Phrases & Expressions

To show clearly how important or urgent it is to have or do something.

• The report underscores the need for stricter rules on how companies collect and use personal data.
• These findings underscore the need for more research into the long-term effects of social media on teenagers.

Bosses who are willing to treat workers unfairly or dishonestly in order to make money.

• Migrant workers are often exploited by unscrupulous employers who ignore minimum wage laws.
• New laws aim to stop unscrupulous employers from forcing staff to work unpaid overtime.

A performer or creator who is starting to become successful and is likely to become well known.

• The festival gives up-and-coming artists a chance to perform in front of large audiences.
• The record label is always looking for up-and-coming artists who can attract younger listeners.

To defend the basic rights every person is entitled to, such as free speech and a fair trial.

• Judges have a duty to uphold human rights, even when the public demands harsh punishment for a crime.
• Any trade deal should include a clear commitment from both sides to uphold human rights.

To disturb the natural way in which plants, animals and their surroundings depend on each other.

• Introducing a non-native fish into the lake upset the ecological balance, and several local species began to disappear.
• Removing wolves from the valley could upset the ecological balance, since deer numbers would then rise sharply.

To encourage someone to keep going or to try harder, especially by shouting.

• Her coach stood at the side of the pool, urging her on during the final length.
• With her family urging her on, she decided to apply for a scholarship to study medicine abroad.

To make practical and effective use of the money, materials or people available.

• Schools with small budgets must learn to utilise resources as efficiently as possible.
• The study examines how hospitals can utilise their resources more effectively during a health crisis.

Extremely large areas of land, often forest or countryside.

• Vast tracts of land in the Amazon have been cleared to make way for cattle farming.
• The government has sold vast tracts of land to foreign investors, which has angered local farmers.

To use your official authority to stop a plan from going ahead.

• The mayor vetoed a plan to build luxury flats on the site of the old park.
• Any member of the committee can veto the plan if they believe it is unfair to students.

Able to understand, interpret and judge images such as paintings, photographs and advertisements.

• Design courses aim to make students visually literate, so that they can analyse how an image communicates its message.
• Being visually literate helps consumers notice when an advertisement uses misleading pictures.