C1 - Lesson 1: Exploring Complex & Abstract Topics
The Vocabulary of Ideas
Welcome to C1-level vocabulary. At this stage, we move beyond concrete objects and everyday actions to explore the world of ideas. To discuss abstract1 topics like society, ethics, and politics with precision, you need to master thematic vocabulary. This means learning sets of related, nuanced2 words that allow you to build a sophisticated argument and engage in high-level discourse3.
Thematic Lexicon 1: Society & Social Change
- Social Cohesion (n.p.): The sense of belonging and trust that holds a society together. Ex: Strong community projects can foster greater social cohesion.
- Upward Mobility (n.p.): The ability of an individual or family to improve their social and economic position. Ex: Access to higher education is a key driver of upward mobility.
- To Marginalize (v.): To treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral. Ex: It is important to create policies that do not marginalize minority groups.
- Cultural Norms (n.p.): The unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a particular group or society. Ex: Shaking hands is a common cultural norm in many Western countries.
Thematic Lexicon 2: Ethics & Morality
- Moral Dilemma (n.p.): A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle. Ex: The doctor faced a moral dilemma when the patient refused a life-saving treatment.
- Ethical Implications (n.p.): The potential effects of a decision on moral principles. Ex: Before launching the new AI, the company must consider all the ethical implications.
- To Justify (v.): To show or prove to be right or reasonable. Ex: He attempted to justify his actions by explaining the pressure he was under.
- Fallacy (n.): A mistaken belief, especially one based on an unsound argument. Ex: The idea that money is the only source of happiness is a common fallacy.
Thematic Lexicon 3: Globalization & The Modern World
- Interconnectedness (n.): The state of being connected with each other. Ex: The internet has created a level of global interconnectedness that was previously unimaginable.
- Homogenization (n.): The process of making things uniform or similar. Ex: Some critics argue that globalization leads to the homogenization of culture.
- Sovereignty (n.): The authority of a state to govern itself or another state. Ex: The treaty was seen by some as a threat to national sovereignty.
Discourse in Action: A Short Analysis
The following is a short analysis of the impact of social media, using the kind of language expected at a C1 level.
"When we analyze the role of social media in modern society, we face a profound moral dilemma. On one hand, it has democratized the flow of information; on the other, it threatens social cohesion by amplifying misinformation. A common fallacy is to equate connectivity with progress. We must carefully consider the long-term ethical implications for our cultural landscape. Does this new global interconnectedness inevitably lead to a homogenization of our unique cultural norms, or can we use it to foster a more nuanced global dialogue?"
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. The process of different cultures becoming more and more similar is known as...
- a) Social Cohesion
- b) Homogenization
- c) Sovereignty
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) Homogenization
2. A flawed argument or a mistaken belief is best described as a...
- a) Fallacy
- b) Dilemma
- c) Justification
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) Fallacy
3. If a government is concerned about losing its power to govern itself due to international agreements, it is concerned about its...
- a) Upward Mobility
- b) Ethical Implications
- c) Sovereignty
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) Sovereignty
edit Your Mission
- Formulate an Opinion: Choose one theme from the lesson (e.g., Society, Ethics, Globalization). Write a single, complex sentence that expresses your opinion on a related topic, using at least two key vocabulary words from that theme.
- Critical Reading: Find a short opinion article (an "op-ed") from a major international news source like The Guardian, The New York Times, or Reuters. Identify the main argument and write down two pieces of sophisticated vocabulary the author uses to support it.
- Debate Preparation: Consider the topic: "Should a country prioritize economic growth over environmental protection?" Write one sentence to justify the "economic growth" side, and one sentence to describe the "ethical implications" of the "environmental protection" side.
book Lesson Glossary
- Abstract (adjective) - Khmer: អរូបី (a-ruu-bəy) - Existing as an idea, feeling, or quality, not as a material object. ↩
- Nuanced (adjective) - Khmer: ដែលមានន័យស៊ីជម្រៅ (dael mien ney sii chum-rau) - Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression. ↩
- Discourse (noun) - Khmer: ការពិភាក្សា (kaa pi-pʰiek-saa) - Written or spoken communication or debate. ↩