Collocation for IELTS: Reading

1. beyond comprehension

Meaning: impossible to understand, unbelievable

Example: It is beyond comprehension that some politicians deny the reality of global warming

2. critical thinking

Meaning: the process of analyzing information in an objective way, in order to make a judgment about it

Example: Critical thinking skills enable students to evaluate information. Dịch đại ý

3. broaden one’s literary horizons

Meaning: to widen the limit of your desires, knowledge, or interests by reading widely

Example: Schools should broaden the literary horizons of pupils by encouraging them to read in class and at home.

4. a turn of phrase

Meaning: a particular way of describing something

Example: In order to be a creative writer, a good turn of phrase is not as important as imagination.

5. to read something into something

Meaning: to think that something means more than it really does

Example: It is important not to read too much into election promises, but rather to evaluate the actions of governments.

6. a period of readjustment

Meaning: the act of getting used to a changed or new situation

Example: Those who migrate to cities have to undergo a painful period ofreadjustment in their search for a better life.

7. to read on

Meaning: to continue reading

Example: In the busy lives which many people lead today, we have become accustomed to glance quickly at news stories and we fail to read on and discover the facts behind the headlines.

8. to break with precedent

Meaning: to do something in a different way

Example: I believe that universities should break with precedent and admit more women to engineering and science courses.

9. to read over something

Meaning: to read something carefully from beginning to end to look for mistakes or check details

Example: Attention to detail is so important in many jobs, so the practice of reading over one’s written work should be taught at school and university. Dịch đại ý

10. to come to somebody’s knowledge

Meaning: to become known by somebody

Example: If it comes to the knowledge of your manager that you are honest and hard-working, your promotion prospects will be improved.

11. safe in the knowledge that

Meaning: confident because you know that something is true or will happen

Example: I would recommend that people should eat only organic food, safe in the knowledge that it contains no harmful chemicals.

12. to dig deep (into something)

Meaning: to search thoroughly for information

Example: Computer technology has enabled authorities to dig deep into all kinds of personal records relating to ordinary citizens.

13. to do something to the letter

Meaning: to do exactly what somebody or something instructs, paying attention to every detail

Example: It is important to apply the law to the letter, so that every illegal action is punished.

14. to stick in your mind

Meaning: (of a memory, an image, etc.) to be remembered for a long time

Example: When children learn a foreign language in primary school, words and phrases tend to stick in their minds almost without the effort of learning them in a formal way.

15. to sharpen something (up)

Meaning: to become or make something better, more skilful, more effective, etc. than before

Example: The opportunity to do an internship with a company enables students to sharpen up the theoretical knowledge gained at college.

16. to write off somebody/something

Meaning: to decide that somebody or something is a failure and not worth paying attention to

Example: Space projects should not be written off as expensive failures, because space represents the new frontier for exploration.

17. to be engrossed in

Meaning: to be completely focused on something

Example: A good work-life balance is important, because if people are too engrossed in their work their family life may suffer. Dịch đại ý

18. to understand somebody/something to be/have something

Meaning: to think or believe that something is true because you have been told that it is

Example: The President is understood to be in favour of more spending on the military.

19. conduct somebody/something

Meaning: to lead or guide somebody through or around something

Example: Work experience conducts people who are new in a profession through some of the practical difficulties which they will face.

20. secure in the knowledge

Meaning: not worried because you are sure that nothing bad will happen

Example: Students who work hard throughout the year will be confident when they take exams, secure in the knowledge that they are well-prepared.

21. bedtime stories

Meaning: stories told to children before they sleep

Example: Parents should spend time with their children, for example by telling them bedtime stories every night.

22. to be a story of

Meaning: to be a history of particular events

Example: The problem of waste disposal in my country has been a story of confusion and bad management.

23. to run a story

Meaning: to print an article, to show a news report

Example: The media nowadays runs many stories on environmental concerns.

24. a success story

Meaning: a person or thing that is very successful

Example: Although some people have great talent in their field, behind every success story there is always a lot of hard work and effort.

25. to tell its own tale/to tell its own story

Meaning: to explain itself, without needing any further comment

Example: Governments have failed to control traffic congestion in cities. The level of air pollution in all major urban centres tells its own story.

26. to read between the lines

Meaning: to look for a meaning that is not openly stated

Example: Reading between the lines, the reports of recent international conferences are not optimistic about achieving agreement on climate change. Dịch đại ý

27. to read up on

Meaning: to find information in a book or other written source about something.

Example: When deciding which university course to study, it is essential to read up on the subject before making a final choice. Dịch đại ý

28. to come highly recommended

Meaning: to be praised by a lot of people

Example: Books by classic authors always come highly recommended, but work by new and talented writers should not be overlooked.

29. literary appreciation

Meaning: pleasure that you have when your recognize and enjoy the qualities of a good piece of writing

Example: Children develop literary appreciation if they are encouraged by parents and teachers to love reading.

30. a literary genius

Meaning: a person with exceptional and rare talent for writing

Example: Although a literary genius like Shakespeare is rare, it is important for governments to subsidise creative writing classes for all ages.