compulsory education
education that children must receive by law
- Compulsory education should include practical life skills, not only academic subjects.
- In my country, compulsory education lasts until the age of fifteen.
Resources
IELTS Vocabulary Bank
Useful, common phrases by topic. Each one has a plain-English meaning and two example sentences you can adapt for Writing and Speaking.
Education
Schools, universities, exams and learning — for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 1–3.
the national curriculum
the subjects and content that all state schools in a country must teach
- The national curriculum should be updated to include financial literacy.
- The national curriculum was very exam-focused when I was at school.
tuition fees
the money paid for teaching at a school or university
- Rising tuition fees discourage students from poorer families from applying.
- I worked part-time to cover my tuition fees.
higher education
study at university level or equivalent
- Higher education should be affordable for everyone who has the ability to benefit from it.
- Many people see higher education as the key to a better job.
vocational training
training that prepares people for a specific job or trade
- Vocational training prepares young people for skilled jobs that are in demand.
- Governments should invest more in vocational training instead of promoting only university degrees.
academic performance
how well a student does in their studies
- Lack of sleep has a clear negative effect on academic performance.
- Parental involvement can improve a child's academic performance.
peer pressure
the influence of people your own age to behave in a certain way
- Teenagers often start smoking because of peer pressure.
- I felt a lot of peer pressure to choose the same major as my friends.
rote learning
learning by repeating information without really understanding it
- Rote learning may help students pass exams, but it does not build real understanding.
- My school relied too heavily on rote learning.
critical thinking
the ability to analyse information and form a reasoned judgement
- Schools should teach critical thinking, not just facts.
- Debate clubs are a great way to develop critical thinking.
lifelong learning
continuing to learn new things throughout your life
- Lifelong learning helps workers adapt to a changing job market.
- I believe lifelong learning keeps your mind active as you get older.
distance learning
studying remotely, usually online, instead of attending in person
- Distance learning allows people in remote areas to gain qualifications.
- I completed a short course by distance learning during the pandemic.
extracurricular activities
activities such as sports or clubs that take place outside normal lessons
- Extracurricular activities help students build confidence and teamwork skills.
- I joined the football team and several other extracurricular activities.
drop out of school
to leave school or university before finishing the course
- Financial pressure forces many students to drop out of university.
- He dropped out of college to start his own business.
gain a qualification
to obtain an official certificate or degree
- It takes many years to gain a qualification in medicine.
- I want to gain a qualification that is recognised abroad.
literacy rate
the percentage of people who can read and write
- The literacy rate has risen steadily over the past decade.
- A high literacy rate is closely linked to economic growth.
class size
the number of students in one class
- Smaller class sizes allow teachers to give each student more attention.
- Our class size was about forty, which was far too large.
learning outcomes
what students are able to do or know as a result of teaching
- Clear goals can significantly improve learning outcomes.
- Group work often leads to better learning outcomes for weaker students.
academic pressure
stress caused by expectations to do well in studies
- Academic pressure can seriously damage students' mental health.
- There is a lot of academic pressure on teenagers in my country.
private tuition
extra lessons paid for outside school
- Private tuition gives wealthy students an unfair advantage.
- I had private tuition in maths for two years.
hands-on learning
learning by doing practical activities
- Hands-on learning helps science students understand difficult concepts.
- I learn best through hands-on learning rather than reading.
mixed-ability class
a class where students have very different levels
- Teachers often struggle to manage a mixed-ability class.
- In my English course we had a mixed-ability group, so it was hard to keep everyone interested.
boarding school
a school where students live during the term
- Boarding schools can teach children independence from a young age.
- I would not enjoy living at a boarding school because I would miss my family.
school leaver
a young person who has just finished school
- Many school leavers are unsure what to study at university.
- School leavers often lack practical skills that employers want.
learning style
the way a person learns most easily, for example visually or by listening
- Every student has a different learning style, so teachers should vary their methods.
- My learning style is very visual, so I use diagrams and colours.
gap year
a year between school and university, often spent travelling or working
- A gap year can help students decide what they really want to study.
- I wish I had taken a gap year before starting university.
attention span
the length of time you can concentrate on one thing
- Short videos may be reducing children's attention span.
- Young children have a very short attention span, so lessons need variety.
standardised test
an exam where all students answer the same questions in the same conditions
- Standardised tests do not measure creativity or practical ability.
- Students spend months preparing for standardised tests.
core subjects
the most important subjects that all students must study
- Maths and science are usually treated as core subjects.
- Art is often seen as less important than core subjects, which I think is a mistake.
win a scholarship
to be given money to pay for your studies
- She won a scholarship that allowed her to study abroad.
- I hope to win a scholarship to cover my living costs.
pursue a degree
to study for a university degree
- She decided to pursue a degree in engineering.
- I plan to pursue a degree in education after I finish my exams.
job prospects
the chances of finding a good job in the future
- A university degree usually improves your job prospects.
- Job prospects are better in the capital than in rural areas.
keep up with
to stay at the same level or speed as others
- Some students find it hard to keep up with the workload.
- I studied every evening to keep up with my classmates.
hand in an assignment
to give your finished work to a teacher
- Students must hand in their assignment by Friday.
- I always hand in my work on time.
meet a deadline
to finish something by the required date
- University teaches students how to meet deadlines under pressure.
- I find it stressful to meet a deadline when I have several tasks.
cram for an exam
to study a lot in a short time just before a test
- Many students cram for exams the night before, which is not an effective way to learn.
- I used to cram for tests, but I always forgot everything afterwards.
revise for a test
to review what you have learned before an exam
- I revise for tests by making short summary notes.
- Students should revise regularly, not just in the week before exams.
resit an exam
to take an exam again after failing it
- Students who fail are allowed to resit the exam.
- I had to resit my maths exam because I was ill on the first day.
take notes
to write down key points while listening or reading
- Taking notes helps students stay focused during lectures.
- I take notes in every class and review them at the weekend.
encourage creativity
to support students to think of new and original ideas
- Schools should encourage creativity as well as discipline.
- My art teacher always encouraged creativity instead of copying.
broaden your horizons
to experience new things and widen your knowledge or view
- Studying abroad broadens students' horizons and helps them understand other cultures.
- Travelling really broadened my horizons when I was a teenager.
a well-rounded education
an education that develops many different skills, not only academic ones
- A well-rounded education includes sport, music and the arts.
- Parents want their children to receive a well-rounded education.
foster independence
to help someone become able to do things on their own
- Group projects foster independence and teamwork.
- Boarding schools can foster independence in teenagers.
impart knowledge
to pass information and skills on to others
- Teachers impart knowledge, but the best ones also inspire students.
- A good teacher knows how to impart knowledge in an interesting way.
academic achievement
success in studies, shown by grades or qualifications
- Motivation is a strong predictor of academic achievement.
- Her academic achievements earned her a place at a top university.
disadvantaged background
a family situation with less money, support or opportunity than others
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds need extra support to succeed.
- Scholarships can transform the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
equal access to education
the same opportunity for everyone to study, whatever their situation
- Governments must ensure equal access to education for girls and boys.
- Online courses can provide equal access to education in remote areas.
dropout rate
the percentage of students who leave a course before finishing
- The dropout rate is highest in rural areas.
- Free school meals can help to lower the dropout rate.
bilingual education
teaching students in two languages
- Bilingual education helps children become fluent in two languages.
- I attended a school with bilingual education as a child.
student-centred learning
an approach where students take an active role in their own learning
- Student-centred learning gives learners more responsibility for their progress.
- Many modern schools have moved towards student-centred learning.
classroom discipline
keeping order and good behaviour in lessons
- Strict classroom discipline is essential for effective learning.
- Maintaining classroom discipline is difficult in very large classes.
teaching methods
the ways in which teachers present lessons
- Traditional teaching methods are still common in many countries.
- I prefer interactive teaching methods to long lectures.
learn from your mistakes
to improve by understanding what you did wrong
- Students learn from their mistakes when feedback is clear and constructive.
- I learned from my mistakes in the first exam and prepared better for the next one.
Technology
Devices, the internet, social media and AI — for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 1–3.
cutting-edge technology
the newest and most advanced technology available
- Hospitals that use cutting-edge technology can diagnose illnesses much earlier.
- My company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology.
technological advances
important improvements in technology
- Technological advances have made communication faster and cheaper.
- Thanks to technological advances, people can now work from almost anywhere.
digital divide
the gap between people who have access to technology and those who do not
- The digital divide leaves poorer communities without access to online education.
- Governments must act to narrow the digital divide between cities and villages.
artificial intelligence
computer systems that can perform tasks that normally need human thinking
- Artificial intelligence is already being used to detect diseases in medical scans.
- I'm both excited and nervous about the growth of artificial intelligence.
the rise of automation
the growing use of machines to do work that people used to do
- The rise of automation has reduced the need for workers in many factories.
- Some people fear that the rise of automation will take their jobs.
social media platforms
websites and apps where people share content and communicate
- Social media platforms allow people to stay in touch with friends abroad.
- I spend too much time on social media platforms, especially in the evening.
online privacy
keeping your personal information private on the internet
- Many users do not realise how little online privacy they have.
- I'm very careful about online privacy and never share my address online.
be a victim of cyberbullying
to be hurt or frightened by someone using the internet or phones
- Teenagers who are victims of cyberbullying often suffer from serious anxiety.
- My cousin became a victim of cyberbullying when she was fourteen.
screen time
the amount of time spent looking at a phone, tablet, TV or computer
- Parents should limit their children's screen time to protect their eyesight.
- My screen time has doubled since I started working online.
be addicted to
to be unable to stop doing or using something
- Many teenagers are addicted to their smartphones.
- I'm addicted to watching short videos before bed, and I'm trying to cut down.
keep in touch with
to stay in contact with someone
- Video calls make it easy to keep in touch with relatives abroad.
- I use messaging apps to keep in touch with my old classmates.
face-to-face communication
talking to someone in person rather than through a device
- Too much texting can weaken face-to-face communication skills.
- I still prefer face-to-face communication for important conversations.
a user-friendly interface
a screen or menu design that is easy to use, even for beginners
- The app has a user-friendly interface, so older people can use it without help.
- I like this phone because it has a user-friendly interface.
state-of-the-art equipment
the most modern and advanced machines and tools
- The university has state-of-the-art equipment in its computer laboratory.
- The clinic invested in state-of-the-art equipment last year.
become obsolete
to stop being used because something newer and better exists
- Many office skills have become obsolete because of new software.
- My old laptop has almost become obsolete; it can barely run modern programs.
data breach
an incident where private information is stolen or exposed
- A major data breach exposed the details of millions of customers.
- After the data breach, I changed all my passwords.
identity theft
stealing someone's personal details to commit fraud
- Identity theft is becoming more common as more services move online.
- You should never share your bank details by email, because of the risk of identity theft.
spread misinformation
to share false or misleading information widely
- Social media can spread misinformation faster than the truth.
- People who spread misinformation online should be held responsible.
rely on
to depend on something to work or help you
- Modern businesses rely on the internet to operate.
- I rely on my phone for maps, news and even paying for lunch.
be glued to a screen
to spend all your time looking at a screen
- Children who are glued to a screen get less exercise.
- My brother is always glued to his screen after dinner.
virtual reality
a computer-created environment that feels real when you wear a headset
- Virtual reality could transform the way medical students practise surgery.
- I tried virtual reality once, and it felt like being inside a game.
the growth of e-commerce
the increase in buying and selling goods over the internet
- The growth of e-commerce has forced many small shops to close.
- I buy most of my clothes online, thanks to the growth of e-commerce.
remote working
doing your job from home or another place away from the office
- Remote working saves employees time and money on commuting.
- I would love to try remote working for a few days a week.
streaming services
online services for watching films and listening to music without downloading
- Streaming services have changed the way people watch television.
- I use two streaming services and watch a film most weekends.
a technological breakthrough
an important new discovery or invention in technology
- The invention of the smartphone was a technological breakthrough that changed daily life.
- Scientists announced a technological breakthrough in battery design.
a tech-savvy generation
young people who are good at using modern technology
- A tech-savvy generation adapts to new apps very quickly.
- My students are a tech-savvy generation, so they prefer digital homework.
information overload
having so much information that it is hard to deal with it
- Constant news alerts can lead to information overload.
- I sometimes feel information overload when I check social media for too long.
in the digital age
in the current time, when digital technology is part of everyday life
- In the digital age, employees need strong computer skills.
- It is hard to protect your privacy in the digital age.
the latest gadgets
the newest small electronic devices
- Teenagers often save their pocket money to buy the latest gadgets.
- My brother always wants the latest gadgets, even when his old ones still work.
software update
a new version of a program that fixes problems or adds features
- A software update fixed the security problem.
- My phone keeps asking me to install a software update.
increased surveillance
more watching of people, often with cameras or technology
- Increased surveillance may make cities safer but reduces privacy.
- I don't mind increased surveillance in shopping centres, but not in public parks.
facial recognition
technology that identifies people from their faces
- Facial recognition is used at airports to speed up security checks.
- I feel uncomfortable about facial recognition being used in shops.
smart devices
internet-connected devices such as phones, watches and home speakers
- Smart devices can help older people live independently at home.
- We have several smart devices in our house, including lights I control with my phone.
cashless society
a society where people pay using cards and phones instead of money
- A cashless society is more convenient but could exclude elderly people.
- Living in a cashless society, I rarely carry any notes at all.
an e-learning course
a course taken online using digital tools
- E-learning courses allow students to study at their own pace.
- I took an e-learning course in graphic design last summer.
pose a threat to
to be a danger to something
- Hackers pose a threat to online banking.
- Some people believe artificial intelligence poses a threat to human jobs.
job displacement
workers losing their jobs because machines or software replace them
- Job displacement is one of the biggest social effects of automation.
- Retraining programmes can help workers affected by job displacement.
fake news
false stories that look like real news
- Fake news spreads quickly because people share headlines without checking them.
- I try to check the source before I believe any fake news story.
go viral
to spread very quickly across the internet
- A short video can go viral within hours.
- My friend's cooking video went viral, and she gained thousands of followers.
online platform
a website or app that provides a service or space for users
- Teachers can use an online platform to share homework with students.
- I sell my handmade bags through an online platform.
back up files
to make a copy of your data in case you lose it
- Businesses should back up their files every day.
- I learned to back up my files after my laptop broke.
user data
information that companies collect about the people who use their services
- Companies often sell user data to advertisers without clear permission.
- I worry about how much user data big apps collect.
high-speed internet
a very fast internet connection
- High-speed internet makes remote working possible in rural areas.
- Our village finally got high-speed internet last year.
digital literacy
the ability to use digital tools and find, check and create information online
- Digital literacy should be taught to every child from primary school.
- Older people with low digital literacy struggle to use online banking.
mobile app
a program designed to run on a smartphone
- A new mobile app lets patients book appointments without calling the clinic.
- My favourite mobile app helps me learn ten new words every day.
online community
a group of people who connect and share interests on the internet
- An online community can give support to people with rare illnesses.
- I joined an online community of English learners to practise writing.
reliance on technology
depending too much on technology
- Heavy reliance on technology can reduce our ability to think for ourselves.
- Our reliance on technology becomes obvious whenever the internet goes down.
digital detox
a period of time when you stop using phones and other devices
- A weekend digital detox can reduce stress and improve sleep.
- I did a digital detox on holiday and felt much calmer.
drive innovation
to push new ideas, methods and inventions forward
- Competition between companies helps to drive innovation.
- Governments should fund research to drive innovation in technology.
multitask effectively
to do several things at the same time and still do them well
- Few people can multitask effectively while using a phone.
- I can't multitask effectively when I'm studying, because I lose focus.
the main downside of
the biggest disadvantage of something
- The main downside of online shopping is that you cannot try products first.
- The main downside of a smart home is the constant notifications.
keep pace with
to change or develop at the same speed as something else
- Laws struggle to keep pace with new technology.
- It's hard to keep pace with all the latest apps.
Environment
Climate, pollution, energy and wildlife — for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 1–3.
climate change
long-term changes in the Earth's weather patterns caused mainly by human activity
- Climate change is already causing more extreme weather around the world.
- I believe young people care more about climate change than older generations.
global warming
the gradual rise in the Earth's average temperature
- Global warming is melting ice at the poles and raising sea levels.
- Scientists agree that global warming is largely caused by burning fossil fuels.
greenhouse gas emissions
gases such as carbon dioxide released into the air that trap heat
- Governments must cut greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change.
- Transport is responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions.
carbon footprint
the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, company or activity
- Flying less is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
- I try to lower my carbon footprint by cycling to work.
fossil fuels
coal, oil and gas, which release carbon dioxide when burned
- Many countries still depend on fossil fuels for most of their electricity.
- Switching from fossil fuels to clean energy will take decades.
renewable energy
energy from sources that do not run out, such as sun and wind
- Investing in renewable energy creates jobs and reduces pollution.
- My town now gets part of its electricity from renewable energy.
solar power
electricity produced from sunlight
- Solar power is particularly suitable for sunny countries.
- Our school installed panels so it could use solar power.
widespread deforestation
the cutting down of large areas of forest in many places
- Widespread deforestation destroys the habitats of many animals.
- Widespread deforestation in the Amazon worries scientists around the world.
endangered species
animals or plants at risk of becoming extinct
- Many endangered species are threatened by illegal hunting.
- I donate every year to a charity that protects endangered species.
a loss of biodiversity
a fall in the variety of plant and animal life in a place
- Pollution and intensive farming have caused a loss of biodiversity.
- Protecting wetlands helps to prevent a loss of biodiversity.
habitat loss
the destruction of the natural homes of animals and plants
- Habitat loss is the main reason why many species are disappearing.
- Urban expansion is a major cause of habitat loss.
air pollution
harmful substances in the air, often from traffic and factories
- Air pollution in large cities causes serious breathing problems.
- The air pollution in my city is worst during rush hour.
plastic waste
rubbish made of plastic that harms the environment
- Plastic waste is damaging marine life across the world's oceans.
- Shops should charge for bags to reduce plastic waste.
recycling facilities
places or bins where used materials are collected and turned into new products
- Cities should provide more recycling facilities for households.
- My building has no recycling facilities, so I carry glass to the park.
end up in landfill
to finish as rubbish buried in a large waste site
- Most household rubbish ends up in landfill, where it can take hundreds of years to break down.
- Old phones often end up in landfill instead of being recycled.
sustainable development
growth that meets today's needs without harming the future
- Sustainable development requires a balance between economic growth and protecting nature.
- Our city has adopted a plan for sustainable development.
natural resources
materials from nature that people use, such as water, wood and minerals
- Countries rich in natural resources must manage them carefully.
- We are using up natural resources faster than they can be replaced.
resource depletion
using up natural resources until little is left
- Over-farming leads to soil damage and resource depletion.
- Resource depletion is a serious threat to future generations.
conservation efforts
actions to protect nature and natural resources from damage or loss
- Conservation efforts have saved several species from extinction.
- I joined a beach clean-up as part of local conservation efforts.
national park
a large area of land protected by the government for nature and visitors
- National parks protect wildlife and give people a place to enjoy nature.
- We spent the weekend hiking in a national park near my hometown.
extreme weather
very severe weather such as storms, heatwaves and floods
- Extreme weather is becoming more frequent because of climate change.
- Last year's extreme weather destroyed crops across the region.
rising sea levels
the increase in ocean height as ice melts and water warms
- Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal cities.
- Many island nations fear that rising sea levels will force people to leave.
suffer from drought
to have very little rain for a long period
- Farmers in the region suffer from drought almost every summer.
- Many countries suffer from drought because of climate change.
cause flooding
to make water cover land that is usually dry
- Heavy rain can cause flooding and force families to leave their homes.
- Blocked drains caused flooding in our neighbourhood last year.
a fragile ecosystem
a community of living things that is easily damaged
- Coral reefs are a fragile ecosystem that is easily destroyed.
- Tourism can harm a fragile ecosystem if it is not controlled.
contaminate drinking water
to make water unsafe to drink by adding harmful substances
- Chemicals from factories can contaminate drinking water.
- Leaking waste can contaminate drinking water for whole towns.
toxic waste
poisonous rubbish, especially from factories
- Toxic waste must be disposed of safely to protect public health.
- Dumping toxic waste in rivers should be punished with heavy fines.
industrial emissions
gases and smoke released by factories
- Strict limits on industrial emissions have improved air quality.
- Industrial emissions are a major source of pollution near big cities.
public transport
buses, trains and other transport available to everyone
- Improving public transport can reduce traffic and pollution.
- I take public transport to work because parking is expensive.
environmentally friendly
not harmful to the environment
- More consumers are choosing environmentally friendly products.
- Cycling is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel.
organic farming
growing food without artificial chemicals
- Organic farming protects soil and wildlife but can be more expensive.
- My uncle switched to organic farming ten years ago.
single-use plastics
plastic items that are used once and thrown away
- Many countries have banned single-use plastics such as straws and bags.
- I always carry a reusable bottle to avoid single-use plastics.
energy consumption
the amount of energy used
- Energy-saving bulbs can significantly lower household energy consumption.
- Our energy consumption rises sharply in summer because of air conditioning.
carbon tax
a tax on companies or people based on the carbon dioxide they produce
- A carbon tax encourages businesses to cut their emissions.
- Some people argue that a carbon tax would unfairly hit low-income families.
raise awareness
to make people more informed about an issue
- Public campaigns can raise awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution.
- Our school held an event to raise awareness about recycling.
take action
to do something to deal with a problem
- Governments need to take action now to prevent further damage.
- I decided to take action by joining a local clean-up group.
urban sprawl
the uncontrolled spread of cities into the countryside
- Urban sprawl destroys farmland and natural habitats.
- The city's urban sprawl has pushed wildlife further away.
the problem of overpopulation
when there are too many people for the available resources
- The problem of overpopulation puts pressure on water, food and housing.
- Some experts say the problem of overpopulation causes many environmental problems.
food waste
edible food that is thrown away
- Supermarkets should do more to reduce food waste.
- We cut our food waste by planning meals for the week.
stop overfishing
to stop catching so many fish that stocks cannot recover
- Governments must act to stop overfishing before fish stocks collapse.
- Fishing communities suffer when nobody tries to stop overfishing.
the ozone layer
a layer of gas high in the atmosphere that protects Earth from harmful sunlight
- Chemicals used in old refrigerators damaged the ozone layer.
- The ban on these chemicals has helped the ozone layer slowly recover.
acid rain
rain made acidic by pollution, which damages trees and buildings
- Acid rain has destroyed forests in parts of Europe.
- Burning coal without filters contributes to acid rain.
clean energy
energy that produces little or no pollution
- Investing in clean energy will cut pollution and create jobs.
- My family pays a little extra for clean energy from our electricity supplier.
wind farm
an area with many wind turbines that produce electricity
- A new wind farm now supplies power to thousands of homes.
- Some residents object to a wind farm being built near their village.
energy-efficient appliances
machines for the home that use little energy
- Energy-efficient appliances can lower electricity bills.
- We bought energy-efficient appliances to cut our electricity costs.
reduce, reuse, recycle
a three-step rule for creating less waste
- Schools teach children to reduce, reuse and recycle from an early age.
- I try to follow the rule of reduce, reuse, recycle when I shop.
wildlife reserve
an area set aside to protect wild animals
- Wildlife reserves give endangered animals a safe place to breed.
- We visited a wildlife reserve and saw elephants in the wild.
irreversible damage
harm that can never be repaired
- Pollution can cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.
- Scientists warn that we may soon cause irreversible damage to the climate.
tackle a problem
to try to deal with a difficult problem
- Governments and individuals must work together to tackle pollution.
- The council is trying to tackle the problem of litter in the park.
for future generations
for the people who will live after us
- We have a duty to protect the planet for future generations.
- I want to leave a clean environment for future generations.
Work & Careers
Jobs, salaries, stress and working life — for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Parts 1–3.
work-life balance
a healthy division of time between work and personal life
- A good work-life balance makes employees happier and more productive.
- I'm looking for a job that gives me a better work-life balance.
career prospects
the chances of success and promotion in a job
- Graduates with language skills have excellent career prospects.
- I chose this company because of its good career prospects.
job satisfaction
the feeling of being happy and fulfilled in your work
- Job satisfaction often matters more than salary in the long term.
- I get a lot of job satisfaction from helping students improve.
get a promotion
to be moved to a higher, better-paid position at work
- Employees who work hard deserve to get a promotion.
- I hope to get a promotion after two years in the company.
a well-paid job
a job with a high salary
- A well-paid job does not always bring happiness.
- Many graduates dream of finding a well-paid job abroad.
unemployment rate
the percentage of people without a job who are looking for work
- The unemployment rate among young people is much higher than average.
- A falling unemployment rate is a sign of a healthy economy.
job security
the feeling that your job is safe and you will not lose it
- Many workers value job security more than a high salary.
- Public sector jobs usually offer more job security.
a steady income
money that you receive regularly and can rely on
- A steady income allows families to plan for the future.
- Freelancers often struggle to earn a steady income.
permanent contract
a job agreement with no end date
- Workers on a permanent contract enjoy more benefits.
- After six months, I was offered a permanent contract.
temporary contract
a job agreement that ends after a fixed period
- Many young people are stuck on temporary contracts with no security.
- I am on a temporary contract until the end of the year.
full-time job
a job where you work the standard number of hours each week
- A full-time job leaves little time for studying.
- I'm looking for a full-time job after graduation.
part-time job
a job with fewer hours than a normal working week
- A part-time job helps students gain experience while they study.
- I had a part-time job in a café when I was at university.
work as a freelancer
to work for different clients instead of for one employer
- More people choose to work as a freelancer for greater freedom.
- I work as a freelancer and translate documents in the evenings.
run your own business
to work for yourself instead of for a company
- Running your own business gives freedom but less financial security.
- My father has run his own business for fifteen years.
get on well with colleagues
to have a friendly relationship with the people you work with
- It is easier to enjoy work if you get on well with your colleagues.
- I get on well with my colleagues, so the office feels friendly.
a heavy workload
a large amount of work to do
- A heavy workload is a common cause of stress.
- I've had a heavy workload since two colleagues left the company.
suffer from burnout
to become extremely tired and stressed from working too hard
- Long hours without rest can make people suffer from burnout.
- She took a month off after she suffered from burnout.
work-related stress
stress caused by your job
- Work-related stress is one of the main reasons people take sick leave.
- Regular breaks can help reduce work-related stress.
climb the career ladder
to move to higher positions in your profession
- It is difficult to climb the career ladder without further training.
- She climbed the career ladder quickly and became manager at thirty.
a dead-end job
a job with no chance of promotion or progress
- Many young people feel trapped in a dead-end job.
- I left a dead-end job to study something I loved.
team player
someone who works well with others
- Employers look for candidates who are team players.
- I'd describe myself as a team player who enjoys sharing ideas.
work experience
time spent working that gives you skills for future jobs
- Graduates without work experience often find it hard to get hired.
- I did a month of work experience at a local hospital.
do an internship
to work for a short period, often unpaid, to gain experience
- Students can do an internship to get a first taste of working life.
- I did an internship at a design company last summer.
complete an apprenticeship
to finish a period of paid training in a skilled trade
- Young people can earn while they learn if they complete an apprenticeship.
- My cousin will complete an apprenticeship as an electrician next year.
skilled workers
people with special training or abilities for a job
- There is a shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.
- The country needs more skilled workers to support its growth.
labour market
the supply of workers and the demand for jobs
- The labour market is very competitive for graduates.
- New technology is changing the labour market.
join the workforce
to start working as part of a company, industry or country
- Graduates often join the workforce with little practical experience.
- I plan to join the workforce as soon as I finish my degree.
retirement age
the age at which people stop working
- Some governments are raising the retirement age to cut costs.
- My parents hope to reach retirement age and travel more.
flexible working hours
a system where employees can choose when they start and finish work
- Flexible working hours help parents balance work and childcare.
- My company allows flexible working hours, so I start early and finish at three.
work from home
to do your job from your house instead of the office
- Many employees now work from home two or three days a week.
- I prefer to work from home because I can concentrate better.
a long commute
a long regular journey between home and work
- A long commute leaves workers exhausted before the day begins.
- I have a long commute: almost an hour each way.
rush hour
the busy time of day when many people travel to or from work
- Public transport is overcrowded during rush hour.
- I try to avoid travelling during rush hour.
pay rise
an increase in the money you earn
- Employees often ask for a pay rise after a successful year.
- I got a pay rise after my first review.
work overtime
to work extra hours beyond your normal schedule
- Employees who regularly work overtime risk damaging their health.
- I had to work overtime to meet the deadline.
competitive job market
a situation where many people are applying for few jobs
- In a competitive job market, good qualifications are essential.
- Languages help you stand out in a competitive job market.
fill a vacancy
to find someone to do a job that is available
- The company is trying to fill a vacancy for a marketing assistant.
- It took them three months to fill the vacancy.
apply for a job
to formally ask to be considered for a job
- Graduates often apply for dozens of jobs before getting an offer.
- I applied for a job as a tour guide last month.
job interview
a meeting where an employer decides whether to give you a job
- Preparation is the key to a successful job interview.
- I was very nervous before my first job interview.
update your CV
to add recent details to the document listing your education and work history
- Before applying, you should always update your CV.
- I updated my CV before applying to the new company.
resign from your job
to officially leave your job
- Several managers decided to resign from their jobs because of the new policy.
- She resigned from her job to start her own business.
be laid off
to lose your job because the company no longer needs you
- Thousands of workers were laid off when the factory closed.
- My uncle was laid off last year and had to retrain.
pursue a career
to follow a particular profession
- Many students pursue a career in medicine because of the status.
- I want to pursue a career in teaching.
gender pay gap
the difference between what men and women earn on average
- The gender pay gap still exists in many industries.
- Governments should publish figures on the gender pay gap.
equal opportunities
fair chances for everyone, whatever their background
- Employers should offer equal opportunities to all applicants.
- A good company promotes equal opportunities at every level.
trade union
an organisation that protects workers' rights
- Trade unions negotiate better pay and conditions for workers.
- My father has been a member of a trade union for years.
become an entrepreneur
to start your own business
- It takes courage and hard work to become an entrepreneur.
- I'd love to become an entrepreneur one day.
set up a business
to start a new business
- Many young people want to set up their own business after graduating.
- My friend set up a business selling eco-friendly bags.
take on responsibility
to accept the duty to do or manage something
- Part-time jobs teach teenagers to take on responsibility.
- I was happy to take on more responsibility when my manager left.
work ethic
a belief in the value of hard work
- A strong work ethic is important for success in any career.
- My parents taught me a good work ethic from childhood.
build a professional network
to meet people and make useful contacts in your field
- Building a professional network can matter as much as formal qualifications.
- I built a professional network at conferences and found my current job.
meet a target
to achieve a goal set by your employer
- Salespeople are under pressure to meet their targets every month.
- Our team worked hard to meet the target before the deadline.