Ready for C1 p 86. How Education Is Changing in the Modern World. Speaking Interaction

Alex:

Hi Maya, did you see that article about how education needs to change in the 21st century?

Maya:
Yes, I did! It really got me thinking. Honestly, I completely agree with the point about critical thinking. Learning by heart just isn’t enough anymore.

Alex:
Absolutely. It’s shocking how many schools still rely on rote learning. I mean, when was the last time knowing a list of dates really helped in real life?

Maya:
Exactly! It’s far more useful to teach students how to evaluate information and think independently. Especially with all the fake news and misinformation online.

Alex:
Totally. And speaking of that, I also think digital literacy should be a core part of the curriculum. It's quite surprising that it isn’t already in most schools.

Maya:
Isn’t it just? You’d think it would be standard by now. But I suppose some schools still lack the funding. Still, we can’t afford to ignore technology in education any longer.

Alex:
True. On the other hand, I do wonder if we’re relying too heavily on technology. I mean, don’t you think there’s still something valuable about face-to-face learning?

Maya:
That’s a fair point. Online learning has its benefits, but it can’t replace the human interaction you get in a classroom. There needs to be a balance.

Alex:
Exactly. And what’s your take on the idea of lifelong learning?

Maya:
I’m totally in favour of it. In fact, I’d say it’s essential. With everything changing so quickly, we really have to keep picking up new skills throughout our lives.

Alex:
I couldn’t agree more. Honestly, the idea that you stop learning when you graduate just doesn’t hold water anymore.

Maya:
Yeah, and it takes a lot of pressure off young people if they realise they don’t have to have everything sorted out by 18 or 21.

Alex:
That’s so true. It’s actually quite reassuring.

Maya:
Definitely. And it also encourages people to take ownership of their own development, which I think is really empowering.

Alex:
Totally agree. So, overall, do you reckon the education system is heading in the right direction?

Maya:
Well, there’s progress in some areas, but I think there’s still a long way to go. What do you think?

Alex:
Yeah, I’d say the same. Some schools are moving forward, but others are stuck in the past. Hopefully, more systems will start to adapt soon.

Maya:
Fingers crossed. If we want to prepare students for the future, the education system has to evolve, no doubt about it.

Ready for C1 p 86. The Evolving Role of Education in the 21st Century. Essay

Education plays a vital role in both personal growth and society as a whole. However, as the world continues to evolve rapidly, education systems must adapt to meet new demands. In this essay, I will explore how education should promote critical thinking, encourage lifelong learning, and embrace technological advances to remain relevant in the 21st century.

Traditionally, schools focused on memorising facts and repeating information. Although this approach had some benefits, it is no longer suitable in today’s fast-changing world. Students now need to develop the ability to think independently, solve real-life problems, and assess information from different sources. Rather than simply taking in knowledge, learners must be taught how to question and apply it. If schools fail to nurture these skills, young people may struggle to succeed in modern society.

Another key development is the growing importance of lifelong learning. These days, people rarely stay in the same job for life, and new skills are needed more often than ever. For this reason, education should encourage students to become independent learners who are keen to continue learning outside of school. Furthermore, employers now seek workers who are adaptable, open-minded, and committed to personal growth. Therefore, education must go beyond academic knowledge and foster curiosity and a love of learning.

In addition, modern education should take full advantage of digital tools. Thanks to technological progress, learning is more accessible and engaging than ever before. For example, online learning platforms, interactive software, and virtual classrooms allow students to learn at their own pace, from almost anywhere. Not only does this improve access, but it also caters to a range of learning styles. That said, it is essential that both teachers and students receive proper training in order to use these tools effectively and responsibly.

To conclude, the education system must continue to move with the times to prepare students for life in a constantly changing world. By focusing on critical thinking, supporting lifelong learning, and making the most of digital technology, we can equip young people not only for exams but also for the future. Ultimately, a modern education system should empower the next generation to thrive

Ready for C1 p 84. Education. Speaking Mock Exam

 TOPIC 9: EDUCATION                                                             Preparation time: 5 minutes

PART 1. CONVERSATION

Talk to each other about some or all of the following. (7 minutes approx.)

1. How would you tackle problems like bullying or other serious problems which might arise in schools?

2. What is the best way to learn a language? 

3. When it comes to rewards and punishments, which is more effective -- the carrot or the stick?   

4. Do schools and universities prepare people for the real world?  Why?  Why not? How might school and university education be improved?

PART 2. MONOLOGUE

Talk about at least two of the following ideas. (4 minutes approx.) The examiner may ask you further questions about the topic.

CANDIDATE A

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of taking a gap year?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling? 

3. “It takes a village to raise a child”.  Do you agree with this African proverb?  To what extent are we all responsible for the actions and behaviour of our children? 

CANDIDATE B

1. Advantages and disadvantages of online learning

2. What will the school of the future be like?

3. What makes a good teacher?

Ready for C1 p 40. Changes in Universities. Speaking Sample

How do you think universities might have changed in the last fifty years? Are these changes for the better or the worse?

Over the last fifty years, universities have undergone significant changes, driven (1)____________ advancements in technology, shifts in societal values, and the increasing demand (2)_________ higher education. These changes have both positive and negative aspects, depending (3)___________ one’s perspective.

One major transformation has been the integration of technology (4)____________ teaching and learning. Fifty years ago, education largely depended on physical books and face-to-face lectures. Today, digital tools (5)__________ as online libraries, virtual learning platforms, and video conferencing have revolutionized the way students access knowledge. This has made education more flexible and accessible, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to study remotely. (6)_____________, it has also raised concerns about the loss of traditional classroom interaction and the potential overreliance (7)____________ technology.

Another significant shift is the growing internationalization of universities. Many institutions now attract students and faculty from all over the world, creating diverse academic environments. This not (8)___________ enhances cultural exchange but also prepares students for a globalized workforce. Yet, the high costs of international education and competition for limited spots can create barriers for students from (9)_____________ privileged backgrounds.

Additionally, the purpose of higher education has evolved. Fifty years ago, universities were often seen as institutions primarily for intellectual development and research. (10)_____________ these goals remain important, there is now greater emphasis on employability and career-focused programmes. This has led to a broader range of courses and partnerships with industries, but (11)___________ argue that it risks prioritizing profit (12)___________ academic integrity.

In my view, these changes have been largely for the better, as they reflect progress and adaptability to modern challenges. Nevertheless, it is essential to strike a (13)____________ between embracing innovation and preserving the core values of education, such as critical thinking and equal opportunities for all.

KEY

1. by

2. for

3. on

4. into

5. such

6. However

7. on

8. only

9. less

10. While

11. some

12. over

13. balance

Ready for C1 p 84. Science and Technology. Monologue. Sample Answer. Word Formation

Questions:

1. Advantages and disadvantages of social media. 

2. Advantages and disadvantages of AI.

3. How has technology changed teaching and learning?

Sample answer: 

Have you ever wondered how different our lives would be without social media, AI, or modern technology in education? Today, I’m going to delve into these three pivotal issues. Firstly, I'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of social media. Then, I'll move on to the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Finally, I will discuss how technology has transformed teaching and learning.

First of all, I'd like to start by giving my opinion on the impact of social media, (1)__________(SPECIFIC) its upsides and downsides. Social media has (2)_____________(REVOLUTION) the way we communicate and share information. On one hand, it offers (3)____________(NUMBER) opportunities. For instance, it allows us to connect with friends and family across the globe, share experiences in real time, and access a vast amount of information. Social media platforms are also (4)___________(POWER) tools for raising awareness about important issues and (5)____________(MOBILE) communities. In fact, they have been a (6)_________________(GAME) in how movements and causes gain (7)___________(TRACTOR).

However, there are also significant challenges to consider. One major (8)___________(WEAK) is the impact on mental health. Studies have shown that (9)____________(EXCESS) use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and (10)______________(LONELY). (11)___________(ADD), many people live in a social media bubble, or even an echo chamber, where they are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. (12)______________(FAR) the spread of (13)____________(INFORM) and fake news is a serious concern, as it can bring about public (14)_____________(UNDERSTAND) and panic. (15)_____________(PRIVATE) issues are another critical pitfall, as personal data can be easily exploited by third parties. (16)_____________(BULL) and (17)______________(TROLL) are also rampant, causing (18)______________(EMOTION) distress to many users.

Moving on to the next point, let’s now discuss the merits and demerits of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to (19)_____________(SIGNIFY) enhance our daily lives and various industries. For example, AI can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans, such as analysing large datasets, which is incredibly useful in fields like healthcare and finance. This (20)______________(EDGE) technology can also (21)______________(AUTOMATIC) repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on more creative and strategic work. AI-powered personal assistants and (22)_____________(STATE) technology like self-driving cars are becoming more (23)_____________(FRIEND) and accessible, changing the way we live and work.

On the flip side, there are notable disadvantages. One of the main concerns is job (24)_______________(PLACE). As AI continues to advance, it is likely to replace many jobs, particularly those involving routine tasks. This could result in significant (25)____________(EMPLOY) and (26)_____________(ECONOMY) disruption. Moreover, there are ethical considerations, including the potential for bias in AI algorithms and the lack of (27)__________________(TRANSPARENT) in decision-making processes. (28)______________(SURE) that AI systems are fair and (29)______________(COUNT) is a major challenge. The unchecked development of AI might lead us down a (30)___________(SLIP) slope or be seen as the thin end of the wedge in terms of privacy and control.

Finally, let’s turn to how technology has changed teaching and learning. In the past decade, recent technological advances have had a profound impact on education. First of all, it has made learning more (31)_______________(ACCESS). Online platforms and digital resources mean that students can learn from anywhere in the world, often at their own pace. This has been especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional classroom learning was disrupted. M-learning, or mobile learning, allows students to access educational materials on their smartphones and tablets. Besides, technology has enhanced the interactivity and (32)______________(ENGAGE) of learning. Tools like interactive simulations, educational games, and virtual reality can make learning more dynamic and (33)_______________(ENJOY). (34)____________(GAME) and (35)_____________(WEAR) technology are examples of how tech can make learning experiences more engaging. On top of that, technology allows for (36)______________(PERSON) learning experiences, where educational content can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The (37)_______________(FLIP) classroom model, where students review materials at home and do practical work in class, is a perfect example of how technology can innovate traditional teaching methods.

However, there are also disadvantages. One of the main challenges is the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology and the internet, which can exacerbate educational (38)_______________(EQUAL). Moreover, the (39)_____________(RELY) on technology can sometimes detract from traditional teaching methods that are still valuable, in particular face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning. (40)____________(SAVVY) students might adapt quickly, but those who are less familiar with technology might struggle to keep up, creating an (41)_____________(BALANCE) in learning.

In conclusion, while social media, AI, and technology in education all offer (42)____________(SUBSTANCE) benefits, they also come with significant challenges that must be carefully managed. By recognising and addressing these issues, we can make the most of these technologies to improve our lives and society. This (43)______________(THINK) topic certainly gives us food for thought as we continue to navigate the digital age.

KEY

1. specifically

2.  revolutionised

3. numerous

4. powerful

5. mobilising

6. game-changer

7. traction

traction: the extent to which an idea, a product, etc. becomes popular or gains support. Sp. ganar terreno.

E.g.The president's message is gaining traction among undecided voters.

8. weakness

9. excessive

10. loneliness

11. Additionally

12. Furthermore,

13. misinformation

14. misunderstanding/-s (U, C)

15. Privacy

16. Cyberbullying

17. trolling

18. emotional

19. significantly

20. cutting-edge

21. automate

22. state-of-the-art

state-of-the-art: using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as good as it can be at the present time. Sp. última generación.

E.g. The system was state of the art. a state-of-the-art system.

23. user-friendly

24. displacement

25. unemployment

26. economic

27. transparency

28. Ensuring

29. accountable

30. slippery

the/a slippery slope      ​a course of action that is difficult to stop once it has begun, and can lead to serious problems or disaster. Sp. terreno resbaladizo.

E.g.

She realized he was on the slippery slope towards a life of crime.

the thin end of the wedge      ​(especially British English) an event or action that is the beginning of something more serious and/or unpleasant. Sp. el principio de algo peor.

E.g.

The introduction of a tax on workplace parking is seen by many as the thin end of the wedge.

31. accessible

32. engagement

33. enjoyable

34. Gamification

35. wearable

Wearable Technology:  

clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.

E.g. Wearable Technologies like Google Glass and Smartwatches are on the rise in personal and business use.

36. personalised

37. flipped

Flipped classroom: 

In a flipped classroom model, students watch online lectures, collaborate in online discussions, or carry out research at home and engage in concepts in the classroom with the guidance of the instructor. Flipped Learning is a  pedagogical approach in  which direct instruction moves  from the group  learning space  to the individual learning  space, and the resulting  group space is transformed  into a dynamic, interactive  learning environment where  the educator guides students  as they apply concepts and  engage creatively in the  subject  matter. In a flipped classroom students are doing the lower levels of cognitive work (gaining knowledge and comprehension) outside of class, and focusing on the higher forms of cognitive work (application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) in class, where they have the support of their peers and instructor. This model contrasts from the traditional model in which “first exposure” occurs via lecture in class, with students assimilating knowledge through homework; thus the term “flipped classroom.” 

E.g. In a flipped classroom problems may arise if students come unprepared.     

38. inequalities   

39. over-reliance

over-reliance: excessive dependence on or trust in someone or something.

"an over-reliance on technology"

detract from: detract from something | detract something from something ​ (not used in the progressive tenses) to make something seem less good or fun SYNONYM take away from Sp. quitar mérito/valor a.

E.g. 

He was determined not to let anything detract from his enjoyment of the trip.

40. Tech-savvy 

tech-savvy: well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology, especially computers. E.g. today’s tech-savvy consumers. Kids are pretty tech-savvy these days.

41. imbalance. Sp. desequilibrio.

42. substantial

43. thought-provoking

MEH p 1. Draw Your Hand

Draw your hand

Number each finger

Inside each finger write the answers to the following questions

1. Interests, passion, vocation, leisure activities...
2. Why are you studying English?
3. Strengths and weaknesses learning English. What do you enjoy in an English class?
4. A useful piece of advice for improving one's English. 
5. Course expectations. Goals for this academic year.

Instructions:
1. Give the drawing of your hand with the answers to your teacher.
2. The teacher will give you another student's answers.
3. All students stand up
4. Try to find who the hand belongs to. Move around the class asking questions.
E.g. I was wondering if you were interested in art?
5. When you find the student you have been looking for try to continue the conversation further.
Ask your classmate to explain a bit more. You may take some notes next to his answers. 
6. Write a profile of your classmate.

On Screen C1 p 45 (Ex 12: Word Formation). Written Mediation Subskills.

Write a blog post informing your readers about how they can become more effective learners using  children's strategies. 

Use this infographic

                              Learn like a child

What adults do                                           What Children do

Have little free time                                    Lots of free time

Have emotional barriers                             No worries

Have too ambitious aims     

Are too hard on themselves

Design a gruelling schedule                 

 Education department 

Swansea University

Enrolment open now!

 

Think of words and expressions that you can use to paraphrase the words in the infographic 

Select relevant information

 

 

Sample answer:

On Screen C1 p 45 (Ex 12: Word Formation).          

On Screen C1 p 40. Raising the School's Profile. Proposal

You are a student at a college and the head teacher wants to raise the school's profile to attract prospective students. He has asked for proposals recommending the best ways to achieve this using computers and the Internet. In your proposal, indicate what information and advice you would include and explain how this might attract prospective students. (Write about 200 words) 

Sample answer:

Proposal to Raise the college’s profile

Introduction
The (1)_______________ of this proposal is to (2)________________ ways that computers and the Internet can be used to raise the profile of the college in (3)______________ to attract prospective students. 

Updating the College website
(4)____________, I would suggest (5)_______________ the College website. At (6)____________ the webpages are quite basic and not (7)____________ appealing. Adding more detailed information and more up-to-date photos would help. This (8)__________, we can better inform students of their choices, and create a positive user experience. (9)_______________, we could include interviews with present and past students giving their positive experiences. As a (10)_______________, prospective students could get a (11)_____________ for the college from a student perspective.

Social media
(12)______________, increasing the college presence on social media would be very worthwhile. (13)____________ using social networks we could use hashtags and trending topics to raise (14)_______________ of college activities. (15)_________________, young people would not only be able to take part in college initiatives , but they would (16)______________ share them amongst their friends. In (17)________________, we could create a video channel to (18)____________ videos about the college. This could lead to viral marketing campaigns, (19)_______________ we could use to promote the college in a dynamic way. In (20)____________________, young people across the country and the rest of the world would be interested in our school. 

Conclusion
To (21)_____________ up, updating the college website, and using social media platforms are excellent steps to (22)____________ in order to raise the profile of our college and to attract more students in the future.

KEY

1. purpose

 

 

 

2. suggest

 

 

3. order 

 

 

4. Firstly 

 

 

 

5. updating 

 

 

 

6. present 

 

 

7. that 

 

 

8. way 

 

 

9. Furthermore 

 

 

 

10. result 

 

 

11. feel
get/have a feel for something ​to get/have an understanding of something or be naturally good at doing it. To develop a good knowledge or understanding of something. To have an idea about how (something) is, to have an idea about what (something) is like. E.g. She has a real feel for languages. He was here to get a feel for the place. I practised for a few hours before I really got a feel for the best way to do it. I’m still trying to get a feel for what the software can do.

 

 

 

12. Secondly

 

 

 

13. By 

 

 

 

14. awareness 

 

 

 

15. Consequently 

 

 

 

16. also 

 

 

 

17. addition 

 

 

 

18. host 

 

 

 

19. which 

 

 

 

20. consequence 

 

 

 

21. sum 

 

 

 

22. take/ make 

On Screen C1 WB p 38 Ex 1: MC Cloze, Ex 2: Open Cloze. Writing and Mediation Subskills

 

C Ex 1

Write a blog post about a creative business that has thrived.

Think of a title.

How are you going to start and finish?

How are you going to connect ideas?

Ex 2

You decide to write a blog post to give your readers some tips to remember what they study better. Use this infographic. 120 words.

How can you improve your memory?

- Begin studying as soon as you can

- A little and often

- Frequently revisit newly learnt stuff

- Connect and activate prior knowledge 

- Pay attention

- Get into a routine and knuckle down!

Psychology department

University of Aberdeen

Last places available

Enrol today!

 

 

Think of words and expressions that you can use to paraphrase the words in the infographic 

Select relevant information

 

knuckle down: to start working or studying hard: You're going to have to really knuckle down (to your work) if you want to pass your final exams.

Sample answers:

On Screen C1 WB p 38

Ready for C1 p 84. Science and Technology. Education. Speaking

1. Interaction: Talk about the following questions with your partner for about 5 minutes. The pictures are there to help you.

1. What would the world be like without the Internet? Could you live without it? How has the Internet changed the way you live? Do you remember the first time you used it? What aspects did you struggle to get to grips with?
2. Do we make good use of mobiles? Do smartphones provide a stimulus for learning? Are smartphones making us smarter? or can they be counterproductive?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites like Facebook?   
4. What are the pros and cons of AI? Is it ethically correct to create replicas of human beings? Do our moral values allow us to recreate intelligence?  Do you think AI could pave the way for a better world? Or do you think AI represents the thin end of the wedge? Can you think of any big questions that are left hanging?
5. How would you tackle problems like bullying or other serious problems which might arise in schools? Were any of your classmates defiant or obnoxious at school? How did the teachers deal with them? Did you ever rebel against any particular issues? Were you ever given a detention at school? Were you ever grounded as a consequence?  Did these punishments successfully act as a deterrent? When it comes to rewards and punishments, which is more effective -- the carrot or the stick?   
6. Do you think the current education system is fundamentally flawed? What aspects of education are placed under close scrutiny? Why does everybody seem to have a vested interest in education? Do universities prepare people for the real world?  Why?  Why not? How might university education be improved? Do you intend to go back to university to undertake further training to get ahead in your career?  If you had to recruit someone, what would you consider more important: their qualifications or their experience? Would you dissuade your children from choosing a particular career like becoming an actor? What are the swings and roundabouts of taking a gap year?
7. “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education” (Albert Einstein). Do you agree?  Would you say that knowledge is the result of curiosity? Would you be prepared to leave your country in order to follow your career dream?
8. "Knowledge is power" (Francis Bacon). Does this quotation resonate with you? Can you think of a course that you found extremely empowering?
9. What role do new technologies play in education nowadays? Have traditional teaching methods outlived their usefulness? How do children learn best? Can children learn almost anything through video games? Or do you think that video games are a slippery slope? Have you ever been so intent on playing a computer game that you forgot to do something? Do you know anybody who is so intent on gaming that video games take priority over other interests? What will the classroom of the future look like? 


2. Monologue: Below there are some issues related to the topic. You must talk about at least two of them for 3 minutes. You may be asked further questions about the topic when you have finished.


Partner A:
1. Do computers save time or do they make us waste more time? If you had the possibility to only work from your house via a computer, would you do it? What would be the benefits and the drawbacks? Has a computer virus ever wreaked havoc on your laptop?
2. "The dumbest people I know are those who know it all" (Malcolm Forbes). Do you agree? Discuss.
3. Do you know students who cheat in exams even at the university level? How would you feel if you found out that your doctor cheated at medical school? What should be done about plagiarism in this day and age of the internet?


Partner B: 

1. What major technological breakthrough do you think has had the greatest impact on society? Why? In what ways has technology improved our lives? In what ways has it made life worse?
2.The  development  of  genetically  modified  (GM)  food  has  been  a  matter  of  considerable  interest  and worldwide   public   controversy.   What   ‘uncertainties’,   ‘risks’   and   ‘benefits’ can you think of? 
3. “It takes a village to raise a child”.  Do you agree with this African proverb?  To what extent are we all responsible for the actions and behaviour of our children?





Vocabulary 

come/get to grips with something

to begin to understand and deal with something difficult. E.g. I'm slowly getting to grips with the language. They have so far failed to come to grips with the ecological problems.
counterproductive /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ having the opposite effect to the one which was intended. E.g. Increases in taxation would be counterproductive. Introducing sanctions at this point could be politically counterproductive. It would be counterproductive to act hastily at this stage. counterproductive behaviour/policies/effects.
AI (artificial intelligence) an area of study concerned with making computers copy intelligent human behaviour.

pave the way (for somebody/something)

to create a situation in which somebody will be able to do something or something can happen. E.g. This decision paved the way for changes in employment rights for women.

the thin end of the wedge

an event or action that is the beginning of something more serious and/or unpleasant. E.g. The introduction of a tax on workplace parking is seen by many as the thin end of the wedge. 
leave someone/something hanging: to fail to solve a difficult situation, or to let someone remain in a difficult situation without solving it. E.g. It was obvious that this issue could not just be left hanging.
defiant: /dɪˈfaɪənt/ openly refusing to obey somebody/something, sometimes in an aggressive way. E.g. a defiant teenager. The terrorists sent a defiant message to the government.
obnoxious: /əbˈnɒkʃəs/ extremely unpleasant, especially in a way that offends people. Offensive. E.g.  obnoxious behaviour. A thoroughly obnoxious little man.
ground somebody to punish a child or young person by not allowing them to go out with their friends for a period of time. E.g. You're grounded for a week!
deterrent /dɪˈterənt/
deterrent (to somebody/something) a thing that makes somebody less likely to do something (= that deters them). E.g. Hopefully his punishment will act as a deterrent to others. the country’s nuclear deterrents (= nuclear weapons that are intended to stop an enemy from attacking).

the carrot and (the) stick (approach)

if you use the carrot and stick approach, you persuade somebody to try harder by offering them a reward if they do, or a punishment if they do not. E.g. The emphasis is on the carrot of incentive rather than the stick of taxes.
flawed: /flɔːd/ not perfect, or containing mistakes. E.g. Diamonds are still valuable, even when they are flawed. His argument is deeply flawed.
scrutiny: /ˈskruːtəni/ careful and thorough examination. Inspection. E.g. Her argument doesn't really stand up to scrutiny. Foreign policy has come under close scrutiny recently. The documents should be available for public scrutiny. The situation is bound to come under the scrutiny of the public health authorities.
vested interest: /ˌvestɪd ˈɪntrəst/ vested interest (in something) a personal reason for wanting something to happen, especially because you get some advantage from it. E.g. They have a vested interest in keeping the club as exclusive as possible. Vested interests (= people with a vested interest) are opposing the plan. She thinks that lawyers have a vested interest in making the legal process move slowly.
undertake something to make yourself responsible for something and start doing it to undertake a task/project. E.g. University professors both teach and undertake research. The company has announced that it will undertake a full investigation into the accident.
swings and roundabouts: used to say that there are advantages and disadvantages whatever decision you make. E.g. If you earn more, you pay more in tax, so it's all swings and roundabouts. What you gain on the swings you may lose on the roundabouts.
gap year: a year that a young person spends working and/or travelling, often between leaving school and starting university. E.g. I'm planning to take a gap year and go backpacking in India.
resonate with: /ˈrezəneɪt/ to produce an emotional effect on someone. E.g. This issue has resonated with voters more than any other.
empower: to give someone more control over their life or more power to do something. E.g. Our goal is to empower everyone on our staff.
outlive: /ˌaʊtˈlɪv/ outlive something to continue to exist after something else has ended or disappeared. E.g. The machine had outlived its usefulness (= was no longer useful).

the/a slippery slope

a course of action that is difficult to stop once it has begun, and can lead to serious problems or disaster. E.g. She realized he was on the slippery slope towards a life of crime.
intent on/upon something giving all your attention to something. E.g. I was so intent on my work that I didn't notice the time. The bright brown eyes were intent on Marie.
wreak:/riːk/ 
wreak something (on somebody) (formal) to do great damage or harm to somebody/something. E.g. Their policies would wreak havoc on the economy. He swore to wreak vengeance on those who had betrayed him. 
breakthrough /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important development that may lead to an agreement or achievement. E.g. to make/achieve a breakthrough. A significant breakthrough in negotiations. A major breakthrough in cancer research.