Master the Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Reading Test 4 Passage 1 vocabulary with our flashcard exercise.
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Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Reading Test 4 Passage 1
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obsidian
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(n) /əbˈsɪdiən/
a type of black volcanic glass
Example: The sharp edge of obsidian can be used for cutting.
archaeologist
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(n) /ˌɑːrkiˈɑːlədʒɪst/
a person who studies the past by digging up and examining objects
Example: An archaeologist found ancient tools in the ground.
glaze
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(n) /ɡleɪz/
a shiny coating or finish applied to a surface
Example: The artist used a special glaze on the pottery.
molten
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(adj) /ˈmoʊl.tən/
in a liquid state due to being heated
Example: The molten material was poured into a mold.
impurity
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(n) /ɪmˈpjʊr.ɪ.ti/
a substance that makes something impure or dirty
Example: The glass had many impurities that affected its clarity.
tint
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(n) /tɪnt/
a slight color or shade
Example: The artist added a tint of blue to the painting.
collapse
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(v) /kəˈlæps/
to fall down suddenly
Example: The structure could collapse if not repaired.
widespread
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(adj) /ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/
existing or happening in many places or among many people
Example: The new law was met with widespread support.
craftsman
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(n) /ˈkræftsˌmæn/
a person who is skilled in making things by hand
Example: The craftsman created a beautiful wooden chair.
glasswork
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(n) /ˈɡlæs.wɜːrk/
the art of making glass objects
Example: She learned glasswork to create beautiful vases.
milestone
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(n) /ˈmaɪlstoʊn/
an important event or point in progress
Example: Creating lead crystal glass was a major milestone in glass history.
manufacturer
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(n) /ˌmæn.jʊˈfæk.tʃər.ər/
a company that makes products for sale
Example: The manufacturer produces a wide range of glass items.
counter
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(v) /ˈkaʊntər/
to do something to stop or reduce the effect of something else
Example: He tried to counter the noise by using earplugs.
refractive
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(adj) /rɪˈfræktɪv/
related to the bending of light when it passes through a material
Example: The scientist studied the refractive properties of different glasses.
brilliance
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(n) /ˈbrɪl.jəns/
great brightness or exceptional talent
Example: Her brilliance shone through in her artwork.
invaluable
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(adj) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/
extremely valuable or helpful
Example: Her advice was invaluable for my project.
optical
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(adj) /ˈɑːptɪkəl/
related to vision or the way light behaves
Example: The optical lens helps people see better.
astronomical
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(adj) /ˌæstrəˈnɑːmɪkəl/
relating to astronomy or space
Example: They designed an astronomical telescope to study the stars.
telescope
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(n) /ˈtɛlɪˌskoʊp/
an instrument for viewing distant objects, using lenses
Example: I used a telescope to see the stars clearly.
microscope
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(n) /ˈmaɪ.krə.skoʊp/
an instrument that makes small things look larger
Example: The student used a microscope to see the tiny cells.
repeal
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(v) /rɪˈpiːl/
to cancel or remove a law or rule
Example: The government decided to repeal the old law.
excise
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(n) /ˈɛk.saɪz/
a tax on certain goods, especially alcohol and tobacco
Example: The excise on whiskey makes it more expensive.
levy
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(v) /ˈlɛvi/
to impose a tax or fee
Example: The government decided to levy a new tax.
horticultural
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(adj) /hɔr.tɪˈkʌl.tʃər.əl/
relating to the growing of flowers, fruits, and vegetables
Example: She enjoys horticultural activities in her garden.
advancement
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(n) /ədˈvæns.mənt/
the process of making progress or improving something
Example: The advancement of technology helps people connect better.
semi-automatic
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(adj) /ˌsɛmiˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/
able to operate automatically but still requires some manual action
Example: The factory uses a semi-automatic machine to produce bottles.
automate
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(v) /ˈɔːtəˌmeɪt/
to make a process happen automatically without human control
Example: They decide to automate the assembly line to be faster.
impressive
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(adj) /ɪmˈprɛsɪv/
having a strong effect on someone or causing admiration
Example: The show was impressive and everyone enjoyed it.
sector
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(n) /ˈsɛk.tər/
a distinct part or area within a larger system or group
Example: The company focuses on the technology sector.
precise
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(adj) /prɪˈsaɪs/
exact and accurate
Example: The teacher asked for a precise answer to the question.
hi-tech
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(adj) /haɪ tɛk/
using the latest technology
Example: The factory uses hi-tech machines to create products.
fiercely
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(adv) /ˈfɪrsli/
in a very intense and strong way
Example: The teams are fighting fiercely for the championship.
competitive
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(adj) /kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv/
involving a competition or rivalry
Example: The teams are very competitive this year.
critical
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(adj) /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
very important or necessary
Example: Quality is critical for customer satisfaction.
maintain
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(v) /meɪnˈteɪn/
to keep something in good condition or to continue to have something
Example: It is important to maintain a good relationship with friends.
aspect
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(n) /ˈæs.pɛkt/
a particular feature or part of something
Example: The project has many important aspects.
packaging
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(n) /ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ/
the material that covers or protects something for sale
Example: The packaging is made of recycled paper.
foodstuff
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(n) /ˈfuːdˌstʌf/
a type of food
Example: I bought some foodstuff for the party.
cosmetic
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(n) /kɒzˈmɛtɪk/
a product applied to the body to make it look better
Example: She bought new cosmetic for the party.
recycle
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(v) /rɪˈsaɪ.kəl/
to use something again after it has been used
Example: I recycle paper and plastic to help the planet.
consumer
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(n) /kənˈsuːmər/
a person who buys and uses goods and services
Example: The consumer chose a bottle for their drink.
concern
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(n) /kənˈsɜrn/
a feeling of worry or concern about something
Example: There is a lot of concern about pollution.
popular
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(adj) /ˈpɑːpjələr/
liked by a lot of people
Example: The colors green, brown, and clear are the most popular.
landfill
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(n) /ˈlændˌfɪl/
a place where waste is buried
Example: The city decided to build a new landfill for its garbage.
quarry
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(v) /ˈkwɔːri/
to take stone or other materials from a place, especially to use for building
Example: They quarry marble for the new building.
precious
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(adj) /ˈprɛʃ.əs/
valuable and important
Example: Water is a precious resource for all living things.
resource
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(n) /ˈriːsɔːrs/
something that can be used for help or support
Example: The community has many resources for learning.
revolution
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(n) /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən/
a significant change or change in government
Example: The revolution changed how people lived.
encourage
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(v) /ɪnˈkɜrɪdʒ/
to make someone feel more confident or hopeful
Example: Teachers encourage students to ask questions.
domestic
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(adj) /dəˈmɛstɪk/
related to the home or family
Example: He prefers to stay in and enjoy domestic activities.
architecture
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(n) /ˈɑrkɪtɛktʃər/
the style or way of designing buildings
Example: The architecture of the museum is very modern.
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