberg Production Manager: Sally Cogliano Copyright © 2004 by Thomson ELT, a part of the ‘Thomson Corporation. ‘Thomson ELT and the Thomson logo are trademarks used herein under license. Al rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution or information storage and retrieval systems—without the written permission of the publisher. Printed in Healy 123456789 10 08 07 06 05 OF For more information, contact Thomson Learning, High Holborn House, 50/5! Bedford Row, London WC1R ALR, United Kingdom, or Thomson Heinle, 25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210 USA or you can Visit our Internet site at hetp://www.heinle.com For permission to use material from this book, submit a request online at www.thomsonrights.com ISBN: 0-7593-9627-2 Sr. Print Buyer: Mary Beth Hennebury Mlustrator: Bill Scott Cover/Text Designer: Joseph Sherman ‘Cover Image: © Anna Macleod Printer: Canale The author George Woolard is an experienced ELT teacher and trainer who has worked in Greece, Malaysia and the UK. He now teaches at Stevenson College, Edinburgh. His publications include Lessons with Laughter and Grammar with Laughter (Thomson ELT). Acknowledgements Jam grateful to Michael Lewis for his help and support in shaping this book in its early stages. | should also like to thank those colleagues and students at Stevenson College, Edinburgh whose comments and feedback proved invaluable during the development of the material. Finally, am particularly grateful to my editor, jimmie Hill. The final shape of this book owes much to his careful guidance and to the many insights, suggestions ‘and examples he provided. George WoolardIntroduction Pages 4-5 Key Words Pages 6 — 150 ability account action activity advantage advice agreement aim answer apology approval area argument attempt attention attitude ban behaviour belief benefit cause challenge chance change choice circumstances comment complaint concern condition consequence control cost criticism crowd danger date day decision demand description detail difference difficulty direction disaster doubt effect effort event excuse expectation experience explanation facts failure fight freedom help hope idea image impact impression improvement incident influence information instructions interest issue item judgement knowledge lime look tuck material matter measures meeting memory method mind mistake moment movement need number ‘occasion offer opinion opportunity order Contents person place plan position possibility power problem process progress promise proposal quality question rate reaction reason record relationship report request response responsibility result right risk role rule safety situation size space standard state story subject success suggestion system thing thought time trouble truth use value view Violence warning way word work Of expressions Pages 15! ~ 161 an act of an amount of a a a a a a a a a a a copy of great deal of feature of lack of level of list of oss of matter of part of piece of a range of sense of series of set of sign of stage of supply of waste of Answer key Page 162 - 175Introduction What are collocations? Collocations are common combinations of words. If you want to speak and write English well, you need to know them. For example, verb + noun, adjective + noun, noun + noun, noun + preposition + noun combinations. Collocation is a major key to fluency. Look at these sentences containing the word ‘problem’: |. There is a great deal of indecision over how to tackle the problem. 2. | believe that traffic congestion in large cities is an insurmountable problem. 3. We must get to the root of this problem. We need to discover the cause. You can see that problem collocates with the verb tackle, with the adjective insurmountable, and it forms a noun expression with the root of. And these are only a few of its collocations! Learning vocabulary When learning vocabulary, it is not enough just to know the meaning or translation of a word. You also need 10 learn its collocations if you are to use it correctly and naturally when speaking or writing. Learning new vocabulary is not just learning new words; it is also learning familiar words in new combinations. Becoming more aware of collocation Ieis important that you develop an awareness of collocations and begin to notice them more and more. Task | Underline the collocations of the word ability in these sentences. |. She was so shocked by the accident that she lost the ability to speak. 2. She has exceptional abilities as a musician. 3. Tiger Woods may be the best golfer in the world, but the Open Championship next week will be a real test of his ability. To check what you think and find out more collocations of ability, go to the first unit in this book. You also need to know which words do not go together. You need to be constantly aware of the fact that words with the same meaning do not necessarily form the same collocations. The following task demonstrates this. Task 2 Cross out the wrong collocations for progress in these sentences. |. Fallen trees are stopping / holding up the progress of the rescue: 2. There has been fast / rapid progress in computer technology in the past few years. 3. We are making slow but steady / constant progress. To check and find out more collocations for progress, go to page 108. Key Words This book provides practice in learning the collocations of some of the most useful words in English — the key words you need at your level of English. These key words are the nouns we use to talk about a very wide range of topics ~ very general nouns like abilty, change, effect, progress, responsibily, views etc. Nouns are the most important words in a sentence because when we talk about something, we usually name it with a noun. Furthermore, studying nouns is a very efficient way of learning vocabulary because the noun will nacurally take us to the verbs and adjectives that combine with it. For example, in the sentence My mother holds very strong views on the subject of marriage, a focus on the key word views leads to the adjective strong. and the verb hold, This means that you are learning expressions, not single words. In this particular case: hold strong views on. 4 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper IntermediateHow is the book organised? This book is divided into two sections. The main section consists of 145 one-page units, arranged alphabetically, ‘each of which focuses on a single key word. The second section consists of 20 important nouns which are followed by ‘of. For example: series of, lack of, a great deal of ete. Task 3 We talk about a lack of help, 2 lack of funding, a lack of support. Can you think of more ways of completing the phrase a lack of .. To find out more, go to page 154. Each unit consists of a series of exercises which help you to notice and practise the most common collocations of a key word. The exercises usually focus on verb, adjective, preposition and noun combinations. Notes are also provided to give further details on other common uses of the key word. Some of the key words have different meanings. For example, chance means opportunity or possibilty. Exercises usually treat the different meanings separately. Sometimes the collocations of a word are different if itis singular or plural. Pay particular attention to this in the exercises and notes. When you finish the exercises for a particular key word, you will have learned at least fifteen new pieces of information about that word. So remember, you may be focusing on only one word, but you are learning other words at the same time and learning groups of words in useful combinations. The collocations of the 165 key words in this book amount to around 2,500 vocabulary items! How to use this book There is simply not enough time to learn all these collocations in class, so this book is designed for self-study. Ie will supplement and add to the work contained in your coursebook, enabling you to develop your vocabulary quickly and independently. You can do the units in any order that suits you. For speaking and writing You can use the exercises when you have to write an essay or discuss something in class. For example, if the lesson in your coursebook is about Extreme Sports, then it makes sense to look at risk and danger. For example, this will allow you to say: If you don’t wear a helmet while mountain biking, you run the risk of serious head injury. les important that you are fully aware of the dangers of climbing in this area. For reading and listening The more collocations you know and can recognise, the easier you will find it to understand texts and to understand films and people when they speak to you. This is because you won't need to listen to every single word, but will recognise longer expressions. To prepare for an examination Collocation practice is one of the best ways to prepare for the FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS and similar examinations, especially for the speaking and writing sections. Keep this book! ‘When you have completed the exercises in this book, you should keep it as a reference book. It is like a dictionary — a book that you return to again and again. It is a well-known fact that if you practise new language, you will begin to speak and write English more fluently and naturally. So, think of this book as a kind of lexical gym’, in which you give yourself regular workouts! George Woolard, Edinburgh Key Words for Fluency — Upper Intermediate 5ability | Verb + ability Use the correct form of these verbs: ajfea assess overestimate lose dou show |. Examinations are not the only means of . someone's ability. There are other ways of measuring potential 2. Ac first | questioned his abilities, but he has done the job so well. 'm now ashamed that I had so little confidence in him and that |. his abilities in the first place 3. It is a well-known fact that even small amounts of alcohol can your ability to drive safely. 4, She was so shocked by the accident that she the ability to speak. 5. Although Pecer . a lot of ability as a teenager, he just wasn't good enough to go professional. 6. thhad to give up half way through the race. | had obviously my ability to run a marathon Go back and underline all the verb collocations with ability. 2 Noun + preposition + ability Use these nouns in the sentences: confidence best lack reflection test use 1. Tiger Woods may be the best golfer in the world, but the Open Championship next week will be a real .........of his ability. 2. Raymond is very clever, but he doesn't make full of his abilities. 3. I was surprised when he failed his examinations. His results are certainly not a true.........0f his abilities. 4. He's extremely competent and will do the job properly. | have every .........in his ability. 5. He said that he would try to do the job to the cose. 0f his ability, 6. I believe he lost confidence. His failure was not due toa......... of ability. Go back and underline all the noun + preposition + ability collocations. 3 Common adjective collocations Use these adjectives in the sentences: ‘average considerable mixed natural incredible proven |. Most of us have to work hard to learn to play 2 musical instrument. However, there are people who are born «ability and who learn effortlessly 2. The students in my class are of . - ability, so | teach them in groups according to their level. 3. I have no doubts that he has . -ability, but I don’t think his personality is suited to this kind of work. 4. We need somebody who has done this before — with the .... ability to do the job. 5. I'm not a genius and I'm not stupid. would describe myself as being of . ability. 6. | don't know how she does it, but Annie Lennox has this .... - ability to electrify her audience Go back and underline all the adjective + ability collocations in this exercise. Notes Here are three ways to describe ‘great’ ability: She has a remarkable abilty to recall long poems after only reading therm once. ‘She has exceptional abilties as a musician His examination results are proof of his outstonding ability. Remember that an adjective collocation can come before or after the noun: ‘She has remarkable ability. Her abilty is remarkable. Notice the use of best’ in 2-5.'Best’ is usually an adjective, but itis used as a noun in the expression 10 'do something to the best of your ability’ | We can talk about specific abilities: ‘musical abilty physical abilty linguistic bitty technical abiity artistic ability ‘acting ability ‘When we talk about very inteligent children, we often call them ‘children of above average ability’. 6 Key Words for Fiuency — Upper Intermediateaccount | Verb + account Use the correct form of these verbs: accept differ corroborate provide keep listen to |. The priest the old woman's account of the death of her child with compassion. 2. I'm going to .........-a detailed account of my travels in India. I'm going to write a book when | get back. 3. The diaries «0.52.2... a full account of the writer's experiences in prison. 4. Do you think we should .. events? Can we really trust him? 5. The police only believed me after an eye-witness my account of the accident. 6. There were'a number of accounts of the assassination of President Kennedy which ..... considerably from the official version of events. Go back and underline all the verb + account collocations, his account of 2 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjective collocations in these sentences: blow-by-blow account clear account conflicting accounts fascinating account full account grophic account 1. 1 didn'e know who to believe.The two witnesses gave. of the incident. 2. We'only waned a brief accoune 6f the incident but he insisted on giving us a . of everything that had happened. 3. Our new director gave a very .....-.- of his plans for the future of the company. They were well-expressed and easy to understand. 4, Her new biography gives a... of her travels in the jungles of Africa. >Yes. It’s very interesting. There's a scary account of how she was almost killed by a tiger: 5. The refugee gave such a......... ss OF his torture that | thought ! was going to be sick. How can human beings do such terrible things? 6. The Prime Minister is expected to give a.......- «of his meeting with the President to Parliament this morning. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate 3 Adjective + account Use the following adjectives in these sentences: eye-witness faithful hair-raising humorous sketchy mowing. 1. I think fase night's programme was just what we needed. It was a.........-account of the events leading up to the plane crash. 2. According to an account, the robbers escaped in a blue car. 3. She gave a . account of her escape from a pack of wild dogs in the Australian outback. 4, The speaker gave us a account of life at university. He had us all in fits of laughter. 5. We only have a..........account of the accident at the moment. We can't say if anybody has died. 6. The book provides a... account of the suffering of ordinary people in war-torn Eritrea. |. In 2-2 a'blow-by-blow account’ gives all the details, missing nothing out. Notice these similar examples. He gave a comprehensive account of his movements on the day of the murder. t wos a very detailed account If you experience something yourself, you can give a firsthand account of an eye-witness account. ‘When account means report, you can use glowing: We were really proud.All our sons’ teachers gave glowing ‘accounts oftheir progress. . The expression by all accounts means according 10 what people say. For example: The mountain villages are really worth visiting, by all ‘accounts.action | Verb + action Use the correct form of these verbs: condone demand explain put into swing into take |. Shopkeepers in the town centre are ...2..... ‘tougher action against the vandals who continue to damage their shops at night. 2. She will have to ....@....her actions — and defend them before the disciplinary committee — if she is to get her job back. 3. We've had enough talk! We need to . gy... these ideas ... action as soon as we can. 4. Air traffic controllers are threatening to ... industrial action if their pay demands aren't met. 5. The emergency services are always on standby and ready to... g}....-action at a moment's notice. 6. There's no way that the college can... 0... the actions of these students. Throwing egg@at the Queen is not an appropriate way to protest. 2 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives in these sentences: disciplinary drastic evasive joint prompt whatever 1 lftthe manager hadn't acted so quickly, the whole factory would have been destroyed. It was his Sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 3. Matt knows what he's talking about. He has a lot of experience in dealing with this kind of situation so we can't afford to . .» his advice. 4, We're not sure if our plan to start up a new fast- food restaurant in this area is likely to succeed or not and we would ............your advice on the matter. 5. Jim had no close friends, so he had no one to for advice when he needed it most. welcome Mark the following sentences: means ‘ignoring advice’ G__ if it means ‘giving advice” T if it means ‘accepting advice’ 1. He simply won't listen to any advice from me. 2. He just follows his parents’ advice blindly. 3. They just completely disregarded my advice. 4. My offer of advice is still open. 5. Sam's 16 and is actually very good at taking advice. 6. Heed my advice — or take the consequences! 2 Prepositions with advice Use the following prepositions in the sentences: against on to 1. He went back to work ....... the advice of his doctor. He should have stayed off longer. 2. I bought some technology shares of my brother, who's an accountant. 3. We went to India in July . our friends who told us to w: the weather would be cooler. 4. Can you give me some advice .. a good hotel in Rome? 5. My advice .. solicitor first before doing anything. 6. Here's a leaflet with some good advice starting you own business. Go back and underline all the complete prepositional expressions. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate the advice of all till February when where to find you would be to go and see your 3 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives in these sentences: contradictory advice friendly advice impartial advice professional advice sound advice unsolicited advice I. The legal system is so complex nowadays that it is often impossible to understand it without ........ 2. l often ask my teacher for advice when | have a big decision to make. He's full of . based on common sense. 3. I've been given .. cose by two different financial advisors ~ one told me to sell my shares while che other told me to hold onto them, What am | supposed to do? 4, | wouldn't say anything to him. He doesn't like He'll just tell you that if he needs your advice he'll ask for it! 5. Ics really difficult to get. nowadays, but your sol give this kind of help. 6. You might not want to hear this, John, but as somebody who knows you well and cares about you, can | give you some .... r is bound by rules to rr really dont think Mary’ the right woman for you. the advice 4agreement | Verb + agreement Use the correct form of these verbs: break cancel get honour reach sign |. Make sure you look closely at the details before you enter into any agreement. Never ....... an agreement without reading the small print first. 2. We reserve the right to ........this agreement if you fail to make the regular monthly payments. 3. You'll have to ........your parents’ agreement if you want to go on the school trip. 4, When we make an agreement with someone, we always ........it. Our reputation depends on the fact that we adhere strictly to any agreement we make 5. After hours of talking the two sides failed to Be: agreement. They will meet again tomorrow in a final attempt to come to some sort of agreement. 6. By going on strike they ........ the agreement they made earlier with their employer. They could be fired for breaching the terms of the agreement. 2 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives in these sentences: ‘amicable binding tacit general unanimous verbal I. Its bese to get things in writing. . agreements often don't stand up in court 2, Nothing was said at the meeting. There seemed to be. agreement that the subject of the manager's expenses wouldn't be discussed. 3. My wife and | came to an .........-agreement ‘when we split up. She got the house and I got the money. It worked out really well 4, There is ..........agreement in the medical profession that pregnant women shouldn't smoke. 5. Itwas not a..........agreement in their view, so they feel they can break it without penalty. 6. There is agreement that a new airport is needed. Nobody disputes that, but there fundamental disagreement over where to build it. Go back and underline the collocations. 2 Key Words for Fluency - Upper Intermediate 3 Verb + disagreement Use the correct form of the following verbs: couse express. shave. resolve |. Protesters marched through London to ... their disagreement with government policy. 2. My wife and I don't ..........many disagreements, but when they do arise, they tend to be over the best way to spend money. 3. Management and unions have been trying to «their disagreement over proposals to reduce the workforce, but after three days of talks there is still no sign of an agreement. 4. | think the new timetables are certain to .. disagreement amongst staff. “We're not protesters! Were only expressing our disagreement!” Notes . Notice the differences in meaning in the following examples: We are in complete agreement. (We agree about everything) We are in broad agreement. (We agree about most things) 2 We use a number of actives to desribe 2 disagreement: Thetis censderable dsogrement ove the oy ofaim | Verb + aim Use the correct form of these verbs: achieve clarify have set out pursue support |. You'll need to .+-the aims and objectives of your project. Make sure you state them clearly at the beginning of your report. 2. Our organisation is committed to .... its aims through peaceful means. We totally reject violence as a means of political change. 3. Some companies ...........their aims in a very ruthless way — with no thought of what they are doing to the environment. ADV occccscesssthe aims of animal rights activists because | want to see a ban on using animals in experiments. 5. He's just drifting He seems to .... in life at all. Would you talk to him? 6, All parents receive a booklet which . the school’s aims and objectives before their children start their first term. In which examples above could you also use: fut sympathise with 2 With the aim of Complete the sentences below: awareness dependency homelessness employment relations |. My sister went to Valencia last year with the aim offinding ............in the hotel industry so that she could improve her Spanish. 2. This booklet has been produced with the aim of easing public .. of AIDS. 3. Anew scheme has been set up with the aim of reducing people's on the welfare state. 4. The police regularly visit schools in run-down inner-city areas with the aim of improving community ...... 5. Anew a has been set up with the aim of tackling . among young single men. Go back and underline the full expressions. --no aims Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate 3 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives below: broad clear common underlying long-term sole Joudable |. Before you start this project, it is important to have 2...........aim in mind. You really need to know where you're going. Increasing the state pension is a... but I don’t think the country can afford it. 3. Promotion to the first division is the aim of the club, but our immediate aim is to win our next match. | sympathise with the aims of the party, but on this particular issue I'm afraid | have to disagree. . Although the President is here on an official visit, I think the ...........aim is to promote trade. He's a selfish sort of person. His ... aim in life seems to be to make money. This company will only be successful if people work together with ...........aims. x » s ~ The chief / main aim of the course is to far with the uses ofthe internet to prevent the spread of communism. The primary aim in sumo wrestling isto opponent right out of the rng! 4. Notice short-term, medium-term, and goals,answer 1 Verb + answer (meaning reply) Use the correct form of these verbs: demand five need be receive wait for 1. Did you an answer to your letter? 2. We sent a letter of complaint ages ago. Three months later we're stil ........ an answer. 3. The managing director ...........an answer. He was furious and wanted to know why things had gone so badly wrong. 4, The Prime Minister promised to ...........a written answer to the MP's detailed question. 5. We. an answer immediately. If you can't give us one, we can't get on with the job. 6. I rang the bell several times, but there no answer, “Tm sorry, you've got the wrong answer — again!” 2 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives in these sentences: correct detailed final honest immediate short 1. I don'e expect an ...........-answer. Think it over and let me know by the end of the week 2. Just give me a straight and -answer, ‘and stop trying to evade the question, will you? 3. Is that your --answer? If trouble you much longer. 4. The .. . answer to your question is NO! 5h nial taking lots of time to give us clear and . answers to all ‘our questions. 6. Very often some of these questions have more than one ........-..-answer. is, I won't 3 Verb + answer (meaning solution) Use the correct form of these verbs: arrive at come up with guess have know provide Lift. «the answer, I'd tell you! 2. Yes, we are aware of the problem, but unfortunately we do not ...........the answer. 3. You'll never ...........the answer in a million years! Do you want a clue? 4, Wee in trouble if someone doesn't the right answer soon. 5. The new accounting system will =the answers you need in a matter of minutes. 6. We... the correct answer by a process of elimination. We rejected the choices one by ‘one until we only had one left. 4 More adjective collocations Use the correct form of these verbs: wrong simple long-term definite obvious only |. There is no answer to the problems facing the economy. It’s a very complex situation. 2. Food aid may provide temporary relief to the people of Eritrea, but it is not a answer to the problems facing the country. 3. | think you've put the 3. It should be 5.25, not 5.52. 4, We are unable to treat this condition with drugs. An operation may be the answer. 5. don't see what the problem is. If we can't hire a bus, the .......-answer is to cancel the trip. 6, Its to0 early to give a........ answer. We won't be in a position to do so for a couple of days. answer for number Notes |. Note the following more formal phrase: {In answer to your enquiry, we regret to say that we have no vacancies at present. 2. If someone thinks they know everything we often say that they think they know all the answers. 3. Ia child onswers their porent back, they are being rude. 4 Key Words for Fluency - Upper Intermediateapology | Verb + apology Use the correct form of these verbs: give demand expect make offer owe 1. We weren't looking for any compensation for the delay, but we did at least ...........an apology. 2. Don't you think you ........... your mother an apology for the way you behaved at Jo's wedding? 3. I'm really sorry we can't come to dinner on Saturday. Something really serious has come up. Please . . Our apologies to your wife. 4. My wife was so angry with the way she had been treated that she marched up to the manager and ..an apology for the bad service. 5. Ihave an apology to ........... . I'm afraid | think Ve just broken that pen you lent me. 6, What more can | do? | .. her an apology for my appalling behaviour at the party, but she wouldn't accept it. 2 Common adjective collocations ‘Complete the sentences below with the following: belated full formal I. Please accept our ......... apologies for the error in your flight booking. 2. The newspaper was forced to publish a . and detailed apology to the pop star for making untrue allegations about his personal life. 3. The Minister had to stand up in Parliament and make a.. apology for his unfortunate remarks on immigration. 4. I'm just e-mailing you to apologise for not turning up for last week's meeting. | was abroad and didn’t hear about it ~ so .......... apologies. Now cross out the adjective which does not fit: 5, Look, it was a mistake. Please accept my hearty / heartfelt apologies. 6. The hospital wrote to me personally with a profound / professional apology for their mistake. 7. When 2 politician makes a mistake, they really ‘ought to make a public / publicised apology. 8. Even the most abject / object apology isn’t enough when you are caught stealing from a colleague! Go back and underline the adjective collocations. sincere 3 Of + apology Complete the sentences below with the following: full deter way words 1. Following our complaint about our hotel room, we received a formal of apology from the management and a voucher for 2 free weekend for two! 2. As usual Andy was .........-of apologies for what he had done. But | know his apologies mean absolutely nothing! 3. He sent me some chocolate ry. of an apology. He obviously finds x fficult to apologise face to face. 4. After | told him | didn’t want to marry him, he muttered a few ..........0f apology and left the room. | felt so sorry for him | almost changed my mind! “Don’t you think at least you ‘owe someone an apology?” Notes Note the following idiom: Getting an apology out of my friend is like getting blood from a stone! We send apologies when we can't come to a meeting, For example: The headmaster has sent his apologies. He's had to go to London. Look at this example: | make no apologies for what | said to her. She deserved every word! You say this when you feel strongly that you were right to do or say what you did.You feel that no apology is necessary. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate 5approval | Verb + approval Use the correct form of these verbs: give meet with need seek show win 1. The board of directors talked over the proposal and decided to ...........it their approval 2. My plans for the new house are complete — now all |...........is approval to build it. 3. The audience . «their approval by calling for encore after encore, then giving them a standing ovat on. her father’s 4, She despera.cly wants to .. approval 5. Welll have to .. approval from head office before spending any more on this project. 6. The council's plans for new traffic measures have ........... the approval of local residents. 2 Common adjective collocations Choose the correct adjective in the following: |. Most guarantees on anything you buy now state that if the goods do not meet with your... approval, you may return them within 30 days of purchase — as long as you still have the receipt! (full / detailed) 2. You need approval from the local council before you can build a garage in your garden. (official / legal) 3. Much against his wishes, the founder of the ‘troubled company was forced to give his ........ approval to the takeover plans. (reluctant / grudging) 4, Last night’s committee meeting gave approval to your plan for a new day centre for elderly people. There wasn't even one vote against. (complete / unanimous) 5. The constitution of the USA requires the President to seek the approval of Congress for any kind of military action, (previous / prior) 6. Incredibly, the proposed changes to the voting system have met with ..........approval. There have been very few objections. {majority | widespread) 3 Noun + of + approval Use these nouns to complete the sentences: nod roar seal sign 1. Last week the government gave its ...........0f approval to the deal, 2. There was a of approval from the crowd when Nevin was replaced by Beckham. 3. The children longed for some of affection or approval from their mother. 4. | was pleased when | saw my teacher in the audience giving me a... of approval. 4 Preposition + approval Complete the sentences with these prepositions: on without for in |. The architects sent the designs of the shopping. centre to the planning department ........... their approval. 2. When we suggested spending £10,000 on new computers, several people at the meeting nodded wees approval. Be Phi'sorr ean agrea co anything seemy partner's approval. 4, These goods are supplied -- approval ‘That means you can return them if they are not satisfactory. Go back and underline the full prepositional expressions. Notes eal |. The phrase used in 3-1 is a common thing to say in speech. For example: ‘Aree poy tlle the reesing In Lond or Lassa > WABI Leese would depeviely Haver $e<8 Cf opp 2. Notice the large number of adjectives which mean full approval: total, ‘100%, unqualified, wholehearted, ‘overwhelming, unanimous, universal, widespread. 3. A decision which has not been fully passed can be subject to the approval of for example, the board, the council, the government etc. i 16 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediatearea | Verb + area Use the correct form of these verbs: avoid cover develop destroy know police tour 1. I'm sorry | don’t know where the high school is. Ask Jane. She the local area very well. 2. Buxton is very central and it makes an ideal base for . the area. 3. The National Park ... 2000 square kilometres. 4, Following the rise in crime, there are calls for more money to be spent on..........the area. 5. Heathrow does its best to make sure planes -s--flying over residential areas at night. 6. The introduction of a fod public transport --an area of some system is essential for . «that area of South Africa. 7. Fires have «huge areas of forest around Sydney for the second year running. 2 Verb phrases with prepositions ‘Complete the sentences with the following: to in (x2) off outside from into over A lot of new people have moved ...... this area recently. I's meant a big rise in house prices. Wreckage from the crashed plane was scattered .. a wide area. ‘When an old Second World War bomb was discovered in a field, the police cordoned ...... the area with tape. People couldn't go back to their houses til it was made safe. 4, | know someone who has a house in a very select area of the city, but he chooses to live ......one of the most run-down areas of town! 5, A man answering the suspect's description was seen ...... the area on the night of the crime. 6. The government is desperately trying to attract industry ........this area. 7. Thousands of refugees are fleeing ...... the war- torn area. @ Although the murders were all in and around Manchester, we know from his Welsh accent that the murderer comes from ...... the area. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate 3 Common adjective collocations Use these adjectives to complete the sentences: buileup deprived disaster immediate remote restricted rural ~—_ surrounding |. The new scheme will provide special help to poor people living in ..........areas. 2. The all-day cour takes in Naples and the . area 3. There are no leisure facilities in the .. area, so we have to travel across town to the nearest swimming pool. 4. The village is in a ..........area of th accessible only by helicopter or boat. 5. I received a £100 fine for speeding in a area. 6. I'm sorry, | must ask you to leave. This is a «area ~ you need a pass to enter. 7, Followitig the earchquake, ald is being rushed di the. area 8. Bus services in urban areas are excellent, but in «areas they are not so good. sland, 4 Special areas Use these words to complete the sentences: baggoge reclaim picnic lay no-smoking reception special |. There's a. area at most airports where you can watch aircraft taking off and landing. jtors should wait in the . area until met by an attendant. 3. All restaurants should have a area. 4, Animals are not allowed in the children’s . area. 5, Please remove all liter from the . when you leave. 6. We had to wait a long time in the ... for our luggage to arrive - area,argument | Verb + argument (reasons behind ideas) Use the correct form of these verbs: accept follow hear put forward support 1. His lecture just didn’t seem to make any sense. couldn't ........ his argument at all. Could you? 2. Ive spent the last week doing my research. Now I've got lots of facts and figures to ........my argument. 3. In his speech, the Chancellor ......... persuasive argument for raising taxes. 4. I don't «the argument that adults should always be obeyed just because they are adults! 5. Now that we have .... . all the arguments for and against the proposal, | think we should vote on it. .avery 2. Good and bad arguments First underline the adjectives which collocate with argument in the sentences below.Then decide which adjectives describe a good argument and which describe a poor one. |. The animal rights people have a compelling argument for banning fox hunting. I'm certainly persuaded. 2. The unemployment issue is a pretty feeble argument against asylum seekers, I'm afraid. 3. The most telling argument for wearing seat belts is the number of lives they save each year. 4. There are strong arguments for and against. ‘euthanasia. 5. find your argument a bit woolly. 'm not really convinced by it. 3 Verb + argument (meaning disagreement) Use the correct form of these verbs: get into settle start |. Jane's very argumentative, so if she tries to....... an argument with you, it's best to just ignore her and walk away. 2: Wes. ant. a terrible argument over who was responsible for the accident and I'm afraid we're not on speaking terms any more. 3. I'm fed up arguing about money day after day. Let's this argument once and for all. > | agree, let's put an end to it right now. listen to lose 4. Nobody likes to ........an argument. We all want to win, But you know the old saying - win the argument and lose a friend! 5. | think it’s important to ........both sides of an argument before deciding what you think yourself. 4 Common adjective collocations ‘Complete the sentences below with the following: endless friendly heated massive pointless 1. We had a relaxed and ..........argument about whether people should be allowed to smoke at meetings or not. Nobody got upset. 2. A decision was finally made after quite a bit of argument had taken place.A number of people were upset by the angry words which were exchanged. 3. Acwork | had a..........argument with my boss, but it has cleared the air. There's no longer any bad feeling between us now. 4. Ihad an absolutely argument with my parents over money. It was stupid and served no purpose at all. 5. They have ..........arguments. They're always at each other's throats. I'm surprised they're still talking If you have time, go back and underline all the important collocations in all the exercises in this unit. Notes |. In 3-2 you ean ‘get into an argument’ or get involved in an argument. For example: Sorry I'm late. | got involved in an argument with the taxi driver over politics! 2. Do you know the following idiom? People who always try to see bath sides of an argument often end up sicing on the fence 3. If your argument is not quite right, we say there's a flaw in your argument’. 4. To appear reasonable when discussing, you can say either of the following: {can see your argument. | can see where youre coming from. 18 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediateattempt | Verb + attempt Use the correct form of these verbs: abandon fail -~—=—foil_-— make 1, Acting on information from the French, customs officials have . an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of heroin into the country. 2. Because of bad weather conditions, we were forced to ........... Our attempt to reach the ‘Summit of Mt Everest. 3. | wonder what's wrong with Andy. Last night he ccesseeeesea few half-hearted attempts to join in ‘our conversation, and then he left early. 4. All my attempts to start the car aaah we ended up getting a taxi. Go back and underline all the other interesting collocations in this exercise. 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences below with the following: half-hearted repeated brave unsuccessful desperate deliberate final first |. L was pleased when | passed my driving test at the = attempt. 2. The driver of the train died at the scene of the accident despite attempts by the paramedics to revive him. 3. Despite falling and injuring his leg, jim made a he attempt to finish the marathon. 4, | made a rather ........ attempt to apologise for my behaviour, but it was obvious that | didn't really mean it, 5. I've made several ........ attempts to speak to the manager, but he is always ‘out of his office at the moment’. 6. For wo weeks the army made........attempts to break through enemy lines, all of which ended in failure. 7. If the weather holds, the Chinese team are going to make a attempt to reach the summit tomorrow. 8. The Foreign Secretary's speech on the Gulf War was a ........attempt to embarrass the government. 3 In an attempt to + verb Match the two halves of these sentences: ‘Two factories were closed Talks are taking place at this very moment. |. Politicians on both sides have called for a ceasefire |. Anne's very upset. I'm afraid | failed He has succeeded in a last-ditch attempt to avert a strike. in my attempt to persuade her to come to the party. in a desperate attempt to cut costs. iin his latest attempt to break the world land speed record. . in an attempt to prevent further bloodshed. Go back and underline all the expressions with attempt in this exercise. ae e a tae z B en, AN eS WAYNH “He made a very brave attempt to finish the race.” Notes |. In 1-2 you can also say give up. In 2-4 you can also say a pathetic or feeble attempt. . Note the following passive structure: Several attempts have been made on the President’ life (Somebody tried to kill him.) Note this example: She made no attempt to conceal | dsguise / hide her anger. Note these noun + noun collocations: The rescue attempt was hampered by fog. He received psychiatric help after his botched suicide attempt Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate 19attention | Verb collocations Use the correct form of these verbs: need pay get have hold 1. Children often misbehave in order to........ attention, 2. The play was disappointing. It didn’t .. my attention for very long. - 3. Cant . your attention, please? I have an important announcement to make 4. Babies . a lot of care and attention. 5. Asa caring society | think we need to.........- more attention to the elderly. First underline the verb collocations in the following. Then divide them into two groups: those meaning ‘give attention to something’ and those meaning ‘something gets your attention’. |. Don't pay any attention to what Lyn is saying. She doesn't know what she's talking about. 2. There's no point trying to attract the waiter’s attention. He's not interested! 3. There are a number of important issues that we need to direct our attention to. 4, Something bright caught the baby’s attention and she reached out and tried to touch it. 5, When I've finished studying the European market, Jlintend turning my attention to South East Asia 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences below with the following: dose immediate insufficient meticulous undivided unwelcome 1. If you just wait till I've finished writing this letter, Il give you my full and .. attention. . attention to everything | say. It's important that you follow the instructions. 3. 80 people drowned when the ferry sank. The ‘owners had paid ..........attention to safety. 4, Let's sit in that corner — away from everyone else. We don't want to attract - attention. 5. His paintings are so realistic. He pays ........ attention to detail. 6, Sorry, Ive got to rush. I've just had a telephone call which requires my .........-attention, 3 Verb phrases with prepositions Complete the expression in colour with a suitable prepositior |. The fire inspector called our attention .... the fact that some members of staff were not following the correct procedures. 2. Ifwe don't bring this ....the attention of the police, nothing will be done. 3. The war diverted people's attention away ....the country's economic problems. 4, We're organising a campaign to draw people's attention ....the harmful effects of food additives. 5. The election is in four months. This tax cut is obviously designed to distract public attention .... from the government's failures. 6. Last night's documentary helped to focus world attention ....the plight of the Somali refugees. I. li 245 we can also say painstaking attention. 2. Someone is the ‘centre of attention’ when ‘everybody wants to see or talk to them. For example: He's a rock star so he's the centre of attention ‘everywhere he goes. ' « |. Note the preposition in the following phrase: ‘My attention wasn't on my work My mind was elsewhere. q . If something escapes your attention, you do not notice it: The fact that the company was operating witho ‘a licence had not escaped the attention of the authorities. 20 Key Words for Fluency — Upper intermediateattitude | Verb + attitude Use the correct form of these verbs: change harden shape understand show take typify |. I'm afraid our nephew has turned out to be a greedy, self-centred young man. His attitude ...... a complete disregard for his family and others. 2. I've always ........a fairly easy-going attitude towards bringing up my children. Children need freedom to develop and make their own mistakes. 3. John’s total lack of interest in the general election ae the attitude of many young people today. 4. What do you think influences our attitudes to marriage? > I think our experiences in childhood ....... our attitudes to marriage and family life. 5. This book examines how attitudes to sex in Britain have ... . since the end of the Second World War. 6. Attitudes towards the US have ... result of the recent accidental bombing of civilians. 7. \don't «+++ Your attitude. Why don't you like Ken? Everyone else thinks he's a great guy. 2 Common adjective collocations Use these adjectives in the sentences: coggressive insular negative patronising relaxed right |. A meal with Greg can be really depressing. He's got such a ........attitude to everything. 2. The teachers in this school seem to have a very .. -attitude to discipline. | thought they'd be much stricter. 3. You can make a career in sales and marketing, but only if you have the ........attitude. 4. Why do football fans cause so much trouble? They've got such an ........attitude to everything. 5, Many US newspapers contain very little international news. This is just one sign of the attitudes of Americans. 6. He obviously thinks he's so much better than me, but his ........ attitude is beginning to irritate me immensely. Go back and underline the adjective collocations. 3 Hyphenated adjectives Use these two- and three-part adjective slap-dash happy-golucky laid-back holier-than-thou —_devil-may-care 1. My boss is so relaxed, but so efficient. I've never seen her get worried by anything. She's got such a «attitude towards work. 2. He's the most exciting tennis player of the decade. His ..........--attitude means he takes the kind of risks nobody else would. 3. Our son's abit too ............im his attitude to schoolwork. He usually does it while he watches television. It’s no surprise that his examination results are so poor. 4. My mother-in-law is always disapproving and saying that she would never do this or that. She thinks she's so morally superior. | can't stand people with such .... ++, attitudes. 5. My brother just accepts whatever happens to him and says he never thinks about the future. He's got such a attitude to everything. Notes |. Note that attitude is followed by to or towards: | find his attitude towards women hard to take. | find his whole attitude to his work unacceptable 2. Note these noun phrases with attitude” There's been a noticeable change in attitude towards ‘head office in recent months. Some people believe that how old you felis just an attitude of mind. % A complacent atitude is when you stop trying to. improve or change things: ; Lack of competition led to a complacent attitude in both management and the workforce. ig 4. Entrenched attitudes are ones that people have h along time and are unlikely to change: Key Words for Fluency — Upper intermediate aban | Verb + ban Use the correct form of these verbs: announce defy-—impose introduce lift support |. The Football Association ..........a three-match ban on the player for unprofessional behaviour. 2. Thousands of students ........... the ban on political meetings. They held a mass demonstration in the main square demanding freedom of speech and free elections. 3. After the failure of the pay negotiations, the union ...a ban on overtime. 4. The government will the ban on fishing for scallops when scientists assure them that the shellfish are safe to eat. 5. Do you remember which airline was the first to . ..a smoking ban on all its flights? 6. Alll delegates except the Japanese ...........the worldwide ban on whaling. 2 A complete ban on something ‘Complete the sentences below with these ideas: land mines tobacco advertising the trade in wory _sale of handguns using e-mail ‘human cloning |. From Monday there is to be a total ban on cscsssresessersfOr personal purposes in office time. Anyone caught booking flights, for example, will be dismissed on the spot. 2. Thousands of children lost limbs in the aftermath of the war. All political parties are calling for a ban on the production and use of ...........00. + 3. In the aftermath of Dunblane and the American high school shootings, there were calls for a complete ban on the .........ccecee + 4. In order to discourage young people from smoking, many western governments have imposed a blanket ban on ..... a 5. Many famous biologists believe that there should be an outright ban on . MA, . 6. The African elephant is only surviving today because of the worldwide ban on ..... Go back and underline all the expressions meaning a complete ban. 3 Put + a ban on Notice the difference between these sentences: ©. They've banned the advertising of olcohol. b, They've put a ban on the advertising of alcohol. Change the following sentences so that they follow the pattern of sentence b: 1. They've banned the sale of alcohol at the match. 2. They've banned the importing of UK lamb. 3. They've banned all flights into North Korea, “The ban is total, complete, 100%! Which word don’t you understand?” Notes |. In 1-2"ignored’ is also possible. 2. Note the use of ‘banned’ as an adjective: His gold medal was token away from him when his tests proved that he had been using a banned substance. ‘He was arrested for belonging to a banned political arty. 3. A 'test ban treaty’ is an agreement between countries to stop testing nuclear weapons. 4. Here is a common use of'ban’ as a verb: He was banned from driving for three years. 2 Key Words for Fluency — Upper Intermediatebehaviour | Verb + behaviour Use the correct form of these verbs: affect change — criticise tolerate improve apologise for 1. Go and report to the head teacher immediately. I'm not standing for this sort of behaviour in my classroom any longer. | simply will not .. your appalling behaviour. 2. An insecure family environment can only .....+. a child's behaviour in a negative way. 3. I don’t know why youre ........my behaviour! You're not exactly perfect yourself. 4, How do you ........her behaviour at the party last night? She was rude to almost everybody she talked to, which isn’t like her. I'm certainly baffled by her behaviour. 5. The President has ........ his behaviour, but many people are unwilling to accept that and feel that he should resign. 6, Terry can be a real nuisance in class, but | must say his behaviour has ........2 lot recently. 7. You can ........your behaviour, but you can't «your personality! explain 2 Common adjective collocations Use the following adjectives in these sentences: eccentric disgraceful good ‘onti-social obsessive violent |. The crowd booed when the national anthem was played at the beginning of the football match. > I find that sort of behaviour .... e's completely unacceptable. 2, My mother’s problem is she washes her hands cover and over again. As you can imagine, this kind Off, «aru behaviour can be difficult to live with. 3. The latest studies seem to show that computer games encourage sand aggressive behaviour in young children. 4, Our chemistry teacher is everyone's idea of the mad scientist. His behaviour is somewhat ....... - It’s hard to predict what he'll do next. 5. It is important that teachers reward .. behaviour. 6. There’s no question that playing loud music after midnight in a flat behaviour. 3 Noun + preposition + b Complete the sentences below with these nouns: mode! bounds stondards excuse improvement explanation |. Our schoo! demands the highest . behaviour from its students 2. I don't understand why Maria just got up and walked out. Did she offer any for her strange behaviour? 3. Nobody should behave like that in public. There’s NO... ..for that kind of behaviour. 4. Leaving her to walk home alone so late at night was outside the... of acceptable behaviour. | think you should apologise to her. 5, Since our daughter started her treatment, there's been a definite ..........in her behaviour. She's much less aggressive at school. 6. The boy next door is always in trouble with the police. However, when he was at school, he was a «of good behaviour. Go back and underline the complete expressions including the prepositions. - of Notes Note the following ways of expressing your disapproval of someone's behaviour: There's really no need for that sort of behaviour. This kind of behaviour just won't do. Your behaviour leaves 0 lot to be desired His behaviour at the meeting was inappropriate. Good behaviour can be excellent or exemplary. Bad behaviour can be unacceptable, strange, violent and undesirable . Note the expression ‘be on your best behaviour’: Now, youre meeting my parents tomorrow. Please be on your best behaviour! |. Note these types of behaviour: ‘We need to understand the causes of criminal behaviour. We've learned a lot from animal behaviour. . Behaviour is often followed by to or towards: ~ can understand Geoff's behaviour towards Steve. Steve never paid back the money he borrowed. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper intermediate 23belief | Verb + belief Use the correct form of these verbs: ling to hold shake share scengthen stand up for 1. My boss ...strong political beliefs and expresses them on every possible occasion! 2. Although I don't your beliefs, | do respect them. | think this is important in a democratic society. 3. We should all have the courage to ........ beliefs. 4, He was only fined £100 for killing somebody in a road accident! This case has ........... my belief in our justice system. 5. My mother’s long battle against stomach cancer has only. «her belief in God. 6. A week after her husband disappeared in a boating accident, she's still «the belief that he's alive. She refuses to accept that he might have drowned. our 2 Common adjective collocations Use these adjectives to complete the sentences: firm genuine growing mistaken popular unshakeable |. For years at school I was under the ........ belief that Anne was Chris's mother. It was only years later I found out she was his step-sister! 2. Contrary to . - belief, eating carrots does not improve your eyesight. 3. My brother has an .. belief in his own abilities. 've never known anybody with such self- belief and self-confidence. AL Ieis my... belief that abortion is immoral. Nobody will ever convince me that we have the right to end life in that way. 5. Fighting has again broken out along the border. There is now a. ._ belief among politicians that war is inevitable. 6. Ifyou want to be a successful salesman, you have to have a. belief in the product you are selling, I's no good just pretending to like something. “Contrary to popular belief 3 Expressions with prepositions Complete the sentences below with on, to or oft |. Throughout her persecution, Joan of Arc remained faithful ...... her beliefs. She refused to give them up. 2. The fact that millions of people are dying of famine has shaken the foundations ....... my belief in God. 3. Sarah's parents hadn't realised the depth ......her religious beliefs until she told them she had decided to become a nun. 4. I've never really trusted that woman. I've always had doubts about the sincerity ......her beliefs. 5. Capiealism is partly based ...... the belief that people work more productively if they are working for themselves. 6. Every religion has its own set beliefs. eating carrots does not improve your eyesight!" 7s c ' “ty |. Note the following expressions: She may have made the situation worse, but she act the belief that she wos doing the right thing. Thar's impossible to believe! Its beyond belief! 1s my belief thar a vaccine for AIDS will be fo 2. If you really find something impossible to understand you can say that it beggars b It beggars belief how one man could have bonk. | 3. Note that we talk of having political beliefs. 24 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper intermediatebenefit | Verb + benefit Use the correct form of these verbs: bring derive feel reap include outline outweigh 1. Tourism has .......... many benefits to the area. 2. I want to say that I'm against the building of this new centre. | think the risks of the scheme far any potential benefits. 3. Book your holiday with us.The benefits ... full medical cover while you're abroad. 4. Too many children from poor social backgrounds don't... much benefit from school. >No,| know what you mean. | didn’t get much benefit from my days at school either. 5. The doctor said that | would start to ... the benefits of the new treatment in a few months’ time. 6. There’s an article in this morning's paper ........ the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables | every day. 7. Joanne is now a millionaire. She's finally .... the benefits of all those years of writing. 2 Benefit + of + noun ‘Complete the sentences with these nouns: education exercise hard work helmet scheme organic food |. He's just beginning to see the benefits of all his sssss-and dedication. 2 Most eyelsts are fay aware of the safety benefits of wearing a : 3. Getting a good job was easy as | had the benefit of a university 4. The report of the town planners emphasised the likely benefits of the new traffic ..........,but said little about the costs. 5. My two unmarried aunts have been keen swimmers ever since they read about the benefits of regular «2.2... 6 ma great believer in the benefits of . Most of the things we eat today are full of preservatives and chemicals. Go back and underline the full expressions. 3 Benefit (payment) Complete the sentences below with the following: welfare housing unemployment on child means-tested + In the UK all families with children under 18 years ae are entitled to... - benefit. 2. Our neighbour lost his job ten years ago and he's been claiming . -- benefit ever since. 3. A company car and first-class air travel are the main .. benefits | get in my job. 4. Everyone ia to get child benefit — irrespective of income. Now we're changing to a system of benefits. Some people think it's fairer. 5. I'm afraid you'll have to pay the full rent for the flat Youre not eligible for ........ecscesse benefit. 6. All employees have to pay into a fund for «benefits such as unemployment and sickness pay. Notes |. Note how we describe a lot of benefit: | You need to toke these pills for three or more weeks to | ‘et the full benefit. The new reword scheme will be of great benefit to our ‘customers. We want you to get maximum benefit from your course. These new laws will have far-reaching benefits for single- | arent faribes. The benefit to the focal economy will be incalculable 2. If you ‘give somebody the benefit of the doubt, it ieeans you actnpe wher hey ony ene chough fot think they may be wrong or lying |. Notice these ways of speaking enthusiastically about benefits: His book extols the benefits of vegetarianism. He's always waxing lyrical about the benefts of bathing in icy cold water — even in winter! Notice the prepositions in these expressions: ‘Look, this plan wil make us thousands! You can't say no, Its to our mutual benefit. ‘She repeated the instructions again for my benefit. (just for me) Key Words for Fluency — Upper Intermediate 25cause | Verb + cause Underline the verbs which mean ‘find’: I. The cause of the fire may never be discovered. 2. The police never actually determined the cause of death. 3. Investigators have been called in to establish the cause of the plane crash. 4. Engineers are trying to isolate the cause of the problem. 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences below with the following: common likely underlying 1. Although they can't be certain, the investigators think that the most ........ cause of the crash was that the driver of the train had a heart attack. 2. The most ........ cause of air accidents is pilot error — not mechanical failure. 3. Although the link is not clear, many pol believe that unemployment is the .. a lot of urban crime. 4. We don't know why my aunt died. The post mortem will determine the ....... 5. Speeding is the ........ cause of road accidents 6. We all know what the inquiry said, but do you think that was the ....... cause of John's death? 3 Cause + for Use these words in the sentences below: ‘arm celebration complaint concern optimism |. My grandmother's failing health is giving us cause for ........ . She might have to go into hospital. 2. We have run into some severe turbulence, but there is no cause for . Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated till the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign has been switched off. 3. Ihave no cause for ........ .The flights, the hotel, the food have all been excellent. 4. Following the breakdown of talks, the present political climate gives little cause for ........ . 5. Arsenal's victory in the competition was cause for ........and the fans partied till about 3am. exact real main ians ause of cause. 4 Common expressions Match the two halves to make common expressions with cause: 1. What do you think is 2. [es all a matter of 3.1've never had any 4. She's never had a day off 5. We don't yet know a. without good cause. b. cause to complain. c. the cause of death. fe. the cause of the pain? di cause and effect. 5 Cause (something people believe in) A common meaning of cause is ‘reason’, but it can also mean something important that people believe in. For example: A lot of people leave money in their will to good causes such as the NSPCC (the National Society for the prevention of cruelty to children). Use a suitable preposition in these sentences: |. Most people want independence and many young men are willing to fight ......the cause. 2. These violent demonstrations will do little to further the cause ...... animal rights 3. Antissmoking campaigners hope the public will be sympathetic ...... their cause 4, I don't mind giving money if it is cause. 2.8 good Notes Note the following: ‘ye tried everything to get my money back ffom the company. I'm beginning to think itso lost cause. . In 2-3 you can also say ‘root cause’ ~ the basic, underlying cause. In 5-4 deserving is also possible. Both in a good cause and for a good cause are ‘equally correct. ‘We use the French phrase ~ a cause célébre ~ to talk about a very controversial issue. . If you die ‘of natural causes’, you die of old age ~ not illness or accident. 3. Notice in exercise 4 you say ‘without good cause’ ‘and not ‘without a good cause’ 7. You can ‘champion’ a cause. For example: Germaine Greer has championed the cause of feminism. 26 Key Words for Fluency — Upper Intermediatechallenge | Verb + challenge Use the correct form of these verbs: accept face issue meet pose provide |. Persuading staff to accept new patterns of work is a challenge ........ by many companies that want to develop. 2. Have you heard the news? Lewis has just........ Tyson's challenge to fight for the world title 3. The trouble with my current job is that it doesn't Well, if it was me, Id ........ the chance! my chances, 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences with these adjectives: better equal ~— last. second rore 1. If you don't finish this task within the time limit, you will be eliminated from the contest. Nobody (USA vee ss chance. 2. Many parents today make sacrifices to send their children to good schools and to university. They want their children to have a........ chance in life than they had themselves. 3. This weekend, visitors will get a .........chance to see inside the rooms of the Royal Palace. This is ‘only the second time the King has allowed the public into his private apartments. 4, Handicaps in sports such as golf give people with different abilities an chance of winning competitions. 5. This is my ........chance to pass the entrance examination. I's my third attempt and | won't be allowed another chance. 3 Verb + chance (possibility) Use the correct form of these verbs: fancy increase rate ruin stand I. Smoking when you are pregnant may ...... the chances of damage to your baby. 2. One careless mistake at work ..........my chances of promotion. 3. Ar this rate we don't ... {getting to the airport on time. 4, don't ..........0ur chances of beating them. They are a very strong team. They haven't lost a home game for two years! 5. How do you ..........your chances of getting the job? a chance of 4 Common adjective collocations Write the expressions from the sentence with the following meanings: a. no chance at all b. no chance, but maybe! ©. avery very small chance . a good chance e. a very good chance a |, We only have an outside chance # irakngtl the airport on time. The plane leaves in twenty minutes! 2. Nowadays we have the expertise to ensure that. premature babies have an excellent chance of survival. 3. It’s only a thunderstorm! The chances of being struck by lightning are a million to one. 4, Fat chance of him coming to give us a hand. He won't lift a hand to help anybody but himself. 5. The team has a fair chance of success this year. 28 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediatechange | Verb + change Use the correct form of these verbs: accept bring about make resist plan undergo 1. Ive........... few minor changes to your speech. | hope you think I've improved it! 2. Alot of people find it hard to........ - change. >Yes, it's surprising how many of us tend to eg .-any kind of change to the way we live. 3. The government's latest advertising campaign is an attempt to. a change in the way we think about the environment. 4, Medicine has huge changes in the past 50 years due to the discovery of DNA. 5. The government are some fairly major changes to the education system over the next couple of years. 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences below with the following: last-minute minor noticeable proposed sweeping welcome 1. Yes, let's eat out tonight. It'll be a change from cooking! 2. My father's condition still remains critical. There's been no.... «change in his condition for several days now. 3. I don't mind it if you change things if you give us plenty of notice, but | really object to these ee changes. 4, Have you seen the revised plans? The ..... changes to the building will cost us millions! 5. The problems of the health service won't be solved by making. changes. Ieneeds .. «changes throughout the whole system. 3 Expressions with prepositions Use a suitable preposition in these sentences: I. Life is so hectic these days. It’s so difficult to keep up with the rapid pace ...... change. 2, Its clear that the present system is no longer working and there is a definite need ....... change. 3. Television is one of the main instruments . political change in the world today. Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper intermediate 4, It’s not true that elderly people are always resistant . change. 5. Public opinion is shifting in favour ....... change. 6. There could never be a better time to act than now. The organisation is ripe ....... change. 4 Change + preposition + noun Now complete these sentences with a noun: address attitude the law lan venue weather |. There's been a change of ........ . We're leaving ‘on Monday instead of Tuesday. 2. If buses are to replace cars, there'll need to be a complete change in our .......to public transport. 3. I've notified the post office of our change of — so we should get our mail all right. 4. The hall has been double-booked, so please note the change of ........for the party. ‘ 5. A lot of us were caught out by the sudden change in the ........ .] wish Id taken an umbrella! 6. The proposed change in ........ would make abortion illegal again. n % (he Pier | a cI 3 Me Bee J “No, | wouldn't say there's been any noticeable change in his condition.”choice | Verb + choice Use the correct form of these verbs: leave give have influence make restrict 1. I'm not up here in Alaska because | want to be! Head office never . me a choice! 2. Young people don't realise that the choices they at school and university can affect them for the rest of their lives. 3. We used to live in London, so we could fly anywhere really easily. Living up here in the north does ........your choice of where you can go, but we prefer the quieter life 4, | wouldn’e drive without a seat bele, but | still chink people should ........ the choice. 5. The council denied that financial considerations had ........their choice of consultant. 6. I'm afraid you've ........ us no choice. You've taken so many days off for no reason, we've got no alternative but to ask you to leave. Go back and underline the verb collocations. 2 Common adjective collocations Use these adjectives in the sentences: difficult first free obvious deliberate straight |. Blue wasn't my ........choice. | would have preferred red, but they were sold out. 2. Look, there's nothing more to discuss. It's a - choice ~ either you stop drinking, or you die of liver failure in a month ~ maybe two! 3. Jean Moore is the only one with the necessary ‘work experience, so she's the choice. 4. Luke is only 12. Gill and David are getting divorced, so the poor boy has to decide which ‘one he wants to live with. What a ........choice for any child to make! 5. First-year students make up their own programmes. They have a completely ........ choice within a group of subjects. 6. I'ma single mother: It was a. bring up my children on my own. «choice to 3 Choice + of + noun Match the halves of the following: I. I think you've made the right choice of career. 2. Mrs Burgess obviously doesn't like 3. The main course comes 4, New York is a city of culture 5. She made an unfortunate choice of words in her speech «. It has a huge choice of cinemas and theatres. b. with a choice of vegetables or salad. c. You'll make a wonderful teacher. d. her son's choice of friends. €. and upset a lot of people in the room. Go back and underline all the expressions with choice. “Choice? They didn’t give me a choice either!” |. Note the following useful expressions with prepositions: Ym affraid it’s not my kind of party. | wouldn't have come here by choice. There were so many different things to eat We were ‘spoilt for choice. Some children in tis area are not able to go to the ‘school of their choice. 2. Note the following useful phrases: 1 had no choice what to study at university. My parents had already decided for me. The choice of career lies with you. Its your decision and ‘your decision only. 3. Note the common phrase freedom of choice’ Satelite TV offers viewers greater freedom of choice. 30 Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediatecircumstances | Verb collocations Use the correct form of these verbs: adapt to change depend on die in investigate know 1. The police are . «the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a substantial amount of money from the company accounts. 2. Ifyou saw somebody drowning, would you try to save them? > It would .......-. the circumstances. If the sea ‘was really rough, then no, but if it was in a lake, then | probably would. 3. we more of the circumstances around the child's death, the police would have a much better idea of where to start. 4, In the world of medicine everything develops so quickly that you need to be able to snew and continually changing circumstances. 5, lam sorry to say that at present you are not ‘entitled to any benefit. Please contact this department if your circumstances ie 6. The litte girl .. very tragic circumstances when she ran out into the road. 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences with these adjectives: exceptional exact happier present suspicious _unforeseen 1. All essays must be handed in by the 12ch of April. This deadline will only be extended in .. circumstances. 2, Police said that there were no .. circumstances surrounding the woman's death, They think she died of natural causes. 3. She's unlikely to accept the job — given her «+ circumstances. She has a young family and an ageing parent to look after. 4, The concert had to be cancelled due to . Tincumatances The main singer became il and had to be taken to hospital. 5, The press are anxious to know how the pop star died. The police have yet to reveal the . circumstances of his death. 6. I wish we'd met again in ......- Why do we only meet at funeral circumstances. 3 Common expressions Use the following words to complete the following sentences: any certain no 1. I think abortion is justifiable in .. circumstances. For example. if the mother might die, then | chink it is right to go ahead. 2. Under . circumstances must you leave the children on their own 3, le’s never right to take a life, so we oppose capital punishment in . circumstances. We often use ‘in / under / considering the circumstances’ to say that we understand and accept why or how somebody did something. Match the halves in the following: 4, Under the circumstances, my parents coped very well when I told them | was leaving my wife. 5, Considering the circumstances of the company at the time of the fire, 6. After the bride didn’t turn up, 7. In the circumstances, nobody could complain that the picnic was cancelled. 8. Considering the circumstances of the takeover, 4. it just rained and rained all day long. b. canceling the wedding was the only thing to do in the circumstances. c. It’s no wonder people were suspicious. d. the union's refusal to co-operate with the new management was perfectly understandable. fe. I thought they would have been very upset. Now go back and underline all the expressions with circumstances in this exercise. Notes 1. In 3-2 "under no circumstances’ or ‘not under any circumstances’ is a common expression meaning eee Note the following: The fees charged for the course will vary according to individual circumstances. They have been forced by circumstances to sell their house . A common excuse for delayed flights or trains is ‘circumstances beyond our contro!’ Key Words for Fluency ~ Upper Intermediate Ea)comment | Verb + comment Use the correct form of these verbs: oppreciate apologise for have invite mode pass 1. Do you... any comment on the situation, Mr President? 2. entirely agree with the comments you . about the state of the underground system. 3. The council has .......... comments from residents about the plans for the new shopping centre. 4, The interviewer made some rather rude remarks to the Prime Minister's wife. He later publicly it his comments. 5. Lwould .......+5 any comments you might have ‘on my work. All comments and suggestions will be gratefully received. 6. No one in the office has dared . comment on my new hair colour. think they're all afraid to upset me! 2 Common adjective collocations ‘Complete the sentences below with the following: further possing nasty fair Jast sad 1. OK, youre right. That's comment. | could have played better. | just wasn't on top form. 2. Everything my client has to say on this matter is contained in the press release. She has no .. ‘comment to make at this stage. 3. Your husband passed some very . Comments about my wifes appearance at the party. | hope he will apologise. 4, I think Pete's ideas are important and they deserve more than a.......-. ‘comment. 5. My boss isn’t nasty or unpleasant, but he has a habit of making slightly . . comments about my accent. Why does he do this, | wonder? 6. My tutor made some very .........comments on my essay ~ they were apt and to the point. 7. Ignore my .....-+ comment. | wasn't thinking properly! 8. Last night's programme about homeless people in our cities was a........comment on the current state of our society. helpful sarcastic Ss “No one dares comment on her new hoir-do!” Notes . You can also use ‘welcome’ inl-5. 2. In 1-6 notice that you can pass comment’, but in 1-2 you'make a comment’ In 2-3 you can also say “derogatory comments’. In 2-8 comment’ is used to mean a bad picture of something. You can also use ‘telling’ {tS teling comment on our society that some children stil don’t get enough to eat. Note these comment + verb collocations: ‘Her comments provoked an uncharacteristic outburst of ‘anger from the Prime Minister. The manager's comments do not represent the views of | ‘many of us. for one, disagree strongly. 6. Note the following prepositional phrases: The minister ot the centre of the scandal was unavailable for comment lastnight. ‘Iwas surprised when she accepted his decision without comment. 7. Note how we tell people that we do not wish to talk about something: When asked if he was about to resign, the chairman replied ‘No comment’ 8. Note the verbs we use to describe our reactions to ‘comments: Her comments offended me deeply | wos secretly pleased by his comments. ae 32 Key Words for Fiuency ~ Upper Intermediatecomplaint | Verb + complaint Use the correct form of these verbs: have investigate make recewe refer uphold m not happy with the service and, to be honest, the food was not very warm. I'm not going to an official complaint, but | think you should know that we were not happy. 2. Vim afraid 1...........a complaint. Can I speak to the person in charge, please? 3. A senior police officer has been suspended from duty while complaints against him are being 4, The court refused to . «the complaint against the newspaper. The footballer, John Inset, had claimed that the story run by the paper had seriously damaged his reputation. 5. Due to the seriousness of your complaint, it will have to be. to the board. 6. The cinema has «complaints from. customers about the lack of parking facilities. 2 Common adjective collocations Complete the sentences below with the following: common constant justified preposterous official isolated ~— serious. single I. This is the fourth time this week! Your .. complaints are beginning to annoy me. 2. The most ........ complaint tourists have about London is the high price of everything. 3. Ifyou are not happy with the treatment you've received, you should lodge an ........ complaint. BMT ankc ota: cornplaincs are soclly.- We didn’t receive the quality of service we paid for. 5. The new timetable has been successful. We've only received one or two ......... complaints. 6. I'm very happy with the new members of staff. Vhaven't heard a complaint about them. 7. Inspectors visited the school after receiving a string of ....... complaints from parents about poor standards of teaching. 8. I've never heard such a........complaint in my ! Tony is the most competent person I've ever met. 3 Noun + preposition + compl: Complete the sentences below with a suitable preposition: |. If you are unhappy with the work done on your house, get a lawyer to draft a letter complaint. it 2. If you feel you have any cause please contact the manager. complaint, 3. This year there has been a record number complaints about the standard of service on Britain's railways. In fact, rail offices around the country have been flooded ..... . complaints. 4. If you have good grounds ...... complaint, then it is company policy to offer you compensation. 5. The council has received a constant stream . complaints about the noise coming from the Voodoo nightclub in Surrey Street. 6. Having to wait over 24 hours at the airport comes high on my list ...... complaints about our holiday. Go back and underline the complete expressions using a noun + preposition + complaint. Notes |. Note the following: | really had no cause far complaint | was treated very well 2. Note the following verbs used to describe making a complaine: ‘She has brought o complaint against her manager for unfair dismissal. They have fled a complain with the local authority about the lack of leisure faites in the area. You can also ‘lodge’ a formal complaint. |. Complaints are “dealc with’ {fm sorry we are unable to deal with your complaint immediately, but we'll get back to you next week. 4, Notice the expression: the quality of his work, 5, Notice the way to refer to lots of complaints: -@ stream of complaints <@ string of complaints Key Words for Fiuency - Upper Intermediate 33concern 1 Concern (a worry about something) Use the correct form of these verbs: appreciate —_ cause grow override share 1. Many doctors have the safety of this new drug. 2. The build-up of enemy troops on the country’s southern border is ..........great concern. 21 your concern, but don’t worry ~ I'm all right. | know what I'm doing. 4, Public concern is ..........over the number of children who leave school without any kind of formal qualification. 5. The headmaster and the staff .......... your concern about what happened on the trip to the z00.We must make sure something like this never happens again. 6. Our concern for the safety of the children must ssssese all other concerns. deep concern about 2 Focus on prepositions Complete the sentences with these prepositions: over for of with |. We view the situation developing in the Middle East ...... grave concern. 2. The little girl hasn't been seen for two days and there is now growing concern ......her safety. 3. The availability of drugs in schools is ......great concern to parents 4. There is widespread concern ...... rising crime rates in our cities. 3° Concern (an important thing) Match the halves below: ‘As CEO my major concern is As aid workers, our overriding concern is The Chancellor's primary concern is This hospital's main concern is to improve the quality of care to our patients. to reduce inflation and improve the economy. to make this company more efficent. to care for the hungry and the homeless. Now underline the adjectives which mean ‘most important’. anes AYN “His only concen was that he couldn't get into his new Gucci trainers!" Notes In I-f you can also use raise or voice. Other verbs used with concer are brush aside and reject: The oirine brushed aside concerns about the safety of ts ‘ageing fleet of planes. 2. Notice these expressions: My private life is no concern of yours. Your private hfe 1s of no concern to me. 7d keep out of this argument if I were you: Its 0 family ‘matter and it's none of your concern. 1. Note the following: | was surprised and angered by his lack of concern for his sick mother. Youve been given the ailclear The test results were negative, so there's no cause for concern. In his speech, he said that global pollution should be a ‘matter of concern to us all. 1. Note how we express doubt about something: ‘My only concern about Beckham is whether he'll be fit to play on Saturday. ». If we want to talk about our main concern, we can use sole or only: The safety of the hostages is our sole concern. (ur only concer is for the sofety of the hostages. 34 Key Words for Fluency - Upper Intermediatecondition | Adjective + condition (state) Complete the sentences with these adjectives: excellent original present showroom poor reasonable 1. In my spare time | buy old motorcycles and restore them to their . condition. 2. You can’t use that bike in its condition. The brakes need fixing and the back tyre is punctured, 3. Although the lift has been operating non-stop for ‘ewenty years, it's still in . working condition. It’s serviced regularly. 4. Nothing’s been spent on the house for years. It's really in very . condition. 5. Although my car is 25 years old, it’s still in condition. It really does look brand new. 6. I'd buy that car. know it’s 8 years old and it’s got some rust, but it's in condition for its age.| mean, what else can you get for £1,000 these days? 2 Verb + condition (state of health) Use the correct form of these verbs: aggravate suffer from deteriorate improve require treat 1. I'm pleased to say that your mother's condi sesesessesy but welll be keeping a close eye on her for a few days just to be on the safe side. 2. My brother ...........2 rare heart condition. He could drop dead at any moment. 3. This man’s condition is critical and ..... urgent treatment. If we can't get him to a hospital quickly, he won't survive. Nowadays steroids are used to ........ types of skin condition. 5. | was given tablets to help clear up the rash on my arms, but they only ...........the condition. The rash became redder and more itchy and now it’: spread to my face and neck. 6. Our neighbour was rushed to hospital last week after her condition suddenly -She was doing so well, then she just collapsed. is 4. some 3 Adjective + conditions (circumstances) ‘Complete the sentences below with the following: adverse weather difficult ideal living cramped driving 1. The work on the bridge was completed under very conditions. At one stage we almost gave up completely. 2. Doctors and nurses are having to work in seriously overcrowded and . conditions. This town badly needs a new hospital. 3. The match has been cancelled due to . ae conditions. Heavy rain has flooded the pitch, making it unplayable. 4. We took the car to Norway, but the ........ conditions on the way back were dreadful. We didn’t have winter tyres on the car, so we just had to take it slowly. 5. Living or studying in an English-speaking country provides the... conditions for learning the language. 6. .+s++4++. Conditions in the old folks’ home were atrocious. Inspectors said they were the worst they had ever seen. Notes |. In 1-5 the expression ‘showroom condition’ means perfect condition. Here is another expression which rmeans that something has never been used: These stamps will fetch hundreds of pounds. Theyre in mint condition. 2. Note the following adjectives to say that living conditions are very bad: The prisoners were kept under the most appalling conditions. They had no tollets or running water. How can anyone live in such dreadful conditions? 1. Note the following uses: You are in no condition to go to work, so just stay in bed ‘and rest. {fm not fit realy am out of condition. }. Note this common expression: ‘We went on strike for better pay and conditions. Key Words for Fiuency ~ Upper Intermediate 35