Other

Grade 7 English for Cambodia · 267 lessons

free

  • available time when you can do what you want
  • something that costs money
Why:

Definition: Free time means the time when you are not busy and can choose what to do.

Context from passage: "After school, I have my free time."

Examples:

  • I read books in my free time
  • What do you do in your free time?

park

  • a public area with grass and trees where people can play
  • a type of car
Why:

Definition: A park is an open area of land with grass, trees, and space for people to enjoy outdoor activities.

Context from passage: "I like to play with my friends in the park near my house."

Examples:

  • Children play football in the park
  • We have picnics in the park on weekends

football

  • a sport played with a round ball using feet
  • a type of book
Why:

Definition: Football is a popular sport where two teams try to score goals by kicking a ball into the opponent's goal.

Context from passage: "We play football and run around."

Examples:

  • Football is played by millions of people worldwide
  • You need a football and goal posts to play

cook

  • to prepare food by heating it
  • to clean the house
Why:

Definition: To cook means to prepare food by applying heat, such as boiling, frying, or baking.

Context from passage: "Sometimes I help my mother cook dinner."

Examples:

  • My grandmother cooks delicious rice
  • We cook vegetables in hot water

homework

  • school work that students do at home
  • cleaning the house
Why:

Definition: Homework refers to assignments and exercises that teachers give students to complete outside of school hours.

Context from passage: "I also do my homework every day."

Examples:

  • Math homework helps students practice calculations
  • Reading homework improves language skills

weekends

  • Saturday and Sunday when people don't work or go to school
  • the middle of the week
Why:

Definition: Weekends are the two days at the end of the week (Saturday and Sunday) when most people rest from work and school.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • Families spend time together on weekends
  • Many shops close early on weekends

grandmother

  • the mother of your father or mother
  • your sister
Why:

Definition: A grandmother is the mother of one of your parents, an important family member who is often loving and caring.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • My grandmother bakes delicious cakes
  • Grandmothers often share wisdom with their grandchildren

village

  • a small community of houses in the countryside
  • a large city
Why:

Definition: A village is a small settlement with houses and perhaps a few shops, usually located in rural areas away from big cities.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • Villages are usually quieter than cities
  • Many villages in Cambodia have rice fields nearby

stories

  • tales or accounts of events, real or imaginary
  • types of buildings
Why:

Definition: Stories are narratives that tell about events, characters, and adventures, which can be true or made up for entertainment or teaching.

Context from passage: "She tells me stories about Cambodia."

Examples:

  • Fairy tales are popular children's stories
  • Historical stories teach us about the past

visit

  • to go and see someone or somewhere
  • to study hard
Why:

Definition: To visit means to go to see someone or to go to a place, usually for a short time and often for social reasons.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • We visit our relatives during holidays
  • Tourists visit famous temples in Cambodia

village

  • A small community in the countryside
  • A large city with many buildings
Why:

Definition: A village is a small community or settlement in the countryside, usually smaller than a town.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • My uncle lives in a quiet village near the mountains.
  • The village has only one school and a small market.

grandmother

  • Your mother's or father's mother
  • Your sister's daughter
Why:

Definition: A grandmother is the mother of your mother or father.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village. She tells me stories about Cambodia."

Examples:

  • My grandmother makes delicious soup.
  • I call my grandmother 'Yeay' in Khmer.

homework

  • School work that students do at home
  • Cleaning and cooking at home
Why:

Definition: Homework is school work that teachers give students to complete at home.

Context from passage: "I also do my homework every day."

Examples:

  • I have maths homework tonight.
  • She always finishes her homework before dinner.

stories

  • Tales or accounts of events, real or imaginary
  • Different floors of a building
Why:

Definition: Stories are tales or accounts of events that can be real or imaginary, told for entertainment or to share information.

Context from passage: "She tells me stories about Cambodia."

Examples:

  • My mother reads bedtime stories to me.
  • Folk stories teach us about our culture.

weekends

  • Saturday and Sunday when people don't work or go to school
  • The beginning of each week
Why:

Definition: Weekends are Saturday and Sunday, the days when most people don't work or go to school.

Context from passage: "On weekends, I visit my grandmother in the village."

Examples:

  • I like to sleep late on weekends.
  • Many families spend weekends together.

guitar

  • A musical instrument with strings that you play with your fingers
  • A type of book about music
Why:

Definition: A guitar is a musical instrument with strings that you play with your fingers or a pick to make music.

Context from passage: "Every day after school, he goes home and plays his guitar. His father bought it for him last year."

Examples:

  • My brother practices guitar every evening
  • She learned to play guitar when she was ten years old

practices

  • Does something again and again to get better at it
  • Teaches other people how to do something
Why:

Definition: To practice means to do something again and again to improve your skills and get better at it.

Context from passage: "Roth practices for one hour every afternoon."

Examples:

  • She practices piano every day to improve
  • Football players practice before big games

musician

  • A person who plays music or sings as their job
  • A person who sells musical instruments
Why:

Definition: A musician is a person who plays musical instruments or sings, often as their profession or main activity.

Context from passage: "He wants to be a musician when he grows up."

Examples:

  • The musician played beautiful songs at the concert
  • Many musicians start learning instruments when they are young

hometown

  • The place where you were born or grew up
  • A big city with many people
Why:

Definition: A hometown is the place where you were born or where you grew up as a child. It's the place you consider your original home.

Context from passage: "His favourite song is about his hometown in Siem Reap."

Examples:

  • My hometown is a small village near the mountains
  • She often visits her hometown during holidays

proud

  • Feeling happy and pleased about something good
  • Feeling worried about the future
Why:

Definition: Proud means feeling happy and pleased about something good that you or someone you care about has done or achieved.

Context from passage: "His parents are very proud of him."

Examples:

  • I am proud of my sister for getting good grades
  • The teacher was proud of her students' hard work

together

  • with each other; at the same time
  • in different places
Why:

Definition: Together means with each other or at the same time, showing people doing something as a group.

Context from passage: "Dara and her sister Channary walk home from school together."

Examples:

  • The students work together on their project.
  • We eat dinner together every evening.

homework

  • school work that students do at home
  • cleaning the house
Why:

Definition: Homework is school work that teachers give students to complete at home after school hours.

Context from passage: "After they finish their homework, they like to draw pictures."

Examples:

  • I have mathematics homework to complete tonight.
  • She always does her homework before playing games.

drawings

  • pictures made with pencils, pens, or crayons
  • musical instruments
Why:

Definition: Drawings are pictures that people create using pencils, pens, crayons, or other drawing tools.

Context from passage: "Their mother puts their drawings on the wall."

Examples:

  • The art teacher displays students' drawings in the classroom.
  • Children love making drawings of animals and flowers.

display

  • to show something so others can see it
  • to hide something away
Why:

Definition: Display means to show or present something in a place where people can see and appreciate it.

Context from passage: "The girls are happy when they see their art on display."

Examples:

  • The museum displays ancient artifacts from Cambodia.
  • Students display their projects in the school hallway.

finish

  • to complete or come to the end of something
  • to start something new
Why:

Definition: Finish means to complete a task or activity, reaching the end of what you were doing.

Context from passage: "After they finish their homework, they like to draw pictures."

Examples:

  • Students finish their exams before going home.
  • I will finish reading this book tonight.

bicycle

  • A vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing pedals
  • A type of car with four wheels
Why:

Definition: A bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing pedals with your feet.

Context from passage: "He has a bicycle. After school, he rides his bicycle to the market to buy vegetables for his family."

Examples:

  • Many students ride bicycles to school every day
  • A bicycle is an eco-friendly way to travel short distances

market

  • A place where people buy and sell goods, especially food
  • A building where students study
Why:

Definition: A market is a place where people buy and sell goods, especially food and other daily necessities.

Context from passage: "After school, he rides his bicycle to the market to buy vegetables for his family. The market is colorful and busy."

Examples:

  • Local markets sell fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Markets are usually busy places with many vendors

vegetables

  • Plants or parts of plants that people eat as food
  • Sweet foods eaten after meals
Why:

Definition: Vegetables are plants or parts of plants that people eat as food, usually as part of a main meal.

Context from passage: "After school, he rides his bicycle to the market to buy vegetables for his family. He likes to see all the fresh fruits and vegetables."

Examples:

  • Common vegetables include carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes
  • Eating vegetables every day is good for your health

colorful

  • Having many bright and different colors
  • Very expensive and costly
Why:

Definition: Colorful means having many bright and different colors that make something look attractive and lively.

Context from passage: "The market is colorful and busy."

Examples:

  • Markets are colorful because of the many different fruits and vegetables
  • Traditional Cambodian clothes are often very colorful

favorite

  • Something you like best or most
  • Something you dislike completely
Why:

Definition: Favorite means something you like best or most among many choices.

Context from passage: "Sometimes he buys mangoes because they are his favorite fruit."

Examples:

  • Everyone has a favorite color, food, or activity
  • My favorite subject at school is English

library

  • a place where books are kept for people to read or borrow
  • a place where people buy food and drinks
Why:

Definition: A library is a building or room where books are kept for people to read or borrow.

Context from passage: 'He goes to the small library in his neighborhood every Tuesday and Thursday. The library has many Khmer books and some English books too.'

Examples:

  • The school library has thousands of books for students.
  • My local library is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

neighborhood

  • an area of a town where people live near each other
  • a large shopping center with many stores
Why:

Definition: A neighborhood is an area of a town or city where people live near each other, forming a local community.

Context from passage: 'He goes to the small library in his neighborhood every Tuesday and Thursday.'

Examples:

  • There are many friendly families in my neighborhood.
  • The neighborhood has a park where children can play.

borrows

  • takes something temporarily and returns it later
  • buys something with money at a store
Why:

Definition: To borrow means to take something temporarily with the intention of returning it later.

Context from passage: 'Pisach borrows two books each week.'

Examples:

  • Students can borrow books from the school library for two weeks.
  • I borrowed my friend's pen because mine was broken.

adventure

  • an exciting and unusual experience or activity
  • a type of homework assignment for school
Why:

Definition: An adventure is an exciting, unusual, or dangerous experience or activity that involves exploration or risk.

Context from passage: 'He reads adventure stories and books about animals.'

Examples:

  • The book tells the adventure of a young boy exploring a mysterious island.
  • Going camping in the mountains can be a great adventure.

enjoys

  • likes doing something and finds it pleasant
  • dislikes something and wants to avoid it
Why:

Definition: To enjoy means to like doing something and to find it pleasant or satisfying.

Context from passage: 'Pisach enjoys reading books after school.'

Examples:

  • Many students enjoy playing football during break time.
  • She enjoys listening to music while doing homework.

tallest

  • having the greatest height compared to others
  • having the smallest size compared to others
Why:

Definition: Tallest means having the greatest height when compared to other people or things in a group.

Context from passage: "My father is very tall and strong. He is the tallest person in my family."

Examples:

  • The giraffe is the tallest animal in the zoo.
  • My brother is the tallest student in his class.

smartest

  • most intelligent or clever among a group
  • most beautiful person in a family
Why:

Definition: Smartest means being the most intelligent, clever, or quick to understand things compared to others.

Context from passage: "My little brother Pisach is only 8 years old, but he thinks he is the smartest in our family."

Examples:

  • Sarah is the smartest student in mathematics class.
  • The smartest solution is often the simplest one.

prettiest

  • most beautiful or attractive in appearance
  • most intelligent person in a group
Why:

Definition: Prettiest means being the most beautiful, attractive, or pleasing to look at compared to others.

Context from passage: "My sister Channary is 16 years old. She says she is the prettiest."

Examples:

  • The rose is the prettiest flower in the garden.
  • She wore the prettiest dress to the party.

coolest

  • most impressive, fashionable, or admirable
  • coldest temperature in the room
Why:

Definition: Coolest means being the most impressive, fashionable, trendy, or admirable person compared to others.

Context from passage: "But I think I am the coolest person in my family because I can play guitar and sing songs."

Examples:

  • He has the coolest skateboard tricks in school.
  • The coolest students often have interesting hobbies.

guitar

  • a musical instrument with strings that you play with your fingers
  • a type of book for learning songs
Why:

Definition: A guitar is a musical instrument that has strings stretched across a wooden body, and you play it by pressing the strings and strumming or picking them.

Context from passage: "But I think I am the coolest person in my family because I can play guitar and sing songs."

Examples:

  • My friend learned to play guitar in music class.
  • The famous singer plays guitar while performing on stage.

wisest

  • having the most knowledge and good judgement
  • being the tallest person
Why:

Definition: Wisest means having the most knowledge, experience, and good judgement among a group of people.

Context from passage: 'Grandfather Meng is 70 years old. He is the oldest and wisest person.'

Examples:

  • The wisest student in class always gives good advice.
  • My grandmother is the wisest person I know because she has lived a long life.

hardworking

  • putting a lot of effort into work or activities
  • being very lazy and sleeping a lot
Why:

Definition: Hardworking means putting a lot of effort, energy, and dedication into work or activities.

Context from passage: 'Father Meng works as a teacher. He is the most hardworking person in the family.'

Examples:

  • Hardworking students always complete their homework on time.
  • My mother is very hardworking because she works long hours to support our family.

vegetables

  • plants or parts of plants that people eat as food
  • small animals that live in water
Why:

Definition: Vegetables are plants or parts of plants (like roots, leaves, or stems) that people eat as food for nutrition.

Context from passage: 'Mother Meng sells vegetables at the market.'

Examples:

  • Common vegetables include carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions.
  • Eating vegetables every day helps keep your body healthy.

grades

  • marks or scores that show how well a student performs in school
  • different types of food
Why:

Definition: Grades are marks, scores, or letters (like A, B, C) that teachers give to show how well a student has done in their schoolwork.

Context from passage: 'Daughter Leap is 15 years old. She studies hard and gets good grades.'

Examples:

  • If you study hard, you can get good grades in mathematics and English.
  • Students who get high grades often receive praise from their teachers and parents.

fastest

  • moving or able to move at the highest speed
  • being the quietest person
Why:

Definition: Fastest means moving or able to move at the highest speed compared to others.

Context from passage: 'Son Rith is 12 years old. He loves to play football and thinks he is the fastest runner in his family.'

Examples:

  • The fastest car in the race won first place.
  • Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land.

wise

  • having knowledge and good judgement from experience
  • very tall and strong
Why:

Definition: Having knowledge and good judgement that comes from experience and learning.

Context from passage: "Her grandmother is 65 years old and very wise. She tells the best stories about Cambodia's history."

Examples:

  • Grandparents are often wise because they have lived for many years
  • A wise person gives good advice to help others

history

  • events that happened in the past
  • plans for the future
Why:

Definition: Events and stories about what happened in the past, especially about countries, people, and important events.

Context from passage: "She tells the best stories about Cambodia's history."

Examples:

  • Learning about Angkor Wat is part of Cambodia's history
  • History books tell us about kings and queens from long ago

funny

  • making people laugh and smile
  • very serious and quiet
Why:

Definition: Causing laughter and amusement; making people feel happy and entertained.

Context from passage: "He is funny and makes everyone laugh."

Examples:

  • A funny joke makes the whole class laugh
  • Funny movies help us feel happy when we watch them

beautiful

  • very pretty and nice to look at
  • very ugly and unpleasant
Why:

Definition: Very attractive and pleasant to look at; having qualities that give pleasure to see.

Context from passage: "Maya thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the family because she has long, black hair."

Examples:

  • A beautiful flower has bright colours and a nice smell
  • Beautiful music makes us feel peaceful and happy

languages

  • different ways people communicate with words
  • types of food from different countries
Why:

Definition: Different systems of communication that people use to speak, write, and understand each other.

Context from passage: "Dara believes she is the coolest because she can speak three languages: Khmer, English, and Chinese."

Examples:

  • Khmer is the main language spoken in Cambodia
  • Learning different languages helps you talk to people from other countries

strongest

  • having the most physical power or force
  • having the loudest voice
Why:

Definition: Having the most physical power or force; most powerful in terms of physical strength.

Context from passage: "Her father is the strongest person - he can carry two bags of rice at the same time."

Examples:

  • The strongest student in the class can lift the heaviest books.
  • My brother is the strongest in our family because he exercises every day.

kindest

  • most caring and helpful to others
  • most beautiful in appearance
Why:

Definition: Most caring, helpful, and considerate towards other people; showing the greatest amount of kindness.

Context from passage: "Her mother is the kindest person - she helps all the neighbors."

Examples:

  • The kindest teacher always helps students with their problems.
  • My grandmother is the kindest person because she shares food with everyone.

handsome

  • attractive and good-looking (usually for men)
  • very intelligent and clever
Why:

Definition: Attractive and good-looking in appearance, typically used to describe men or boys.

Context from passage: "He thinks he is the most handsome because he is tall and has a nice smile."

Examples:

  • The handsome actor has many fans who like his movies.
  • My cousin is handsome with his bright smile and neat hair.

smartest

  • most intelligent and clever
  • most beautiful and pretty
Why:

Definition: Most intelligent, clever, and quick to understand and learn things.

Context from passage: "Sophea is only 10 years old, but she is the smartest student in her class."

Examples:

  • The smartest student always gets the highest marks in exams.
  • My sister is the smartest in our family because she solves math problems quickly.

talented

  • having natural skill or ability in something
  • being very tall and strong
Why:

Definition: Having natural skill, ability, or gift in a particular area or activity.

Context from passage: "She feels she is the most talented person in her family."

Examples:

  • A talented dancer can perform beautiful movements gracefully.
  • The talented musician can play many different instruments well.

manages

  • controls and organises something
  • cooks food for people
Why:

Definition: To control and organise something, especially a business or money.

Context from passage: "His mother manages the money and is very good with numbers."

Examples:

  • She manages the restaurant's daily operations.
  • My father manages our family budget.

delicious

  • having a very good taste
  • very expensive to buy
Why:

Definition: Having a very good taste; tasting extremely good.

Context from passage: "He makes delicious beef soup that many customers love."

Examples:

  • My grandmother makes delicious noodle soup.
  • The fresh fruit tastes delicious.

tourists

  • people who visit places for holidays
  • people who work in restaurants
Why:

Definition: People who travel to and visit places for pleasure, usually during their holidays.

Context from passage: "She serves food to customers and speaks English well with foreign tourists."

Examples:

  • Many tourists visit Angkor Wat every year.
  • The tourists took photos of the beautiful temple.

proud

  • feeling very pleased about something you did well
  • feeling very tired after work
Why:

Definition: Feeling very pleased and satisfied about something you have done or achieved.

Context from passage: "She serves food to customers and speaks English well with foreign tourists. This makes her feel very proud and cool."

Examples:

  • I feel proud when I get good grades.
  • She is proud of her English speaking skills.

customers

  • people who buy things from a shop or restaurant
  • people who work in the kitchen
Why:

Definition: People who buy goods or services from a shop, restaurant, or business.

Context from passage: "He makes delicious beef soup that many customers love. She serves food to customers and speaks English well with foreign tourists."

Examples:

  • The restaurant has many customers every day.
  • Good service makes customers happy.

excited

  • feeling very happy and enthusiastic about something
  • feeling tired and sleepy
Why:

Definition: Feeling very happy and enthusiastic about something

Context from passage: "Maya is very excited today. She has something new to show her friends at school."

Examples:

  • I am excited about my birthday party tomorrow.
  • The children were excited to go to the zoo.

butterfly

  • a colourful flying insect with large wings
  • a small bird that sings
Why:

Definition: A colourful flying insect with large wings

Context from passage: "Inside the box is a beautiful butterfly pin. The pin has blue and yellow colors on its wings."

Examples:

  • The butterfly landed on the flower in the garden.
  • Butterflies have beautiful patterns on their wings.

uniform

  • special clothes worn by students at school
  • a type of book for reading
Why:

Definition: Special clothes worn by students at school

Context from passage: "Maya puts it on her school uniform. All her friends think it is very pretty."

Examples:

  • All students must wear their school uniform every day.
  • My uniform is blue and white.

classmates

  • students who study in the same class
  • teachers who work at school
Why:

Definition: Students who study in the same class

Context from passage: "'Guess what I've got!' she says to her classmates. All her friends think it is very pretty."

Examples:

  • I like to play with my classmates during break time.
  • My classmates helped me with my homework.

grandmother

  • the mother of your father or mother
  • your older sister
Why:

Definition: The mother of your father or mother

Context from passage: "Her grandmother gave it to her yesterday."

Examples:

  • My grandmother bakes delicious cookies for me.
  • I visit my grandmother every weekend.

special

  • different from what is usual; better or more important than others
  • very small in size
Why:

Definition: Special means different from what is usual, or better and more important than ordinary things.

Context from passage: 'Today she is carrying a special basket.'

Examples:

  • My birthday is a special day for me.
  • She wore her special dress to the party.

bamboo

  • a tall plant with hard hollow stems used for making things
  • a type of soft fabric
Why:

Definition: Bamboo is a tall plant with hard, hollow stems that grows quickly and is used to make furniture, baskets, and other items.

Context from passage: 'The basket is made of bamboo.'

Examples:

  • Pandas eat bamboo leaves.
  • Many houses in Asia are built with bamboo.

pattern

  • a repeated design or arrangement of shapes and colours
  • a type of food
Why:

Definition: A pattern is a repeated design or arrangement of shapes, colours, or lines that creates a decorative effect.

Context from passage: 'The basket has a beautiful pattern on the sides.'

Examples:

  • Her dress has a flower pattern.
  • The wallpaper has a striped pattern.

carrying

  • holding and moving something from one place to another
  • eating something quickly
Why:

Definition: Carrying means holding something and moving it from one place to another, usually in your hands or arms.

Context from passage: 'Today she is carrying a special basket.' and 'Sophea uses it to carry mangoes, bananas, and other fruits.'

Examples:

  • I am carrying my school bag.
  • The mother is carrying her baby.

strong

  • able to resist force or pressure; not easily broken
  • very colourful and bright
Why:

Definition: Strong means having the power to resist force or pressure, and not easily broken or damaged.

Context from passage: 'It is light and strong.' - describing the bamboo basket.

Examples:

  • This rope is very strong and won't break.
  • The strong wind blew the leaves away.

cousin

  • A child of your aunt or uncle
  • Your brother or sister
Why:

Definition: A cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle - a family member who is not your brother or sister.

Context from passage: "He got it from his cousin who lives near Tonle Sap lake."

Examples:

  • My cousin lives in Siem Reap with my uncle's family.
  • Dara's cousin gave him a pet fish as a gift.

golden

  • Having a bright yellow colour like gold
  • Very expensive
Why:

Definition: Golden means having a bright yellow colour like the metal gold, or being very beautiful and valuable.

Context from passage: "The fish is small and golden."

Examples:

  • The golden fish shines beautifully in the sunlight.
  • She has golden hair that looks like sunshine.

feeds

  • Gives food to someone or something
  • Plays with something
Why:

Definition: Feeds means to give food to a person, animal, or pet so they can eat and stay healthy.

Context from passage: "Every morning, he feeds the fish small pieces of bread."

Examples:

  • My mother feeds our cat every evening.
  • Farmers feed their chickens with rice and corn.

circles

  • Round shapes or movements in a round pattern
  • Square shapes
Why:

Definition: Circles are round shapes with no corners, or movements that go around in a round pattern.

Context from passage: "She loves watching the fish swim around in circles."

Examples:

  • The fish swims in circles inside the bowl.
  • Children sit in a circle to play games.

bowl

  • A round container used to hold things
  • A type of fish
Why:

Definition: A bowl is a round, deep container that is wider at the top than at the bottom, used to hold food, water, or other things.

Context from passage: "Dara keeps it in a clear glass bowl on his desk."

Examples:

  • The fish lives in a glass bowl filled with water.
  • We eat soup from a bowl with a spoon.

tusks

  • Long pointed teeth that stick out from an animal's mouth
  • Small ears on the side of an animal's head
Why:

Definition: Tusks are long, pointed teeth that grow outside an animal's mouth, usually found on elephants, walruses, and some other animals.

Context from passage: "The elephant is brown and has tiny white tusks."

Examples:

  • Real elephants have large ivory tusks
  • The wooden elephant model has small white tusks

wooden

  • Made of wood
  • Made of plastic
Why:

Definition: Wooden means made from wood, which comes from trees. Wooden objects are natural and often brown in colour.

Context from passage: "It is a small wooden elephant."

Examples:

  • A wooden table is made from tree wood
  • Sreyna's grandmother has a wooden elephant toy

bedside

  • Next to or near a bed
  • Under the bed
Why:

Definition: Bedside means the area next to or near a bed, usually where people put small tables, lamps, or personal items.

Context from passage: "Sreyna decides to keep it on her bedside table."

Examples:

  • I keep my alarm clock on my bedside table
  • The bedside lamp helps me read at night

decides

  • Makes a choice or comes to a conclusion
  • Forgets about something completely
Why:

Definition: Decides means to make a choice or reach a conclusion about what to do. When you decide, you think about options and choose one.

Context from passage: "Sreyna decides to keep it on her bedside table."

Examples:

  • I decide what to eat for breakfast every morning
  • Sreyna decided where to put her special elephant

interesting

  • Something that makes you want to know more about it
  • Something that is very boring
Why:

Definition: Interesting means something that attracts your attention and makes you curious or excited to learn more about it.

Context from passage: "Sreyna found something interesting in her grandmother's old box yesterday."

Examples:

  • The wooden elephant was interesting because it was very old
  • Reading books about animals is interesting to many students

krama

  • A traditional Cambodian scarf worn around the neck or head
  • A type of traditional Cambodian hat
Why:

Definition: A krama is a traditional Cambodian scarf that can be worn around the neck, head, or shoulders.

Context from passage: 'Pisach is showing his new krama to everyone today' and 'Pisach wears it around his neck like his father does.'

Examples:

  • My grandmother gave me a beautiful red krama for my birthday.
  • Farmers often wear kramas to protect themselves from the sun.

patterns

  • Designs or decorations that repeat in a regular way
  • Different colours mixed together
Why:

Definition: Patterns are designs, shapes, or decorations that are arranged in a regular, repeated way on fabric or other surfaces.

Context from passage: 'The krama is red and white with beautiful patterns.'

Examples:

  • My shirt has flower patterns on it.
  • The curtains have striped patterns.

proudly

  • In a way that shows you feel pleased and satisfied with something
  • In a way that shows you are angry
Why:

Definition: Proudly means doing something in a way that shows you feel pleased, satisfied, and happy about something you have or have done.

Context from passage: '"Look at this!" he says proudly.'

Examples:

  • She proudly showed her good grades to her parents.
  • The student proudly presented his project to the class.

comfortable

  • Pleasant to wear or use; not causing pain or difficulty
  • Very expensive and costly
Why:

Definition: Comfortable means pleasant to wear, use, or experience; something that makes you feel relaxed and at ease without causing pain or difficulty.

Context from passage: 'The krama is soft and comfortable.'

Examples:

  • These shoes are very comfortable to walk in.
  • The bed is comfortable and I sleep well.

fabric

  • Material made by weaving threads together to make clothes
  • A type of food
Why:

Definition: Fabric is material made by weaving or knitting threads together, used to make clothes, curtains, and other items.

Context from passage: 'His classmates want to touch the soft fabric.'

Examples:

  • Cotton is a popular fabric for making shirts.
  • The fabric of this dress feels very smooth.

schedule

  • a plan that shows when activities will happen
  • a type of school subject
Why:

Definition: A schedule is a plan that shows when activities will happen, like a timetable.

Context from passage: 'Sokha is a 13-year-old student from Phnom Penh who has a very busy schedule after school.'

Examples:

  • My school schedule includes maths at 9 AM and English at 10 AM
  • The bus schedule shows that the next bus arrives at 3:30 PM

volunteers

  • helps others without getting paid
  • studies very hard for exams
Why:

Definition: To volunteer means to help others or do work without getting paid for it.

Context from passage: 'Fridays are special because that's when she volunteers at the neighbourhood library, helping younger children with their homework.'

Examples:

  • Many students volunteer at hospitals to help patients
  • She volunteers at the animal shelter every weekend

traditional

  • relating to customs passed down through generations
  • very modern and new
Why:

Definition: Traditional means relating to customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down from older generations.

Context from passage: 'On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, she practices traditional Khmer dance at the local cultural centre.'

Examples:

  • Traditional Cambodian food includes fish amok and beef lok lak
  • Many families celebrate traditional festivals like Pchum Ben

managing

  • controlling or organising something well
  • forgetting about important things
Why:

Definition: Managing means controlling or organising something well, especially time, resources, or activities.

Context from passage: 'Sokha believes that managing her time well helps her enjoy all her activities without feeling stressed.'

Examples:

  • Good students are skilled at managing their homework and free time
  • Managing money means spending wisely and saving some

customers

  • people who buy goods or services
  • people who work in shops
Why:

Definition: Customers are people who buy goods or services from a business or shop.

Context from passage: 'On Saturday mornings, she helps her mother at their small food stall in the local market, learning about business and talking to customers.'

Examples:

  • The restaurant has many customers who come for lunch every day
  • Good customer service makes customers want to return

hobbies

  • Activities that people enjoy doing in their free time for pleasure
  • School subjects that students must study
Why:

Definition: Activities that people enjoy doing in their free time for pleasure, not for work or school.

Context from passage: "After finishing his homework every evening, Dara has developed some interesting hobbies that keep him busy and happy."

Examples:

  • Reading books is a popular hobby among students
  • Many people have hobbies like gardening, painting, or collecting stamps

displayed

  • Shown or exhibited for others to see
  • Hidden away in a secret place
Why:

Definition: Shown or exhibited in a particular place for others to see and admire.

Context from passage: "Now he has completed eight different airplane models, and they are displayed proudly on shelves in his bedroom."

Examples:

  • The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Cambodia
  • Students' artwork was displayed on the classroom walls

traditional

  • Following customs and practices passed down through generations
  • Modern and using new technology
Why:

Definition: Following customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down from older generations to younger ones.

Context from passage: "His sister teaches him the traditional recipes that their mother learned from their grandmother."

Examples:

  • Traditional Cambodian dance is performed at cultural festivals
  • Many families still follow traditional ways of celebrating New Year

completed

  • Finished or brought to an end successfully
  • Started but not yet begun properly
Why:

Definition: Finished or brought to an end successfully, having done all the necessary parts of something.

Context from passage: "Now he has completed eight different airplane models, and they are displayed proudly on shelves in his bedroom."

Examples:

  • She completed her homework before dinner time
  • The construction workers completed the new school building

enjoyable

  • Pleasant and giving happiness or satisfaction
  • Difficult and requiring hard work
Why:

Definition: Pleasant and giving happiness, satisfaction, or pleasure to someone.

Context from passage: "Dara thinks having hobbies makes his free time more enjoyable and helps him learn new skills."

Examples:

  • The school trip to the museum was very enjoyable
  • Reading a good book can be an enjoyable way to spend time

workshops

  • Special classes where people learn new skills from experts
  • Places where broken things are repaired
Why:

Definition: Workshops are special training sessions or classes where people learn new skills from experts or professionals.

Context from passage: "Every Friday, the club organizes special workshops where local artists and professionals come to teach new skills."

Examples:

  • The photography workshop taught students how to take better pictures
  • A cooking workshop will show students how to prepare healthy snacks

demonstrate

  • To show how to do something by doing it yourself
  • To argue against something strongly
Why:

Definition: To demonstrate means to show or teach someone how to do something by actually doing it in front of them.

Context from passage: "Next week, a chef from a local restaurant will demonstrate how to prepare healthy snacks."

Examples:

  • The chef will demonstrate cooking techniques to the students
  • Teachers demonstrate science experiments in class

membership

  • The state of belonging to a group or organization
  • A type of friendship between students
Why:

Definition: Membership means being a member of a group, club, or organization, usually involving certain rights and responsibilities.

Context from passage: "The club membership costs only $2 per month, and students receive a membership card."

Examples:

  • Students pay for membership to join the youth club
  • Membership includes access to books and sports equipment

equipment

  • Tools and materials needed for a particular activity
  • The process of making things equal or fair
Why:

Definition: Equipment refers to the tools, machines, or other items needed to do a particular activity or job.

Context from passage: "Students receive a membership card that allows them to borrow books and sports equipment."

Examples:

  • Sports equipment includes basketballs, table tennis paddles, and badminton rackets
  • Computer equipment helps students with research and homework

environment

  • The conditions and surroundings in which someone lives or operates
  • A type of scientific experiment about nature
Why:

Definition: Environment refers to the conditions, circumstances, and surroundings that affect how someone lives, works, or develops.

Context from passage: "Many parents are happy because the club provides a safe and educational environment for their children after school."

Examples:

  • The youth club creates a positive learning environment
  • A safe environment helps students feel comfortable and confident

passion

  • a very strong feeling of love or enthusiasm for something
  • a type of fruit that grows on trees
Why:

Definition: A very strong feeling of love or enthusiasm for something you enjoy doing.

Context from passage: 'Pisey discovered her passion for gardening completely by accident last year.'

Examples:

  • Many students have a passion for music or sports
  • His passion for reading helped him become a good writer

expanded

  • made something bigger or included more things
  • made something smaller or removed things
Why:

Definition: Made something bigger, larger, or included more things in it.

Context from passage: 'Now, Pisey has expanded her garden to include flowers like marigolds and roses.'

Examples:

  • The school expanded its library by adding more books
  • She expanded her collection of stamps from different countries

compliment

  • to say something nice about someone or something
  • to complain about something you don't like
Why:

Definition: To say something nice, positive, or praising about someone or something.

Context from passage: 'Her neighbors often compliment her beautiful garden, and she sometimes gives them fresh vegetables and flowers.'

Examples:

  • The teacher complimented the student on her excellent homework
  • People often compliment her on her beautiful singing voice

impressed

  • feeling admiration because someone did something very well
  • feeling angry because someone made a mistake
Why:

Definition: Feeling admiration or respect for someone because they did something very well or showed great skill.

Context from passage: 'Pisey's teacher was so impressed with her knowledge that she asked Pisey to help start a school garden project.'

Examples:

  • The judges were impressed by her amazing dance performance
  • I was impressed when my little brother solved the difficult puzzle

responsibility

  • the duty to take care of something or someone
  • the ability to run very fast
Why:

Definition: The duty or obligation to take care of something or someone, and to make sure it is done properly.

Context from passage: 'Gardening has taught Pisey patience, responsibility, and the joy of creating something beautiful with her own hands.'

Examples:

  • Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility
  • Students have the responsibility to do their homework on time

overwhelmed

  • feeling like you have too much to deal with and cannot cope
  • feeling very excited about something new
Why:

Definition: Overwhelmed means feeling like you have too much to deal with and cannot cope with all the responsibilities or tasks.

Context from passage: 'With so many opportunities available - from extra classes and sports to part-time jobs and family responsibilities - teenagers often feel overwhelmed.'

Examples:

  • Sarah felt overwhelmed by all her homework assignments.
  • The new student was overwhelmed by the size of the school.

prioritize

  • to decide which things are most important and deal with them first
  • to make a list of all your activities
Why:

Definition: Prioritize means to decide which things are most important and deal with them first, putting them in order of importance.

Context from passage: 'The key is to prioritize activities that contribute to personal growth and happiness.'

Examples:

  • Students should prioritize their studies over video games.
  • I need to prioritize my English homework because it's due tomorrow.

spontaneous

  • happening naturally without being planned in advance
  • very carefully organized and structured
Why:

Definition: Spontaneous means happening naturally without being planned in advance; done without thinking or planning beforehand.

Context from passage: 'Having some free time for spontaneous activities or simply relaxing is equally important for mental health.'

Examples:

  • We took a spontaneous trip to the beach on Saturday.
  • Her spontaneous laughter made everyone smile.

enhance

  • to improve or make something better
  • to completely change something
Why:

Definition: Enhance means to improve or make something better, to increase the quality, value, or effectiveness of something.

Context from passage: 'While educational apps and online resources can enhance learning, spending too much time on social media or games can be distracting.'

Examples:

  • Reading books can enhance your vocabulary.
  • Good lighting enhances the appearance of a room.

align

  • to match or be in agreement with something
  • to completely disagree with something
Why:

Definition: Align means to match or be in agreement with something; to arrange things so they are in the correct position relative to each other.

Context from passage: 'The most successful students are those who learn to say 'no' to activities that don't align with their goals and values.'

Examples:

  • Your actions should align with your beliefs.
  • The school's policies align with the government's education standards.

treasures

  • valuable and precious objects that are kept or collected
  • old boxes used for storage
Why:

Definition: Treasures are valuable and precious objects that are kept or collected, often having special meaning or worth.

Context from passage: 'When I opened it, I found many treasures inside.'

Examples:

  • Pirates buried their treasures on secret islands
  • The museum displays ancient treasures from different cultures

pendant

  • a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain or necklace
  • a type of golden metal
Why:

Definition: A pendant is a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain or necklace, often featuring decorative designs or symbols.

Context from passage: 'My favorite piece is a golden necklace with a lotus flower pendant.'

Examples:

  • She wore a heart-shaped pendant around her neck
  • The silver pendant had her initials engraved on it

precious

  • very valuable and important, often loved or treasured
  • very old and ancient
Why:

Definition: Precious means very valuable and important, often describing something that is loved, treasured, or hard to replace.

Context from passage: 'I feel so lucky to have these precious gifts from my family!'

Examples:

  • Time with family is precious and should not be wasted
  • The precious stones sparkled in the sunlight

collection

  • a group of objects gathered and kept together
  • a single piece of jewelry
Why:

Definition: A collection is a group of objects that have been gathered and kept together, usually because they are similar or have special meaning.

Context from passage: 'There was a silver bracelet with tiny elephants, a jade ring that belonged to my great-grandmother, and a collection of traditional Khmer earrings.'

Examples:

  • He has a collection of stamps from different countries
  • The library has a large collection of books about science

traditional

  • relating to customs and beliefs passed down through generations
  • very expensive and costly
Why:

Definition: Traditional means relating to customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down through generations and are part of a culture's heritage.

Context from passage: 'There was a silver bracelet with tiny elephants, a jade ring that belonged to my great-grandmother, and a collection of traditional Khmer earrings.'

Examples:

  • We celebrate traditional festivals every year
  • She learned to cook traditional Cambodian dishes from her mother

smartphone

  • A mobile phone with advanced features like internet access and apps
  • A traditional telephone with a cord
Why:

Definition: A smartphone is a mobile phone that has advanced computing capabilities, internet access, and can run applications (apps).

Context from passage: 'He showed us his new smartphone that his parents bought for his birthday.'

Examples:

  • My smartphone can take photos and connect to the internet.
  • Students use smartphones to study with educational apps.

demonstrated

  • Showed how to do something by example
  • Hid something from others
Why:

Definition: Demonstrated means to show or explain how something works by doing it as an example for others to see and learn.

Context from passage: 'During lunch break, he demonstrated how to use different apps for studying English and mathematics.'

Examples:

  • The teacher demonstrated how to solve the maths problem on the board.
  • My mother demonstrated how to cook traditional Khmer food.

features

  • Special qualities or characteristics of something
  • Problems or difficulties
Why:

Definition: Features are the special qualities, characteristics, or functions that make something distinctive or useful.

Context from passage: 'It has a beautiful blue case and amazing camera features.' and 'All our classmates gathered around to see the phone's features.'

Examples:

  • This car has many safety features like airbags and automatic brakes.
  • The new school building has modern features like air conditioning and smart boards.

excitedly

  • In a way that shows great enthusiasm and happiness
  • In a quiet and calm manner
Why:

Definition: Excitedly is an adverb that describes doing something with great enthusiasm, happiness, and energy.

Context from passage: ''Guess what I've got!' he said excitedly.'

Examples:

  • The children excitedly opened their presents on Christmas morning.
  • She excitedly told her friends about her trip to the beach.

gathered

  • Came together in one place
  • Ran away quickly
Why:

Definition: Gathered means to come together or collect in one place, usually as a group.

Context from passage: 'All our classmates gathered around to see the phone's features.'

Examples:

  • The family gathered around the dinner table for the evening meal.
  • Students gathered in the school hall for the morning assembly.

traditional

  • relating to customs and beliefs passed down through generations
  • very modern and new
Why:

Definition: Traditional means relating to customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down from one generation to another over a long period of time.

Context from passage: 'Inside the box was a beautiful traditional Cambodian musical instrument called a chapei. Her grandfather, who is a famous traditional musician, made it especially for her.'

Examples:

  • Traditional Khmer dance is performed during festivals
  • My grandmother cooks traditional Cambodian food

intricate

  • having many small, detailed, and complicated parts
  • very large and heavy
Why:

Definition: Intricate means having many small, detailed, and complicated parts that are carefully arranged or designed.

Context from passage: 'The chapei has four strings and is decorated with intricate carvings of apsara dancers.'

Examples:

  • The temple has intricate stone carvings
  • She drew an intricate pattern on her notebook

announced

  • said something publicly or officially
  • whispered quietly
Why:

Definition: Announced means to say something publicly or officially, usually to make people aware of important information.

Context from passage: 'Everyone, guess what I've got!' she announced.

Examples:

  • The teacher announced the test results
  • The principal announced a school holiday

impressed

  • feeling admiration because something is very good
  • feeling angry and upset
Why:

Definition: Impressed means feeling admiration or respect for someone or something because of their excellent qualities or abilities.

Context from passage: 'Her music teacher was so impressed that she asked Bopha to perform at the school's cultural festival next month.'

Examples:

  • I was impressed by her beautiful singing voice
  • The judges were impressed by his artwork

perform

  • to do something in front of an audience, especially entertainment
  • to study very hard
Why:

Definition: Perform means to do something in front of an audience, especially to entertain them with music, dance, acting, or other skills.

Context from passage: 'Her music teacher was so impressed that she asked Bopha to perform at the school's cultural festival next month.'

Examples:

  • The students will perform a traditional dance
  • Musicians perform at the temple festival

mysterious

  • strange and difficult to understand or explain
  • very expensive and valuable
Why:

Definition: Something that is mysterious is strange, unknown, or difficult to understand or explain.

Context from passage: "He came to their house with a mysterious bag and said, 'Guess what I've got for you!'"

Examples:

  • The mysterious sound in the forest made everyone curious.
  • She received a mysterious letter with no return address.

collection

  • a group of objects gathered together
  • a single expensive item
Why:

Definition: A collection is a group of similar objects that have been gathered together, often as a hobby or for study.

Context from passage: "Inside were beautiful Thai silk scarves for Pichenda and her sister, and a collection of interesting books written in both English and Thai."

Examples:

  • My grandmother has a collection of old coins from different countries.
  • The museum displays a collection of ancient pottery.

decorative

  • made to look attractive or beautiful
  • very large and spacious
Why:

Definition: Decorative means designed to make something look more attractive or beautiful, rather than for practical use.

Context from passage: "The most surprising gift was a small plant in a decorative pot."

Examples:

  • The decorative flowers on the cake made it look very special.
  • She bought decorative pillows to make her room more colourful.

fascinated

  • extremely interested in something
  • very worried about something
Why:

Definition: To be fascinated means to be extremely interested in or attracted to something, finding it very exciting or appealing.

Context from passage: "Pichenda was fascinated by the orchid's purple and white flowers."

Examples:

  • The children were fascinated by the magic show.
  • She has always been fascinated by space and astronomy.

research

  • careful study to find out new information
  • quick reading of a short story
Why:

Definition: Research means the careful study of a subject to discover new facts or information about it.

Context from passage: "She decided to keep a daily journal about the plant's growth and planned to research more about different types of orchids from Southeast Asian countries."

Examples:

  • The scientist spent years doing research on climate change.
  • Students often research topics for their school projects.

acceptance

  • a letter saying you have been chosen or approved for something
  • a letter asking for permission to do something
Why:

Definition: Acceptance means being chosen, approved, or allowed to join something after applying for it.

Context from passage: 'She pulled out an acceptance letter from a summer English camp in Siem Reap.'

Examples:

  • Sarah received an acceptance letter from her dream university.
  • The acceptance into the football team made him very happy.

applied

  • officially asked to join or be considered for something
  • painted something with a brush
Why:

Definition: Applied means to formally request to join something, usually by filling out forms or writing letters.

Context from passage: 'Channary had applied months ago and almost forgot about it.'

Examples:

  • Tom applied for a scholarship to study abroad.
  • Many students applied to the same school this year.

selected

  • chosen from a group of people or things
  • rejected or turned away from something
Why:

Definition: Selected means to be picked or chosen from many options, usually because you are the best or most suitable.

Context from passage: 'The letter said she was selected because of her excellent grades and her essay about Cambodian culture.'

Examples:

  • Only ten students were selected for the special programme.
  • The teacher selected the best artwork for the exhibition.

jealous

  • feeling envious because someone has something you want
  • feeling very happy for someone's success
Why:

Definition: Jealous means feeling unhappy or envious because someone else has something good that you wish you had.

Context from passage: 'Her friends were excited and a little jealous.'

Examples:

  • Maya felt jealous when her sister got a new bicycle.
  • The students were jealous of their classmate's high test scores.

opportunity

  • a chance to do something good or beneficial
  • a difficult problem to solve
Why:

Definition: An opportunity is a good chance or possibility to do something that will help you or make your life better.

Context from passage: 'Channary felt proud and nervous at the same time about this amazing opportunity.'

Examples:

  • Learning English gives you opportunities to communicate with people worldwide.
  • The scholarship was a great opportunity to study abroad.

competitive

  • wanting to be more successful than others
  • being very friendly and helpful
Why:

Definition: Having a strong desire to be more successful than others; involving competition.

Context from passage: "My name is Sophea and I come from a very competitive family in Phnom Penh. Everyone in my family thinks they are the coolest!"

Examples:

  • She is very competitive and always wants to win at sports
  • The competitive atmosphere made everyone try their best

engineering

  • the study of designing and building machines, bridges, and buildings
  • the study of animals and plants
Why:

Definition: The branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Context from passage: "My older brother Dara is 19 years old and studies engineering at university."

Examples:

  • Civil engineering involves building roads and bridges
  • Mechanical engineering focuses on machines and engines

traditional

  • relating to customs and beliefs passed down through generations
  • very modern and new
Why:

Definition: Relating to or based on customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Context from passage: "My younger sister Maly is only 12, but she thinks she's the coolest because she can dance traditional Khmer dance better than anyone in her class."

Examples:

  • Traditional Cambodian food includes fish amok and beef lok lak
  • We wear traditional clothes during important festivals

competitions

  • events where people try to win by being better than others
  • friendly meetings between families
Why:

Definition: Events or contests in which people participate to try to win by performing better than others.

Context from passage: "She practices every day after school and has won several competitions."

Examples:

  • Swimming competitions are held at the sports centre
  • The singing competition had many talented participants

argues

  • gives reasons to support or oppose an idea in discussion
  • sings songs together happily
Why:

Definition: To give reasons for or against something; to exchange opposing views in discussion, sometimes in a heated way.

Context from passage: "Every dinner, we all argue about who is really the coolest in our family, but deep down, we love and support each other no matter what."

Examples:

  • The students argue about which football team is the best
  • My parents sometimes argue about where to go on holiday

achievements

  • things that someone has done successfully, especially after a lot of effort
  • things that someone has failed to complete
Why:

Definition: Achievements are things that someone has done successfully, especially after a lot of effort or skill.

Context from passage: "In my family, we have a tradition of comparing our achievements, and honestly, I believe I'm the coolest among all of us."

Examples:

  • Winning a football match is a great achievement
  • Learning to speak English fluently is an important achievement

entertained

  • kept interested and amused
  • made someone feel bored and tired
Why:

Definition: Entertained means to keep someone interested and amused, usually by doing something enjoyable for them.

Context from passage: "She knows hundreds of Cambodian folk tales and can keep children entertained for hours."

Examples:

  • The magician entertained the audience with amazing tricks
  • My sister entertained us by singing beautiful songs

creativity

  • the ability to use imagination to produce new and original ideas
  • the ability to copy other people's work perfectly
Why:

Definition: Creativity is the ability to use imagination to produce new and original ideas, especially in art, writing, or problem-solving.

Context from passage: "My aunt Channary is a talented artist who paints beautiful pictures of Angkor Wat and sells them to tourists. She thinks her creativity makes her special."

Examples:

  • Artists need creativity to paint unique pictures
  • Writers use creativity to tell interesting stories

professional

  • relating to a job that requires special training and is paid
  • relating to something done as a hobby
Why:

Definition: Professional relates to a job that requires special training, education, or skill, and is usually done for money as a career.

Context from passage: "My cousin Rithy is a professional footballer who plays for the national youth team."

Examples:

  • A professional doctor has studied medicine for many years
  • Professional musicians earn money by playing music

tech-savvy

  • having good knowledge and understanding of technology
  • being afraid of using modern technology
Why:

Definition: Tech-savvy means having good knowledge and understanding of technology, especially computers and digital devices.

Context from passage: "In today's digital world, being tech-savvy is the most valuable skill of all."

Examples:

  • Tech-savvy students can use computers to do research
  • Being tech-savvy helps people find jobs in modern companies

extended

  • including grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives beyond parents and children
  • very tall and long in size
Why:

Definition: Extended family refers to a family unit that includes relatives beyond the immediate family of parents and children, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Context from passage: "Living in Battambang with my extended family has taught me that everyone has their own special talents."

Examples:

  • My extended family includes my grandparents, parents, siblings, and cousins.
  • During holidays, our extended family gathers for big celebrations.

neighboring

  • nearby or adjacent areas or places
  • very far away and distant
Why:

Definition: Neighboring means nearby, adjacent, or close to a particular place or area.

Context from passage: "People come from neighboring villages to ask for his advice."

Examples:

  • The neighboring countries of Cambodia are Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
  • Students from neighboring schools often compete in sports tournaments.

traditional

  • relating to customs and beliefs passed down through generations
  • very modern and new
Why:

Definition: Traditional refers to customs, practices, or beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation within a culture or family.

Context from passage: "He loves playing traditional Khmer music on the roneat, while I prefer modern activities like skateboarding and photography."

Examples:

  • Traditional Cambodian dance is performed during important festivals.
  • My grandmother cooks traditional Khmer dishes every Sunday.

debate

  • to discuss and argue about different opinions or ideas
  • to agree completely with someone
Why:

Definition: To debate means to discuss and argue about different opinions, ideas, or topics, usually in a formal or structured way.

Context from passage: "We often debate about who is cooler - him with his traditional skills or me with my modern interests."

Examples:

  • Students debate which subject is more important: English or Khmer literature.
  • My friends and I debate about the best football team in Cambodia.

talents

  • natural abilities or special skills that people have
  • expensive possessions and money
Why:

Definition: Talents are natural abilities or special skills that people possess, often something they are particularly good at or have a gift for.

Context from passage: "Living in Battambang with my extended family has taught me that everyone has their own special talents."

Examples:

  • Some students have talents in music, while others excel in sports or art.
  • My sister has a talent for learning languages quickly.

adapted

  • changed to suit new conditions or environment
  • moved quickly from one place to another
Why:

Definition: Adapted means to change or adjust to suit new conditions or environment.

Context from passage: "My family moved to Phnom Penh from our village five years ago, and we've all adapted in different ways."

Examples:

  • The family adapted to city life after moving from their village
  • Students need time to adapt to a new school environment

navigate

  • find your way through or around something
  • drive very fast on busy roads
Why:

Definition: Navigate means to find your way through or around something, especially in a complex environment.

Context from passage: "She can navigate the city buses and knows the shortest routes to everywhere."

Examples:

  • The mother learned to navigate the complex bus system in Phnom Penh
  • GPS helps drivers navigate through unfamiliar streets

adaptable

  • able to change easily to suit different conditions
  • very intelligent and clever at solving problems
Why:

Definition: Adaptable means able to change easily to suit different conditions or situations.

Context from passage: "My sister Serey is 14 and believes she's the most adaptable because she quickly learned city slang and made friends with classmates from different provinces."

Examples:

  • Serey proved to be adaptable by learning new social skills in the city
  • Adaptable people can work well in different environments

sophisticated

  • having great knowledge, experience, or refinement
  • being very loud and attention-seeking
Why:

Definition: Sophisticated means having great knowledge, experience, or refinement; being worldly and cultured.

Context from passage: "I can argue confidently in both Khmer and English, which makes me feel sophisticated and urban."

Examples:

  • Speaking two languages fluently made the narrator feel sophisticated
  • The debate club helped develop sophisticated communication skills

urban

  • relating to cities and city life
  • relating to farming and countryside
Why:

Definition: Urban means relating to cities and city life, as opposed to rural or countryside areas.

Context from passage: "I can argue confidently in both Khmer and English, which makes me feel sophisticated and urban."

Examples:

  • The narrator feels urban after developing city skills like debating
  • Urban areas typically have more job opportunities than rural areas

tradition

  • A custom or belief that has been passed down from generation to generation
  • A type of food that is eaten during festivals
Why:

Definition: A tradition is a custom, belief, or way of doing something that has been passed down from one generation to another over time.

Context from passage: "It's a fun tradition where we compete to see who can claim the title of 'coolest family member' until the next competition."

Examples:

  • Many families have a tradition of eating together on Sundays
  • The Water Festival is an important Cambodian tradition

specializes

  • Focuses on or becomes expert in a particular area or skill
  • Cooks different types of food every day
Why:

Definition: To specialize means to focus on and develop expertise in a particular area, skill, or subject.

Context from passage: "He specializes in making fusion dishes that combine traditional Khmer flavors with international cuisine."

Examples:

  • The doctor specializes in treating children
  • This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes

consistently

  • In a way that does not change; regularly and repeatedly
  • Sometimes but not always
Why:

Definition: Consistently means doing something in the same way over time, regularly and without changing.

Context from passage: "She consistently gets the highest grades in her class and recently won a scholarship to attend a special English program."

Examples:

  • He consistently arrives at school on time every day
  • The team consistently wins their matches this season

dominates

  • Controls or is the best in a particular area
  • Participates in many different activities
Why:

Definition: To dominate means to be the strongest, most important, or most successful in a particular area or activity.

Context from passage: "My older brother Panha is 18 and always dominates the sports category."

Examples:

  • The tall player dominates the basketball court
  • This company dominates the mobile phone market

programming

  • Writing instructions for computers to follow
  • Planning daily activities and schedules
Why:

Definition: Programming is the process of creating instructions for computers to follow, using special computer languages.

Context from passage: "I usually win the technology category because I can fix computers, create websites, and even taught myself basic programming."

Examples:

  • Many students learn programming to create mobile apps
  • Programming languages include Python, Java, and HTML

transformed

  • changed completely or dramatically
  • moved from one place to another
Why:

Definition: To transform means to change completely or dramatically in form, appearance, or character.

Context from passage: "Seventeen-year-old Sophea from Siem Reap has transformed her after-school hours into a thriving photography business."

Examples:

  • The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
  • Technology has transformed the way we communicate.

thriving

  • growing successfully and doing very well
  • struggling to survive
Why:

Definition: Thriving means growing, developing, or being successful; flourishing and prospering.

Context from passage: "Sophea from Siem Reap has transformed her after-school hours into a thriving photography business."

Examples:

  • The plants are thriving in the rich soil.
  • Her small shop is thriving with many customers.

documentation

  • the process of recording information in written or visual form
  • the act of decorating buildings
Why:

Definition: Documentation is the process of recording, collecting, and preserving information, often through written records, photographs, or other media.

Context from passage: "What began as casual snapshots of Angkor Wat during family visits has evolved into professional wedding photography and cultural documentation."

Examples:

  • The museum keeps careful documentation of all its artifacts.
  • Photo documentation helps preserve historical events.

archive

  • a collection of historical documents or records
  • a type of ancient building
Why:

Definition: An archive is a collection of historical documents, records, photographs, or other materials that are preserved for future reference and research.

Context from passage: "She has documented over fifty traditional ceremonies, from Pchum Ben festivals to wedding rituals, creating a visual archive that local museums have expressed interest in acquiring."

Examples:

  • The national archive contains important historical photographs.
  • The school keeps an archive of student achievements.

portfolio

  • a collection of work samples showing skills and achievements
  • a type of camera equipment
Why:

Definition: A portfolio is a collection of work samples, photographs, or documents that demonstrate someone's skills, achievements, and experience in a particular field.

Context from passage: "She plans to study photojournalism at university while continuing to build her portfolio of Cambodian cultural heritage."

Examples:

  • The artist's portfolio showed her best paintings and drawings.
  • Students create portfolios to show their learning progress.

productive

  • achieving or producing a significant amount or result; useful and effective
  • relating to making products in a factory
Why:

Definition: Achieving or producing a significant amount or result; useful and effective in accomplishing goals.

Context from passage: "The concept of _productive_ after-school time varies dramatically across different cultures and social contexts."

Examples:

  • Dara's structured routine makes his after-school time very productive
  • Reading books is a productive way to spend free time

obligations

  • duties or commitments that you must fulfil; responsibilities
  • optional activities you can choose to do
Why:

Definition: Duties or commitments that you must fulfil; things you are required or expected to do.

Context from passage: "Many students face the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with family _obligations_ and personal interests."

Examples:

  • Helping with household chores is a family obligation
  • Completing homework is an academic obligation for students

disciplined

  • showing self-control and the ability to follow rules or routines consistently
  • punished for doing something wrong
Why:

Definition: Showing self-control and the ability to follow rules or routines consistently; well-organised and controlled.

Context from passage: "This _disciplined_ approach ensures his academic performance remains high while freeing up evening hours for other pursuits."

Examples:

  • Dara's disciplined study routine helps him succeed academically
  • Athletes need to be disciplined about their training schedules

exemplifies

  • serves as a perfect example of something; demonstrates clearly
  • criticises or finds fault with something
Why:

Definition: Serves as a perfect example of something; demonstrates or illustrates clearly through example.

Context from passage: "His commitment to preserving cultural heritage while developing modern skills _exemplifies_ how today's Cambodian youth can honor their roots while preparing for future opportunities."

Examples:

  • Dara exemplifies the ideal balance between tradition and modernity
  • Her hard work exemplifies what dedication can achieve

preserving

  • protecting something from being lost, damaged, or forgotten; maintaining
  • cooking food to make it last longer
Why:

Definition: Protecting something from being lost, damaged, or forgotten; keeping something in its original state or maintaining it for future generations.

Context from passage: "His commitment to _preserving_ cultural heritage while developing modern skills exemplifies how today's Cambodian youth can honor their roots."

Examples:

  • Dara is preserving traditional Khmer music by learning the chapei dong veng
  • Museums work to preserve historical artifacts for future generations

transformation

  • a complete change in form, nature, or appearance
  • a type of mathematical calculation
Why:

Definition: A transformation is a complete change in form, nature, or appearance of something.

Context from passage: "The transformation of after-school culture in urban Cambodia reflects broader societal changes and economic development."

Examples:

  • The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly
  • The digital transformation of modern education

unprecedented

  • never having happened before; without previous example
  • happening very frequently
Why:

Definition: Unprecedented means never having happened before or without previous example.

Context from passage: "Today's generation of students enjoys unprecedented freedom to pursue personal interests and develop individual talents."

Examples:

  • The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for schools
  • Cambodia experienced unprecedented economic growth

embodies

  • represents or expresses something in physical or visible form
  • hides or conceals something
Why:

Definition: To embody means to represent or express something in physical or visible form; to be a perfect example of something.

Context from passage: "Sixteen-year-old Channary embodies this cultural transition as she pursues her passion for robotics and coding."

Examples:

  • The statue embodies the spirit of freedom
  • Her hard work embodies the values of dedication

collaborates

  • works together with others on a project or activity
  • works alone without help
Why:

Definition: To collaborate means to work together with others on a project or activity, sharing ideas and efforts.

Context from passage: "Her after-school schedule revolves around a technology club at a local community center, where she collaborates with other students to build programmable robots."

Examples:

  • Students collaborate on group science projects
  • Countries collaborate to solve global problems

deliberately

  • done on purpose; intentionally
  • done by accident or mistake
Why:

Definition: Deliberately means done on purpose or intentionally, with careful thought and planning.

Context from passage: "Channary deliberately incorporates Cambodian cultural elements into her technology projects, creating digital platforms that promote Khmer language learning."

Examples:

  • She deliberately chose to study engineering
  • The teacher deliberately used simple examples

conservation

  • the protection of plants, animals, and natural resources
  • the process of building new structures
Why:

Definition: Conservation means the protection and preservation of the environment, natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems for future generations.

Context from passage: "Environmental conservation has become an unexpected passion for many Cambodian students seeking meaningful ways to spend their after-school time."

Examples:

  • Water conservation helps preserve this precious resource
  • Wildlife conservation protects endangered species

degradation

  • the process of something becoming worse or being damaged
  • the improvement of environmental conditions
Why:

Definition: Degradation refers to the process by which something deteriorates, becomes damaged, or loses its quality, especially referring to environmental damage.

Context from passage: "The growing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation has inspired a generation of young activists."

Examples:

  • Soil degradation reduces farming productivity
  • Environmental degradation threatens wildlife habitats

stewardship

  • the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care
  • the ownership of large amounts of property
Why:

Definition: Stewardship means taking responsibility for caring for and managing something, especially natural resources or the environment, in a way that protects it for future generations.

Context from passage: "This experience motivated Pisach to organize weekly cleanup activities along riverbanks and educate younger students about environmental stewardship."

Examples:

  • Environmental stewardship involves protecting natural habitats
  • Community stewardship means taking care of shared spaces

comprehensive

  • complete and including everything that is necessary
  • difficult to understand or complicated
Why:

Definition: Comprehensive means complete, thorough, and including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

Context from passage: "His after-school environmental program has evolved into a comprehensive initiative involving water quality testing, native plant restoration, and community education workshops."

Examples:

  • A comprehensive study examines all aspects of a topic
  • Comprehensive healthcare covers all medical needs

ecosystems

  • communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment
  • systems for measuring environmental pollution levels
Why:

Definition: Ecosystems are biological communities consisting of all the living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) in a particular area, along with the non-living components of their environment, all functioning together as a system.

Context from passage: "His environmental journey began during a school field trip to the Mekong River, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of plastic pollution on aquatic ecosystems and local fishing communities."

Examples:

  • Forest ecosystems include trees, animals, soil, and water
  • Marine ecosystems contain fish, coral, and ocean water

entrepreneurial

  • relating to starting and running a business with innovation and risk-taking
  • relating to studying hard in school subjects
Why:

Definition: Entrepreneurial means having the characteristics of someone who starts and operates a business venture, typically involving innovation, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving.

Context from passage: 'The entrepreneurial spirit among Cambodian teenagers has flourished as after-school time becomes a laboratory for innovative business ventures and social enterprises.'

Examples:

  • Starting a small business selling handmade crafts shows entrepreneurial skills
  • Creating innovative solutions to community problems demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking

enterprises

  • business projects or ventures, especially ones involving risk or initiative
  • school homework assignments
Why:

Definition: Enterprises are business projects or commercial ventures that involve planning, risk-taking, and initiative to achieve specific goals, often with the aim of making profit or creating social impact.

Context from passage: 'The entrepreneurial spirit among Cambodian teenagers has flourished as after-school time becomes a laboratory for innovative business ventures and social enterprises.'

Examples:

  • Sreypov's textile business is a social enterprise that helps village women
  • Many students start small enterprises like tutoring services or craft businesses

acumen

  • the ability to make good judgements and quick decisions in business or practical matters
  • the ability to remember many facts and figures
Why:

Definition: Acumen refers to the ability to understand and judge situations quickly and make good decisions, especially in business or practical matters. It shows sharp insight and wisdom.

Context from passage: 'Sreypov's daily routine demonstrates exceptional time management and business acumen that would impress seasoned entrepreneurs.'

Examples:

  • Sreypov shows business acumen by coordinating production and managing marketing effectively
  • Students with academic acumen often excel in problem-solving subjects like mathematics

intricate

  • very complicated or detailed, with many small parts or elements
  • very simple and easy to understand
Why:

Definition: Intricate means very complicated, detailed, or complex, with many small parts that are carefully arranged or woven together. It often describes patterns, designs, or processes that require skill and attention to detail.

Context from passage: 'Evening hours are dedicated to marketing activities, including social media management, customer communication, and product photography that showcases the intricate details of traditional Khmer textile patterns.'

Examples:

  • Traditional Cambodian textiles have intricate patterns that take great skill to weave
  • The intricate design of the temple required many years to complete

preservation

  • the action of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from harm or decay
  • the action of changing something to make it more modern
Why:

Definition: Preservation means the action of maintaining something in its original condition or protecting it from being damaged, destroyed, or lost. It often refers to protecting cultural traditions, historical artifacts, or natural environments.

Context from passage: 'Through partnerships with cultural preservation organizations, Sreypov has documented traditional dyeing methods and pattern meanings, creating educational materials that accompany her products.'

Examples:

  • Sreypov works on cultural preservation by documenting traditional weaving techniques
  • The preservation of historical buildings helps future generations learn about the past

exemplifies

  • to serve as a typical example or illustration of something
  • to criticize or find fault with something
Why:

Definition: To serve as a typical example or illustration of something; to demonstrate or show clearly by example.

Context from passage: 'The Sokha family exemplifies the complex dynamics that characterize modern Cambodian households'

Examples:

  • Her hard work exemplifies dedication to her studies
  • This painting exemplifies the artist's unique style

precocious

  • showing advanced development or maturity at an early age
  • being extremely shy and withdrawn
Why:

Definition: Showing advanced development or maturity at an early age; having developed certain abilities or characteristics earlier than usual.

Context from passage: 'Her granddaughter Sophea, a precocious sixteen-year-old, confidently declares herself the coolest family member'

Examples:

  • The precocious child could read novels at age six
  • His precocious talent for music impressed everyone

juxtaposition

  • the fact of placing two different things side by side to show contrast
  • the process of combining things to make them the same
Why:

Definition: The fact of placing two different things side by side, often to compare or contrast them and highlight their differences.

Context from passage: 'Grandmother Mey's stories of resilience provide stark juxtaposition to Sophea's animated discussions about sustainable fashion'

Examples:

  • The juxtaposition of old and new buildings created an interesting cityscape
  • The artist used juxtaposition of bright and dark colours

transcends

  • goes beyond the limits of something; surpasses
  • stays within the boundaries of something
Why:

Definition: Goes beyond the limits or range of something; surpasses or exceeds normal boundaries or expectations.

Context from passage: 'The family's definition of coolness transcends superficial trends, encompassing intellectual curiosity, cultural preservation, and social responsibility'

Examples:

  • Her love for music transcends cultural boundaries
  • True friendship transcends differences in background

prowess

  • exceptional skill or ability in a particular area
  • complete lack of knowledge about something
Why:

Definition: Exceptional skill or ability in a particular area; expertise or mastery demonstrated through performance.

Context from passage: 'combining her technological prowess with her family's commitment to preserving Cambodian traditions'

Examples:

  • The athlete's prowess in swimming earned her many medals
  • His mathematical prowess impressed all his teachers

microcosm

  • a small-scale representation of something larger
  • a type of farming equipment
Why:

Definition: A microcosm is a small-scale model or representation that reflects the characteristics of something much larger.

Context from passage: "the Chea family's rice farming operation represents a fascinating microcosm of Cambodia's agricultural evolution"

Examples:

  • A school playground can be a microcosm of society's social dynamics
  • This small village is a microcosm of rural life in Cambodia

sustainable

  • able to continue without harming the environment or using up resources
  • extremely expensive to maintain
Why:

Definition: Sustainable means able to be maintained over time without depleting natural resources or causing environmental damage.

Context from passage: "Kosal, twenty-four, returned from agricultural university with revolutionary ideas about sustainable farming practices"

Examples:

  • Solar energy is a sustainable power source
  • Sustainable fishing protects ocean life for future generations

entrepreneurial

  • showing initiative and willingness to start new business ventures
  • related to traditional farming methods
Why:

Definition: Entrepreneurial describes someone who shows initiative, creativity, and willingness to take risks to start new business ventures or innovative projects.

Context from passage: "Chanthy, challenges his claim to family supremacy through her entrepreneurial ventures in agricultural technology"

Examples:

  • Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start three successful businesses
  • The entrepreneurial students created an app to help their classmates

intermediary

  • a person or organization that acts between two parties
  • a type of farming equipment
Why:

Definition: An intermediary is a person or organization that acts as a link or go-between for two other parties, often in business transactions.

Context from passage: "she has developed a mobile application that connects small-scale farmers with urban consumers, eliminating intermediary costs"

Examples:

  • The estate agent acted as an intermediary between the buyer and seller
  • Banks often serve as intermediaries between savers and borrowers

intergenerational

  • involving people from different age groups or generations
  • related to modern technology only
Why:

Definition: Intergenerational refers to relationships, activities, or cooperation between people of different generations or age groups.

Context from passage: "This intergenerational collaboration has transformed their farm into a model operation that neighboring communities seek to emulate"

Examples:

  • The intergenerational cooking class brought together grandparents and teenagers
  • Intergenerational housing allows elderly and young people to live together

legacy

  • Something valuable handed down from the past
  • A type of musical instrument
Why:

Definition: A legacy is something valuable (such as property, traditions, or achievements) that is handed down from one generation to the next.

Context from passage: "The Phan family's musical legacy spans four generations, with each member contributing distinctive elements to their collective artistic identity."

Examples:

  • The grandfather's musical skills became a family legacy.
  • Shakespeare left a literary legacy that still influences writers today.

innovative

  • Introducing new ideas or methods
  • Following traditional ways exactly
Why:

Definition: Innovative means introducing new ideas, methods, or ways of doing things; being creative and original.

Context from passage: "His grandfather graciously acknowledges that his grandson Piseth represents the family's most innovative voice."

Examples:

  • Piseth's innovative fusion of traditional and modern music styles.
  • The innovative use of technology in education helps students learn better.

fusion

  • The combination of different elements into one
  • A type of traditional dance
Why:

Definition: Fusion means the combination or blending of different elements, styles, or ideas to create something new.

Context from passage: "Piseth boldly declares himself the 'coolest' family member based on his groundbreaking fusion of traditional Cambodian melodies with contemporary jazz harmonies."

Examples:

  • Piseth creates fusion music by mixing traditional Khmer sounds with jazz.
  • Fusion cuisine combines cooking styles from different countries.

acclaim

  • Enthusiastic praise and approval
  • A type of musical performance
Why:

Definition: Acclaim means enthusiastic praise, approval, or recognition for someone's achievements or work.

Context from passage: "His compositions have gained international acclaim, featuring in documentary soundtracks and world music festivals across three continents."

Examples:

  • Piseth's music received international acclaim from critics worldwide.
  • The young artist's paintings won critical acclaim at the exhibition.

stewardship

  • The careful and responsible management of something
  • The ownership of a large house
Why:

Definition: Stewardship means the careful and responsible management, care, or guardianship of something valuable, especially for future generations.

Context from passage: "Their collective approach suggests that true excellence emerges through collaborative cultural stewardship rather than competitive individualism."

Examples:

  • The Phan family practices cultural stewardship by preserving and sharing Cambodian music traditions.
  • Environmental stewardship means taking care of nature for future generations.

prestigious

  • having a high reputation and being respected by many people
  • being very expensive and costly
Why:

Definition: Having a high reputation and being respected by many people, especially in a particular field or profession.

Context from passage: 'she confidently maintains her position as the family's 'coolest' member, citing her recent publication in a prestigious international medical journal'

Examples:

  • Harvard University is a prestigious institution known worldwide.
  • She received a prestigious award for her scientific research.

pioneering

  • being the first to develop or use new methods or ideas
  • travelling to distant places
Why:

Definition: Being the first to develop or use new methods, ideas, or techniques; introducing something innovative.

Context from passage: 'citing her recent publication in a prestigious international medical journal and her pioneering work in minimally invasive brain surgery techniques'

Examples:

  • Marie Curie did pioneering research in radioactivity.
  • The company is known for its pioneering work in renewable energy.

multifaceted

  • having many different aspects or features
  • being very complicated and confusing
Why:

Definition: Having many different aspects, features, or sides; complex with various elements.

Context from passage: 'Her younger brother, Vatanak, challenges this assessment through his multifaceted career as a documentary filmmaker and social entrepreneur'

Examples:

  • Climate change is a multifaceted problem requiring various solutions.
  • She has a multifaceted personality with many interests and talents.

resilience

  • the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to challenges
  • the quality of being very strong physically
Why:

Definition: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties, setbacks, or challenging situations; the capacity to adapt and bounce back.

Context from passage: 'His recent film exploring climate change impacts on Cambodian fishing communities has garnered critical acclaim at international festivals while simultaneously raising funds for coastal community resilience projects'

Examples:

  • The community showed great resilience after the natural disaster.
  • Building resilience helps people cope with stress and challenges.

catalyst

  • something that causes or speeds up change or action
  • a person who studies chemical reactions
Why:

Definition: Something or someone that causes or speeds up change, action, or events; an agent that brings about transformation.

Context from passage: 'Vatanak argues that his work's broader social impact and cultural significance surpass individual professional achievements, positioning himself as the family's true catalyst for positive change'

Examples:

  • The new teacher became a catalyst for improving student performance.
  • The invention served as a catalyst for technological advancement.

advocating

  • publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy
  • arguing against someone's opinion
Why:

Definition: Advocating means publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause, policy, or way of doing something.

Context from passage: 'The Ros family's weekly gatherings have evolved into impromptu forums for debating contemporary social issues, with each member advocating for their particular area of expertise while playfully competing for the title of family's most influential voice.'

Examples:

  • The environmental group is advocating for stricter pollution laws.
  • She has been advocating for better school facilities in her community.

sophisticated

  • having great knowledge, experience, or understanding; complex and refined
  • being very young and inexperienced
Why:

Definition: Sophisticated means having great knowledge, experience, or understanding; being complex, refined, and developed to a high degree.

Context from passage: 'Grandmother Sreypich, a retired literature teacher, maintains her relevance through her sophisticated analysis of political developments and her extensive network of former students.'

Examples:

  • The scientist gave a sophisticated explanation of climate change.
  • She has a sophisticated understanding of different cultures.

trajectory

  • the path or direction that something follows over time
  • a type of traditional Cambodian dance
Why:

Definition: Trajectory refers to the path or direction that something follows over time, especially in terms of development or progress.

Context from passage: 'This generational tension reaches its most articulate expression during discussions about Cambodia's developmental trajectory, where Ratha's data-driven insights about digital connectivity clash productively with Sreypich's historically informed perspectives.'

Examples:

  • The student's academic trajectory shows steady improvement.
  • The company is on a positive growth trajectory.

mediator

  • a person who helps to resolve disagreements between other people
  • a person who teaches advanced mathematics
Why:

Definition: A mediator is a person who helps to resolve disagreements or conflicts between other people by facilitating communication and finding common ground.

Context from passage: 'Ratha's father, Bunroeun, serves as an inadvertent mediator between these perspectives through his work as a sustainable development consultant, translating abstract policy discussions into practical implementation strategies.'

Examples:

  • The teacher acted as a mediator when two students had a disagreement.
  • A professional mediator helped the divorced couple reach an agreement.

intergenerational

  • existing or occurring between different generations of people
  • happening only among people of the same age
Why:

Definition: Intergenerational means existing or occurring between different generations of people, typically involving grandparents, parents, and children.

Context from passage: 'The family's intellectual ecosystem demonstrates how intergenerational dialogue can produce nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena, challenging simplistic narratives about generational conflict.'

Examples:

  • The intergenerational cooking class brought grandmothers and teenagers together.
  • Intergenerational housing allows elderly and young people to live in the same community.

captivated

  • attracted and held the interest or attention of someone completely
  • confused or puzzled someone greatly
Why:

Definition: To captivate means to attract and hold the interest or attention of someone completely, often in a charming or fascinating way.

Context from passage: "The traditional Cambodian art of Sbek Thom, shadow puppetry, has _captivated_ audiences for over a thousand years."

Examples:

  • The magician's performance captivated the children at the birthday party.
  • Her beautiful singing voice captivated everyone in the concert hall.

intricate

  • very complicated or detailed in design or structure
  • simple and easy to understand
Why:

Definition: Intricate means very complicated or detailed, with many small parts or elements that are carefully arranged.

Context from passage: "This ancient performance art combines _intricate_ leather puppets, masterful storytelling, and traditional music to bring epic tales to life."

Examples:

  • The intricate patterns on the temple walls took months to carve.
  • She wore an intricate necklace with many tiny beads and gems.

craftsmanship

  • skill in making things by hand with great attention to detail
  • the ability to work very quickly without mistakes
Why:

Definition: Craftsmanship refers to the skill and artistry involved in making things by hand, showing great attention to detail and quality.

Context from passage: "The puppets, carved from cowhide and painted in vibrant colours, can measure up to two metres in height and require years of _craftsmanship_ to create."

Examples:

  • The furniture showed excellent craftsmanship with smooth joints and beautiful finish.
  • Her pottery demonstrated traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations.

manipulation

  • the skilful handling or control of something
  • the process of breaking something into pieces
Why:

Definition: Manipulation means the skilful handling, control, or operation of something, often requiring expertise and practice.

Context from passage: "They must learn not only the physical _manipulation_ of the large puppets but also the vocal techniques required to narrate the stories."

Examples:

  • The surgeon's manipulation of the tiny instruments required steady hands.
  • The chef's manipulation of the dough created perfect bread shapes.

preservation

  • the action of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from harm
  • the process of changing something completely
Why:

Definition: Preservation means the action of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from being damaged, destroyed, or lost.

Context from passage: "Government initiatives and cultural _preservation_ programs are working to document techniques, train new practitioners, and create opportunities for performances."

Examples:

  • The preservation of ancient temples helps future generations learn about history.
  • Food preservation techniques keep meals fresh for longer periods.

remarkable

  • worthy of attention; extraordinary
  • difficult to understand
Why:

Definition: Worthy of attention; extraordinary or unusual in a way that causes people to take notice.

Context from passage: "Cambodia's _remarkable_ recovery in rice production represents one of the most significant agricultural success stories in Southeast Asia."

Examples:

  • The student made remarkable progress in mathematics this year.
  • It was remarkable how quickly the team solved the problem.

devastated

  • destroyed or damaged severely
  • improved greatly
Why:

Definition: Destroyed or damaged severely; caused great destruction or harm to something.

Context from passage: "Following decades of conflict that _devastated_ the farming sector, the country has transformed from a rice importer to one of the world's major rice exporters."

Examples:

  • The earthquake devastated many buildings in the city.
  • The storm devastated the coastal villages.

innovations

  • new methods, ideas, or products
  • old traditional ways
Why:

Definition: New methods, ideas, or products; creative changes or improvements that introduce something new.

Context from passage: "These _innovations_ increased productivity dramatically, with some regions seeing yield improvements of over 200

sustainable

  • able to continue without harming the environment
  • very expensive to maintain
Why:

Definition: Able to continue or be maintained without harming the environment or using up natural resources completely.

Context from passage: "Agricultural experts emphasise the need for _sustainable_ farming practices that balance productivity with environmental protection."

Examples:

  • Sustainable fishing helps protect fish populations for the future.
  • Using solar energy is a sustainable way to power our homes.

prosperity

  • success and wealth
  • hard work and effort
Why:

Definition: Success and wealth; the state of being successful, especially in terms of money and well-being.

Context from passage: "Furthermore, while large-scale farmers have prospered, some small farmers struggle to keep up with the costs of modernisation." (The word 'prospered' comes from prosperity)

Examples:

  • The country's prosperity increased after discovering oil.
  • Education often leads to greater prosperity for individuals and families.

adaptation

  • the process of changing to suit different conditions
  • the act of building something new
Why:

Definition: Adaptation means the process of changing or adjusting to suit different conditions or environments.

Context from passage: 'The floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake represent a unique adaptation to Cambodia's monsoon cycle and demonstrate remarkable human resilience.'

Examples:

  • Animals develop adaptations to survive in harsh climates
  • Students need adaptation skills when moving to a new school

resilience

  • the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
  • a type of building material
Why:

Definition: Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, setbacks, or challenges.

Context from passage: 'The floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake represent a unique adaptation to Cambodia's monsoon cycle and demonstrate remarkable human resilience in the face of environmental challenges.'

Examples:

  • The community showed resilience after the flood
  • Students need resilience to overcome learning challenges

intricate

  • very complicated or detailed
  • extremely simple and easy
Why:

Definition: Intricate means very complicated, detailed, or having many small parts arranged in a complex way.

Context from passage: 'The residents have developed intricate knowledge of fish migration patterns, seasonal changes, and sustainable fishing practices passed down through generations.'

Examples:

  • The artist created an intricate pattern on the silk scarf
  • Learning to play piano requires intricate finger movements

sustenance

  • food and drink needed to stay alive
  • a type of fishing boat
Why:

Definition: Sustenance refers to food and drink that are necessary to keep someone alive and healthy.

Context from passage: 'Life in these floating communities revolves around fishing, which provides both sustenance and income for most families.'

Examples:

  • Rice provides sustenance for millions of people in Asia
  • The garden gives our family fresh sustenance throughout the year

depletes

  • reduces the amount of something until little is left
  • increases the number of fish in the lake
Why:

Definition: Depletes means to reduce the amount of something until very little is left, or to use up resources completely.

Context from passage: 'Additionally, overfishing by commercial operations depletes fish stocks that floating communities depend upon.'

Examples:

  • Cutting too many trees depletes the forest
  • Using phones all day depletes the battery quickly

remarkable

  • extraordinary and worthy of attention
  • ordinary and common
Why:

Definition: Remarkable means extraordinary, unusual, and worthy of attention or notice.

Context from passage: "The ancient city of Angkor represents one of humanity's most remarkable urban achievements, housing nearly one million people at its peak during the 12th century."

Examples:

  • The student's remarkable improvement in English surprised everyone.
  • Cambodia has many remarkable temples that attract tourists from around the world.

sophisticated

  • advanced, complex, and well-developed
  • simple and basic
Why:

Definition: Sophisticated means advanced, complex, well-developed, and showing great knowledge or experience.

Context from passage: "The city featured an elaborate hydraulic system of canals, reservoirs, and rice paddies that supported the massive population and enabled agricultural surplus necessary for constructing the magnificent stone monuments. The Angkor hydraulic system demonstrates remarkable engineering prowess that rivals modern urban planning. The Khmer engineers created a network of barays (artificial reservoirs) that captured monsoon rainwater and distributed it throughout the urban area during dry seasons. This system supported not only drinking water and agriculture but also served religious and ceremonial purposes, with water playing a central role in Hindu cosmology represented in temple design. The integration of practical infrastructure with spiritual beliefs reflects the sophisticated worldview of Angkor's builders."

Examples:

  • Modern smartphones use sophisticated technology to connect people worldwide.
  • The sophisticated water management system at Angkor was ahead of its time.

infrastructure

  • the basic physical systems and facilities needed for a society to function
  • the decoration on buildings
Why:

Definition: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical systems and facilities (like roads, bridges, water systems, electricity) that are necessary for a society or organization to operate effectively.

Context from passage: "Some researchers suggest that the very success of the hydraulic system may have contributed to its downfall, as the complex infrastructure became too costly to maintain during periods of political upheaval."

Examples:

  • Good infrastructure like roads and schools helps a country develop economically.
  • The infrastructure of ancient Angkor included canals, reservoirs, and temples.

archaeological

  • relating to the study of ancient civilizations through their remains
  • relating to the study of modern buildings
Why:

Definition: Archaeological means relating to archaeology, which is the study of ancient civilizations and cultures through examining their physical remains like buildings, tools, and artifacts.

Context from passage: "Recent archaeological discoveries using advanced technology like LiDAR have revealed the true scope of this medieval metropolis, showing sophisticated urban planning that extended far beyond the famous temples."

Examples:

  • Archaeological excavations at Angkor have uncovered many ancient artifacts.
  • The archaeological team found pottery and tools from 1000 years ago.

decline

  • a gradual decrease or deterioration
  • a sudden increase
Why:

Definition: Decline means a gradual decrease, reduction, or deterioration in quality, quantity, or importance over time.

Context from passage: "The eventual decline of Angkor remains a subject of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from environmental degradation to political instability and climate change."

Examples:

  • The decline in student attendance worried the teachers.
  • Environmental problems can cause the decline of ancient civilizations.

transformation

  • A complete change in form, appearance, or character
  • A method of transportation
Why:

Definition: A transformation is a complete change in form, appearance, or character of something.

Context from passage: 'Cambodia's textile industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades, evolving from a war-torn sector to become one of the country's primary economic pillars.'

Examples:

  • The butterfly's transformation from caterpillar is amazing
  • The city underwent a transformation after the new mayor was elected

unprecedented

  • Never done or known before; without previous example
  • Very expensive and costly
Why:

Definition: Unprecedented means never done or known before; without previous example.

Context from passage: 'This industrial growth has created unprecedented social mobility, allowing families to escape poverty and invest in education, healthcare, and improved living conditions.'

Examples:

  • The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for schools
  • Her success in the competition was unprecedented for someone so young

predominantly

  • Mainly; for the most part
  • Completely and totally
Why:

Definition: Predominantly means mainly or for the most part; being the largest in number or most important.

Context from passage: 'The garment manufacturing industry now employs over 700,000 workers, predominantly young women from rural areas seeking better economic opportunities.'

Examples:

  • The class is predominantly made up of Grade 7 students
  • Rice is predominantly grown in the southern provinces

sustainability

  • The ability to maintain something at a certain level over time
  • The process of making something more expensive
Why:

Definition: Sustainability is the ability to maintain something at a certain level over time, especially without harming the environment or depleting resources.

Context from passage: 'However, the industry faces significant challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability.'

Examples:

  • Environmental sustainability is important for future generations
  • The sustainability of the school's budget depends on careful planning

vulnerable

  • Easily hurt, influenced, or attacked
  • Very strong and powerful
Why:

Definition: Vulnerable means easily hurt, influenced, or attacked; exposed to the possibility of being damaged.

Context from passage: 'Additionally, the industry's heavy reliance on imported raw materials makes it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations.'

Examples:

  • Young children are vulnerable to illness during flu season
  • The coastal areas are vulnerable to flooding during storms

Statement: "Hi! I'm Chamroen. After school, I go home. Then I usually watch TV for 30 minutes, but I sometimes work with my mum and dad instead." Question: "What does Chamroen usually do after going home?"

Statement: "My name is Bopha. Every day after school, I always do my homework for an hour. Then I help my mother cook dinner. After that, I play with my little brother for a while before bed." Question: "How long does Bopha do her homework?"

Statement: "Dara finishes his homework at six o'clock. After that, he always eats dinner with his family. They usually eat together because it's important family time. Finally, he brushes his teeth and goes to bed at nine." Question: "Why does Dara's family usually eat together?"

Statement: "Sokha loves reading. After school, she sometimes reads in the garden for 45 minutes. She reads adventure stories because they're exciting. Then she helps her grandmother prepare dinner. After dinner, she always does her homework." Question: "What does Sokha do after she helps her grandmother?"

Statement: "Rithy doesn't go straight home after school. First, he plays football with his friends for about an hour. Then he goes home and takes a shower. After that, he eats dinner with his family. Finally, he does his homework before sleeping." Question: "What does Rithy do before going home?"

Statement: "Chanthy's family has a small shop. After school, she usually helps her parents in the shop for 30 minutes. She sometimes serves customers or organizes products. Then she takes a break to eat and do her homework. She doesn't watch TV on weekdays because she's too busy." Question: "How often does Chanthy help in the family shop?"

Statement: "After school, Pheakdey always practices guitar for 40 minutes. He loves music and wants to be a musician. Then he does his homework quickly so he has time to practice more. On weekends, he sometimes plays guitar at family celebrations." Question: "Why does Pheakdey do his homework quickly?"

Statement: "Sreymom has a regular routine after school. First, she goes home and has a snack. Then she does her homework for about an hour. After that, she eats dinner with her family at seven o'clock. Finally, she brushes her teeth and gets ready for bed at nine." Question: "When does Sreymom eat dinner?"

Statement: "Hi! I'm Chamroen. After school, I go home and usually watch TV for 30 minutes. Then I always do my homework for an hour before eating dinner with my family." Question: "How long does Chamroen usually watch TV after school?"

Statement: "Bopha loves playing badminton after school. She doesn't play every day because sometimes she has too much homework. On Mondays and Wednesdays, she plays with her friends for about an hour. After that, she goes home to help her mother cook dinner." Question: "On which days does Bopha play badminton?"

Statement: "Dara's family has a small shop near their house. After school, Dara sometimes works with his parents at the shop for about two hours. He doesn't work there every day, only when his parents are very busy. On other days, he prefers to play football with his classmates." Question: "Why does Dara only work at the shop sometimes?"

Statement: "Sreymom is a very studious girl. Every evening after school, she does her homework first. Then she always reads English books for 45 minutes because she wants to improve her English. After reading, she usually helps her younger brother with his homework before having dinner." Question: "What does Sreymom do before helping her younger brother?"

Statement: "Sophea and her friends volunteer at the local temple every Friday after school. They spend about an hour cleaning the temple grounds and helping the monks. Sophea really enjoys this activity because it makes her feel good and she can spend time with her friends. After volunteering, they usually go to a nearby café to have drinks together." Question: "How often do Sophea and her friends volunteer at the temple?"

Statement: "Vibol has dance class twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He learns traditional Khmer dance, which he finds very interesting. The class starts at 4 PM and finishes at 5:30 PM. Although it's quite tiring, Vibol never misses his dance class because he wants to perform at the school festival next month." Question: "Why does Vibol never miss his dance class?"

Statement: "Channary loves art and drawing. In her free time after school, she always spends at least an hour painting or sketching. She doesn't watch much TV because she prefers being creative. On weekends, she sometimes goes to the art shop with her mother to buy new supplies. Her dream is to become a professional artist one day." Question: "What does Channary prefer doing instead of watching TV?"

Statement: "Ratanak is in Grade 7 and he has a younger sister in Grade 4. Every day after he finishes his own homework, he helps his sister with her studies for about 30 minutes. First, they review what she learned at school that day. Then they practice English together using a learning app on his tablet. His sister is improving quickly because of his help." Question: "What do Ratanak and his sister do after reviewing her school lessons?"

Statement: "My name is Sophea. I love art, so I join an art club every Tuesday and Thursday after school. We draw and paint for about an hour. Sometimes we make traditional Cambodian designs. After the club finishes, I go home and help my mother prepare dinner." Question: "When does Sophea join the art club?"

Statement: "Kosal doesn't like staying at home after school. He usually goes swimming at the community pool with his classmates. They swim for 45 minutes because it's good exercise. Then Kosal goes home, takes a shower, and eats dinner. He always feels tired but happy after swimming." Question: "Why do Kosal and his classmates swim for 45 minutes?"

Statement: "Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Vanna volunteers at the temple school near her house. She helps younger children with their homework for an hour after school. Vanna enjoys teaching because she wants to be a teacher in the future. After volunteering, she goes home and studies for her own exams." Question: "What does Vanna want to be in the future?"

Statement: "Virak lives in the countryside, far from school. After classes finish, he rides his bicycle home for about 30 minutes. He doesn't go straight home because he sometimes stops to help his uncle in the rice field. Then he continues riding home, where his grandmother is waiting with snacks." Question: "How long does Virak ride his bicycle home?"

Statement: "Pich Sophea joins the school choir because she loves singing traditional Khmer songs. The choir practices every Tuesday and Friday afternoon for one hour. She usually sings with ten other students. After practice, they sometimes perform at school events or community celebrations. Pich Sophea feels proud when people enjoy their performances." Question: "How many students usually sing with Pich Sophea?"

Statement: "After school, Rattanak doesn't have much free time. He always helps his father repair motorbikes in their small garage for about two hours. His father is teaching him this skill because Rattanak wants to open his own repair shop one day. Even though he's busy, Rattanak still finds time to finish his homework before bed." Question: "Why is Rattanak's father teaching him to repair motorbikes?"

Statement: "Mealea has dancing lessons three times a week after school. She learns traditional Khmer dance because her mother was a dancer and wants Mealea to keep the tradition alive. Each lesson lasts 90 minutes, so Mealea often gets home late. Despite being tired, she never misses practice because she loves dancing and respects her culture." Question: "How often does Mealea have dancing lessons?"

Statement: "Sarun's family runs a small market stall. After school, Sarun usually goes directly to the market to help his parents sell vegetables and fruits. He works there from four o'clock until six o'clock every weekday. Sarun doesn't mind working because he learns about business and meets many people. On weekends, he works longer hours but still makes time to study and relax with friends." Question: "What time does Sarun finish working at the market on weekdays?"

Statement: "My name is Pheakdey. After school finishes at 3 PM, I don't go straight home. Instead, I ride my bicycle to the library where I spend about an hour reading magazines and doing research for my projects. I enjoy this quiet time because it helps me focus better than studying at home where my younger siblings are always noisy." Question: "Why does Pheakdey enjoy studying at the library?"

Statement: "Kosal and his classmates have formed a volleyball team. They practise together three times a week after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each practice session lasts for about ninety minutes. Although Kosal gets very tired and sweaty, he never complains because playing volleyball with his friends is the highlight of his week." Question: "How long does each volleyball practice session last?"

Statement: "Vuthy is passionate about learning computer programming. Since his family doesn't have a computer at home, he goes to a local internet café twice a week after finishing his homework. He watches online tutorials and practises coding for at least two hours each visit. His goal is to create a mobile application that helps students learn Khmer language more easily." Question: "What is Vuthy's goal for learning programming?"

Statement: "Every Saturday morning, Mealea volunteers at her local pagoda where she teaches basic English to younger children from poor families. She prepares simple lessons during the week and brings pictures and games to make learning fun. Although she doesn't get paid for this work, Mealea finds it very rewarding because she can see the children's confidence growing week by week." Question: "When does Mealea teach English to younger children?"

Statement: "Piseth received a guitar as a birthday present from his uncle last year. Since then, he has been teaching himself how to play by watching YouTube videos and practising every evening for at least forty-five minutes. He doesn't take formal lessons because they're too expensive, but he's making good progress. His favourite thing to play is traditional Cambodian songs with a modern twist." Question: "How does Piseth learn to play the guitar?"

Statement: "Srey Pov has discovered a new hobby that she truly enjoys. After school, she spends time in her family's small vegetable garden where she grows tomatoes, morning glory, and chillies. She usually works in the garden for about an hour each day, watering the plants and removing weeds. Not only does this help her family save money on vegetables, but Srey Pov also finds gardening very relaxing after a busy day at school." Question: "What vegetables does Srey Pov grow in her garden?"

Statement: "Bunthoeun has developed an interesting skill in his free time. He enjoys making small wooden crafts like birdhouses, picture frames, and decorative boxes. He learned these skills from his grandfather who was a carpenter. Every Sunday afternoon, Bunthoeun spends about three hours in his grandfather's workshop creating new items. He sometimes sells his crafts at the local market to earn pocket money, but mostly he makes them as gifts for family and friends." Question: "Who taught Bunthoeun how to make wooden crafts?"

Statement: "Dara has become very interested in photography recently. Although she doesn't have an expensive camera, she uses her smartphone to capture interesting moments in her neighbourhood. She particularly loves photographing traditional Cambodian architecture, local markets, and daily life scenes. After taking photos, she spends time editing them using free mobile apps. Dara's dream is to create a photo exhibition showing the beauty of everyday life in Cambodia, and she's already collected over three hundred images for this project." Question: "What does Dara particularly love photographing?"

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