11 Reading

Say Cheese!
pages 156-157
11.11 decimate (v) /ˈdesɪmeɪt/
seriously damage sth ● His career was
decimated by the company closure.
11.1 entity (n) /ˈentəti/
➣ decimation (n)
sth that exists independently in its own right
● His company is no longer a separate entity 11.12 gripping (adj) /ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/
since its acquisition by the corporation. very interesting and exciting ● The film was a
gripping tale of courage and endurance.
11.2 fringe (n) /frɪndʒ/
➣ grip (v), grip (n)
the outer area of sth ● The magazine remains
on the fringe of mainstream media. ➣ fringe 11.13 hard-hitting (adj) /hɑːd ˈhitɪŋ/
(v), fringe (adj) openly and honestly critical ● Deeply offended
by the interviewer’s hard-hitting questions, he
11.3 telephoto lens (n) /ˌtelifəʊtəʊ ˈlenz/
got up and walked out of the studio.
a camera lens that adjusts to produce large
images of distant subjects ● Through the 11.14 scratch the surface (expr) /skræʧ ðə ˈsɜːfɪs/
telephoto lens, he captured every detail of the uncover only a small part of an issue ● The
nesting eagle on top of the rock. documentary was interesting, but was lacking
in detail and clearly only scratched the surface
11.4 scourge (n) /skɜːdʒ/
of the main problem.
sth/sb that causes terrible damage ● The
recession has been the scourge of the decade. 11.15 delve into sth (phr v) /delv ɪntəˈsʌmθɪŋ/
➣ scourge (v) research sth thoroughly ● Detectives delved
into his personal correspondence and found
11.5 poignant (adj) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/
evidence of his dirty dealings.
emotionally moving ● The empty shops were
a poignant reminder of the economic situation. 11.16 subgenre (n) /ˈsʌbˌʒɒ̃rə/
➣ poignancy (n), poignantly (adv) a type of media, literature, etc. that differs from
the others within the same category ● Hard
11.6 convict (v) /kənˈvɪkt/
rock is considered a subgenre of rock music in
officially declare that sb is guilty of a crime
the wider sense.
● They were convicted of murder and
sentenced to life imprisonment. ➣ convict (n), 11.17 proverbially (adv) /prəˈvɜːbiəli/
convicted (adj) in a way that is widely known and understood
● The reporters were proverbially dogged
11.7 stumble (v) /ˈstʌmbl/
in their pursuit of a scoop. ➣ proverb (n),
walk in an awkward uncontrolled way
proverbial (adj)
● Hearing the alarm, he stumbled out of bed
still half asleep. ➣ stumble (n) 11.18 fly on the wall (expr) /flaɪ ɒn ðə wɔːl/
sb who listens to others without being seen
11.8 paparazzo (n) /ˌpæpəˈrætsəʊ/
● I’d love to be a fly on the wall to see her
a press photographer who follows famous
reaction when she finds out what happened.
people to photograph them ● Despite her
valiant attempts to stay out of the press, one 11.19 impartially (adv) /ˌɪmˈpɑːʃəli/
paparazzo was particularly persistent and objectively; without taking sides ● Not enough
snapped her on the patio in her pyjamas. of the news seems to be presented completely
✎ Plural: paparazzi impartially, as so many journalists have their
own political agenda. ➣ impartiality (n),
11.9 documentarian (n) /ˌdɒkjumenˈteəriən/
impartial (adj)
sb who makes documentaries ● Debbie took
on a new role as a documentarian portraying 11.20 strike a chord (expr) /straɪk ə kɔːd/
social issues after being made redundant arouse interest by saying sth that people can
when the newspaper closed down. relate to ● The documentary on bullying struck
➣ document (v), document (n), a chord within the education sector.
documentation (n) 11.21 discreet (adj) /dɪˈskriːt/
11.10 bureau (n) /ˈbjʊərəʊ/ careful not to reveal sth secret ● She was
organisation that collects and provides always very discreet about her family
information ● You can see what jobs are background. ➣ discretion (n),
available at the employment bureau. discreetly (adv)
➣ bureaucrat (n), bureaucracy (n),
bureaucratic (adj)

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11.22 peek (n) /piːk/ 11.34 compliant (adj) /kəmˈplaɪənt/
a quick, sometimes secretive, look at sth easily obeying particular rules; very willing
● I took a quick peek at the clock, hoping that to agree with sth/sb ● The editor became
the interview would end soon. ➣ peek (v) less compliant to the journalist’s suggestion
11.23 insatiable (adj) /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl/ to include the article when he received a call
not able to be satisfied ● Underlying her from the prime minister’s office. ➣ comply (v),
insatiable need for attention, lies an inferiority compliance (n)
complex. ➣ insatiably (adv) 11.35 skyrocket (v) /ˈskaɪrɒkɪt/
11.24 perception (n) /pəˈsepʃn/ rise or increase rapidly ● Sales of the
the way sth is regarded ● The hard-hitting newspaper skyrocketed with the exclusive
documentary changed the public perception report.
of milk production. ➣ perceive (v), perceptible 11.36 adrenaline (n) /əˈdrenəlɪn/
(adj), perceptibly (adv) a hormone that increases the heart-rate and
11.25 stalk (v) /stɔːk/ energy level ● The prospect of capturing the
follow and observe sb without their permission couple together on film got the photographer’s
● She was sick of being stalked by the adrenaline flowing.
paparazzi. ➣ stalker (n) 11.37 sb’s/sth’s days are numbered (expr)
11.26 door stepping (n) /dɔː ˈstepɪŋ/ /ˈsʌmbədiz/ˈsʌmθɪŋz deɪz ɑː ˈnʌmbəd/
watching sb’s home ● Tired of reporters and sb/sth will not continue or be successful much
their door stepping, he moved house to a longer ● Her days as an award-winning author
secret location registered under a pseudonym. are numbered as she seems to be running out
➣ doorstep (n) of ideas.

11.27 have it both ways (expr) /hæv ɪt bəʊθ weɪz/ 11.38 superficial (adj) /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl/
benefit in an impossible way from two only considering the obvious aspects of sth
contrasting approaches ● How can you stay ● His report gave only a superficial analysis
out of the public eye if you want to be famous? of the political problem. ➣ superficiality (n),
You can’t have it both ways. superficially (adv)

Vocabulary pages 158-159-160

11.28 emphatically (adv) /ɪmˈfætɪkli/
forcefully stressing a point ● The politician
emphatically denied any connection with the
off-shore bank. ➣ emphasise (v), emphasis 11.39 lampoon (v) /læmˈpuːn/
(n), emphatic (adj) criticise in an amusing way ● The cartoonist
has a talent for hilariously lampooning
11.29 unflattering (adj) /ʌnˈflætərɪŋ/
celebrities. ➣ lampoon (n)
making sb/sth look less attractive than they
are or would prefer to be seen ● The press 11.40 recluse (n) /rɪˈkluːs/
photographers just lap up unflattering shots of sb who chooses to live alone and avoids
celebrities without their make-up on. company ● The former star now prefers to live
as a recluse in the company of her pets.
11.30 seedier (adj) /ˈsiːdiə(r)/
➣ reclusive (adj)
less pleasant, often linked with immoral
activities ● He prefers to keep quiet about the 11.41 scoop (n) /skuːp/
seedier side of his extramarital relationships. an important news story that is the first to be
➣ seediness (n) published on the topic ● The tabloid scoop
revealed that the ageing star was suffering
11.31 drive sth home (expr) /draɪvˈsʌmθɪŋ həʊm/
from a serious illness. ➣ scoop (v)
strongly get a point across; forcefully convey
a meaning ● She drove home the point that 11.42 slander (n) /ˈslɑːndə(r)/
the tax payers were entitled to know how their a spoken statement which gives false
money was being spent. information aiming to damage sb’s reputation
● She took the talk show host to court for
11.32 hint (n) /hɪnt/
slander. ➣ slander (v)
a very small amount of sth ● There was more
than a hint of sarcasm in her voice. ➣ hint (v) 11.43 conman (n) /ˈkɒnmæn/
sb who deceives sb to gain money ● The
11.33 symbolic (adj) /sɪmˈbɒlɪk/
elderly widow was cheated out of her savings
important in terms of an idea implied ● He
by a conman. ➣ con (v), con (n)
removed the sweeping statement from his blog
as a symbolic gesture of apology. ➣ symbolise 11.44 buffoonish (adj) /bəˈfuːnɪʃ/
(v), symbol (n), symbolically (adv) silly; clownish ● His clumsy denial of the
claims came across as buffoonish rather than
convincing. ➣ buffoon (n)

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 11.45 undeterred (adj) /ˌʌndɪˈtɜːd/ 11.56 leak (n) /liːk/
not put off from doing sth ● Undeterred by the disclosure of secret information to the
the slanderous accusations against her, she public ● The journalist went into hiding after
continued her campaign to expose the media admitting responsibility for the leak of top
mogul. secret information to the media. ➣ leak (v),
11.46 deranged (adj) /dɪˈreɪndʒd/ leaky (adj)
incapable of normal, rational thinking 11.57 discrete (adj) /dɪˈskriːt/
● The accusations were so absurd that they separate and distinct from others of the same
appeared to be the product of a deranged kind ● Fiction can be divided into several
mind. ➣ derangement (n) discrete subgenres. ➣ discreteness (n)
11.47 cement (v) /sɪˈment/ 11.58 correspondent (n) /ˌkɒrəˈspɒndənt/
make something, such as an agreement, a news reporter who covers a particular
stronger ● The treaty was drawn up to cement subject or region ● The public were horrified to
relations between the ruling powers after the learn of the torture of foreign correspondents
war. ➣ cement (n) at the front line. ➣ correspond (v),
11.48 blackmail (n) /ˈblækmeɪl/ correspondence (n), corresponding (adj)
the crime of threatening to reveal information
about sb unless they pay you to keep quiet Nouns: crimes
● Digging deep into the victim’s past, the blackmail libel slander
detective uncovered a web of corruption and
blackmail involving respected figures.
➣ blackmail (v)
11.49 excerpt (n) /ˈeksɜːpt/ Nouns: people
a short part of a larger text, film, etc. ● He read
a short excerpt from his new novel at the press aristocracy persona
conference. ➣ excerpt (v) conman recluse
correspondent toddler
11.50 exile (n) /ˈeksaɪl/ paparazzo
the state of being forced to leave one’s country
to live elsewhere ● After the revolt, the royal
family were sent into exile. ➣ exile (v)
11.59 credible (adj) /ˈkredəbl/
11.51 libel (n) /ˈlaɪbl/ believable ● Given her gentle public image,
the act of publishing a statement about sb that it did not seem credible that she could have
is untrue and damaging to their reputation been so cruel to her children. ➣ credit (v),
● The newspaper produced evidence that their credibility (n), credible (adv)
claims were actually true and not just libel. ✎ Opp: incredible
➣ libel (v), libellous (adj)
11.60 immortal (adj) /ɪˈmɔːtl/
11.52 memoir (n) /ˈmemwɑː(r)/ famous and likely to be remembered for a
a personal written account of sb’s life long time ● A toast was raised to the bard’s
experience ● Not being literary minded, he immortal memory. ➣ immortalise (v), immortal
hired a shadow writer to produce his best- (adj), immortality (n)
selling memoirs.
11.61 fabled (adj) /ˈfeɪbld/
11.53 obscurity (n) /əbˈskjʊərəti/ legendary ● Our itinerary included a visit to the
the state of being long forgotten or unknown fabled Sanctuary of Eleusis. ➣ fable (n)
● The actor rose from obscurity as a plumber
11.62 Z-list (adj) /ˈzedlɪst/
to become an Oscar winner. ➣ obscure (adj),
indicating those who are only slightly famous
obscurely (adv)
● Daytime TV is peppered with Z-list
11.54 aristocracy (n) /ˌærɪˈstɒkrəsi/ celebrities, known for nothing more than
the upper class ● The party claims to seasonal chat shows.
represent the working classes rather than the
11.63 illustrious (adj) /ɪˈlʌstriəs/
aristocracy. ➣ aristocrat (n), aristocratic (adj),
renowned and greatly admired ● The awards
aristocratically (adv)
ceremony was attended by illustrious guests
11.55 news outlet (n) /njuːz ˈaʊtlet/ from the world of literature.
a source where news can be obtained ● Social
11.64 limelight (n) /ˈlaɪmlaɪt/
media sites alone are not always reliable as
the focal point of publicity ● Patrick never
news outlets as they tend to recycle the same
enjoyed being in the limelight offstage.
old, often unfounded stories.

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1.65 string (n) /strɪŋ/ 11.77 abuzz (adj) /æˈbʌz/
a series of ● After a string of hits as a teenage filled with constant noise, excitement, etc.
star, he withdrew into obscurity. ➣ string (v) ● The media was abuzz with rumours of their
11.66 the big time (n) /ðə bɪg taɪm/ divorce.
a successful point in a chosen career ● He 11.78 upwards of (prep) /ˈʌpwədz əv/
never thought he would make the big time until more than ● Upwards of a million copies of
he landed the part of the villain in a James their album have been sold around the world.
Bond film. 11.79 over the top (expr) /əʊvə(r) ðə tɒp/
11.67 destined (adj) /ˈdestɪnd/ exaggerated ● Her accent was completely
having a certain, predetermined future ● Not over the top and destroyed an otherwise
fitting the image of the slim beautiful heroine, enjoyable play.
she was destined to play the dispensable 11.80 aspiring (adj) /əˈspaɪərɪŋ/
victim and sundry supporting roles. ➣ destiny hoping to do or become sth ● Dozens of
(n), destination (n) aspiring young hopefuls applied to audition for
11.68 banal (adj) /bəˈnɑːl/ the role. ➣ aspire (v), aspiration (n)
dull and unimportant ● Even the non-stop 11.81 in the name of sth (expr) /ɪn ðə neɪm əv
action with striking visual images and sound ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
effects could not compensate for the banal in order to be or achieve sth; for the sake of
dialogue and storyline. ➣ banality (n) ● How many hours do you expect to work in
11.69 stardom (n) /ˈstɑːdəm/ the name of success?
the state of being famous as a performer 11.82 partial (adj) /ˈpɑːʃl/
● As a child actress in E.T., Drew seemed subjective; showing support in favour of one
destined for stardom. side of sth ● His side of the story is definitely
11.70 one-hit wonder (n) /wʌn hɪt ˈwʌndə(r)/ partial as he knows the suspect. ➣ partiality
sb who makes one successful piece of music (n), partially (adv)
or performance but no others thereafter ● The ✎ Opp: impartial
band produced a catchy tune that stormed 11.83 disseminate (v) /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/
the charts in the 80s, but it was just a one-hit distribute or spread news, etc. ● The dictator
wonder. used the online news channel to disseminate
11.71 discernible (adj) /dɪˈsɜːnəbl/ propaganda. ➣ dissemination (n)
that can be discerned or recognised ● There
was no discernible difference between the two
brands. ➣ discern (v), discernibly (adv) Grammar pages 161-162-163
11.72 high-end (adj) /haɪ end/ 11.84 there’s no accounting for taste (expr) /ðeəz
high-class and expensive ● Judging from their nəʊ əˈkaʊntɪŋ fə teɪst/
prices, the clothes are obviously aimed at the used to show you do not agree with sb’s
high-end market. choice; there’s no way to explain why people
11.73 be at odds (expr) /biː æt ɒdz/ like different things, especially those that seem
be in disagreement ● The films gushing unappealing ● I can’t understand why she
opening reviews were completely at odds with feels the need to have tattoos – there’s no
the reactions from the bored audience. accounting for taste.
11.74 persona (n) /pəˈsəʊnə/ 11.85 the proof of the pudding (is in the eating)
the traits of a person’s character as shown to (expr) /ðə prʊf əv ðə ˈpuːdɪŋ (ɪz ɪn ðə
others ● His public persona was a dreadful ˈiːtɪŋ)/
façade, designed to disguise his heartless self. you can only judge sth by personal
experience, not from theory ● The book
11.75 be in good/bad taste (expr) /biː ɪn gʊd/bæd
doesn’t sound worth reading, but the proof of
teɪst/
the pudding is in the eating, so I’ll give it a go.
be appropriate and inoffensive / be
inappropriate and offensive ● We were 11.86 reprimand (v) /ˈreprɪmɑːnd/
unimpressed as most of his jokes were in very officially tell sb off for doing sth ● Students
bad taste. were reprimanded for using Instagram during
the class. ➣ reprimand (n)
11.76 bogus (adj) /ˈbəʊɡəs/
false and pretending to be genuine 11.87 speculate (v) /ˈspekjuleɪt/
● Nobody believed the bogus report about the make a judgement based on an educated
discovery of a giant’s bones. guess or assumption ● We could only
speculate as to whether the takeover
rumours were true until we heard more.
➣ speculation (n)

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 11.88 toddler (n) /ˈtɒdlə(r)/
a child who has just learnt to walk and moves Listening page 164
unsteadily ● A small group of toddlers played
11.96 dumb sth down (phr v) /dʌm ˈsʌmθɪŋ daʊn/
with their toys as their nursery teachers kept a
make sth less challenging ● The plot of the
watchful eye on them. ➣ toddle (v)
film had been dumbed down in the remake.
11.89 fluff your lines (expr) /flʌf jɔː laɪnz/
11.97 warts and all (expr) /wɔːts ənd ɔːl/
make a mistake when you are reciting a script
including imperfections ● She promised to love
● The director made them rerecord the scene
him as he was, warts and all.
where the leading actor fluffed his lines.
11.98 play to the camera (expr) /pleɪ tə ðə
11.90 flattering (adj) /ˈflætərɪŋ/
ˈkæməræ/
that makes sb/sth appear more attractive
act differently in the presence of cameras
● White is not the most flattering colour to
● He’s normally so shy, but when he gets hold
match your pale complexion; it makes you look
of a microphone, he can certainly play to the
tired and grey. ➣ flatter (v), flattery (n)
camera.
✎ Opp: unflattering
11.99 unscripted (adj) /ʌnˈskrɪptɪd/
11.91 leap (n) /liːp/
without a plan ● Their apparently random
a significant change or improvement ● We’ve
street interviews were not completely
witnessed a huge leap in sales since we ran
unscripted as volunteers had been selected in
the TV ad. ➣ leap (v)
advance.
11.92 utter (v) /ʌə(r)/
11.100 cringeworthy (adj) /ˈkrɪndʒwɜːði/
say sth ● He listened patiently, without uttering
causing embarrassment or upset ● The film’s
a word until his son finished making his
title is cringeworthy, as was most of the inane
excuses. ➣ utterance (n), utter (adj), utterly
dialogue. ➣ cringe (v), cringe (n)
(adv)
11.101 misnomer (n) /ˌmɪsˈnəʊmə(r)/
11.93 mishear (v) /ˌmɪsˈhɪə(r)/
an inappropriate or misleading name
misunderstand sth you hear which sounded
● ‘Seafront hotel’ was bit of a misnomer since
like sth else ● I was sure she said her name
it was five miles from the shore.
was Mabel, but I must have misheard her.
11.102 humiliate (v) /hjuːˈmɪlieɪt/
11.94 scrutinise (v) /ˈskruːtənaɪz/
make sb feel stupid or humble ● Even though
examine sth closely ● The judges scrutinised
Ted knew his friend was wrong, he didn’t
the photo for signs of digital enhancement.
want to humiliate him by pointing it out in
➣ scrutiny (n)
front of others. ➣ humiliation (n), humility (n),
11.95 transmission (n) /trænsˈmɪʃn/ humiliating (adj)
the act of broadcasting information or other
data ● Signal fires were often used for the
transmission of news across the ancient world. Verbs
➣ transmit (v), transmitter (n)
cement reprimand
channel scrutinise
convict skyrocket
Expressions decimate speculate
be at odds delve into sth spiral
be in good/bad taste dumb sth down stalk
drive sth home glean stumble
fluff your lines humiliate unfold
fly on the wall lampoon unleash
have it both ways mishear utter
in the name of sth ponder
over the top
play to the camera
sb’s/sth’s days are numbered
scratch the surface
strike a chord Speaking page 165
the proof of the pudding (is in the eating)
11.103 memorabilia (n) /ˌmemərəˈbɪliə/
there’s no accounting for taste
a collection of old things that remind sb of
warts and all
sth/sb which they are connected with
● His entire room was filled with childhood
memorabilia, giving the impression that he
could be described as a ‘kidult’. ➣ memorable
(adj), memorably (adv)
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11.104 convention (n) /kənˈvenʃn/ 11.114 biopic (n) /ˈbaɪəʊpɪk/
a large meeting of people involved with a biographical film ● Meryl Streep was chosen
a common field ● Hundreds of delegates for the leading role in the biopic about the life
attended the sales convention. ➣ convene (v), of Margaret Thatcher.
conventional (adj), conventionally (adv) 11.115 glean (v) /gliːn/
find information, with difficulty, from a variety
of limited sources ● From what we are able
Adjectives to glean from historic accounts, he must have
archival fabled reminiscent been an important figure.
aspiring flattering seedier 11.116 channel (v) /ˈtʃænl/
banal gripping sheer direct sth towards a particular aspect or area,
bogus hard-hitting stardom etc. ● He channelled all his energy into his
buffoonish high-end superficial music. ➣ channel (n)
compliant illustrious symbolic
credible immortal undeterred
cringeworthy insatiable unflattering Adverbs
deranged mesmerising unscripted
destined partial Z-list emphatically meteorically
discernible poignant impartially proverbially

Writing pages 166-167 Video 11: A Polar

11.105 mesmerising (adj) /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/
hypnotic; having a strongly attractive quality
Picture page 168
that holds sb’s attention ● The sound effects 11.117 carcass (n) /ˈkɑːkəs/
were utterly mesmerising. ➣ mesmerise (v) the dead body of an animal ● The carcass of a
11.106 meteorically (adv) /ˌmiːtiˈɒrɪkəli/ fox lay by the roadside.
in a rapidly developing way ● She rose 11.118 sheer (adj) /ʃɪə(r)/
meteorically to the halls of fame. ➣ meteoric absolute; used to emphasise the size or
(adj) amount of sth ● It was sheer folly to attempt
11.107 unfold (v) /ʌnˈfəʊld/ the expedition alone. ➣ sheer (v), sheer (adv)
develop ● As the plot unfolds, we realise that 11.119 reminiscent (adj) /ˌremɪˈnɪsnt/
all is not as bright as it seems. that reminds you of sth ● The villagers took
11.108 unleash (v) /ʌnˈliːʃ/ part in ritual dances reminiscent of years gone
release ● The fans unleashed their by. ➣ reminiscence (n)
disappointment with offensive chants.
11.109 archival (adj) /ɑːˈkaɪvəl/ Other nouns
retrieved from old archives ● We found some
old views of the area as it was 100 years ago adrenaline hint perception
among some archival photo in the library. biopic indictment scoop
➣ archive (n) bureau leak scourge
carcass leap stardom
11.110 footage (n) /ˈfʊtɪdʒ/ convention limelight string
part of a film showing an event ● We found door memoir subgenre
some old footage of the band’s performance stepping memorabilia telephoto
on YouTube. entity news outlet lens
11.111 indictment (n) /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/ excerpt obscurity the big time
an indication of sth negative ● The need for exile one-hit transmission
food banks is a sad indictment of our society. footage wonder
➣ indict (v), indictable (adj) fringe peek
11.112 spiral (v) /ˈspaɪrəl/
increase rapidly ● The economy has been
spiralling downward for years. ➣ spiral (n),
spiral (adj)
11.113 ponder (v) /ˈpɒndə(r)/
consider slowly ● He pondered the question
for a moment before replying. ➣ ponderous
(adj), ponderously (adv)
80