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Unit 08
Topic Vocabulary: Education, Environment, Technology, Health & Work
25 collocations for Writing and Speaking
Why Collocations Matter
Examiners reward "less common vocabulary used naturally". The quickest way to sound natural is to learn words in the combinations native speakers use: tuition fees, not education money; a sedentary lifestyle, not a sitting life.
Topic Collocations
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| compulsory education | the years of school that children must attend by law | Compulsory education lasts twelve years in Turkey. |
| tuition fees | money paid to a university or school for teaching | Tuition fees have risen sharply in many countries. |
| lifelong learning | continuing to learn throughout your life | Online courses make lifelong learning easier. |
| rote learning | learning by repeating information without understanding it | Critics say the system relies too much on rote learning. |
| academic performance | how well a student does at school | Sleep has a strong effect on academic performance. |
| carbon emissions | carbon dioxide released into the air | Cities must cut carbon emissions. |
| renewable energy | energy from sources that do not run out, such as wind and sun | Investment in renewable energy is growing. |
| deforestation | the cutting down of large areas of forest | Deforestation threatens many species. |
| endangered species | animals or plants at risk of disappearing | Zoos can help protect endangered species. |
| sustainable development | growth that does not harm future generations | Sustainable development balances economy and environment. |
| digital literacy | the ability to use digital technology effectively | Schools should teach digital literacy. |
| screen time | time spent looking at phones, computers or TV | Parents worry about their children's screen time. |
| data privacy | protection of personal information | Social media raises concerns about data privacy. |
| automation | the use of machines to do work previously done by people | Automation may replace some routine jobs. |
| cutting-edge technology | the most advanced technology available | The hospital uses cutting-edge technology. |
| a sedentary lifestyle | a way of life with very little physical activity | A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of disease. |
| life expectancy | the average number of years a person is expected to live | Life expectancy has risen in most countries. |
| obesity rate | the percentage of people who are seriously overweight | The obesity rate among children is rising. |
| mental well-being | a healthy state of mind | Exercise improves mental well-being. |
| preventive healthcare | medical care that aims to stop illness before it starts | Vaccination is a form of preventive healthcare. |
| job security | confidence that you will not lose your job | Many young workers lack job security. |
| work-life balance | a healthy division of time between work and personal life | Flexible hours improve work-life balance. |
| remote working | working from home or another place outside the office | Remote working became common after 2020. |
| unemployment rate | the percentage of people without a job | The youth unemployment rate remains high. |
| career prospects | the chances of success and promotion in a job | Learning English improves your career prospects. |