Vocabulary 1:

Business and money:

To maximize profits
Meaning: to increase profits to the highest possible level
Example: The company has hired a marketing consultant to recommend how to maximize
profits next year.

To break into new markets

Meaning: to enter new markets that are difficult to enter
Example: It is difficult to break into new markets for designer sportswear, because there is
too much competition for leading markets like Nike.

To gain a competitive edge

Meaning: to achieve an advantage over another company or organization, often by providing
goods or services at a lower price.
Example: The high quality of VW cars has enabled the company to gain a competitive edge
over all its rivals in world markets.

Genetic Engineering:

Genetic engineering
Meaning: the science of changing how a living creature or plant develops by
changing the information in its genes.
Example: Scientists have used genetic engineering to protect tomatoes against
the effect of freezing temperatures.

Genetically-modified (GM) crops

Meaning: plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been changed by
using genetic engineering techniques.
Example: There is a scientific consensus that currently-available food derived
from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food.

Unproven effects
Meaning: effects which have not been tested or shown to be true
Example: Critics of GM crops argue that the unproven effects of this technology may have
disastrous results in the future.

To damage ecosystems
Meaning: to harm the physical environment in which all the plants and animals living in a
particular area are able to survive.
Example: Genetic applications in agriculture have many unknown effects, one of which is
that they may damage ecosystems and threaten many species. to meddle with nature
Meaning: to try to change or to have an influence on the environment, especially by acting in
a way that is not scientific. Example: Some scientists have said that GM crops mean more
plentiful food, but opponents argue that we do not know the consequences of meddling with
nature.

Government:
To allocate resources to
Meaning: to make money and materials available to do something.
Example: If governments allocate more resources to improving public transport, this will
reduce the problem of traffic congestion in cities.

To provide funding for

Meaning: to give money to enable something to be done
Example: Providing funding for health care must be a priority of governments.

Government decision-making
Meaning: the process of deciding about something official
Example: Pressure groups are sometimes able to influence government decision making.

To prioritize expenditure on
Meaning: To put the need to spend money on certain things first.
Example: I believe that it is important to prioritize expenditure on medical research in order
to save lives.

The Environment:

Renewable energy
Meaning: energy is renewable when its source, like the sun or wind, cannot be exhausted or
can easily be replaced (like wood, as we can plant trees for energy).
Example: More money is required from government funds to help companies to develop
renewable energy, such as companies which produce solar panels for buildings.

Vocabulary 2:
Crime:

To act as a deterrent
Meaning: to act in a way that makes somebody less likely to commit some crime.
Example: Longer prison sentences would act as a deterrent and would be one useful measure
to tackle crime.
The full weight of the law
Meaning: all the strictest punishments available according to the laws of a country.
Example: In order to deter crime, the full weight of the law must be imposed for serious
offenses.

A non-custodial sentence
Meaning: a sentence which is not served in prison.
Example: There is a wide range of non-custodial sentences which a court may give to
offenders, including fines, probation orders or community service orders.

The letter of the law

Meaning: the exact wording of the law, without any excuses
Example: I believe that the courts must apply the strict letter of the law and impose the
harshest possible sentences on criminals.

To serve a prison sentence

Meaning: to be confined in a prison as a punishment for some crime.
Example: They are serving long prison sentences for their part in the murder.

To be tough on crime
Meaning: to punish crime severely
Example: The crime rate is likely to fall if governments take strong measures to be tough on
crime.

Transport:

Driving while intoxicated

Meaning: the crime of driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol.
Example: Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime, and those who drive while under the
influence of drink must be severely punished.

to install speed cameras

Meaning: to put cameras on certain roads to check that cars are obeying the speed limits.
Example: Local authorities must install speed cameras near all schools and hospitals to limit
the speed at which vehicles are allowed to travel.

traffic calming
Meaning: building raised areas on roads, as a way of making sure that cars go more slowly.
Example: Traffic calming measures in towns and cities would make the roads safer for
cyclists and pedestrians.

to conduct regular vehicle inspections

Meaning: to inspect all cars, buses and trucks at regular intervals to check that they are in
good condition and safe to drive.
Example: Every town and city should have centres which conduct regular vehicle
inspections.

Government:
High on the agenda
Meaning: something which is among the first things in the list of actions to take
Example: The rehabilitation of prisoners must be high on the agenda of prison authorities
everywhere.

National and local authorities

Meaning: government organizations acting at a national level or within a smaller, local area.
Example: Tackling crime is a responsibility of both national and local authorities.

to adhere to
Meaning: to behave according to a particular law, rule or set of instructions.
Example: Governments which fail to adhere to their election promises generally become
unpopular very quickly.

Vocabulary 3:

Family and children:

Patterns of behaviour
Meaning: ways of acting and doing things (either positive or negative).
Example: Patterns of behaviour copied from parents often influence the way that children
grow up.

A close-knit family
Meaning: a family having strong relationships with each other, helping with problems and
enjoying a lot of time together.
Example: Children who come from a close-knit family generally perform well at school and
enjoy a happy childhood.

A single-parent household
Meaning:a family in which one parent takes care of the children without the help of a
husband, wife or partner.
Example: As a result of changes in society, single-parent households are no longer considered
unusual.
Working mothers
Meaning: women who have a job and also have to take care of their children.
Example: As more and more women have entered the workforce, working mothers have to
balance the demands of home and work.

Family background
Meaning: the details of a person’s family life
Example: Criminals sometimes have a bad family background, neglected or abused by
parents.

to shape a child’s personality

Meaning: to decide or influence the form of a child’s personality.
Example: Parents are very influential in shaping their children’s personality through the
example that they set.

formative years
Meaning: A period of a person’s life, usually childhood, that has a big influence on the
person that they become later in life.
Example: UNICEF states that the early childhood years from birth through age 8 are
formative years in terms of intelligence, personality and social behaviour.

Food and diet:

To provide somebody with a healthier diet

Meaning: to give somebody a diet which is more healthy than that which they have at
present.
Example: Eating only fresh fruit and vegetables provides people with a healthier diet.

home-made food
Meaning: food which is prepared at home using individual ingredients.
Example: In developed countries, the young generation must rediscover the art of preparing
home-made food, as part of a healthy lifestyle.

to have a snack
Meaning: to eat a small amount of food between main meals.
Example: Unless people are doing vigorous exercise, it is a bad habit to have a snack between
meals.

junk food
Meaning: food that is quick and easy to prepare and eat, but that is thought to be bad for your
health.
Example: The consumption of too much junk food is a major factor in the increase in
childhood obesity.
Fast food chains
Meaning: groups of shops owned by the same company, serving food to the public.
Example: Healthy eating means avoiding eating out at fast food chains like McDonald’s or
Pizza Hut.

To eat a balanced diet

Meaning: to eat the correct types and amounts of food.
Example: The health benefits of eating a balanced diet are obvious.

Other vocabulary:

Hyperactivity (noun)
Meaning: a state in which a person, usually a child, is only able to keep quiet and still for a
short period.
Examples: Children who show signs of hyperactivity cause problems for teachers and
parents.

overwhelmingly (adverb)
Meaning: in a way that is very great or very strong.
Example: they voted overwhelmingly against the plan to raise taxes.

Vocabulary 4:

Traditional versus modern:

to welcome change
Meaning: to accept change with enthusiasm
Example: While it is important to welcome change, the public must try to preserve all that is
worthwhile from the past.

To dismiss traditional ideas

Meaning: to decide that traditional ideas are not important and not worth considering any
more.
Example: Although the views of older people may sometimes seem unhelpful in today’s
world, we should not dismiss all traditional ideas as irrelevant.

to possess character
Meaning: to have an interesting or unusual quality.
Example: Whereas most modern buildings look similar, the architecture that has survived
from the past possesses character.
a strong sense of identity
Meaning: the feelings or customs of people which distinguish them from others.
Example: Small village communities often have a strong sense of identity, due to their shared
customs and beliefs.

to provide a link to our roots

Meaning: to connect with previous generations or traditions.
Example: Traditional skills provide a link to our roots, and they are part of our shared
heritage.

to be incompatible with
Meaning: not able to exist/be next to another thing or person because of basic differences.
Example: The way of life of indigenous people is incompatible with modern cultures.

Housing and architecture:

traditional construction materials

Meaning: materials like stone or wood that have been used for building purposes for
hundreds of years.
Example: The new theatre was built using traditional construction materials in order to blend
in with the architecture of the old part of the city.

maintenance costs
Meaning: the costs associated with keeping a building in good condition by regularly
repairing it.
Example: The maintenance costs of old houses are comparatively very high.

modern counterparts
Meaning: modern buildings which have the same function as the older ones that they replace.
Example: Old buildings are gradually being replaced by their modern counterparts in the
centre of London.

tangible cultural heritage

Meaning: refers to physical objects produced and maintained for generations within a society.
Example: Tangible cultural heritage includes buildings and historic places, monuments, craft
objects etc which are worth preserving for the future.

to have historical significance

Meaning: to be important in terms of history.
Example: Although new buildings may not have historical significance, they are important to
meet housing or business needs.
property developers
Meaning: people who buy land or buildings, and then make improvements in order to sell
them for more money.
Example: City planning cannot be left in the hands of property developers, who are only
interested in making money.

to be an eyesore
Meaning: to be ugly to look at.
Example: The new multi-storey car park in the city centre is a real eyesore.

to blend in with
Meaning: to be similar to or to match the things around.
Example: The traditional architecture of the art gallery in the park blends in with the peaceful
greenery which surrounds it.

Vocabulary 5:
Housing and architecture:

shop facades
Meaning: the front of shops.
Example: The shop facades, with their enormous glass windows and attractive displays,
entice shoppers to go in and browse.

High-rise buildings
Meaning: tall, modern buildings, such as offices or apartments.
Example: The centre of my city is now full of high-rise buildings, mainly offices and
apartments, and the city has lost its old charm.

multi-storey
Meaning: a large building with several floors.
Example: In my opinion, multi-storey car parks are ugly, noisy places, while at night they are
deserted and dangerous.

Traditional versus modern:

to conserve historic buildings

Meaning: to protect important old buildings and prevent them from being damaged or
destroyed.
Example: It is important to conserve historic buildings because of their beauty and cultural
significance.
a revival of interest in
Meaning: the process of something becoming more popular again.
Example: There has recently been a revival of interest in traditional music and songs.

an inevitable consequence
Meaning: certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented.
Example: Some people believe that the loss of traditional cultures is an inevitable
consequence of globalisation.

to possess character
Meaning: to have an interesting or unusual quality.
Example: Whereas most modern buildings look very similar, the architecture that has
survived from the past possesses character.

to be incompatible with
Meaning: not able to exist along with another thing because of basic differences.
Example: The way of life of indigenous peoples is incompatible with modern cultures.

Cities:

population density
Meaning: the number of people in a place when compared with the size of the place.
Example: Tokyo is a city which has one of the highest population densities in the world.

exorbitant rents
Meaning: rents that are much too high and which people can only pay with difficulty.
Example: One factor in city life which migrants experience are the exorbitant rents which
they have to pay for a flat or house.

urban dwellers
Meaning: people who live in a city or town.
Example: The main reason that prevents urban dwellers from making friends with their
neighbours is fear of strangers.

Art: the aesthetic qualities of something

Meaning: the qualities related to beauty and understanding the beauty of something.
Example: One advantage of studying the arts is that students learn to appreciate the aesthetic
qualities of paintings, music or literature.

Other vocabulary:

hideous [adjective]
Meaning: very ugly.
Example: I think that most modern buildings are hideous.

utilitarian [adjective]
Meaning: designed to be useful and practical, not attractive.
Example: The beautiful old church was demolished, and replaced by a utilitarian block of
offices.

Vocabulary 6:
Animals and animal rights:

an ethical dilemma
Meaning: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two different things,
relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong
Example: Governments are facing an ethical dilemma over the use of animals in laboratory
testing for drugs and cosmetics.

the practice of whaling

Meaning: the activity of hunting and killing whales
Example: In order to protect these beautiful creatures, the practice of whaling should be
banned completely.

wildlife reserves
Meaning: protected areas for wild animals
Example: The creation of wildlife reserves is essential to save animals such as tigers from
extinction.

in the wild
Meaning: in a natural environment not controlled by people
Example: Animals in the wild are able to exhibit their natural behaviour.

Government:

to allocate resources to
Meaning: to make money and materials available to do something Example: If governments
allocate more resources to improving public transport, this will reduce the problem of traffic
congestion in cities.

to be high on the agenda

Meaning: to be among the first things in the list of actions to be taken
Example: The security of its citizens must be high on the agenda of governments everywhere.
Environment:

endangered species
Meaning: plants or animals that exist in only very small numbers, so that in future they may
disappear forever
Example: One example of an endangered species is the lowland gorilla, which has almost
disappeared as the result of the destruction of its forest habitat.

an ecological crisis
Meaning: a serious situation that occurs when the environment of a species or population
changes in a way that threatens its continued survival
Example: Environmental degradation caused by human activity is provoking an ecological
crisis which threatens our existence.

habitat destruction
Meaning: the process that occurs when a natural habitat, like a forest or wetland, is changed
so dramatically by humans that the plants and animals which live there can no longer survive.
Example: The elephant population in the world is declining because of habitat destruction
caused by human exploitation of the environment.

to eliminate poaching
Meaning: to stop all illegal hunting of wild animals
Example: In wildlife reserves, guards should be employed to eliminate poaching and to
protect endangered species of wild animals.

Tourism:

ecotourism
Meaning: organised holidays which are designed so that tourists damage the environment as
little as possible
Example: Ecotourism will become increasingly popular in the future, as more and more
people become aware of the need to protect the environment.

wildlife safaris
Meaning: holidays (often in Africa) to see wild animals
Example: The company organises wildlife safaris in Africa to see lions and elephants in their
natural habitats.

Other vocabulary:

an ecosystem [noun]
Meaning: all the plants and creatures living in an area, considered in relation to their
environment
Example: Marine pollution is damaging ecosystems in oceans across the world.

running [noun]
Meaning: the action of operating or managing something
Example: As a shop manager, she is involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

to be a drain on [expression]
Meaning: a thing that uses a lot of time, money or energy
Example: Military spending is a drain on the resources of the country, and the money could
be better used to provide a good health service.

Vocabulary 7:
Media and advertising:

News coverage
Meaning: the reporting of news in newspapers, on the TV, the internet or the radio.
Example: The US presidential elections usually receive global news coverage, as the results
are of interest to many people worldwide.

to make front page headlines

Meaning: to be an important item of news in the media
Example: It seems that every insignificant event in the lives of celebrities makes front page
headlines.

editorial policy
Meaning: the policy of a newspaper, TV or radio station, as decided by the person in charge
of producing the newspaper or programme
Example: The editorial policy of a newspaper determines whether serious news items are
reported in a responsible way.

to carry a story
Meaning: to include an item in a news report
Example: The media today carries too many stories about celebrities, such as pop stars or
footballers.

sensational journalism
Meaning: reporting which tries to get your interest by presenting facts or events as more
shocking or worse than they are
Example: Unfortunately, sensational journalism has resulted in much public distrust of the
media.

Government:

to introduce restrictions on
Meaning: to limit what people can do or what can happen
Example: The government must introduce restrictions on smoking in public places.

Communication and personality:

to keep abreast of
Meaning: to have the most recent information about something
Example: The new website helps doctors to keep abreast of the latest available treatments.

Environment:

an ecological crisis
Meaning: a serious situation that occurs when the environment of a species or a population
changes in a way that endangers its continued survival
Example: Environmental degradation caused by human activity is provoking an ecological
crisis that threatens our existence.

climate change
Meaning: changes in climate patterns, such as rainfall, temperature and winds
Example: Unless we consume fewer of the Earth’s natural resources, it will be impossible to
fight climate change and safeguard our future.

environmental degradation
Meaning: the process or fact of the environment becoming worse
Example: Africa is a continent in which environmental degradation is evident in the spread of
deserts and the extinction of animal species.

Other vocabulary:
breakthrough [noun]
Meaning: a new and important discovery
Example: The work of Charles Darwin was a breakthrough in our understanding of how
evolution has taken place.

a host of [expression]
Meaning: a large number of
Example: When deciding on a subject to study at university, young people today can choose
from a host of possibilities.
watchdog [noun]
Meaning: a person or group of people whose job is to check that everything is being done
legally and in the interests of the general public
Example: The organisation acts as a watchdog to protect consumer interests by exposing the
activities of companies which are cheating the public.

Vocabulary 8:
to pursue their studies [expression]:
Meaning: to continue studying
Example: Peter and Mary have got jobs at McDonald’s, but they plan to continue their studies
part-time.

to economize [verb]:
Meaning: to use less money than you normally use
Example: Japan has introduced hydrogen cars to reduce air pollution and to economize on
fuel costs.

disruptive [adjective]:
Meaning: causing problems, such as noise, so that something cannot continue normally
Example: The librarian had to warn some disruptive students who were talking too loudly in
the library.

dedicated [adjective]:
Meaning: used for one particular purpose only
Example: In the USA, some TV channels are dedicated to 24-hour news.

to keep up with [expression]:

Meaning: to make progress at the same rate as something
Example: The teacher spoke so quickly that it was hard for me to keep up with all the
information she gave us.

to face challenges [expression]:

Meaning: to have to deal with situations which may be difficult
Example: Children from poor families face many challenges if they want to go to university.

facilities [noun]:
Meaning: equipment provided for a particular purpose
Example: The library has excellent facilities for users to access the internet.

distractions [noun]:
Meaning: things that take your attention away from what you are doing
Example: I find it hard to work at home because there are too many distractions.
to form friendships [expressions]:
Meaning: to start to create and develop friendships
Example: She formed many close friendships at university, particularly in the subjects that
she was studying.

circumstances [noun]:
Meaning: the facts and conditions which affect a situation
Example: Police said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of
the President.

Vocabulary 9
to contend [verb]:
Meaning: to say that something is true (especially in an argument)
Example: Although Brazil did not win the World Cup, my friend contends that they were the
best team.

tragedy [noun]:
Meaning: a very sad event or situation
Example: It is a tragedy that many children die of starvation in the world today.
the basic necessities of life [expression]:
Meaning: the things which you must have in order to live and survive
Example: Many people cannot afford the basic necessities of life, such as food and clothing.

to trickle down [phrasal verb]:

Meaning: to spread money from rich people to poor people, through the economic system of
a country
Example: Although the corporation made a lot of money last year, none of this trickled down
to its employees.

livelihood [noun]:
Meaning: means of earning money in order to live
Example: Communities on the island depend on fishing for their livelihood.

in the name of [expression]:

Meaning: used to give a reason for doing something, often when what you are doing is wrong
Example: Many wars have been fought in the name of religion.

countless [adjective]:
Meaning: very many (too many to be counted)
Example: I’ve told John countless times, but he still doesn’t remember my phone number.
unsustainable [adjective]:
Meaning: that cannot be continued at the same rate or level
Example: The use of oil at the present rate is unsustainable – there are reserves only for 20 or
30 more years.

cash crops [noun]:

Meaning: crops grown for selling, not for use by the person who grows them
Example: The best land in the country is using for growing cash crops like pineapples for
export to Europe.

to generate [verb]:
Meaning: to produce or create something
Example: In order to generate more electricity, the government is providing funding for wind
farms.

Vocabulary 10:
contemporary [adjective]:
Meaning: belonging to the present time
Example: Life in contemporary Britain is much easier now than it was for previous
generations.

handy [adjective]:
Meaning: convenient
Example: I live next door to a supermarket, so it’s very handy if I need to do some shopping.

to keep in touch with [expression]:

Meaning: to communicte with somebody regularly
Example: I keep in touch with my sister by Skype or sending e-mails.

to hunt around [phrasal verb]:

Meaning: to look for something that is difficult to find
Example: They have been hunting around for a flat for at least six months.

bargain [noun]:
Meaning: a thing bought for less than the usual price
Example: These shoes were half-price in the shop, and I bought them because they were such
a bargain.

schedule [noun]:
Meaning: a list of things that you have to do at certain times
Example: Even people who work from home need to follow a schedule to complete all the
tasks that they need to do.

to eliminate [verb]:
Meaning: to remove or get rid of something
Example: People with diabetes must eliminate sugar from their diet.

to cope with [phrasal verb]:

Meaning: to deal successfully with something
Example: It is difficult to cope with a job and to study at the same time.

the rush hour [noun]:

Meaning: the time (usually twice a day) when the roads are full of traffic and the trains and
buses are crowded, because people are travelling to and from work.
Example: In Paris, it is impossible to find a seat on the Metro during the rush hour.

social beings [noun]:

Meaning: people who like to be in the company of others
Example: As social beings, we find it difficult to live in isolation for long periods of time.

to fall prey to [expression]:

Meaning: to be harmed or affected by something bad
Example: Unemployed and homeless, he fell prey to drinking heavily.

paedophile [noun]:
Meaning: a person who sexually abuses children
Example: Parents must warn their children that paedophiles on the internet often adopt a false
identity.

to try on [phrasal verb]:

Meaning: to test a piece of clothing to see if it fits
Example: These shoes look very smart – try them on to see if they are the right size for you.

bookworm [noun]:
Meaning: a person who likes reading very much
Example: Sarah is a real bookworm, and I never see her without a book in her hand.

Vocabulary 11:
impressionable [adjective]:
Meaning: easily influenced or affected by somebody or something
Example: Advertising is often targeted at impressionable age groups, such as children and
adolescents.

to exert influence on [expression]:

Meaning: to use one’s power to affect somebody or something
Example: Rock music exerted a strong influence on me when I was a teenager.

to impart their knowledge [expression]:

Meaning: to pass knowledge to other people
Example: Good teachers are inspired to impart their knowledge of their subject to their
students.

dedicated [adjective]:
Meaning: working very hard at something, because it is important to you
Example: John is a very dedicated student, so he deserves to be successful.

discipline [noun]:
Meaning: a subject that people study or are taught
Example: The school has excellent teachers in various scientific disciplines, such as physics
and chemistry.

to reinforce [verb]:
Meaning: to make a feeling or an idea stronger
Example: In order to reinforce her understanding of mathematics, Ann is taking a course at
night school.

formative years [expression];

Meaning: having an important and lasting influence on the development of something or of
somebody’s character
Example: Parents should supervise their children closely during the formative years of their
adolescence.

to monitor [verb]:
Meaning: to watch and check something over a period of time
Example: As a security guard, his job is to monitor who comes into the building.

elders [noun]:
Meaning: people of greater age, experience or authority
Example: When we were children, our parents taught us to respect our elders, because they
were older and wiser than us.

to eat out [phrasal verb]

Meaning: to have a meal in a restaurant, not at home
Example: Last night, Caroline and I ate out at a Chinese restaurant.
parental [adjective]:
Meaning: connected with a parent or parents
Example: They don’t want to have children, because they think that they are too young to
accept parental responsibilities.

Vocabulary 12:
worthwhile [adjective]:
Meaning: important and worth spending time, effort or money on doing
Example: The high price of dental treatment makes it worthwhile to look after your teeth by
brushing them regularly.

upturns and downturns [nouns]:

Meaning: a situation in which things either improve or get worse over a period of time
Example: They have supported Real Madrid through all the upturns and downturns in the
club’s fortunes.

the job market [expression]:

Meaning: the number of jobs that are available
Example: Why don’t you do a degree in engineering? I hear that the job market in this field is
very good at the moment.

to meet the needs of [expression]:

Meaning: the things that somebody requires for a particular purpose
Example: The course is designed to meet the needs of students who have hearing difficulties.

heavy industry [noun]:

Meaning: the production of goods using heavy and powerful machines
Example: The UK no longer has heavy industries, such as shipbuilding or steelmaking.

workforce [noun]:
Meaning: the people who work for companies or organisations
Example: In Germany in 1932, almost 44% of the workforce were unemployed.

the world of work [expression]:

Meaning: employment in general
Example: She decided to leave school at the age of 16 and enter the world of work to support
her parents.

to be nothing less than [expression]:

Meaning: used to emphasise how great or extreme something is
Example: The decision to ignore global warming is nothing less than irresponsible and
dangerous.

acquisition [noun]:
Meaning: the act of getting something, such as knowledge or skills
Example: She is studying the acquisition of language by young children as part of her course.

critical skills [noun]:

Meaning: the ability to make careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of
something
Example: Students are encouraged to develop critical skills, not simply to accept the ideas of
others.

welfare system [noun]:

Meaning: a system by which a government provides a range of free services to people who
need them
Example: Sweden has a welfare system which includes care for the elderly, free medical
services and financial support for the unemployed.

the distribution of wealth [expression]:

Meaning: the way that goods or money is shared among a particular group of people.
Example: In the USA, the distribution of wealth is resulting in a small section of the
population owning most of the property.

citizenship [noun]:
Meaning: the state of being a citizen of a country and accepting the responsibilities of a
citizen
Example: Schools should provide the type of education that prepares young people for the
responsibilities of citizenship.

volatile [adjective]:
Meaning: unstable and likely to change suddenly
Example: The economic crisis caused a volatile political situation, with riots in the streets.

to be subject to [expression]:
Meaning: to be likely to experience something
Example: Japan is particularly subject to storms in the autumn.

intangible [adjective]:
Meaning: that exists, but is difficult to describe or measure
Explain: The forest had an intangible atmosphere of danger, perhaps because it was so dark.