Vocabulary Hub · B1–C1
Understand and discuss news stories, journalism, sources, headlines and current events more precisely.
Topic level: B2, C1 · Category: World & Society
← Vocabulary HubUnderstand and discuss news stories, journalism, sources, headlines and current events more precisely. Learn each item as part of a phrase or situation rather than as an isolated translation. After reading an example, close the page and produce your own sentence aloud.
| Word | Meaning | Active practice |
|---|---|---|
| headline | the title of a news story | Write or say your own example using headline. |
| source | the person, document or organisation providing information | Write or say your own example using source. |
| coverage | reporting about an event or subject | Write or say your own example using coverage. |
| breaking news | important news being reported as it happens | Write or say your own example using breaking news. |
| journalist | a person who researches and reports news | Write or say your own example using journalist. |
| bias | an unfair preference that influences judgement | Write or say your own example using bias. |
| claim | a statement presented as true but not necessarily proven | Write or say your own example using claim. |
| evidence | information supporting whether something is true | Write or say your own example using evidence. |
| witness | someone who saw an event happen | Write or say your own example using witness. |
| editor | a person responsible for preparing and selecting published material | Write or say your own example using editor. |
| Phrase | Meaning / use |
|---|---|
| according to | used to identify the source of information |
| make the headlines | become important enough to receive major news coverage |
| verify a claim | check whether a statement is supported by evidence |
| keep up with current affairs | stay informed about important recent events |
When practising, replace vague language such as thing, good, bad, problem or say with a more precise item from this guide where it genuinely fits. Precision makes your English clearer; unnecessary complexity does not.
1. Which item means “the title of a news story”?
2. Which item means “the person, document or organisation providing information”?
3. Which item means “reporting about an event or subject”?
4. Which item means “important news being reported as it happens”?
5. Which item means “a person who researches and reports news”?
Speak for 90 seconds about news & current affairs. Use at least five core words and two phrases from this page. Record yourself if possible. Listen again and identify one repeated basic word you could replace with something more precise.
Write 100–150 words on this topic. Underline the vocabulary you deliberately used. Then check whether each expression is grammatically correct and naturally collocated with the words around it.
This vocabulary can support B1–C1 speaking and writing, including Cambridge and IELTS-style tasks when the topic is relevant. In real communication, prioritise clarity and natural phrasing. Do not force memorised expressions into an answer that does not need them.
Learn vocabulary in phrases and realistic sentences, then retrieve it through speaking and writing instead of repeatedly rereading a list.
Yes. The page mixes high-frequency vocabulary with more precise expressions so learners can expand their range progressively.
Much of it is useful for speaking and writing when the topic is relevant. Accuracy, collocation and natural use matter more than using unnecessarily difficult words.
Explore all vocabulary topics, strengthen accuracy in the Grammar Hub, or book a free level assessment.