What's the difference between school and university in British English?

"School" refers to primary and secondary education (ages 4-18); "university" is higher education after that. Britons don't call university "school" the way some other English speakers do.

What's the difference between a degree and a diploma?

A degree is an academic qualification from a university (Bachelor's, Master's); a diploma is usually a shorter, more practical qualification from a college.

What does "to revise" mean in British English?

To study and review material before an exam, not to "change" something, which is the more common meaning of "revise" elsewhere: "I'm revising for my exams this week."

What's the difference between a lecture and a seminar?

A lecture is a formal talk to a large group with little interaction; a seminar is a smaller, discussion-based class with more student participation.

What does "to drop out" mean?

To leave a course or school before finishing it: "He dropped out of university in his second year."

Is education vocabulary tested in the SELT?

Yes — describing your education, qualifications and studies is a common, predictable everyday speaking topic.

Accidents, Emergencies & First Aid — English Vocabulary (B1 – B2)

Topic level: B1 – B2 · Category: General English

📋 What's in This Guide

Introduction
Essential vocabulary
Natural collocations
Common mistake
Exercises
Mini quiz
Exam & speaking focus
Frequently asked questions

1. Introduction

In an emergency, clear language matters. This topic helps learners describe what happened, explain injuries and understand common emergency vocabulary.

2. Essential Vocabulary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
emergency	a serious unexpected situation requiring immediate action
accident	an unexpected event that causes damage or injury
injury	physical harm to the body
first aid	basic immediate care given before professional medical help
ambulance	a vehicle that transports sick or injured people
conscious	awake and aware of what is happening
unconscious	not awake or aware
to bleed	to lose blood from the body
burn	an injury caused by heat, chemicals or similar sources
sprain	an injury caused by twisting a joint
to call for help	to contact or attract someone who can assist
emergency services	police, fire and ambulance services

3. Natural Collocations

Phrase	Example
call an ambulance	Someone called an ambulance immediately.
suffer an injury	Two passengers suffered minor injuries.
give first aid	A colleague gave first aid until help arrived.
remain conscious	The injured cyclist remained conscious.

4. Common Mistake

❌ Incorrect	✅ Correct	Why
He had an accident and hurted his arm.	He had an accident and hurt his arm.	The past form of 'hurt' is also 'hurt'.

5. Exercises

A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly

1. Call an ___ if someone needs urgent medical treatment. (ambulance)

2. She gave basic first ___ before the paramedics arrived. (aid)

3. He twisted his ankle and suffered a ___. (sprain)

4. The cut began to ___. (bleed)

Answers: 1. ambulance 2. aid 3. sprain 4. bleed

B. Multiple Choice

1. A person who is awake and aware is...
(a) conscious (b) unconscious

2. Immediate basic care is...
(a) first aid (b) a diagnosis

3. Police, fire and ambulance are the...
(a) emergency services (b) facilities

Answers: 1. a 2. a 3. a

6. Mini Quiz

Without looking back, define three words from this topic and use two collocations in your own sentences. Then explain the topic for 60 seconds using at least five target expressions.

7. Exam & Speaking Focus

For Cambridge, IELTS and general speaking practice, avoid memorising isolated words. Use the vocabulary to develop an opinion, give an example, compare situations and explain a consequence. Aim to use two or three strong collocations naturally rather than forcing every new word into one answer.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What number should learners use in UK examples?

For genuine UK emergencies, 999 and 112 connect to emergency services. Vocabulary exercises should never encourage unnecessary calls.

Is 'hurt' regular?

No change is needed: hurt–hurt–hurt.

9. Related Guides

← Vocabulary Hub · English Level Test · AI Speaking Coach

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Accidents, Emergencies & First Aid: Essential Vocabulary