Unit 8

Word

Definition

Example

cliff

a large area of rock or a mountain with a very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or a river

This photo of the sea was taken from above when we were walking on the cliffs.

coast

the area where the land meets the sea

We're going to go to the coast next weekend so we can swim in the sea.

mountain range

a group or line of mountains with a particular name

The Andes in South America is the longest mountain range in the world.

path

a route or track between one place and another, or the direction in which something is moving

We often walk along the path from our house to the river.

slope

a surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than another; a rising or falling surface.

That looks like a good slope to ski down!

stream

a small, narrow river

Sometimes you see small fish in this stream.

summit

the highest point of a hill or mountain

It took the climbers seven hours to get to the summit of the mountain.

valley

an area of lower land between two lines of hills or mountains

You get a great view of the valley from that house on the top of the hill.

waterfall

water, especially from a river or stream, dropping from a higher to a lower point, sometimes from a great height

Have you ever been to Niagara falls – it's a huge waterfall in Canada and America.

arrive

to come to a destination

He arrived home at six o'clock

arrival

when you arrive at a place

My arrival time is 10 o'clock.

behave

act or conduct oneself in a specified way, especially towards others

I hope Nicholas behaved himself at the party

misbehave

to behave badly

Make sure your child does not misbehave.

choose

to decide which one of a number of things or people you want

Choose the answer that suits you most.

choice

if you have a choice, you can choose between several things

It's difficult to choose, but I think I like the red dress best

conclude

to end something

She concluded by encouraging more people to try one of their free community education courses.

conclusion

the opinion you have after considering all the information about something

Our conclusion is that they are a great choice.

decide

to make a choice or judgment about something, especially after consideringall the possibilities or arguments

Have you decided what you want?

decision

a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration

Do you ever wonder if you made the right decision?

depart

to leave, especially when you are starting a journey

My train departs at 12 p.m.

departure

the action of leaving, especially to start a journey

I saw Simon shortly before his departure for Europe.

describe

to say or write what someone or something is like

'Can you describe John?' 'Well, he's very tall.'

description

a spoken or written account of a person, object, or event

He gave an accurate description of the event

solve

find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery)

Charlie thinks money will solve all his problems

solution

a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation

A short-term solution would be to send the files by email.

vary

to be different in different situations

Attitudes towards technology seem to vary considerably between generations.

variety

the differences within a group, set of actions etc that make it interesting

I really like the variety the store has to offer.

lack in

to not have any or enough of something, esp. something necessary or wanted

Rylan is lacking in experience, so he'll need some help putting up the tent.

optimistic about

hoping or believing that good things will happen in the future

Do you feel optimistic about your trip or are you nervous?

purpose of

why you do something or why something exists

I know what this yellow rope's for, but what's the purpose of the red one?

shelter from

something that gives protection, such as a building or tent, or the protection provided

You're not wet! Where did you shelter from the rain?

specialise in

to spend most of your time studying one particular subject or doing one type of work

Our sports teacher specialises in running and swimming.

warn against

to make someone realize a possible danger or problem, especially one in the future

My parents warned me against going climbing because they were worried I'd get injured.

wrong with

when something is faulty

This soup tastes strange – is there something wrong with it?