Daily Quick Fix – 10 (Phrases, words)

People with misophonia are affected emotionally by common sounds, like breathing, yawning, or chewing. They experience a fight-or-flight response that triggers anger and an intense desire to escape. It affects some worse than others and can lead to isolation, since many people suffering from this condition try to avoid trigger sounds.

People who have misophonia often feel embarrassed and don’t mention it to healthcare providers — and often healthcare providers haven’t heard of it anyway. Misophonia usually appears around age 12, and likely affects more people than we realise.

1. Unbearable /ʌnˈbeərəbᵊl/
Uncomfortable or difficult, impossible to tolerate.
[0:09] ... to help those who are not just irritated by these sounds, but find them unbearable.

2. Trigger sounds /ˈtrɪɡə saʊndz/
Noises that create an immediate negative reaction.
[1:02] The most typical trigger sounds are mouth-related sounds, like chewing or lip-smacking.

3. Abnormality /ˌæbnɔːˈmæləti/
Something very different or unusual, that may indicate a problem.
[2:24] People with the condition have an abnormality in the emotional control mechanism in their brain.

4. Pet Peeves /pɛt piːvz/
Minor annoyance at certain behaviours or sounds that irritate us.
[3:22] All this time I thought these were just pet peeves, but I might have this condition.

5. Obnoxious /əbˈnɒkʃəs/
Extremely unpleasant, offensive, or annoying to others.
[3:43] It doesn't necessarily mean obnoxious behaviour, it can be something like blinking.

Adverbs with Adjectives

Adverbs used to emphasise / intensify an adjective:

• undeniably
• painfully
• highly
• completely
• extremely
• absolutely
• incredibly
• nearly
• almost
• quite

Examples of Collocations:

• That is undeniably true.
• It was painfully obvious that they didn't like the food.
• This new medication is highly effective.
• The girls are identical twins, but their personalities are completely different.
• It is extremely important to exercise and eat healthy.
• For this job, a university degree is absolutely necessary.
• The students said the exam was incredibly easy.
• I'm almost certain I gave you the keys.
• It's quite probable that Mark and Stacey will move to London.

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Living to 100 is a rare and remarkable achievement that is becoming more common. Research predicts the number of centenarians worldwide is expected to reach 3.7 million in 2050. This is due to various factors, including improved medical care and advancements in technology. However, genetics and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise also play a role in determining longevity.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which can shorten lifespan. Social connections and a sense of purpose are also essential for living a long and fulfilling life. Strong relationships with family and friends, paired with meaningful activities and hobbies, can provide a sense of pride and fulfillment that contributes to overall well-being.

1. Longevity /lɒnˈʤɛvəti/
Length of time that an individual or species can live, usually in years.
[0:53] Their wisdom and advice contain good principles called longevity takeaways.

2. Startling /ˈstɑːtlɪŋ/
Surprising or shocking, often in an unexpected way.
[1:36] He came across some startling statistics that show your chances of dying increase after retirement.

3. Condensed /kənˈdɛnst/
Compact, reduced, or concentrated.
[2:31] He has taken everything he has learned and condensed it into an easy how-to list.

4. Embracing /ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/
Accepting or adopting a new idea or belief, often with enthusiasm.
[4:35] Citizens and city officials are embracing the blue zone secrets and exploring ways to make them work.

5. Nudges /ˈnʌʤɪz/
Small suggestions that influence behaviour without limiting choices.
[6:21] Many of these little nudges to make better lifestyle choices have already begun to show results.

Make a Noun

Adjective + -ity

• complexity
• obesity
• curiosity
• mortality

Adjective + -ness 

• fitness
• kindness
• happiness
• sadness
• boldness

Adjective + -y

• difficulty
• modesty
• honesty

Adjective + -ance

• importance
• ignorance
• abundance
• elegance

Adjective + -ence

• difference
• independence
• patience
• confidence

The futurists, Schwartz and Leyden, predicted the "Long Boom", a cultural era of much prosperity and technological progression. Despite the predictions not panning out, there were two alternative situations like food supply disruptions driven by climate change and a new Cold War between China and the United States.

Now, though, Schwartz says that his mind hasn't changed on what is to come. His predictions of the future say that there will still be immense progress and prosperity,  and he is sure humanity will see a golden age again.

1. Forecast (v) /ˈfɔːkɑːst/
Predict or estimate a future event or trend.
[0:24] ... they all employ people called futurists who attempt to forecast the future.

2. Take for granted /teɪk fɔː ˈɡrɑːntɪd/
Fail to appreciate someone or something.
[0:39] ...many of the technologies we take for granted today, including artificial organs, the use of birth control pills...

3. Grasp (n) /ɡrɑːsp/
A general understanding or comprehension.
[1:55] His 19th century grasp of science includes no knowledge of radioactivity or nuclear physics.

4. Foretell /fɔːˈtɛl/
Tell beforehand or successfully predict.
[3:34] Aldous Huxley foretold the use of antidepressants in 1932, long before such medication became popular.

5. Constraint /kənˈstreɪnt/
A limitation or restriction.
[4:22] Free from the constraints of the present..., science fiction serves as a useful tool for thinking outside of the box.

Future Expressions

Be about to + infinitive

• The new app for electronic payments is about to be launched.
• Hurry! The train is just about to leave.

Be on the verge/brink of + gerund

• Artificial Intelligence is on the verge of revolutionising the world.
• We are on the brink of worldwide deflation. (an event, not an action)

Be bound to + infinitive

• It's nearly half past five, he is bound to arrive soon.
• I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Be to + infinitive

• The president is to sign the agreement before he leaves office.
• The plane is to take off at 9pm.

Be due to + infinitive

• They are due to leave the country next week when their visas expire.
• The couple are due to get married in July.

Be (un)likely to/that

• He's not doing well. He is unlikely to win the match.
• It's unlikely that he will win the match.
• It is likely to rain today, the sky looks very dark.
• He is likely to come as he left his books here yesterday.

Recently, tipping culture has got out of control. Many customers feel uncomfortable due to the many requests to tip, and feel pressured into tipping more. Higher menu prices have raised the amount of the usual 15% or 20% tip. Some restaurants are adding service charges and gratuities after the dining experience, that the customers do not immediately notice.

Tipping has also changed in smaller businesses, where the tip jar has been replaced by touch screens. Leaving an amount that doesn’t fit the suggested percentages takes extra time and effort. And as the customer decides, the server is often standing there, looking on. Some customers would prefer that labour costs were reflected in menu prices, instead of leaving it up to customers to tip.

1. Frowned upon /fraʊnd əˈpɒn/
Inappropriate in a particular setting.
[0:36] In Europe, it's not the culture at all, as a matter of fact, it's kind of frowned upon.

2. Pre-set amounts /prɪˈsɛt əˈmaʊnts/
Quantities that have been established in advance.
[1:25] How much do you want to tip? The pre-set amounts keep increasing.

3. Default /dɪˈfɔːlt/
A setting or value used when no other choice is specified.
[2:14] Why are the default tipping screens set so high?... Have we reached a tipping point?

4. To compliment /ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt/
To express admiration, praise, or approval for someone.
[3:10] They start complimenting me [...] "I love that shirt, love those glasses”.

5. Subconsciously /ˌsʌbˈkɒnʃəsli/
Something that happens automatically, without someone being aware.
[3:22] I believe they're trying to get in my mind subconsciously while I'm trying to choose a tip.

Ireland is renowned for its rich history, captivating landscapes, rainy climate, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Irish people are known for their friendliness, wit, and storytelling tradition. Ireland is a unique and appealing destination for travellers from all over the world, and a source of pride for its people.

Every year, cities all around the world organise St. Patrick’s day parades, and people often visit pubs and enjoy a few pints with friends and family. St. Patrick's Day has become a symbol of the warm and joyful spirit of the Irish people, as well as their contributions to the arts and society.  It highlights the unique and diverse cultural identity of Ireland and reinforces its national brand as a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant, globally recognised celebration.

1. Mass migration /mæs maɪˈɡreɪʃᵊn/
Movement of a large number of people from one region to another.
[0:22] St. Patrick's day is widely celebrated for a number reasons, the most significant being Irish mass migration.

2. Famine /ˈfæmɪn/
A severe scarcity or shortage of food.
[0:38] But immigration peaked during the Irish famine of the 1840s, with a quarter of the population leaving.

3. Deluge /ˈdɛljuːʤ/
An overwhelming or excessive amount of something.
[1:29] The deluge of drinking establishments is thanks, in part, to Guinness.

4. Aspiring /əˈspaɪərɪŋ/
Having a strong desire or ambition to achieve a particular goal.
[1:42] In the 1990's [Guinness] began exporting its concept of the Irish pub, providing advice and designs to aspiring publicans.

Infinitive or Gerund

Starting with a Gerund

• Learning a new language can open many doors for you.
• Opening a business is a big risk, but it offers many rewards.
• Achieving your goals is very satisfying and fulfilling.
• Preparing presentations at work is always very stressful.

Starting with an Infinitive

• To learn a new language, you need to practice every day.
• To open a business, you need a good product and support from investors.
• To achieve your goals, you must believe in yourself and never give up.
• To prepare presentations for work, I have to do a lot of research and practice beforehand.

Infinitive Expressions

• To be honest, I don't like your cooking.
• To cut a long story short, we ended up staying at the hotel an extra night.
• To tell you the truth, I originally wanted to become a doctor.
• To sum it all up, we went on our cruise and enjoyed our trip.

5. Capitalise /ˈkæpɪtᵊlaɪz/
Take advantage of a situation in order to gain a financial benefit.
[1:59] The Irish government is trying to capitalise on the country’s growing fame.

 

For most of us, our memories are filled with tiny details of our personal lives. We tend to remember that relatively unimportant time as a child we went to McDonald’s with our grandma, while information learned in high school slips away just months after learning it. However, people with 'Superior Autobiographical Memory' can remember almost every little thing that happened to them over the course of their lives.

They can remember back to things that happened to them in the crib, and can often recall in great detail every single event they've experienced, no matter how minor, from the point when they were 10 or 11 years old. They can remember that date the U.S. invaded Iraq or what they had for breakfast that day, too, and whether or not they felt tired. However, not every person that possesses this gift considers it a blessing, for some it is a huge weight to carry on their shoulders.

1. Minute detail /maɪˈnjuːt ˈdiːteɪl/
Very small, or of minor importance.
[0:03] Imagine being able to remember every minute detail of your life; you could recall what the weather was like.

2. Burden /ˈbɜːdᵊn/
A heavy or unpleasant load.
[4:21] It's a burden, is it driving you crazy on the inside? ~ Yeah, sometimes it does.

3. Get sidetracked /ˈsaɪdtrækt/
Get distracted or waste time on something unimportant.
[6:13] I was leaving that day to go up to San Francisco but we sort of got sidetracked by a bank robbery in North Hollywood.

4. Hoax /həʊks/
A humorous or malicious deception.
[7:00] She contacted one of the world’s foremost experts on memory, James McGraw; he thought it was a hoax.

5. With flying colours /wɪð ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈkʌləz/
To pass a test or exam with a very high grade.
[8:36] ...They put Louise through hours of exhaustive tests, and sure enough, she passed with flying colours.

Remember, Remind & Recall

Remember + to infinitive (not forget)

• I must remember to buy milk on the way home tonight.
• Remember to call me when you arrive!

Remember + noun/gerund (have a memory from the past)

• I remember visiting that place when I was a kid.
• Do you remember your teacher from primary school?

Remind

• I'm just calling to remind you to lock the doors after you leave.
  (make someone else remember something)
• That song reminds me of when I was a teenager.
  (something triggers your memory)

Recall (make a conscious effort to remember)

• She tried hard to recall the details of the conversation.
• I can't recall where I left my keys.

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. Do you have a good memory for faces, names or dates?

2. What are some of your most vivid memories of your childhood?

3. Can you recite a poem, song or speech from memory?

4. What is the most significant moment or event that will remain in your memory forever?
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ChatGPT is  creating shortcuts for students and headaches for educators. The chatbot is able to provide responses and compose essays in a matter of seconds. It made headlines recently for passing the Master of Business Administration final exam at UPenn’s Wharton School of Business.

This powerful online tool has forced professors to reevaluate their policies, aiming to thwart cheating. Many have tried to explicitly prohibit its usage for assignments, instituting penalties if its usage is detected in submitted work. New York and Seattle school systems have already banned the use of ChatGPT on their devices and networks. While many professors have concerns over cheating, some are optimistic on how students may utilise it.

1. Cheat /ʧiːt/
Dishonestly gain an unfair advantage by breaking rules.
[0:16] Students are using it [ChatGPT] to cheat on tests and even write essays.

2. Plagiarise /ˈpleɪʤᵊraɪz/
Present someone else's work or ideas as your own.
[0:32] He recently caught a student using ChatGPT to plagiarise a written assignment.

3. Thoroughly /ˈθʌrəli/
In a complete, total manner, with no doubt.
[0:38] This was a well written essay, but the things they said were just thoroughly wrong.

4. Misleading /ˌmɪsˈliːdɪŋ/
Deceptive or leading to a false understanding of something.
[1:09] They banned ChatGPT because programs should not be used for misleading purposes.

5. Outsmart /aʊtˈsmɑːt/
Use superior intelligence to surpass or defeat someone else.
[1:41] Edward Tien is also working on a program to outsmart the artificial intelligence.

'Get' Expressions

To get + adjective (transition)

• I got tired after running the marathon.
• He gets angry easily.
• It is getting dark.
• I got married last year.

To get + comparative (make progress, note change)

• With ChatGPT, it's getting easier for students to cheat.
• Rent is getting more expensive in our city.
• I was sick last week but I got better quickly.
• It's getting harder to keep up with all our projects.

Phrasal Verbs with 'Get'

• To get up/Get down (stand/sit)
• To get in (arrive at home)
• To get on/Get off (enter/leave transportation)
• To get out (Leave a room or place)

Like many negative emotions, regret is often seen as a purely undesirable feeling – however, it is actually a mechanism for learning how to improve your decision-making skills. For example, a musician may regret not practicing enough before a guitar performance, a student may regret not studying for an exam, or a tourist can regret booking an expensive hotel on holiday.

Regret requires the capacity to imagine alternative courses for events that have already happened, as well as the ability to compare and contrast different possible outcomes. Due to this complexity, young children are often unable to feel regret, and the emotion tends to emerge around age six or seven.

1. Be open to things /ˈəʊpᵊn tuː θɪŋz/
Be receptive and willing to consider new ideas without judgement.
[0:48] [I regret] not being open to things.

2. Take chances /teɪk ˈʧɑːnsɪz/
Accept risks and uncertainties in order to pursue opportunities.
[1:05] [I regret] not taking chances.

3. Speak up for /spiːk ʌp fɔː/
Defend interests, rights, or needs in a vocal and assertive manner.
[1:42] [I had] chances to speak up for other people or to stop people from being bullied.

4. Gap year /ɡæp jɪə/
A break from education or work in order to pursue personal interests.
[2:06] [I regret] not having taken a gap year before going to college.

5. Ripple effect /ˈrɪpᵊl ɪˈfɛkt/
The gradual impact that an event or action has on future events.
[4:04] Saying "no" to things has a ripple effect in my life.

Past Modals

Could Have (past unreal ability)

• He could have won the race!

May Have (past unreal possibility)

• She may have considered your job offer, but we gave her a better one.

Might Have (past unreal small possibility)

• You might have passed the test, if you had studied at all.

Would Have (past unreal action)

• If I knew about the contest, I would have entered.

Should Have (past unreal recommendation)

• You should have asked me before buying a new car.

 

One of the most diligent and efficient ways to obtain job security at a company is to incessantly seek out new skills, bridge any skills gaps, and keep an eye out for opportunities to add value to the  business. If you have recently experienced a hiring freeze, how do you continue striving towards success?

One way is by upskilling and reskilling your workforce so that your team members can maximise their potential in their current position, or take on new tasks where the business needs support. The skill sets needed are likely in your organisation already, or perhaps they simply need some development to get there. Ideally, you want your people to be able to wear multiple hats if necessary.

1. Digital literacy /ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl ˈlɪtᵊrəsi/
The ability to effectively use digital technologies in various forms.
[0:45] Digital literacy is important to all roles, and every role at every level, it's about the changing of the future of work.

2. Skill /skɪl/
The ability to perform a specific task proficiently, after much practice.
[1:01] It's a great idea to take a reverse mentor, find someone who is younger who has better digital literary skills.

3. Snapshot /ˈsnæpˌʃɒt/
A brief moment that captures the essence of an experience or situation.
[1:07] The office is a snapshot of your life, but it's not the be all and end all.

4. Critical /ˈkrɪtɪkᵊl/
Urgent or important, requiring immediate attention or action.
[1:38] As you progress further in your career it's even more important and critical to continuously improve on your skills.

5. Mastery /ˈmɑːstᵊri/
The highest level of proficiency and expertise in a particular skill.
[1:49] Mastery requires that you continue on the same path and you continue to practice.

No, None, None Of

'No' before Nouns

• I've got no time to waste.
• This is no joke, it's a very serious situation.
• She said she has no friends.
• I'm no Sherlock Holmes, but I knew he was guilty! (nothing in comparison to)

'None' = Not one / Not any

• She tried to find some strength to speak. But none came.
• My mother had 2 brothers.  My father had none.
• You're the favorite! You got 3 gifts and I got none!

'None of' before Pronouns / Articles

• I invited 10 friends to my party and none of them showed up!
• Don't worry, none of it was your fault.
• None of my sisters live in the city, they all live in the countryside.

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. What are some skills you would like to learn or develop at work?

2. Have you ever felt pressured to learn new or different skills?

3. How can learning new skills make us more efficient?

4. What resources can you use to learn new skills?

 

The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is also one of the most controversial, due to the high number of artefacts that were stolen from other countries and brought to the UK. Around 80% of the British Museum’s collection is thought to have been obtained through looting, theft, and colonialism.

This has led to calls for the repatriation of many artefacts, particularly from former UK colonies. However, the British Museum has always defended its collection, arguing that it is a source of shared human heritage and that all artefacts should be accessible to everyone. It has also pointed out that no laws were broken many of the artefacts were acquired legally and that many were given to the museum by other countries.

1. Far-fetched /fɑː fɛʧt/
Something unlikely, unrealistic and difficult to believe.
[0:11] And we robbed, and this will sound far-fetched, everyone in the world.

2. Swag /swæɡ/
Bundles of items taken from a location or event.
[0:21] We got all the swag, didn’t we? And we took it all back … and hid it in a museum.

3. Common knowledge /ˈkɒmən ˈnɒlɪʤ/
Ideas that are widely known and accepted as true by most people.
[1:20] Everybody knows. It’s common knowledge. They’ve written books about it.

4. Hard feelings /hɑːd ˈfiːlɪŋz/
Negative emotions such as anger, resentment, or bitterness.
[3:01] Don't sulk about it, there's no hard feelings, come in and have a look at it.

5. Reminisce /ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs/
Remember past experiences with fondness and emotion.
[3:22] Just walking the corridors, reminiscing on the good old days, and robbing the gift shop at the end.

Science explains procrastination as the fight sparked between two parts of the brain when it's faced with an unpleasant activity or assignment: It's a battle of the limbic system (the unconscious zone that includes the pleasure center) and the prefrontal cortex (a much more recently evolved part of the brain that's basically your internal "planner").

When the limbic system wins, which is often, the result is putting off for tomorrow what could (and should) be done today — which offers temporary relief from that unpleasant feeling of needing, but not wanting to do something. Additionally, the limbic system, one of the oldest and most dominant parts of the brain, is on automatic. It tells you to, say, pull your hand away from a flame — and also to flee from unpleasant tasks. It's set up to perform your basic survival instincts.

1. Stress relief /strɛs rɪˈliːf/
A form of helping restore calm and serenity.
[0:44] Procrastination has nothing to do with your work. Procrastination is a form of stress relief.

2. Stress out /strɛs aʊt/
Feel nervous and worried about something.
[1:05] You put too much of your savings into Bitcoin, and now that that's crashed you're stressed out about it.

3. Chicken out /ˈʧɪkɪn aʊt/
Decide not to do something because you are afraid.
[1:24] You also know that you've been chickening out, you've been making easy calls...

4. Beat yourself up /biːt jɔːˈsɛlf ʌp/
Blame yourself too much for something.
[1:49] You just watch some cat videos for a minute and next thing you know an hour's gone by and... you beat yourself up.

5. Get rid of /ɡɛt rɪd ɒv/
Remove something that you do not want any longer.
[2:32] You're never gonna get rid of the stress in your life but you can 100% change your pattern.

Procrastination Phrasals

Hang back
Stay behind, often because of hesitation or shyness.

• Sarah was too nervous to join the dance class and decided to hang back and observe.

Put off
Postpone something.

• I've been putting off cleaning my garage for weeks.

Hold off
To wait before taking action or making a decision.

• They held off the launch of the new product until they could gather more market research.

Put (something) aside
To save something to be dealt with later.

• Can we put that question aside for now?

Fool around
To waste time or engage in unproductive activities.

• Instead of studying for the exam, John spent the whole evening fooling around on his phone.

Faff around (inf)
To spend time doing unproductive / unnecessary tasks.

• Stop faffing around and start working on your project!

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. What is procrastination? Do you ever procrastinate?

2. What do you usually do instead of getting down to work?

3. Why do some people procrastinate?

4. What effect does procrastination have on your productivity?
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While the key to success in both personal and professional relationships lies in your ability to communicate well, it’s not the words but your nonverbal cues or "body language" that speak the loudest. When you interact with others, you're continuously giving and receiving signals. All of your nonverbal behaviours — the gestures you make, your posture, your tone of voice, how much eye contact you make — send strong messages.

They can encourage people to feel at ease and build trust. However, they can also be a disadvantage as they can easily offend, confuse, and undermine what you're trying to convey. These messages are given when you're talking to the average neighbour in the village, or when you're at a job interview, and they don't stop when you stop speaking. Even when you're silent, you still manage to communicate nonverbally.

1. Misconception /ˌmɪskənˈsɛpʃᵊn/
Incorrect view or opinion.
[1:59] The other misconceptions are that if the person clears their throat, touches their nose or covers their mouth, they're lying.

2. To soothe /suːð/
To gently calm (a person or their feelings).
[2:07] We do these behaviors as self-soothers; they are pacifying behaviours.

3. Lousy /ˈlaʊzi/
Very poor or bad.
[2:27] We humans are lousy at detecting deception; espionage work is often nowhere near what we see in movies.

4. Mole /məʊl/
A spy who has reached an important position within another country.
[2:43] We had information from another country saying you have an American who we think is actually a mole.

5. To bond /bɒnd/
To develop a close connection or strong relationship with someone.
[8:41] It's also the first time when our bodies release these bonding chemicals that say, "I like this person" or "I don't".

Parenthetical Expressions

Of course

• Katie does, of course, know her way home.

Well

• Well, how are you going to explain yourself now?

For example

• High-sugar foods like sweets, for example, have little nutritional value.

By the way

• She is, by the way, out of the country.

Supposing

• We should get all the work done, supposing she arrives on time.

With commas

• The police, hoping to save time, took the motorway.

With brackets

• Fizzy drinks are bad for your teeth (to name just one reason not to drink them).

With hyphens

• My sister — an expert magician — has lost her white rabbit.

Experts believe that cities need to become fully car-free in order to be liveable in the future. Environmentalists have called for a shift in collective behaviour to reduce the number of private cars in cities. Globally, the number of cars produced is increasing faster than the population — 80 million cars were produced in 2019, while the population increased by 78 million.

The researchers said future city planning must include a focus on reducing dependence on cars. They believe public transport should be encouraged for longer journeys, and cars should only be used for emergencies or special occasions.

1. Dive into /daɪv ˈɪntuː/
Immerse yourself completely in an activity or a subject.
[1:02] We’ll dive into the reason cities want to go car free, and the policies they’re implementing.

2. Mode /məʊd/
A particular way or method of doing something.
[1:57] Those cities need to get people out of cars and into carbon-free modes.

3. Banish /ˈbænɪʃ/
Force someone to leave, or get rid of something unwanted.
[2:13] There's one more big reason why European cities in particular would want to banish the car.

4. Subtle /ˈsʌtᵊl/
Not easily noticeable or obvious.
[3:19] Oslo switched to something a little more subtle; they don't forbid cars outright, but they simply don't provide any parking.

5. Gradual /ˈɡræʤuəl/
Happening or changing slowly over a period of time.
[3:44] Oslo proved that a gradual approach, one that demonstrated the benefits of reducing cars, can work better.

Double Comparatives

Cause and Effect

• The more you study, the more you learn.
• The more cars we have, the more polluted the air is.
• The less money I spend, the less I have to worry about saving.
• The more money and time he spends with her, the happier he becomes.
• The less Mary thinks about the problem, the more relaxed she feels.

Show Benefits / Disadvantages 

• The easier the test is, the longer students will wait to study.
• The faster the car is, the more dangerous it is to drive.
• The crazier the idea is, the more fun it is to try.
• The more difficult the task is, the sweeter it is to succeed.

DO NOT Use 2 Comparatives together!

• The more easier the test, the more longer the students will wait to study. (incorrect)

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. Do you think a car-free future is possible?

2. What are some of the economic and environmental advantages of going car-free?

3. Are there any drawbacks to being car-free?

4. Is going car-free practical in every country?
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Mobile phones have become essential for most people. Your smartphone acts as your navigator, personal assistant, and entertainment source. In general, people can regulate the amount of time they spend staring at their phone and still be able to engage in social situations. However, some  have become seriously addicted to their mobile devices.

They find it challenging to interact with the world around them. At social events, they spend more time on their mobile phones than chatting with friends. With smartphones at the centre of our world, it’s important to know how to prevent and identify addiction so you can remain healthy and happy in your real life and in the digital world.

1. Dysfnctional /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃᵊnᵊl/
Something that doesn't work as it should.
[1:16] It creates a dysfunctional relationship when we think of families and friends.

2. Breakdown /ˈbreɪkdaʊn/
A sudden failure of a system or process, resulting in less effectiveness.
[1:24] If they're telling you that you're not paying attention... it’s actually a breakdown in communication.

3. Moody /ˈmuːdi/
Feeling irritated and experiencing frequent changes in temperament.
[1:32] More than anything, people start to feel agitated and moody when they can’t put the phone down.

4. Detox /ˈdiːtɒks/
A cleanse or break from negative or toxic behaviours or substances.
[2:04] We are challenging our viewers this weekend to a digital detox, I have the directions on my Facebook page.

5. Disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/
Interrupt or interfere with something that was already established.
[2:57] Enjoy nature without the earbuds that are disrupting us from enjoying our surroundings and the people around us.

Rather & Prefer

Would rather + verb

• I would rather fly first class than fly economy.
• I would rather exercise at home than exercise at the gym.
• I would rather go to Disneyland than Hawaii for my holidays.

Prefer + -ing /to / noun

• I prefer shopping online to shopping at the shopping centre. (-ing)
• I prefer to eat meat rather than tofu. (to)
• I prefer red wine to white wine. (noun)

Would prefer + to + verb 

• I would prefer to fly first class.
• I would prefer to exercise at home than at the gym.
• I would prefer to go to Disneyland than Hawaii for my holidays.

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Space exploration goals call for establishing access to destinations like the Moon, asteroids and Mars. Space agencies in several nations are discussing a cooperative approach for achieving these goals. That approach begins with the International Space Station, and leads to human missions to the surface of Mars.

Employing the complementary capabilities of both humans and automation systems will enable us to meet this most ambitious space exploration challenge, and to increase benefits for society. These benefits can be categorised into three fundamental areas: innovation; culture and inspiration; and new means to address global challenges.

1. Viable /ˈvaɪəbᵊl/
Capable of succeeding under realistic circumstances or conditions.
[1:04] The idea is that you can launch a giant rocket and have it be commercially viable.

2. Thrill /θrɪl/
A strong feeling of excitement, anticipation, or exhilaration.
[3:17] We flew the first light sail almost two years ago, and it’s just a thrill.

3. Hype /haɪp/
Enthusiasm generated by anticipation or promotion.
[4:03] We’re finally here, after all of the hype, after so many years of waiting.

4. Vibe /vaɪb/
The overall atmosphere or energy of a place, situation, or person.
[4:14] And the vibe here? Everybody is super anxious, we're ready to see this thing get off the ground!

5. On edge /ɒn ɛʤ/
State of nervousness, tension, or unease; feeling highly alert or anxious.
[4:48] So we’ve all been on edge today, SpaceX kept pushing the time back and back!

Imperatives

Let + Pronoun (to allow)

• Let me have the last croissant, please.
• If the dogs want to play, let them play.
• Your daughter is curious, let her explore.
• Let it go, it happened a long time ago.

Don't Let + Pronoun (to forbid) 

• If there is an obstacle, don't let it discourage you.
• She is only 5, don't let her stay up later than 9pm.
• Don't let him pressure you into smoking.
• Don't let me leave without my wallet.

Command + Consequence

• Try this new recipe and you'll love it!
• Look closely and you'll find the answer to the question.
• Wait patiently and you will see results.
• Study hard and you will pass the test.

Being highly motivated at work means we try hard to do our best. Sometimes we are motivated by external factors such as how much we earn, the benefits we get in return, or whether we receive recognition or positive feedback from a supervisor. Some people work hard to please society and have a higher status in the world.

Other times, internal factors motivate us, such as how much we enjoy what we’re doing or how important we believe our work is. Our level of motivation has a direct impact on performance. Research has confirmed that a person’s performance is impacted by their ability to do the work, as well as their motivation to succeed.

1. Engaging /ɪnˈɡeɪʤɪŋ/
Something that is captivating and holds your attention or interest.
[0:40] The work we’re doing is challenging, it’s engaging, it’s stimulating, it’s meaningful.

2. Overwhelming /ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/
Vast or excessive, difficult to manage or comprehend.
[1:17] Why is it that for the overwhelming majority of people on the planet, the work they do is not satisfactory?

3. Monotonous /məˈnɒtnəs/
Repetitive and lacking in variety or interest.
[1:35] How do we allow people to do work that is monotonous, meaningless and soul-deadening?

4. To incentivise /ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz/
To motivate to encourage desired behaviour or actions.
[4:42] The way you made it worth their while was by incentivising, by giving them rewards.

5. Demeaning /dɪˈmiːnɪŋ/
Belittling or degrading, causing a loss of dignity or self-respect.
[5:30] It is true that you can't get good help anymore, when you give people work that is demeaning and soulless.

There are millions of open jobs, but employers are mainly seeking skilled, experienced workers. And if they don't have knowledge or experience, they need to be able to study, research, and learn. Unfortunately, studies have found that about 70% of ex-offenders or former convicts are high school dropouts, with the rate in Australia being 80%. About half are "functionally illiterate", meaning they read at a fourth-grade level.

So what alternatives do we have? Some of the bigger companies have  resources to help ex-cons acquire skills – in terms of quantity and quality – and become model employees. However, small businesses, which employ more than half of the country's workers, often don't have the ability to do this because of limited resources.

1. Infamous /ˈɪnfəməs/
Well-known for a negative or disgraceful reason.
[0:12] Back in the day, Richard worked for the infamous brokerage firm Sratton Oakmont.

2. Insight /ˈɪnsaɪt/
Deep understanding or perception of a concept or situation.
[2:15] They are almost all unemployed at the time of arrest, and that last insight is key.

3. Issue (n) /ˈɪsjuː/
Problem or topic of concern.
[3:18] [The interviewer] already knew, it wasn't even an issue, and I was hired that day.

4. Get on my feet /ɡɛt ɒn maɪ fiːt/
Become self-sufficient or financially stable after facing setbacks.
[4:02] There are people who can help me get on my feet as long as I take initiative.

5. Demeanour /dɪˈmiːnə/
Outward behaviour, attitude, or appearance that reflects your character.
[4:27] They treat me like a normal human being, they work with me every day, they see my demeanour, my nature.

Expressions with Can / Can't

Add Intensity

• I can assure you, this will never happen again!
• As an expert, I can guarantee this method is 100% effective.
• I can't tell you how nervous I was about the exam.
• I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine what you must be feeling.
• I can't believe you bought a new car, that's wonderful!
• I don't know if this recipe is healthy, but I can say it's delicious.
• The restaurant was expensive, but I can tell you the quality was great.

Add Focus

• As you can see in the graph, our sales are steadily improving.
• As you can imagine, this romantic comedy has a happy ending.
• You can hear the recording clearly, we had a verbal agreement.

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. Do you think ex-cons deserve a second chance?

2. What are the pros and cons of hiring an ex-con?

3. Would you feel uncomfortable working with an ex-con?

4. Do you think there is discrimination against ex-cons in your city?
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Healthy adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night. Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. It is also important to reflect on your individual needs based on factors like your activity level and overall health, and apply healthy sleep tips so that you can actually get the full night’s sleep that is recommended.

Getting more sleep is a key part of the equation, but remember that it is not just about sleep quantity. Quality sleep matters too, and it is possible to get the hours that you need but not feel refreshed because your sleep is fragmented or non-restorative. Fortunately, improving sleep hygiene often boosts both the quantity and quality of your sleep.

1. Burnout /ˈbɜːnˈaʊt/
Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
[0:17] We are addicted to living permanently attached to our devices, and often addicted to stress and burnout.

2. Strengthen /ˈstrɛŋθᵊn/
Make or become stronger.
[0:54] It improves our health and strengthens our immune system, improves our mental clarity and makes us more joyful in our daily lives.

3. Unplug /ˌʌnˈplʌɡ/ 
Disengage from electronic devices, for health or for relaxation.
[2:31] It does make it easier for us to unplug from our day and actually go to sleep.

4. Transition period /trænˈzɪʃᵊn ˈpɪəriəd/
The time in which things change from one state to another.
[2:44] A little transition period could be just ten minutes between our day life and actually going to sleep is incredibly helpful.

5. Rituals /ˈrɪʧuəlz/
Actions or types of behaviour you carry out regularly and invariably.
[2:54] I have such rituals that I recommend in the book like having a hot bath or shower to kind of wash the day away.

Used to - Get used to

Used to + infinitive (past habit, no longer true)

• I used to live in England, but now I live in Spain.
• He used to play the trumpet when he was younger.
• We used to play football every day, but we don't have time nowadays.
• She used to be in a rock band before she had kids.

Get used to + noun / gerund (starting to adapt)

• He is getting used to living alone after his divorce.
• They got used to the new school very quickly.
• She didn't like her new haircut at first, but she's getting used to it.

To be used to + noun / gerund expressions (finished adapting)

• She has lived in Spain for 3 years, so she is used to having lunch at 3pm.
• I wake up at 5am. It's super early, but I am used to it.
• We're used to the rain in England.

The purpose of a junk food tax is to discourage the consumption of unhealthy products and promote healthier dietary choices. On the positive side, a junk food tax can generate revenue to be invested in nutrition education  for children during the school year.

Additionally, it can reduce the consumption of unhealthy beverages, like high-sugar fruit juices. However, critics argue that a junk food tax could unfairly impact low-income people who rely on affordable, processed foods. Over time, this tax could cause expenses to rise, or even duplicate. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine which foods qualify as "junk”. Overall, while a junk food tax has the potential to promote healthier choices, consideration should be given to ensure its effectiveness.

1. Extent /ɪkˈstɛnt/
Degree, scope, or range to which something happens or applies.
[0:49] Now look, this is already happening to a certain extent, doctors are telling patients “you've got to do this to stay healthy”.

2. Holistic /həˈlɪstɪk/
An approach that considers the entire situation or system.
[1:10] And how to tackle in a holistic way, how to help people improve their health and well-being.

3. Reality check /riˈæləti ʧɛk/
An examination of our beliefs, compared to reality.
[2:59] That was the case here when it comes to the painful reality check when it comes to food and health.

4. Shed a light on something /ʃɛd ə laɪt ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
Provide a clear understanding or insight into a particular subject.
[3:02] How has COVID-19 really shed a light on those issues here in the UK?

5. Wake-up call /weɪk ʌp kɔːl/
An event or experience that produces a strong and sudden realisation.
[3:12] Look, this was a massive wake-up call, and it is not something new during this pandemic.

In a culture with a rapidly increasing population, the future of life on earth depends on architecture. Architecture has the power to combat poverty, overcrowding, and land degradation. New architectural technology will enable humans to live on Earth for decades to come, an exciting adventure for us all.

The structures of tomorrow will feature innovative and long-lasting materials. Architects are familiar with the importance of designing for diverse populations, but some cannot picture inclusive architecture in a practical sense. When you challenge your idea of normal, the industry will quickly broaden the possibilities of well-designed architecture.

1. Exponentially /ˌɛkspəʊˈnɛnʧᵊli/
Growing or increasing at a very fast rate.
[0:07] Medical innovation is advancing exponentially, leaving hospitals to constantly catch up.

2. State of the art /steɪt ɒv ði ɑːt/
The latest, most advanced technology or development.
[0:12] State of the art facilities are being re-built as soon as they open, the lifespan of hospitals is becoming shorter and shorter.

3. Out of date /aʊt ɒv deɪt/
No longer current or relevant.
[0:22] The more recent their completion, the sooner they are out of date.

4. Scale up/down /skeɪl ʌp daʊn/
Increase or decrease the size or scope of a project.
[0:51] A structure that can be scaled up or down, yet remain operational at all times.

5. Flow /fləʊ/
Movement or transfer of something.
[1:04] Adaptable to changing demands, organised around a network of flows.

To be + Past Participle

Gerund

• Being interviewed by the BBC was a privilege.

Present Simple 

• The house is made of brick.

Present Continuous

• Seven hundred builders are being made redundant.

Past Simple

• His house was designed in 1971.

Present Perfect

• All the rooms have been demolished.

Past Continuous

• The factory was being built when I last came here.

Future

• A new terminal will be added to the airport.
• The old school is going to be sold.

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Selfies have been called everything from an art form to narcissistic. In the last decade, they have also been deadly. When people go to extreme lengths to take a picture – perhaps in remote or picturesque locations – they can risk their lives. So we need to move beyond describing selfies as a social phenomenon. We need to treat dangerous selfies as a public health hazard.

The media portrays people involved in selfie accidents as foolish or selfish, often blaming the victim or a friend. Reports almost never provide safety information. But taking selfies is a normal part of everyday life for millions of people. We need to stop judging people who are taking selfies, and instead recognise risky selfies as a threat to public health.

1. It begs the question /bɛɡz ðə ˈkwɛsʧən/
To raise a question or point that has not been dealt with.
[0:16] It begs the question, just how far are people willing to go for their personal brand?

2. Up the ante /ʌp ði ˈænti/
Increase the stakes or level of involvement in a situation.
[0:33] Essentially, you want to up the ante, so you take more and more amazing photos in riskier places.

3. Showcase /ˈʃəʊkeɪs/
Present or display something prominently to an audience.
[1:15] Anything I love, I consider my brand, and I showcase it, I posted a picture of us at a cute brunch place.

4. Narcissistic /ˌnɑːsɪˈsɪstɪk/
With excessive self-love or self-centredness.
[1:24] I post every job I do, which feels very narcissistic of me, but I feel like I have to do that to get more jobs.

5. The norm /nɔːm/
The typical or expected behaviour or standard.
[1:54] It's the norm now, to pop a picture wherever you're at, with mostly your face in it.

Adverbs for Emphasis

Adverb + 'enough' (intensity)

• Surprisingly enough, Alice passed the test, even though she didn’t study.
• I forgot my keys at Lucy’s house. Luckily enough, I have a spare key outside my house.
• Strangely enough, the phone didn’t break when I dropped it.
• I’m not normally photogenic, but funnily enough, I always look great on selfies.

Adverb + adjective (emphasis)

• After his interview, it was painfully obvious that he was not getting the promotion.
• It's highly unlikely that she'll change her mind about the decision she made.
• This point is particularly important because it is the focus of the entire book.
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The history of photography has always been a history of people – we look at pictures and they help us recall moments from our past. They also teach us about the experiences of people from different cultures or time periods. In this way, photography unites us all. Having a photograph is like holding a memory in our hands.

When we remember something, it has usually been reconstructed through our new experiences and new perspectives. In that way, photos or videos help us recall moments as they really happened. Memories fade and can become contaminated without a visual record backing them up. A photo is an excellent vehicle to bring us back to a  family holiday or a happy moment.

1. Engulfed /ɪnˈɡʌlft/
Completely surrounded or submerged.
[0:50] Within a matter of seconds we were engulfed in all of this dust and wind.

2. Frantically /ˈfræntɪkᵊli/
In a state of wild excitement or panic.
[0:57] I’m running on the road frantically looking for something to shoot.

3. Stark /stɑːk/
Utterly clear, harsh, or severe.
[1:53] And the trees, which give a sense of the stark isolation of that part of the country.

4. Strike (v) /straɪk/
Hit forcefully or make a sudden impact.
[2:22] There is always something delightful, something horrifying, something there to strike you in the face.

5. Wander /ˈwɒndə/
Move about aimlessly or without a specific destination in mind.
[3:36] I think the thing which inspires me is travelling, observing, and wandering around this amazing planet.

Motivational speakers are known for their simplified solutions to complex problems. They often provide one-size-fits-all strategies and catchy phrases, claiming that their methods can lead anyone to success. However, life is rarely that straightforward. By oversimplifying the challenges people face, motivational speakers may inadvertently trivialise the struggles of their audience.

This can exploit vulnerable individuals who desperately want answers. Additionally, some motivational speakers employ emotional manipulation tactics in ways that create an artificial sense of urgency and vulnerability within their audience.

1. Gibberish /ˈʤɪbᵊrɪʃ/
Speech or writing that makes no sense and has no logic.
[1:11] "When we take the time to riboflavin we often find we’ve been yellow #3"... it’s gibberish!

2. To mirror /ˈmɪrə/
To imitate or copy closely.
[1:30] He mirrored his phrases, switching two words around in order to sound smart.

3. Buzzwords /ˈbʌzwɜːdz/
Trendy or popular phrases.
[1:53] You’re taking the wrong lesson, it doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a soup of empty buzzwords.

4. Compassionate /kəmˈpæʃᵊnət/
Showing empathy, kindness, and understanding towards others.
[2:07] As opposed to set omegas, set alphas are compassionate, courageous and passionate.

5. Appeal /əˈpiːl/
The power to attract or stimulate interest, liking, or approval.
[2:18] Actually, that’s just an appeal to tribalism... they all play off how good it feels to be given your identity from being in a group.

Direct v Polite Requests

Examples:

• You should see a new hairstylist. (too direct, rude)
• Have you thought of seeing a new hairstylist? (more polite suggestion)
• You have to invite Anna. (bossy)
• You could always invite Anna. (softer, open suggestion)
• You need to ask Claire for her opinion. (too direct)
• You might want to ask Claire for her opinion. (polite suggestion)
• You must pick me up at the airport. (demanding, not polite)
• Perhaps you could pick me up at the airport. I would really appreciate it. (polite, thankful)
• You'd better set up a meeting to fix the problem. (threatening)
• Have you considered setting up a meeting to fix the problem? (polite request as a question)

Speaking

🇬🇧 💬 Use the below questions to practise your English conversational skills.

1. Do you enjoy speaking in public? Why / why not?

2. Do you listen to motivational speakers?

3. What do you do to get motivated?

4. Are you easily influenced by the opinion of others?
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