English vocabulary in context. Asya Gann
and was strongly disliked because of his brusque manners.
15. Being astute and perceptive, Laura was able to assess the situation and make the right decision.
16. Being selfish is a vice that Julie needs to grow out of; there’s no need to be so self-centred.
17. I don’t really get along with my sister’s husband.
18. Why did you have to put me down in front of everybody like that?
19. Although both men pretended to be happy to see each other, their greeting lacked sincerity and was clearly not genuine.
20. A simple act of virtue, such as collecting donations for charity, can make a huge difference to someone’s life.
Unit 25
1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.
Personality traits are the unique characteristics that define a person. They can be good or bad, but they define us and shape our future.
An extrovert is someone who is cool as a cucumber in social settings and constantly craves attention. They are gregarious and love to hobnob with others. They are often effusive in their interactions and hanker after the thrill of meeting new people. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to hold their tongue in social situations and exchange no more than a few words with others. They may feel uncomfortable in social situations and may flinch at the thought of having to speak in public. They might gape at extroverts who seem so at ease in social situations, wondering how they do it. However, this doesn’t mean that introverts can’t be daring.
Some people might be dogmatic in their ways and hold onto their beliefs without any room for change or improvement. They may grimace at the thought of trying something new or emulating someone else’s methods. This kind of conceit can be harmful and prevent personal growth. It’s important to clarify misunderstandings or miscommunications with others. And remember, just because someone seems dull as ditchwater on the surface, it doesn’t mean they don’t have interesting habits and stories to share.
2. Match the words with the definitions.
3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.
1. We’re so glad Peter got the role on the TV programme; he’s _____________________ after fame since he was a child.
2. The consultant _____________________ his point by going on to explain the reasons behind his actions.
3. The children _____________________ when they heard the loud bang in the street.
4. Terri _____________________ in pain when she stubbed her toe.
5. Surprisingly, Jack was not in the least nervous on his first day at work; in fact, he was _____________________.
6. Stuart is _____________________; all he ever does is ramble on about the same old boring things!
7. People view Bob as a _____________________ businessman because he isn’t afraid to take risks.
8. My supervisor is really _____________________ and often refuses to listen to any of our opinions.
9. My brother has the _____________________ of grinding his teeth; he often doesn’t even realize that he’s doing it!
10. Mark’s _____________________ became apparent in his arrogant attitude towards his friends.
11. Mandy is a _____________________ and sociable girl who enjoys going out with her friends.
12. Kevin _____________________ in disbelief at Peter’s remark; not believing what he had just heard.
13. The president seemed _____________________ during the press conference, and even cracked a few jokes.
14. It’s common for children to _____________________ the heroes they admire, by copying their actions.
15. In his speech, the supervisor was _____________________ in his praise for the workers, showing how satisfied he was with their level of work.
16. Given the small break they were allowed, the two consultants _____________________ with each other.
17. Employees are advised not to disclose information and _____________________ regarding confidential corporate issues.
18. During the conference, Mr. Henderson was seen _____________________ with distinguished people.
19. Colin is an _____________________ and always seems to enjoy being with people.
20. Ann _____________________ the limelight and has a strong desire to be a famous actress someday.
Key
Match the words with the definitions.
Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.
1. We’re so glad Peter got the role on the TV programme; he’s hankered after fame since he was a child.
2. The consultant clarified his point by going on to explain the reasons behind his actions.
3. The children flinched when they heard the loud bang in the street.
4. Terri grimaced in pain when she stubbed her toe.
5. Surprisingly, Jack was not in the least nervous on his first day at work; in fact he was cool as a cucumber.
6. Stuart is dull as ditchwater; all he ever does is ramble on about the same old boring things!
7. People view Bob as a daring businessman because he isn’t afraid to take risks.
8. My supervisor is really dogmatic and often refuses to listen to any of our opinions.
9. My brother has the habit of grinding his teeth; he often doesn’t even realise that he’s doing it!
10. Mark’s conceit became apparent in his arrogant attitude towards his friends.
11. Mandy is a gregarious and sociable girl who enjoys going out with her friends.
12. Kevin gaped in disbelief at Peter’s remark; not believing what he had just heard.
13. The president seemed at ease during the press conference, and even cracked a few jokes.
14. It’s common for children to emulate the heroes they admire, by copying their actions.
15. In his speech, the supervisor was effusive in his praise for the workers, showing how satisfied he was with their level of work.
16. Given the small break they were allowed, the two consultants exchanged no more than a few words with each other.
17. Employees are advised not to disclose information and hold their tongue regarding confidential corporate issues.
18. During the conference, Mr Henderson was seen hobnobbing with distinguished people.
19. Colin is an extrovert and always seems to enjoy being with people.
20.