Reading: Vocabulary in Context (Nuance & Range): B2 Lesson 1: Deducing Meaning of Less Common Vocabulary, Including Idiomatic Expressions
CEFR Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
Target Reading Sub-skill: Vocabulary in Context (Nuance & Range)
Specific Focus: Deducing Meaning of Less Common Vocabulary, Including Idiomatic Expressions
What You Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Apply strategies to deduce the meaning of less common vocabulary from context.
- Recognize and understand the meaning of common idiomatic expressions.
- Use contextual clues to interpret both unfamiliar words and idioms.
Hello Cambodian Learners!
As you read more complex English texts, like articles about global issues or stories with more descriptive language, you'll encounter vocabulary that is less common, as well as phrases that don't mean what the individual words suggest – these are called idiomatic expressions. For example, if someone says "It's raining cats and dogs," they don't mean animals are falling from the sky! They mean it's raining very heavily. This lesson will help you develop skills to understand these challenges.
Strategies for Less Common Vocabulary
When you find a new, less common word:
- Use Context Clues: Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word. Do they provide synonyms, antonyms, examples, or a general explanation? (We learned this in B1, now we apply it to harder words).
- Look at Word Parts: Sometimes, knowing common prefixes (beginnings like un-, re-, pre-) or suffixes (endings like -tion, -able, -ology) can help you guess. For example, "unhappy" means "not happy."
- Don't Panic! Sometimes you can understand the main idea of a sentence even if you don't know one word perfectly. Make an intelligent guess and move on. You can check a dictionary later if it's important.
Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions (idioms) are phrases where the meaning of the whole phrase is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. They are very common in English and often cultural.
Example: Click the sentences to hear them.
Example 1: Less Common Word
Clue: "incredible detail and artistry" suggests "exquisite" means very beautiful and finely made.
Example 2: Idiomatic Expression
"Break a leg" is an idiom that means "good luck," especially before a performance or important event. It does NOT mean to actually break a leg!
Practice Time!
Activity 1: Guess the Meaning of the Word
Read each sentence. Choose the best meaning for the highlighted less common word based on the context.
Activity 2: Understand the Idiom
Read each sentence with a highlighted idiomatic expression. Choose the best meaning for the idiom.
Quick Quiz!
Great Job!
Deducing the meaning of less common vocabulary and understanding idiomatic expressions are key skills for B2 level reading. The more you read, the more familiar these will become!