This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to the modern lifestyle in Society.
advertising
noun
Advertising is a means of communication with the users of a product or service.
Example: The reasons for this are the influence of advertising and the availability of credit cards.
benefit
noun
An advantage or profit gained from something.
Example: There have clearly been many benefits.
breakdown
noun
A failure of a relationship or system.
Example: The resulting breakdown of traditional social ties can leave the elderly and other vulnerable people without the support they need.
chore
noun
A routine task, especially a household one.
Example: Going shopping used to be a chore.
considerably
adverb
By a notably large amount or to a notably large extent; greatly.
Example: I think a construction like this will change the atmosphere of the area considerably.
construction
noun
The action of building something, typically a large structure.
Example: I think a construction like this will change the atmosphere of the area considerably.
consumer
noun
A person who purchases goods and services for personal use.
Example: It may be good for the retailers, but not for consumers.
credit card
noun phrase
A small plastic card issued by a bank, building society, etc., allowing the holder to purchase goods or services on credit.
Example: The reasons for this are the influence of advertising and the availability of credit cards.
fatal diseases
noun phrase
Diseases causing death.
Example: Advances in medical science have brought cures for once fatal diseases and this has significantly extended the lifespan we can expect.
generation
noun
Example: For earlier generations, buying food or consumer products involved visiting several shops.
information technology
noun phrase
The study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Example: Information technology has allowed us to contact friends or colleagues worldwide at the click of a mouse.
labour-saving
adjective
(of an appliance) designed to reduce the amount of work needed to do something.
Example: In addition, labour-saving devices such as washing machines and microwave ovens have made everyday tasks much easier.
lifespan
noun
The length of time for which a person or animal lives or a thing functions.
Example: Advances in medical science have brought cures for once fatal diseases and this has significantly extended the lifespan we can expect.
materialistic
adjective
Excessively concerned with material possessions; money-oriented.
Example: The emphasis on acquiring the latest technology has made people increasingly materialistic.
medical science
noun phrase
The branch of science concerned with the study of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Example: Advances in medical science have brought cures for once fatal diseases and this has significantly extended the lifespan we can expect.
recently
adverb
At a recent time; not long ago.
Example: I have recently read in the local newspaper that a shopping centre is going to be built near where I live.
science and technology
noun phrase
Science encompasses the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment, and technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Example: Advances in science and technology and other areas of society in the last 100 years have transformed the way we live.
shopping
noun
The action or activity of buying goods from shops.
Example: Going shopping used to be a chore.
shopping centre
noun phrase
An area or complex of shops.
Example: I have recently read in the local newspaper that a shopping centre is going to be built near where I live.
social ties
noun phrase
Connections among people that are used for sharing information, knowledge, feelings, and experiences.
Example: The resulting breakdown of traditional social ties can leave the elderly and other vulnerable people without the support they need.
terrorism
noun
The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
Example: Among other serious problems we face are the drug culture, and the ever-present threat of terrorism.
transform
verb
Make a marked change in the form, nature, or appearance of.
Example: Advances in science and technology and other areas of society in the last 100 years have transformed the way we live.
vulnerable
adjective
Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Example: The resulting breakdown of traditional social ties can leave the elderly and other vulnerable people without the support they need.
worldwide
adverb
Throughout the world.
Example: Information technology has allowed us to contact friends or colleagues worldwide at the click of a mouse.
