English Vocabulary Masterclass for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and CELPIP: Master 1000+ Essential Words, Phrases, Idioms & More

By Jackie Bolen

Learn 1000+ new English vocabulary words, expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and collocations in a fun and engaging way! Most importantly, improve your TOEFL, TOIEC, CELPIP, or IELTS score by mastering new vocabulary words.

 

This book is designed for intermediate-advanced English learners (C1+, IELTS 7+, TOEIC 700+, TOEFL 90+, CELPIP 8.5+). You'll see the words and expressions used in a dialogue, find out what it means and then get an opportunity to practice what you've learned in the 100 lessons. It's everything you need to improve your English vocabulary in a big way.

 

Jackie Bolen has fifteen years of experience teaching ESL/EFL to students in South Korea and Canada. With her help, you'll improve your English vocabulary skills in no time at all!

 

Pick up a copy of the book today if you want to...

• Have hundreds of words and expressions in American English at your fingertips.
• See how they are used in real life.
• Improve your American English.
• Speak English fluently and confidently.
• Have some fun while learning English vocabulary.
• Improve your TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP or IELTS score.

 

These are the vocabulary words that you'll hear over and over again in real life. Spend time mastering them and you'll be speaking, reading, writing and listening in English like a pro. Speak fluently, gain some confidence, and improve your English exam scores. Yes, it really is that easy with these 100 engaging and interactive vocabulary lessons!

 

The English Vocabulary Masterclass for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and CELPIP by Jackie Bolen will help you stay motivated while consistently improving your English skills. Get your copy today.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Bolen
• Release date: Nov 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215456866

Book preview

English Vocabulary Masterclass for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS and CELPIP:

Master 1000+ Essential Words, Phrases, Idioms & More

Jackie Bolen

www.eslspeaking.org

Copyright © 2022 by Jackie Bolen

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher/author at the following address: Jackie Bolen: [e-mail].

Table of Contents

About the Author: Jackie Bolen.....................................................6

How to Use this Book.............................................................7

Collocations #1: House Hunting.....................................................8

Useful Phrases #1: Good Manners..................................................10

Phrasal Verbs #1: Turn Over.......................................................14

Short Story #1: Who is That? ......................................................16

Dialogue #1: Wasting Time........................................................20

Idioms #1......................................................................22

Slang #1: When Pigs Fly..........................................................26

Confusing Words #1: accept, except ................................................28

Academic English #1: Who's His Advisor?...........................................30

Prepositional Phrases #1: At a Loss.................................................32

Collocations #2: Clear Skies.......................................................33

Useful Phrases #2: Public Places ...................................................35

Phrasal Verbs #2: Fall Down ......................................................37

Short Story #2: The New Italian Restaurant ...........................................39

Dialogue #2: Noise Pollution......................................................43

Idioms #2......................................................................45

Slang #2: Have a Blast...........................................................49

Confusing Words #2: adverse, averse................................................51

Academic English #2: Trial and Error ...............................................53

Prepositional Phrases #2: Out of Work...............................................55

Collocations #3: New Year's Resolution .............................................56

Useful Phrases #3: Interacting With People...........................................58

Phrasal Verbs #3: Sit Down .......................................................61

Short Story #3: The Blind Date.....................................................63

Dialogue #3: The Ice Cream Shop..................................................66

Idioms #3......................................................................68

Slang #3: Sit Tight...............................................................72

Confusing Words #3: advice, advise ................................................74

Academic English #3: The Lab Report ..............................................76

Prepositional Phrases #3: On Time..................................................78

Collocations #4: It Shook Me Up...................................................79

Useful Phrases #4: Small Talk .....................................................81

Phrasal Verbs #4: Call Her Up.....................................................84

Short Story #4: A Summer BBQ....................................................86

Dialogue #4: Disagreeing with a Decision............................................90

Idioms #4......................................................................92

Slang #4: Down to Earth..........................................................96

Confusing Words #4: affect, effect .................................................98

Academic English #4: Homework..................................................101

Prepositional Phrases #4: For Fun .................................................103

Collocations #5: I Was Fired .....................................................104

Useful Phrases #5: Shopping......................................................106

Phrasal Verbs #5: Holding Up.....................................................108

Short Story #5: Watching Hockey..................................................110

Dialogue #5: Bitter Divorce......................................................114

Idioms #5.....................................................................116

Slang #5: Swag................................................................120

Confusing Words #5: apart, a part .................................................122

Academic English #5: Sitting on the Fence ..........................................124

Prepositional Phrases #5: At High Speed............................................126

Collocations #6: Housing Prices  ..................................................127

Useful Phrases #6: Getting Around ................................................129

Phrasal Verbs #6: Trade In.......................................................132

Short Story #6: Applying for University ............................................134

Dialogue #6: Tennis Match.......................................................138

Idioms #6.....................................................................140

Slang #6: Ballin'...............................................................144

Confusing Words #6: borrow, lend.................................................146

Academic English #6: Bias.......................................................149

Prepositional Phrases #6: Out of the Question........................................151

Collocations #7: Rising Sea Levels ................................................152

Useful Phrases #7: At the Doctor..................................................154

Phrasal Verbs #7: Coming Down With Something ....................................156

Short Story #7: Boxing Day Shopping ..............................................158

Dialogue #7: Scale Back ........................................................162

Idioms #7.....................................................................164

Slang #7: Plus One.............................................................168

Confusing Words #7: conscience, conscious, unconscious ..............................170

Academic English #7: In a Nutshell................................................173

Prepositional Phrases #7: Out of Luck..............................................175

Collocations #8: Organized Crime .................................................176

Useful Phrases #8: Eating Out ....................................................178

Phrasal Verbs #8: Stop Picking On Me..............................................181

Short Story #8: Online Dating ....................................................183

Dialogue #8: Go to Great Lengths..................................................187

Idioms #8 ....................................................................189

Slang #8: Speak of the Devil......................................................193

Confusing Words #8: desert, dessert ...............................................195

Academic English #8: Compare and Contrast.........................................197

Prepositional Phrases #8: At Large.................................................199

Collocations #9: In the Dark ......................................................200

Useful Phrases #9: Problems .....................................................202

Phrasal Verbs #9: Cheer Me On ...................................................205

Short Story #9: Tennis Lessons....................................................207

Dialogue #9: Up in the Air.......................................................211

Idioms #9.....................................................................213

Slang #9: Party Animal..........................................................217

Confusing Words #9: e.g. / i.e.....................................................219

Academic English #9: Scaling Back ...............................................221

Prepositional Phrases #9: By Chance...............................................223

Collocations #10: Competitive Salary  ..............................................224

Useful Phrases #10: Phone Conversations ...........................................226

Phrasal Verbs #10: Plan on Looking At.............................................229

Short Story #10: There's a Bear! ..................................................231

Dialogue #10: Summer Vacation ..................................................235

Idioms #10 ...................................................................237

Slang #10: Chow Down..........................................................240

Confusing Words #10: everyday, every day .........................................242

Academic English #10: Evolution vs Creationism.....................................244

Prepositional Phrases #10: Out of Breath............................................246

Before You Go................................................................247

About the Author: Jackie Bolen

I taught English in South Korea for 10 years to every level and type of student. I've taught every age from kindergarten kids to adults. Most of my time has centered around teaching at two universities: five years at a science and engineering school in Cheonan, and four years at a major university in Busan where I taught upper-level classes for students majoring in English. In my spare time, you can usually find me outside surfing, biking, hiking, or snowshoeing. I now live in Vancouver, Canada.

In case you were wondering what my academic qualifications are, I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology. During my time in Korea, I completed both the Cambridge CELTA and DELTA certification programs. With the combination of almost ten years teaching ESL/EFL learners of all ages and levels, and the more formal teaching qualifications I've obtained, I have a solid foundation on which to offer advice to English learners.

I truly hope that you find this book useful. I would love it if you sent me an email with any questions or feedback that you might have.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/jackiebolen

Pinterest: www.pinterest.ca/eslspeaking

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eslspeaking

Email: [e-mail]

You might also be interested in these books: 1001 English Expressions and Phrases, or 1005 ESL Conversation Questions. You can find it wherever you like to buy books. It has hundreds of helpful English phrases and expressions that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Learn to speak more fluently in American English.

How to Use this Book

Welcome to this book designed to help you expand your knowledge of collocations, phrasal verbs, slang, American English, idioms and expressions in American English. My goal is to help you increase your vocabulary and to be able to speak and write more fluently. And of course, get higher scores on English proficiency exams like the TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP, and IELTS tests.

Let's face it, English vocabulary can be difficult to master, even for the best students. In this book, you'll find thousands of English phrases that are used in boardrooms, over a meal, and with friends and family around the world. They are also the ones that you'll see on various exams designed to test your English ability. There are 100 lessons, each designed to take 10-20 minutes a day.

To get the most bang for your buck, be sure to do the following:

−  Review frequently.

−  Make a plan to use this book every day, for 100 days. Each lesson takes around 10-20 minutes.

−  Use each phrase or idiom in real life as soon as possible.

−  Don't be nervous about making mistakes. That's how you'll get better at English!

−  Consider studying with a friend so you can help each other stay motivated.

Collocations #1: House Hunting

Craig and Ted are talking about looking for a new house.

Craig: What are you up to this weekend?

Ted: I'm going house hunting. I'm finally going to get a place of my own.

Craig: How exciting! It's almost impossible to save up a down payment with how expensive rent is in this town.

Ted: No kidding. I'll never be able to pay off my mortgage.

Craig: Well, let me know if you throw a housewarming party and if you need help moving.

Vocabulary

this weekend: Saturday and Sunday coming up.

house hunting: Looking for a house to buy or rent, usually buying.

a place of my own: A home that you live in by yourself, usually after buying it.

down payment: A large amount of money required up-front for purchasing a house.

this town: The city you're currently in.

no kidding: You're not joking.

pay off my mortgage: Finish paying off a bank loan for a house.

throw a housewarming party: Hosting a party to celebrate moving into a new house.

help moving: Help to move from an old home to a new one.

Practice

Let me know if you need _____. I have a truck.

I'm planning on going to the hockey game _____.

It's very difficult to buy a house in _____ as they're very expensive.

I can't believe that I can finally have _____. I've had roommates for years.

_____. That's amazing news.

Let's _____ next weekend maybe.

The _____ will need to be at least 10% of the listing price.

Oh, you're going _____? What areas are you looking at?

I plan to _____ in 10 years.

Answers

help moving

this weekend

this town

a place of my own

no kidding

throw a housewarming party

down payment

house hunting

pay off my mortgage

Useful Phrases #1: Good Manners

Thanks for your help today.

You're welcome.

No problem.

Dialogue

Tom: Thanks for your help with moving today, Jenny. You shouldn't have gone to the trouble.

Jenny: Oh, no problem at all. I don't mind helping you. You've been very kind to me over the years.

Tom: You're welcome. And, I still really appreciate the help.

Jenny: No worries. That's what friends are for.

Good morning (afternoon/evening).

Good morning (afternoon/evening). (same response)

Dialogue

Tom: Good morning Jenny. What you have been up to lately? We haven't talked in a while.

Jenny: Oh nothing much. Same old, same old. How about you?

Tom: Same here. Just really busy at work these days.

Jenny: Isn't everybody?

I gotta run. (Informal)

Okay, talk to you later.

Yes, me too.

Dialogue

Tom: Hey Jenny, I'm afraid that I gotta run. Can we talk more about this tomorrow?

Jenny: Sure, sounds good. I need to get back to work too.

Tom: Okay, chat later my friend.

Jenny: Sure.

Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Oh, it's fine. You're not that late.

It's okay. Don't worry about it.

Dialogue

Tom: Oh hey Jenny. Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Jenny: No worries, you're not that late. My daughter was an hour late for our meeting yesterday. She said she missed my message about the time change.

Tom: Oh wow! What did you do?

Jenny: I said that I hoped it wouldn't happen again.

Do you mind if I _____(turn up the music)?

No, go ahead.

It's already quite loud!

Dialogue

Tom: Do you mind if I turn up the music? I can't hear that well in my old age!

Jenny: No, go ahead. It's fine with me.

Tom: And, I'd love to turn the heat up a bit too. It's freezing in here.

Jenny: Oh Tom, so many problems!

Could you please give me a hand?

Sure, what do you need?

Depends on what you need!

Dialogue

Tom: Could you please give me a hand this weekend?

Jenny: Sure, what do you need?

Tom: Would you mind looking after Tony during my dentist appointment?

Jenny: Okay, no problem. I love hanging out with him. What time?

Tom: From 2 until around 4.

Do you want to ____ (get a beer after work)?

Sure, I'd love to

Sorry, I'm busy tonight. How about next week?

Dialogue

Tim: Hey Carrie, do you want to catch a movie this weekend?

Carrie: Honestly, I'm a little short on cash these days. How about staying in and watching a movie at my house?

Tim: Sure, that sounds great too. There's this new one that just came out on Netflix that everyone is talking about.

Carrie: Awesome! I'll make some snacks for us. Come over at 7:30.

Phrasal Verbs #1: Turn Over

Police officers are talking about how to get a criminal to turn someone in.

Police officer #1: I think we should turn up the heat on this guy. I'm sure he'll turn over his accomplice. Or, at least help up track him down.

Police officer #2: I think you're right. He's already told us enough to narrow down the search. I was just about to punch out but I'll stick around for a bit.

Police officer #1: Okay, do you want to question him this time? I'll back off for now. But, don't let up too much.

Vocabulary

turn up: Increase.

turn over: Give something up.

track him down: Find him.

narrow down: Eliminate some possible options.

punch out: Finish work for the day.

stick around: Stay.

back off: Draw back.

let up: Reduce or lessen whatever you're doing.

––––––––

Practice

Don't _____ on him, okay? He's just starting to brush his teeth without us telling him every single time.

Let's _____ the oven. I want it to cook quickly. I'm so hungry.

I know you want to _____ but there are still a couple more things to do.

Let's _____ so we can find out why he's missed so much school.

Please _____. I know you're trying to help but I don't want to hear it anymore.

I'm hoping to _____ the choices online first so we don't waste so much time in the store.

We have to _____ the keys next Friday.

Let's _____ until the end and see if there's any leftover alcohol we can take home.

Answers

let up

turn up

punch out

track him down

back off

narrow down

turn over

stick around

Short Story #1: Who is That?

Reading strategy focus: Scan the story quickly (set a timer for 30 seconds). Answer this question: Jay will meet the