Oxfort A2 Flashcards by Mohamed Lamine Adamou Guirmeye

🧠🔹 Word: ability

🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable and uncountable noun ✅
(We say “an ability” when talking about one specific skill, or “ability” in general.)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

The power, skill, or knowledge to do something well.

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💪🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To talk about skills or talents
🎯 Example: She has the ability to speak five languages.
🟰 Meaning: She knows how to speak them — it’s her skill.

✦ 2. To describe someone’s potential or intelligence
🧠 Example: The test measures your reading ability.
🟰 Meaning: It checks how well you can read and understand.

✦ 3. Used in job or school situations
📄 Example: We need someone with the ability to work in a team.
🟰 Meaning: The person should know how to work well with others.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Have the ability to… → Be able to do something
📍 Example: She has the ability to lead a group.

▪️ Natural ability → A talent you are born with
📍 Example: He has a natural ability for music.

▪️ Test your ability → Check how well you can do something
📍 Example: The exam tests your writing ability.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• ability = what you can do 🧠
• skill = something you learn or practice ✍️
• talent = a natural ability, something you are born with 🌟
• capability = similar to ability, often used in formal or technical language
• disability = when someone has difficulty doing something due to a physical or mental condition ♿

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🔹 Word: abroad

✈️

🔸 Part of speech: Adverb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

In or to a different country (not your own).

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🌍🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about traveling to another country
🧳 Example: She studied abroad in Canada.
🟰 Meaning: She went to another country (Canada) to study.

✦ 2. Talking about living or working outside your home country
🏠 Example: He lives abroad now.
🟰 Meaning: He lives in a foreign country (not his own).
Je

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Go abroad → Travel to another country
📍 Example: I want to go abroad next summer.

▪️ Live abroad → Stay in a different country long-term
📍 Example: She lived abroad for 3 years.

▪️ Study abroad → Learn in another country
📍 Example: He studied abroad in France during university.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• abroad = in or to another country ✈️
• aboard = on a ship, plane, or train 🚢✈️🚆
• foreign = adjective to describe something from another country
– foreign country, foreign language 🌐
• overseas = similar to “abroad,” often used for countries across the ocean 🌊

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🏆🔹 Word: achieve

🔸 Part of speech: Verb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To succeed in doing something after working hard for it.

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🎯🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Reaching a goal after effort
📍 Example: She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor.
🟰 Meaning: She worked hard and reached her goal.

✦ 2. Used in school or personal success
📘 Example: He achieved the highest score in the class.
🟰 Meaning: He did very well in school.

✦ 3. In professional or long-term results
💼 Example: The company achieved great success this year.
🟰 Meaning: The business reached a goal or had good results.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Achieve a goal → Reach something you planned
📍 Example: She achieved her goal of finishing the race.

▪️ Achieve success → Become successful
📍 Example: They achieved success through teamwork.

▪️ Achieve results → Get the outcome you want
📍 Example: This plan helps us achieve better results.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• achieve = succeed in doing something (after effort) 💪
• receive = to get something (like a gift or message) 🎁
• win = to be the best in a game or competition 🏅
• reach = to arrive at a place or level (not always about success) 🚶‍♂️
• earn = to get something because you worked for it (like money or respect) 💵

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🎯🔹 Word: actually

🔸 Part of speech: Adverb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Used to show the real truth, to correct something, or to give surprising or new information.

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🗣️🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To correct someone or give the real truth
📍 Example: Actually, I’m from Canada, not the U.S.
🟰 Meaning: You are politely correcting a mistake.

✦ 2. To give surprising or unexpected information
😲 Example: He actually passed the test without studying.
🟰 Meaning: It’s surprising that he passed.

✦ 3. To make your opinion or answer stronger
💬 Example: I actually like that movie.
🟰 Meaning: You really like it — maybe more than people expect.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Actually, I think… → Used to share your real opinion
📍 Example: Actually, I think it’s a good idea.

▪️ Did you actually do it? → To show surprise or check the truth
📍 Example: Did you actually finish the project already?

▪️ I don’t actually know. → To show something isn’t true or certain
📍 Example: I don’t actually know the answer.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• actually = in fact, really 🎯
• currently = right now (not the same!) ⏰
– Actually = truth / Currently = time
• really = similar in meaning, but less formal
• literally = exactly, word-for-word (don’t use literally unless it’s 100% true)

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📈🔹 Word: advantage

🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (one advantage, two advantages)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Something that helps you do better or gives you a better chance of success.

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🎯🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. When comparing two things or people
⚖️ Example: Taller players have an advantage in basketball.
🟰 Meaning: Being tall helps them play better.

✦ 2. Talking about benefits in work or life
💼 Example: Speaking English is an advantage in many jobs.
🟰 Meaning: It helps you succeed or get more opportunities.

✦ 3. Describing something positive in a situation
🌍 Example: One advantage of online learning is flexibility.
🟰 Meaning: It’s a good thing about studying online.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Have an advantage → To be in a better position
📍 Example: She has an advantage because she speaks two languages.

▪️ Take advantage of → Use something well (can be good or bad)
📍 Example: Take advantage of your free time to study.
📍 Negative: He took advantage of her kindness.

▪️ Big advantage → A very helpful or strong benefit
📍 Example: Living near school is a big advantage.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• advantage = something helpful or useful ⚡
• benefit = similar, but often more general or about health, work, etc. 🏥💰
• disadvantage = the opposite (something that makes things harder) ❌
• opportunity = a chance to do something, not always an advantage 🕓
• privilege = a special benefit not everyone has 🏅

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🧭🔹 Word: adventure

🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (one adventure, two adventures)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

An exciting or unusual experience, often involving travel, danger, or discovery.

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🌍🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about exciting travel or trips
🎒 Example: They went on an adventure through the jungle.
🟰 Meaning: They had an exciting and possibly dangerous trip.

✦ 2. Describing something new or different
🚀 Example: Moving to a new country is a big adventure.
🟰 Meaning: It’s a new, exciting life experience.

✦ 3. In books, movies, or games
📖 Example: He loves reading adventure stories.
🟰 Meaning: Stories full of action, danger, and fun experiences.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Go on an adventure → Start an exciting trip or experience
📍 Example: We went on an adventure in the mountains.

▪️ Adventure story → A type of book or movie
📍 Example: Indiana Jones is a famous adventure movie.

▪️ Sense of adventure → A love for trying new or risky things
📍 Example: She has a great sense of adventure.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• adventure = exciting activity or experience 🎒
• trip = general word for travel 🧳
• journey = a long travel (can be physical or emotional) 🚗
• event = something that happens (not always exciting) 📅
• experience = anything you do or live through (not always fun) 🧠

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📢🔹 Word: advertise

🔸 Part of speech: Verb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To tell people about a product, service, or event so they want to buy it or join it.

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🛍️🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Promoting a product or service
📺 Example: They advertise their new shoes on TV.
🟰 Meaning: They show the shoes to make people want to buy them.

✦ 2. Online or social media ads
💻 Example: He advertised his business on Instagram.
🟰 Meaning: He used social media to show his business to people.

✦ 3. Offering a job or event
📰 Example: The school advertised a teaching job.
🟰 Meaning: The school shared information about a job opening.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Advertise something → Show it to many people
📍 Example: They advertised their sale with big posters.

▪️ Advertise online → Use websites or social media
📍 Example: We advertised the concert online.

▪️ Advertise for someone/something → Look for help or promote
📍 Example: They advertised for a new manager.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• advertise = the action (verb) 📢
• advertisement (ad) = the message or poster itself (noun) 📰
• publicity = attention from media, not always paid for 🌍
• promote = similar to advertise, but also means to support or push forward 🚀
• marketing = the whole process of selling and promoting products 💼

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📺🔹 Word: advertisement

🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (one advertisement, two advertisements)
✅ You can also say “ad” or “commercial” (more casual)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

A picture, video, or message that tells people about a product, service, or event — to make them interested.

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📢🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. On TV, radio, or online (to sell something)
📍 Example: I saw an advertisement for shoes on YouTube.
🟰 Meaning: A video that shows and promotes the shoes.

✦ 2. In magazines, newspapers, or posters
📰 Example: The job advertisement was in the newspaper.
🟰 Meaning: The company shared the job info to find workers.

✦ 3. In apps, games, or websites
📱 Example: This app has too many advertisements.
🟰 Meaning: There are lots of ads that pop up while using it.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Put an advertisement → Post or share an ad
📍 Example: They put an advertisement online for their new product.

▪️ Watch an advertisement → See it on screen
📍 Example: You have to watch an ad before the video plays.

▪️ Job advertisement → Ad to find a worker
📍 Example: He replied to a job advertisement on the company’s website.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• advertisement (ad) = the message or visual 📢
• advertise = the action of sharing the ad (verb) 💬
• promotion = may include discounts or special offers 💸
• announcement = general news, not always about selling 📣
• poster = printed paper to show something (can be an ad or just decoration) 🖼️

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📣🔹 Word: advertising

🔸 Part of speech: Noun (uncountable)
🔸 Uncountable noun ✅ (You say “some advertising” — not “an advertising”)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

The activity or industry of creating and sharing advertisements to make people interested in a product or service.

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🧠🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about the business or job of promoting products
💼 Example: She works in advertising.
🟰 Meaning: Her job is to create or manage ads.

✦ 2. Talking about the activity of promoting something
📱 Example: The company spends a lot on online advertising.
🟰 Meaning: They pay money to show their products to people online.

✦ 3. Studying or learning about how ads work
📘 Example: He’s studying advertising at university.
🟰 Meaning: He’s learning how to create and use ads professionally.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Advertising campaign → A plan with many ads for a product
📍 Example: The new advertising campaign helped sell more phones.

▪️ TV/online advertising → Where the ads appear
📍 Example: TV advertising is expensive but effective.

▪️ Work in advertising → Have a job in the ad industry
📍 Example: My brother works in advertising.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• advertising = the activity or industry of creating ads (uncountable) 🧠
• advertisement (ad) = the message/poster/video you see (countable) 📰📺
• advertise = the verb (to show or promote something) 📢
• marketing = includes advertising, but also pricing, branding, selling 💼
• media = TV, radio, internet — where advertising is shown 📺🌐

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💥🔹 Word: affect

🔸 Part of speech: Verb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To cause a change in someone or something — usually in feelings, health, or results.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈfɛkt/

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💔🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about emotions or feelings
🧠 Example: The movie really affected me.
🟰 Meaning: The movie touched your emotions or made you feel something strong.

✦ 2. Describing changes in health or behavior
🤒 Example: The illness affected his ability to walk.
🟰 Meaning: The sickness made walking more difficult for him.

✦ 3. Describing impact on results or performance
📉 Example: The rain affected the game.
🟰 Meaning: The game changed or had problems because of the rain.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Affect someone deeply → Make a strong emotional impact
📍 Example: Her speech affected the audience deeply.

▪️ Affect the result/outcome → Change what happens in the end
📍 Example: Bad weather affected the election results.

▪️ Negatively/positively affect → Talk about good or bad effects
📍 Example: Lack of sleep can negatively affect your health.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• affect (verb) = to change or influence something 🔁
• effect (noun) = the result or outcome of that change 🎯
→ Stress affects your health.
→ The effect of stress is serious.

• impact = similar meaning, but stronger or more sudden 💥
• influence = slower or softer effect over time 🌀

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⏳🔹 Word: almost

🔸 Part of speech: Adverb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Very close to something, but not completely.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈɔːl.moʊst/

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🔜🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about time or actions that are nearly done
📍 Example: I’m almost finished with my homework.
🟰 Meaning: You are close to the end, but not done yet.

✦ 2. Describing quantity or amount
📉 Example: Almost everyone was at the party.
🟰 Meaning: Most people were there — but not all.

✦ 3. Talking about things that didn’t happen, but nearly did
💥 Example: I almost dropped my phone.
🟰 Meaning: You were very close to dropping it, but you didn’t.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Almost done → Very close to finishing
📍 Example: Dinner is almost done.

▪️ Almost there → Close to reaching a place or goal
📍 Example: Keep going — we’re almost there!

▪️ Almost never → Very rarely
📍 Example: He almost never eats sweets.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• almost = nearly, not quite 💫
• already = something that happened earlier ⏰
• just = can mean now or exactly — not the same as almost
• barely = only just (very small difference) 😬
• hardly = almost not (very little) 🙅

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🚶‍♂️🔹 Word: along

🔸 Part of speech: Preposition / Adverb

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Moving in the same direction as something, or following the side of something.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈlɔːŋ/

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➡️🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Moving beside something (like a road or river)
🛣️ Example: They walked along the river.
🟰 Meaning: They walked beside the river, following its direction.

✦ 2. Describing position or location
🏖️ Example: There are shops along the beach.
🟰 Meaning: The shops are placed next to or beside the beach.

✦ 3. Used with “come” or “go” (to say together)
🚶 Example: Come along with me.
🟰 Meaning: Come together with me.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Go along → Move forward in a direction
📍 Example: We went along the road until we reached town.

▪️ Come along → Join someone
📍 Example: You can come along if you want.

▪️ All along → From the beginning
📍 Example: She knew the answer all along.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• along = beside or with something in a line or path ➡️
• across = from one side to the other (crossing) ↔️
• alongside = very close beside something (often for people or objects) 🤝
• alone = by yourself (not the same as along) 🚫👥
• ahead = in front of you 🧭

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⚖️🔹 Word: although

🔸 Part of speech: Conjunction

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Used to show contrast — two ideas that are different or opposite.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /ɔːlˈðoʊ/

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🔄🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To show two different ideas in the same sentence
📍 Example: Although it was raining, we went outside.
🟰 Meaning: It rained, but we still went outside (opposite of what you expect).

✦ 2. To soften or balance your opinion
🤔 Example: Although I don’t love the movie, I enjoyed the ending.
🟰 Meaning: You didn’t fully like it, but there was something good.

✦ 3. To make your sentence more formal than “but”
📝 Example: Although he’s tired, he keeps working.
🟰 Meaning: More formal than saying “He’s tired, but he keeps working.”

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📘🔸 Common sentence patterns:

▪️ Although + subject + verb…
📍 Example: Although it’s late, I’m not sleepy.

▪️ Although… , + main clause
📍 Example: Although she studied hard, she failed the test.

▪️ At the beginning or middle of a sentence
📍 Example: She failed the test, although she studied hard.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• although = shows contrast (just like even though or though) 🤔
• but = less formal and often shorter ⚠️
• however = also shows contrast, but starts a new sentence 🪪
• because = shows reason, not contrast ⚙️
• despite / in spite of = similar meaning, but followed by a noun or -ing verb
– Despite the rain, we played outside.
– Although it rained, we played outside.

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👥🔹 Word: among

🔸 Part of speech: Preposition

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

In the middle of or included in a group of people or things.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈmʌŋ/

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🔍🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To say something is in the middle of a group
📍 Example: She was sitting among her friends.
🟰 Meaning: She was surrounded by her friends.

✦ 2. To show part of a group or shared by a group
📍 Example: There was a lot of excitement among the students.
🟰 Meaning: The students all felt excited.

✦ 3. To choose or compare within a group
📍 Example: He was the smartest among them.
🟰 Meaning: He had the highest level compared to others in the group.

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📘🔸 Common expressions and uses:

▪️ Among friends → In a group of friends
📍 Example: She felt safe among friends.

▪️ Among other things → Including other items not listed
📍 Example: He bought books, clothes, and snacks, among other things.

▪️ Share among → Divide between more than two people
📍 Example: We shared the money among the team members.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• among = in a group of 3 or more things or people 👥
• between = used for 2 people or things only ✌️
– He sat between John and Lisa.
– She sat among her classmates.

• amid = formal, used in the middle of things or situations (like amid chaos) 🌀
• inside = physically inside something, not among a group 🔒

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🦶🔹 Word: ankle

🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (one ankle, two ankles)

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

The part of your body between your leg and your foot — it helps your foot move.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈæŋ.kəl/

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🩼🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about body parts
📍 Example: She hurt her ankle while running.
🟰 Meaning: She had pain or injury in the joint between her foot and leg.

✦ 2. When wearing shoes, socks, or pants
👟 Example: These boots cover my ankles.
🟰 Meaning: The boots are high enough to reach the ankle area.

✦ 3. Describing injuries in sports or movement
🏃‍♂️ Example: He twisted his ankle during the game.
🟰 Meaning: His ankle moved in a bad way and got injured.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Sprained ankle → A twisted or injured ankle
📍 Example: She has a sprained ankle and can’t walk well.

▪️ Ankle-high / ankle-length → Something that reaches the ankle
📍 Example: He wore ankle-high socks.

▪️ Break your ankle → A serious injury
📍 Example: He broke his ankle while skateboarding.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• ankle = the joint between your leg and foot 🦶
• knee = higher up, the joint in the middle of your leg 🦵
• heel = the back part of your foot 👣
• wrist = the joint between your arm and hand ✋
• toe = one of the small parts at the end of your foot 🦶👣

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🧍❓🔹 Word: anybody

Study These Flashcards

🔸 Part of speech: Pronoun

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Any person — used when you don’t know who, or it doesn’t matter who.

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🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈen.iˌbɑː.di/

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👥🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. In questions – asking if someone exists
📍 Example: Did anybody call me?
🟰 Meaning: You don’t know who, but you’re asking if someone did.

✦ 2. In negative sentences – to say no person did something
🚫 Example: I didn’t see anybody at the station.
🟰 Meaning: There was no one there.

✦ 3. In positive sentences – to say it doesn’t matter who
📍 Example: Anybody can join the game.
🟰 Meaning: Everyone is welcome — it’s open to all people.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and sentence patterns:

▪️ Did anybody…? → To ask a question
📍 Example: Did anybody help you?

▪️ I don’t know anybody here. → Negative form
📍 Example: I feel shy because I don’t know anybody.

▪️ Anybody can… → Open to all people
📍 Example: Anybody can learn a new language.

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💡 Don’t confuse:

• anybody = any person ❓
• somebody = a person, but we don’t say who (more positive) 👤
– Somebody knocked on the door.
• nobody = no person at all 🚫
– Nobody was in the room.
• everybody = all the people 👥
– Everybody is here!

✅ Anybody, somebody, nobody, and everybody are all pronouns used to talk about people — choose based on the situation.

❌🔹 Phrase: any more

Study These Flashcards

🔸 Part of speech: Determiner / Adverb
🔸 Pronunciation: /ˌen.i ˈmɔːr/ (EN-ee MOR) – 🇺🇸 American English

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Used to talk about something that no longer exists, no longer happens, or to ask for additional quantity.

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⏳🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. In negative sentences – something has stopped
📍 Example: I don’t live there any more.
🟰 Meaning: I lived there before, but not now.

✦ 2. In questions – asking if more is available
📍 Example: Do you have any more water?
🟰 Meaning: You’re asking if there’s extra water.

✦ 3. To refuse or limit something
📍 Example: No more cookies. You’ve had enough!
🟰 Meaning: You’re not allowing more of something.

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📘🔸 Common phrases and patterns:

▪️ Not… any more → Something has stopped
📍 Example: We’re not friends any more.

▪️ Do you want any more? → Asking if more is needed
📍 Example: Would you like any more tea?

▪️ No more + noun → To say “none left”
📍 Example: No more money! We spent it all.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• any more = (1) no longer, or (2) extra amount 📦
• anymore = 📝 in American English, it’s often written as one word when used to mean “no longer”:
– I don’t play soccer anymore. = same as any more
• some more = asking/offering an extra quantity 🍰
– Would you like some more cake?

🔄🔹 Word: anyway

Study These Flashcards

🔸 Part of speech: Adverb
🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈen.i.weɪ/ (EN-ee-way) – 🇺🇸 American English

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🔸 Definition (in simple English):

Used to continue, change, or return to a topic — or to show that you’ll do something even if there’s a reason not to.

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🗣️🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To continue or return to a topic
📍 Example: Anyway, let’s get back to work.
🟰 Meaning: Changing the subject or going back to the main topic.

✦ 2. To show you’ll do something despite a problem
📍 Example: It was raining, but we went out anyway.
🟰 Meaning: The rain didn’t stop us — we still did it.

✦ 3. To end a conversation or add a final thought
📍 Example: Anyway, I have to go now.
🟰 Meaning: You’re wrapping up the conversation or moving on.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and uses:

▪️ Do it anyway → Even with a reason not to
📍 Example: He told me not to help, but I did it anyway.

▪️ Anyway… → Change the subject
📍 Example: Anyway, did you hear the news?

▪️ Thanks anyway → Be polite when someone tried to help
📍 Example: You can’t help? That’s okay. Thanks anyway!

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• anyway = used to continue speaking, change topic, or ignore a problem 🔁
• anyways = informal version (used in speech, not in writing) 🗣️
• any way (two words) = means “any method or style”
– Is there any way to fix this? (different meaning)

✨🔹 Word: appear

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🔸 Part of speech: Verb
🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈpɪr/ (uh-PEER) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To become visible, to come into view, or to seem a certain way.

⸻

👀🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To suddenly become visible or show up
📍 Example: The sun appeared after the storm.
🟰 Meaning: You can now see the sun — it wasn’t visible before.

✦ 2. To arrive or show up somewhere
📍 Example: She appeared late to the meeting.
🟰 Meaning: She came in and people saw her arrive.

✦ 3. To seem or look like something (not 100% sure)
📍 Example: He appears tired today.
🟰 Meaning: He looks tired, but we’re not completely sure.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and uses:

▪️ Appear suddenly → Show up quickly and without warning
📍 Example: A rainbow appeared suddenly in the sky.

▪️ Appear to be → Seem like something
📍 Example: She appears to be happy.

▪️ Appear in a movie/show → Be part of something public
📍 Example: He appeared in a famous TV series.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• appear = to show up or seem 👀
• disappear = to go away or become invisible 🧊
• look = more casual way to talk about how someone seems 👓
– He appears tired. = more formal
– He looks tired. = more common in speech
• seem = similar to appear, but more neutral
– It seems like she’s upset.
– She appears upset.

👗🔹 Word: appearance

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🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable & uncountable noun ✅
🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈpɪr.əns/ (uh-PEER-uhns) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

How someone or something looks on the outside; or the act of someone showing up or becoming visible.

⸻

👀🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about how someone looks (face, clothes, style)
📍 Example: He cares a lot about his appearance.
🟰 Meaning: He pays attention to how he looks.

✦ 2. When someone appears in public, on TV, or in an event
📍 Example: The singer made an appearance on the show.
🟰 Meaning: She showed up and people saw her.

✦ 3. Something showing up or becoming visible
📍 Example: The sudden appearance of the rainbow surprised us.
🟰 Meaning: It became visible in the sky unexpectedly.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Make an appearance → Show up briefly or formally
📍 Example: He made an appearance at the party, then left.

▪️ Change in appearance → Looks different now
📍 Example: She had a big change in appearance after the haircut.

▪️ Keep up appearances → Pretend everything is fine (even if not)
📍 Example: They tried to keep up appearances during the crisis.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• appearance = how something looks or the act of showing up 👀
• personality = someone’s character or how they act 🧠
• presence = being there, not about how you look 👤
– Her presence was strong in the room.
• look = informal word for appearance
– I like your new look! = I like your appearance!

📄🔹 Word: apply

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🔸 Part of speech: Verb
🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈplaɪ/ (uh-PLY) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To ask officially for something, or to put something onto a surface. It can also mean to use something in a real situation.

⸻

🧠🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. To ask for a job, school, or program
📄 Example: She applied for a job at the hospital.
🟰 Meaning: She sent an official request to work there.

✦ 2. To put something onto your skin or another surface
🧴 Example: Apply the cream to your face every night.
🟰 Meaning: Rub or spread it on your skin.

✦ 3. To use an idea, rule, or method in a real case
🧠 Example: You should apply this technique in your essay.
🟰 Meaning: Use the method you learned in practice.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Apply for a job/school/visa → Ask officially for something
📍 Example: I want to apply for a student visa.

▪️ Apply pressure → Push something firmly (literal or metaphorical)
📍 Example: Apply pressure to the wound. / She applied pressure to get results.

▪️ Apply the rules/skills/knowledge → Use what you know
📍 Example: He applied what he learned in real life.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• apply = to ask for something or to use something in real life 📝
• register = to sign up or enroll in something 🧾
• enroll = usually for school or courses 🏫
• submit = to send a form, file, or document 📤
• put on = more casual version for “apply to skin”
– Put on sunscreen = Apply sunscreen

🗣️🔹 Word: argue

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🔸 Part of speech: Verb
🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈɑːrɡ.juː/ (AR-gyoo) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

To speak with someone when you don’t agree, often in a loud or emotional way. It can also mean to give reasons to support an opinion.

⸻

👥🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Fighting with words (disagreement or conflict)
📍 Example: They argued about money all night.
🟰 Meaning: They had a loud disagreement or verbal fight.

✦ 2. Making a point or defending an idea
📍 Example: She argued that online classes are more flexible.
🟰 Meaning: She gave reasons to support her opinion.

✦ 3. In formal or written situations (debate, essay)
📍 Example: In this essay, I will argue that climate change is real.
🟰 Meaning: You will give logical reasons to support your opinion.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Argue with someone → Disagree with a person
📍 Example: Don’t argue with your teacher.

▪️ Argue about something → Disagree on a topic
📍 Example: They argued about politics.

▪️ Argue that… → Give reasons for your idea
📍 Example: She argued that we need more time.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• argue = to disagree or give reasons 🗣️
• fight = can include arguing, but also physical action 🥊
• debate = a formal and polite argument 🧠
• discuss = talking calmly about something, not a fight 🧏‍♂️
• complain = to say something is wrong or unfair 😤

🪖🔹 Word: army

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🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (an army, two armies)
🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈɑːr.mi/ (AR-mee) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

A large group of soldiers trained to fight and protect a country, usually on land.

⸻

👥🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. Talking about the military of a country
📍 Example: He joined the army when he was 18.
🟰 Meaning: He became a soldier in the land forces.

✦ 2. In history, news, or war contexts
📍 Example: The army protected the city during the war.
🟰 Meaning: Soldiers defended the city in a conflict.

✦ 3. Used figuratively to mean “a large group”
📍 Example: An army of ants marched across the floor.
🟰 Meaning: A huge number of ants moving together like soldiers.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Join the army → Become a soldier
📍 Example: He joined the army after high school.

▪️ Army base → A place where soldiers live and train
📍 Example: They visited a military army base.

▪️ Army uniform → Special clothes worn by soldiers
📍 Example: She looked proud in her army uniform.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• army = land soldiers 🪖
• military = all armed forces (army, navy, air force) 🎖️
• navy = soldiers who fight at sea ⚓
• air force = soldiers who fly aircraft ✈️
• police = people who protect cities and enforce laws 👮

🎤🔹 Word: audience

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🔸 Part of speech: Noun
🔸 Countable noun ✅ (an audience, two audiences)
🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈɑː.di.əns/ (AW-dee-uhns) – 🇺🇸 American English

⸻

🔸 Definition (in simple English):

A group of people who watch, listen to, or read something like a show, speech, or performance.

⸻

👥🔸 3 most common situations:

✦ 1. People watching a performance, movie, or concert
📍 Example: The audience clapped at the end of the show.
🟰 Meaning: The people watching the show were happy and applauded.

✦ 2. Listeners or viewers of a speech or presentation
📍 Example: He spoke to an audience of 500 people.
🟰 Meaning: 500 people were listening to him speak.

✦ 3. People who follow a video, social media, or article
📍 Example: Her YouTube channel has a large audience.
🟰 Meaning: Many people watch her videos online.

⸻

📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions:

▪️ Live audience → People watching in person
📍 Example: The comedian performed in front of a live audience.

▪️ Target audience → The specific group you want to reach
📍 Example: This ad is for a teenage audience.

▪️ Capture the audience → Get their full attention
📍 Example: The speaker captured the audience with her story.

⸻

💡 Don’t confuse:

• audience = a group of watchers or listeners 👥
• crowd = a large group of people (not always watching something) 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️
• viewer = someone who watches TV or online videos 📺
• listener = someone who listens to audio or radio 🎧
• spectator = someone who watches a live event like a game or show (more formal) 🏟️

🚫🔹 Word: avoid

🔸 Part of speech: Verb 🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈvɔɪd/ (uh-VOYD) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): To stay away from something, or not do something because it is bad, dangerous, or unpleasant. ⸻ 🙅‍♂️🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. To not do something risky, bad, or unwanted 📍 Example: She avoids junk food to stay healthy. 🟰 Meaning: She doesn’t eat unhealthy food. ✦ 2. To stay away from a place or person 📍 Example: He avoided his boss after the mistake. 🟰 Meaning: He didn’t want to see or talk to his boss. ✦ 3. To stop something from happening 📍 Example: We left early to avoid traffic. 🟰 Meaning: They wanted to stop the traffic problem before it happened. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Avoid doing something → Not do an action 📍 Example: You should avoid speaking loudly in the library. ▪️ Avoid a person or place → Stay away 📍 Example: They avoided the crowded street. ▪️ Avoid eye contact → Not look into someone’s eyes 📍 Example: He avoided eye contact because he was nervous. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • avoid = not do, or stay away from something bad 🚫 • ignore = you see it, but choose not to react 🙈 • escape = to get away from danger or a bad place 🏃‍♂️ • prevent = to stop something before it happens 🔒 • refuse = to say “no” to something directly ❌

🏆🔹 Word: award

🔸 Part of speech: Noun / Verb 🔸 Countable noun ✅ (an award, two awards) 🔸 Pronunciation: /əˈwɔːrd/ (uh-WORD) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): • As a noun: A prize or honor given to someone for doing something great. • As a verb: To officially give someone a prize or recognition. ⸻ 🎖️🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. As a noun – receiving a prize or recognition 📍 Example: She won an award for best actress. 🟰 Meaning: She received a prize for her performance. ✦ 2. As a verb – giving someone a prize or honor 📍 Example: The judges awarded him first place. 🟰 Meaning: They officially gave him the top prize. ✦ 3. In academic or formal settings 📍 Example: He was awarded a scholarship. 🟰 Meaning: He received money for school because of his success. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Win an award → Receive a prize 📍 Example: She won an award for her book. ▪️ Give/receive an award → The action of awarding 📍 Example: They received an award for bravery. ▪️ Award ceremony → The event where awards are given 📍 Example: The award ceremony will be held tonight. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • award = a prize for doing something well 🏆 • reward = something you get (money, gift) for doing something helpful or good 💰 • certificate = a paper that shows you achieved something 📄 • honor = public praise or respect, not always a physical prize 🌟 • medal = a metal object given as an award, especially in sports 🥇

😖🔹 Word: awful

🔸 Part of speech: Adjective 🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈɑː.fəl/ (AW-fuhl) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): Very bad, unpleasant, or terrible. ⸻ 💔🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. Describing something you don’t like or that went badly 📍 Example: The food was awful. 🟰 Meaning: The food tasted very bad. ✦ 2. Talking about sad or painful experiences 📍 Example: She had an awful day at work. 🟰 Meaning: Her day was full of problems and stress. ✦ 3. To express strong negative feelings (emotion or reaction) 📍 Example: I feel awful about what happened. 🟰 Meaning: You feel very bad, guilty, or sorry. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Feel awful → Feel very bad (physically or emotionally) 📍 Example: I have a headache. I feel awful. ▪️ Awful smell / taste / noise → Very unpleasant 📍 Example: There’s an awful smell in the kitchen. ▪️ Awful lot of… (informal) → A large amount of something 📍 Example: He talks an awful lot! 🟰 (Here, “awful” just adds emphasis) ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • awful = very bad 😖 • awesome = very good, amazing 😍 *(opposite meaning!) • terrible = very bad (same meaning as awful) 💥 • horrible = also very bad, sometimes scary 😱 • bad = less strong than awful – bad < awful < horrible

🖼️🔹 Word: background

🔸 Part of speech: Noun 🔸 Countable & uncountable noun ✅ 🔸 Pronunciation: /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd/ (BAK-ground) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): Something behind the main thing you are looking at; or the history, experience, or situation behind a person or event. ⸻ 🏞️🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. The part behind the main image or object 📍 Example: There’s a mountain in the background of the photo. 🟰 Meaning: The mountain is behind the main subject of the picture. ✦ 2. A person’s history or experience (education, family, culture, etc.) 📍 Example: She has a background in science. 🟰 Meaning: Her education and work are related to science. ✦ 3. Used in job interviews or bios to describe skills or past 📍 Example: Tell us about your background. 🟰 Meaning: They want to know about your education, work, and life experience. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ In the background → Behind something 📍 Example: There’s music playing in the background. ▪️ Background check → To look at someone’s past (usually for jobs) 📍 Example: The company did a background check before hiring. ▪️ Have a background in… → Be trained or experienced in a field 📍 Example: He has a background in finance. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • background = what is behind, or past experience 🖼️👤 • foreground = the part in front or focus of a photo 🧍‍♂️ • backdrop = a large image or decoration behind something, often on stage 🎭 • history = a full story or record of the past (background is part of this) 📚 • environment = the space or surroundings, not the history 🌿

🫘🔹 Word: bean

🔸 Part of speech: Noun 🔸 Countable noun ✅ (one bean, two beans) 🔸 Pronunciation: /biːn/ (BEEN) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): A small round seed or vegetable that you can eat. Beans grow on plants and are used in many foods. ⸻ 🍲🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. Talking about food or meals 📍 Example: We had rice and beans for dinner. 🟰 Meaning: Beans were part of the meal. ✦ 2. Talking about types of beans (green beans, black beans, etc.) 📍 Example: I like green beans with butter. 🟰 Meaning: A kind of long green vegetable. ✦ 3. Used in farming, gardening, or health 📍 Example: Beans are full of protein and fiber. 🟰 Meaning: Beans are healthy and good for your body. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Spill the beans → (idiom) Tell a secret 📍 Example: He spilled the beans about the surprise party! ▪️ Not worth a hill of beans → (idiom) Not important or useful 📍 Example: That excuse isn’t worth a hill of beans. ▪️ Beanbag / bean soup / coffee beans → Related words 📍 Example: She bought fresh coffee beans. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • bean = a type of food (seed/vegetable) 🫘 • pea = smaller and rounder green vegetable 🌿 • seed = what grows into a plant 🌱 • grain = small dry food like rice, wheat, or corn 🌾 • coffee bean = not eaten as a vegetable, but used to make coffee ☕

🐻🔹 Word: bear

🔸 Part of speech: Noun / Verb 🔸 Pronunciation: /ber/ (BAIR) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition: • As a noun: A large, strong wild animal with thick fur, often found in forests or mountains. • As a verb: To carry, support, or deal with something difficult (formal or emotional meaning). ⸻ 🔄🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. As a noun – talking about the animal 📍 Example: The bear was sleeping in the forest. 🟰 Meaning: Refers to the large animal. ✦ 2. As a verb – dealing with pain or problems 📍 Example: I can’t bear this noise anymore. 🟰 Meaning: You can’t handle or tolerate the noise. ✦ 3. As a verb – formal way to say “carry” or “hold” 📍 Example: She bore the responsibility for the team. 🟰 Meaning: She accepted or carried the responsibility. ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Bear with me → Be patient with me 📍 Example: Please bear with me while I explain. ▪️ Can’t bear something → Can’t handle it 📍 Example: He can’t bear to see her cry. ▪️ Bear in mind → Remember or consider something 📍 Example: Bear in mind that the test is tomorrow. ▪️ Grizzly bear / polar bear / teddy bear → Types of bears 📍 Example: The teddy bear is soft and cute. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • bear (noun) = animal 🐻 • bear (verb) = to carry, handle, or suffer 💪 • bare = without covering (different word!) 🚫🧥 – bare hands = without gloves • beer = an alcoholic drink 🍺 (sounds similar but different meaning)

🔹 Word: beef

🥩 🔸 Part of speech: Noun 🔸 Uncountable noun ✅ (You say “some beef,” not “a beef” when talking about food) 🔸 Pronunciation: /biːf/ (BEEF) – 🇺🇸 American English ⸻ 🔸 Definition (in simple English): Meat that comes from a cow. It is used in many dishes around the world. ⸻ 🐄🔸 3 most common situations: ✦ 1. Talking about food or meals 📍 Example: We’re having beef for dinner. 🟰 Meaning: The meat we are eating comes from a cow. ✦ 2. Talking about types of beef (steak, ground beef, etc.) 📍 Example: I’ll take a beef burger, please. 🟰 Meaning: A hamburger made from beef. ✦ 3. In informal English – “beef” can mean a complaint or problem 📍 Example: Do you have a beef with me? 🟰 Meaning: Are you upset with me? (informal/slang) ⸻ 📘🔸 Common phrases and expressions: ▪️ Ground beef → Beef that is cut into small pieces (for burgers, tacos) 📍 Example: We used ground beef to make spaghetti sauce. ▪️ Beef stew / beef steak / roast beef → Common dishes 📍 Example: He ordered a beef steak with fries. ▪️ Have a beef with someone (informal) → Be angry or upset with someone 📍 Example: They’ve had a beef since high school. ⸻ 💡 Don’t confuse: • beef = meat from a cow 🐄 • meat = general word (includes beef, chicken, pork…) 🍖 • steak = a thick slice of beef, often grilled or fried 🥩 • pork = meat from a pig 🐖 • chicken = meat from a chicken 🐔 • beef up (verb) = to make something stronger or bigger 💪 – We need to beef up our security.

Oxfort A2 Flashcards

(31 cards)