Family and communication Glossary for IELTS

12 Communication terms

This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to the Family and communication.

cosmopolitan city

noun phrase

A cosmopolitan city is the where people from various parts of the world live, with different languages, cultures and customs live together.

Example: Nowadays many countries have very cosmopolitan cities with people from all over the world.

ensure

verb

Make sure that (a problem) does not occur.

Example: By ensuring people feel safe the host country shows that it is civilized and promotes integration.

harmoniously

adverb

In a way that is free from disagreement or dissent.

Example: How can the government ensure that all these people can live together harmoniously?

immigrant

noun

A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Example: In today's cosmopolitan world it is unusual to find a major city or country where there are no immigrants.

insist

verb

Demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.

Example: All governments should insist that schools teach history and culture from more than one country.

lifestyle

noun

The way in which a person lives.

Example: Populations have had to adapt to this transitional lifestyle much more quickly than in the past.

nowadays

adverb

At the present time, in contrast with the past.

Example: Nowadays many countries have very cosmopolitan cities with people from all over the world.

prejudice

noun

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Example: The governments of countries should make sure that they have some stringent laws to protect people from aggression or prejudice.

stringent laws

noun phrase

Stringent laws, rules, or conditions are very severe or are strictly controlled.

Example: The governments of countries should make sure that they have some stringent laws to protect people from aggression or prejudice.

tolerant

adjective

Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviour that one does not necessarily agree with.

Example: Understanding at least one other culture opens our minds and makes us more tolerant.

transitional

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of a process or period of transition.

Example: Populations have had to adapt to this transitional lifestyle much more quickly than in the past.

ultimately

adverb

Finally; in the end.

Example: Ultimately society, as a group of individuals, directs the way that new arrivals in a country are treated.