Unit 3: Getting from A to B

1. technology (n) /tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/: scientific knowledge used in practical ways in

industry
ex: Modern/Cutting-edge technology allows people to improve their work
productivity.
=> technological (adj)
ex: Technological devices such as mobile phones and computers can bridge the
gap between people. (= bring people closer and help them communicate)
2. revolution (n) /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən/: an important change in the way people do things
ex: The industrial revolution has completely changed the way people work, since
it encourages the use of machines and robots over human labour.
=> revolutionize (v): completely change something
ex: Technological development revolutionizes how people communicate with
each other.
3. urban (adj) /ˈɜː.bən/: of a city or a town
ex: The air pollution level in urban areas is alarming.
It is believed that seeking (= finding) jobs in urban areas (= in cities) is easier
than in rural ones. (= in the countryside)
4. renewable energy (n): energy sources that can be generated.
ex: Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or tidal power can be used
instead of non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.
5. emit (v) /iˈmɪt/: to send out something such as light, heat, sound, gas, etc.
ex: Greenhouse gases such as CO2 are emitted/released from vehicles.
=> emission (n)
ex: The government can reduce CO2 emissions by encouraging more people to
use public transport instead of personal vehicles.
6. efficient (adj) /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/: working quickly and effectively
ex: Modern means of communication such as emails and cellphones are more
efficient than those in the past.
=> efficiency (n)
ex: Employers can improve their work efficiency by using technological
equipment.
7. aim (n) /eɪm/: a result that your plan or action are intended to achieve
ex: The government should impose higher taxes on the citizens with the aim of
investing more money in the transportation infrastructure.
8. install (v) /ɪnˈstɔːl/: to put a machine in a position and make it ready to use
ex: The government should install cameras on the streets to discourage people
from breaking the laws, which helps reduce the crime rate.
9. be capable of something/ doing something = be able to do something
ex: Nowadays people are able to work from home thanks to the Internet.
=> Nowadays people are capable of working from home thanks to the Internet.
10. ensure (v) + that /ɪnˈʃɔː(r)/: to make sure that something happens or something
is true
ex: The government should ensure that all children receive a good education.
11. deplete (v) /dɪˈpliːt/: to reduce the amount of something so that there is not
much left
ex: In poor countries, food supplies are depleted.
=> Depletion (n)
Overexploitation (= Exploiting too much) can lead to the depletion of natural
resources.
12. traffic jam (n) a large number of vehicles close together and unable to move or
moving very slowly
ex: Overpopulation can be a factor contributing to traffic jam in rush hours.
= traffic congestion (n)
13. alternative (adj) /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/: that can be used instead of something else
ex: The government should invest more money in developing alternative energy
(= electricity or power that is produced using the energy from the sun, wind,
water, etc.)
14. toll (n) /təʊl/: a small amount of money that you have to pay to use a road, cross
a bridge, etc.
ex: Charging a higher toll can be a way to discourage people from using personal
vehicles.
15. rush hour (n): the busiest times of the day
# off-peak time (n)
ex: Traffic congestion often occurs (=happens) during rush hours, thus
encouraging people to commute in off-peak times can be a way to reduce traffic
jams.
16. commute (v) /kəˈmjuːt/: to make the same journey regularly between work and
home
ex: Many people prefer working from home so that they do not have to commute
on a daily basis. (= everyday)
17. implement (v) /ˈɪmplɪment/: to make something that has been officially decided
start to happen or be used
ex: The government should implement changes to the education system to
ensure that every child has the opportunity to go to school.
18. accommodate (v) /əˈkɒm.ə.deɪt/: to provide with a place to live or to stay in
ex: Most public apartments can accommodate more people than private houses.
=> accommodation (n)
ex: Due to overpopulation in the city, it is difficult to find accommodation for
people with a low income.
19. ease (n) /iːz/: without difficulty
ex: He passed the exam with ease.
=> ease (v): to become or to make something less unpleasant, painful, severe,
etc.
ex: The government can ease traffic congestion in urban areas by imposing higher
taxes on personal vehicles.
Taking painkilling medicines can help patients ease their pain.
20. spend money on something = invest money in something = direct money into
something
ex: The government should invest more money in the healthcare system to
improve people’s life quality.
21. capacity (n) /kəˈpæsəti/: (1) the number of things or people that a container or
space can hold
ex: The theatre has a seating capacity of 2 000.
(2) the ability to do something
It is beyond the government’s capacity (= the government is unable) to ensure
that every child can have access to a good education.
22. fund (v) /fʌnd/: an amount of money saved, collected, or provided for a
particular purpose
ex: Many organizations are raising funds to build new schools in the area.
The government should allocate/channel/direct more funds into improving
the transportation infrastructure in urban areas.