How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
waste
Unwanted material that is thrown away.
Example: The restaurant is reducing food waste.
Natural collocation: household waste
habitat
The natural home of an animal or plant.
Example: Wetlands provide an important habitat for birds.
Natural collocation: natural habitat
species
A group of similar plants or animals.
Example: Several species are threatened by habitat loss.
Natural collocation: endangered species
drought
A long period with little or no rain.
Example: The drought affected local farms.
Natural collocation: severe drought
flood
A large amount of water covering normally dry land.
Example: Heavy rain caused local floods.
Natural collocation: flash flood
conserve
To protect something from damage or waste.
Example: We need to conserve water during summer.
Natural collocation: conserve resources
sustainable
Able to continue without causing serious environmental harm.
Example: The city is investing in sustainable transport.
Natural collocation: sustainable development
biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an area.
Example: The project aims to protect biodiversity.
Natural collocation: loss of biodiversity
ecosystem
A community of living things and their environment.
Example: Pollution can damage a river ecosystem.
Natural collocation: fragile ecosystem
carbon footprint
The total greenhouse gases caused by an activity or person.
Example: Taking fewer flights can reduce your carbon footprint.
Natural collocation: reduce your carbon footprint
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “unwanted material that is thrown away”? waste
- 2. Which word means “the natural home of an animal or plant”? habitat
- 3. Which word means “a group of similar plants or animals”? species
- 4. Which word means “a long period with little or no rain”? drought
- 5. Which word means “a large amount of water covering normally dry land”? flood
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.