Restaurant and Dining Vocabulary

●​ Reservation – an arrangement to have a table at a restaurant in advance​

●​ Waiter / Waitress / Server – a person who takes orders and serves food​

●​ Host / Hostess – person who greets and seats customers​

●​ Menu – a list of dishes available in a restaurant​

●​ Bill (UK) / Check (US) – the written statement of what you have to pay​

●​ Tip / Gratuity – extra money given for good service​

●​ Starter / Appetizer – a small dish before the main course​

●​ Main course / Entrée (US) – the central part of a meal​

●​ Dessert – sweet food at the end of a meal​

●​ Specials – dishes that are not on the regular menu​

Food Description Vocabulary

●​ Flavorful – full of flavor, tasty​

●​ Savory – salty or spicy, not sweet​

●​ Rich – containing a lot of fat, butter, or cream​

●​ Spicy / Mild – strong flavor from spices / gentle flavor​

●​ Stale – old and not fresh (especially bread or cake)​

●​ Undercooked / Overcooked – not cooked enough / cooked too much​

●​ Crunchy / Crispy – firm and makes a noise when you chew​

●​ Tender – soft and easy to eat​

●​ Juicy – containing a lot of juice or moisture​

●​ Greasy – too oily or fatty​

Cooking & Preparation Vocabulary

●​ Boil – cook in water at 100°C​

●​ Grill – cook over direct heat (e.g. barbecue)​

●​ Fry / Deep-fry / Stir-fry – cook in oil / fully submerged / quickly in little oil​

●​ Bake – cook in the oven (e.g. bread, cake)​

●​ Roast – cook meat or vegetables in the oven with dry heat​

●​ Steam – cook with vapor from boiling water​

●​ Simmer – cook just below boiling point​

●​ Season – add salt, herbs, or spices to improve taste​

●​ Marinate – soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking​

Diet & Eating Habits Vocabulary

●​ Vegetarian – doesn’t eat meat​

●​ Vegan – avoids all animal products​

●​ Organic – grown without chemicals​

●​ Balanced diet – includes all nutrients in the right amounts​

●​ Allergy / Intolerance – negative reaction to certain food​

●​ Locally produced – grown or made near the place it's sold​

●​ Takeaway / Takeout (US) – food bought at a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere​

●​ Dine in – eat inside the restaurant​

●​ Leftovers – food remaining after a meal​

●​ Fast food / Junk food – quickly prepared food, often unhealthy.

REVIEW EXAMPLE

Restaurant Name: La Bella Vita / Location: City Center, Milan, Italy / Visited: April 2025

I recently visited La Bella Vita, a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Milan. I
had heard a lot about it, and it definitely lived up to my expectations.

The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, with soft lighting and traditional décor. The staff
were polite, attentive, and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Although the
restaurant was quite busy, the service was surprisingly fast and efficient.

As a starter, I ordered the bruschetta, which was fresh and full of flavor. For the main course,
I had the homemade lasagna, which was perfectly cooked—rich, tender, and absolutely
delicious. My friend chose a vegetarian pizza, which had a thin, crispy crust and was
generously topped with fresh vegetables. We shared a tiramisu for dessert, and it was the
highlight of the meal—light, creamy, and not too sweet.

The prices were reasonable considering the quality of the food and the central location. One
downside was that the restaurant was a bit noisy, but that’s understandable given how
popular it is.

Overall, I would highly recommend La Bella Vita to anyone looking for authentic Italian
cuisine in a lively and friendly setting. I will definitely return next time I’m in Milan.

Geography & Landforms

●​ Mountain range – a series of connected mountains

●​ Valley – low land between hills or mountains
●​ Coastline – the area where land meets the sea
●​ Desert – a dry, barren region with little rainfall
●​ Rainforest – a dense, tropical forest with heavy rainfall
●​ Canyon – a deep, narrow valley with steep sides
●​ Volcano – a mountain that erupts with lava
●​ Glacier – a large mass of ice that moves slowly
●​ Island – land surrounded by water
●​ Peninsula – land almost surrounded by water​

Plants & Trees

●​ Species – a group of similar living organisms

●​ Habitat – the natural home of an animal or plant
●​ Ecosystem – a community of living things in an environment
●​ Roots – parts of a plant that absorb water from the soil
●​ Leaves – flat green parts of a plant that collect sunlight
●​ Branches – parts of a tree that grow out from the trunk
●​ Seed – the part of a plant from which a new plant can grow
 ●​ Shrub – a small bushy plant
●​ Weed – a plant growing where it is not wanted
●​ Blossom – flowers on trees or plants​

Animals & Wildlife

●​ Wildlife – animals living in nature

●​ Endangered – at risk of disappearing completely​
Extinct – no longer existing
●​ Predator – an animal that hunts other animals
●​ Prey – an animal that is hunted
●​ Herbivore – animal that eats only plants
●​ Carnivore – animal that eats only meat
●​ Omnivore – animal that eats both plants and meat
●​ Mammal – warm-blooded animal with fur or hair
●​ Reptile – cold-blooded animal with scales

Climate & Environment

●​ Climate change – long-term changes in global weather patterns

●​ Global warming – increase in Earth’s temperature
●​ Pollution – harmful substances in the air, water, or soil
●​ Deforestation – cutting down large areas of forests
●​ Conservation – protection of nature and wildlife
●​ Natural disaster – an event like an earthquake or flood
●​ Flood / Drought – too much water / not enough water
●​ Erosion – wearing away of land by wind or water
●​ Sustainable – using resources without harming nature
●​ Renewable energy – power from sources like wind or sun

B2-level ideas for how individuals can help protect the environment in daily life

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

●​ People can separate their rubbish and recycle materials like paper, glass, and
plastic.
●​ Reusing shopping bags, containers, and bottles helps reduce waste.
●​ Buying products with less packaging is also a good idea.​

2. Use Public Transport or Walk

●​ Taking the bus or cycling instead of driving helps reduce air pollution.
●​ Walking is not only better for the environment, but also for your health.

3. Save Energy
 ●​ Turning off lights when you leave a room and unplugging electronics can save
electricity.
●​ Using energy-efficient appliances (like LED bulbs) reduces your carbon footprint.​

4. Save Water

●​ Taking shorter showers and fixing leaking taps can help conserve water.
●​ Only using the washing machine with a full load also saves a lot of water.​

5. Shop Responsibly

●​ Buying locally produced or organic food helps reduce pollution from transportation.
●​ Supporting eco-friendly companies encourages sustainable practices.​

6. Protect Nature

●​ Avoiding littering and picking up trash in parks or at the beach helps protect wildlife.
●​ Planting trees or even small gardens can improve air quality and support
biodiversity.

B2-level vocabulary list related to music, cinema, and art

Music Vocabulary

●​ Genre – a category of music (e.g., jazz, rock, classical)

●​ Lyrics – the words of a song
●​ Melody – the main tune of a song
●​ Rhythm – the pattern of sounds and beats
●​ Chorus – the repeated part of a song
●​ Instrumental – music without lyrics
●​ Live performance – music played in front of an audience
●​ Soundtrack – music from a film or TV show
●​ Hit single – a very popular song
●​ Band / Orchestra / Solo artist – different types of musical performers​

Cinema & Film Vocabulary

●​ Director – the person who controls how a film is made

●​ Actor / Actress – someone who plays a role in a movie
●​ Script / Screenplay – the written text of a film
●​ Plot – the main story or events in a film
●​ Genre – type of film (e.g., action, thriller, comedy, drama)
●​ Scene – a part of a film that happens in one place
●​ Special effects – visual techniques used in films
 ●​ Soundtrack / Score – music used in a film
●​ Sequel / Prequel – a follow-up or earlier story
●​ Review / Critic – opinion or analysis of a film​

Art Vocabulary

●​ Exhibition – a public display of art

●​ Gallery / Museum – places where art is shown
●​ Sculpture / Painting / Drawing – different types of artwork
●​ Portrait / Landscape / Abstract – styles or subjects of art
●​ Canvas – the surface a painting is made on
●​ Brushstroke – the mark made by a brush
●​ Technique – a method used to create art​
Masterpiece – an excellent work of art
●​ Inspiration – the source of an artist’s ideas
●​ Artist / Painter / Sculptor – people who create art

1. How has your taste in music changed over the years, and why do you
think that happened?

My taste in music has definitely changed over the years. When I was younger, I mostly
listened to pop music because it was catchy and easy to sing along with. However, as I got
older, I started to enjoy more relaxing genres like jazz and classical music. I think this
change happened because my lifestyle became more stressful, and I needed music that
helped me feel calm and focused. Also, I’ve been exposed to more types of music through
friends and streaming platforms, which helped me discover new styles I hadn’t appreciated
before.

2. Do you think music can influence people’s emotions or behavior?

Why or why not?

Yes, I do believe that music can strongly influence people’s emotions and even their
behavior. For example, upbeat music can make someone feel more energetic or motivated,
while slow, sad songs can make you feel emotional or reflective. Music is often used in films
to create atmosphere or build tension, which shows how powerful it can be. In some cases,
certain songs can even bring back memories and affect your mood instantly. So I think music
has a real impact on how we feel and sometimes how we act.

3. What role should art play in society—should it be mainly for beauty,

expression, or change?

I think art should play multiple roles in society. Of course, it can be appreciated for its beauty,
and many people enjoy looking at paintings or sculptures simply because they are visually
impressive. But I also believe that art is a powerful form of expression. It allows people to
share their thoughts, emotions, and cultural identity. In addition, some art is created to raise
awareness or challenge people’s views, which can lead to social or political change. So,
ideally, art should not be limited to just one purpose—it can inspire, express, and even make
a difference.

Types of Books

●​ Fiction – stories created from the imagination

●​ Non-fiction – factual writing (e.g., history, biography)
●​ Novel – a long fictional story
●​ Short story – a brief fictional narrative
●​ Biography / Autobiography – a life story written by or about someone
●​ Mystery / Thriller – a suspenseful, often crime-related story
●​ Fantasy – fiction with magical or supernatural elements
●​ Science fiction (sci-fi) – stories about future, science, or technology
●​ Classic – a well-known and respected book from the past
●​ Poetry – writing that expresses feelings and ideas in verse​

Reading Habits & Preferences

●​ Page-turner – a very engaging book you can’t stop reading

●​ Hard to put down – so interesting that you want to keep reading
●​ Skim – read quickly to get the main idea
●​ Browse – look through a book or store casually​
Read aloud / Read silently – vocal or quiet reading
●​ E-book / Audiobook – digital or spoken versions of books​
Borrow / Lend – take or give a book temporarily
●​ Library / Bookstore – places to borrow or buy books
●​ Book club – a group that meets to discuss books​

Describing Books & Characters

●​ Well-written / Poorly written – high or low-quality writing

●​ Gripping / Entertaining / Boring / Slow-paced – describing how engaging the book
●​ Main character / Protagonist – the central figure in a story
●​ Villain / Antagonist – the enemy or bad character
●​ Plot – the sequence of events in a story
●​ Setting – the time and place where the story happens
●​ Theme – the main message or idea of a book
●​ Narrator / Point of view – who is telling the story and how
●​ Dialogue – the conversations between characters

1. How important is it for children to develop a reading habit early in life?

I think it’s very important for children to develop a reading habit from a young age. Reading
not only improves their vocabulary and grammar, but it also helps them develop imagination,
concentration, and empathy. Children who read regularly often do better in school because
they are more used to understanding texts and thinking critically. Also, books can teach
important life lessons through characters and stories in a fun and meaningful way. If children
learn to enjoy reading early, it becomes a lifelong habit that benefits them in many areas of
life.

2. If you could meet a character from any book, who would it be and
why?

If I could meet any book character, I would choose Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
He is a wise and fair man who stands up for justice, even when it's difficult. I admire how he
stays calm under pressure and teaches his children important values through his actions. I
think I could learn a lot from talking to him about how to stay strong in difficult situations and
how to treat others with respect, no matter what. He’s one of the most inspiring characters
I’ve ever read about.

Types of Holidays

●​ Adventure holiday – a trip involving activities like hiking, rock climbing, or exploring
●​ Beach holiday – a trip to a coastal area, usually involving relaxation and water
activities
●​ Cultural holiday – a trip focused on exploring the history, art, and traditions of a
place
●​ Staycation – a holiday spent at home or near where you live
●​ City break – a short holiday in a city, often to visit tourist attractions
●​ Road trip – a long journey by car, often with multiple stops
●​ Cruise – a holiday taken on a ship, usually with stops at different destinations
●​ Eco-tourism – travel focused on preserving the environment and supporting local
communities​

Travel & Transportation Vocabulary

●​ Flight – a journey made by airplane

●​ Round-trip / Return ticket – a ticket for travel to a destination and back
●​ Direct flight – a flight without stops or layovers
●​ Layover – a short stay in a place during a journey, often at an airport
●​ Airport terminal – the building where passengers wait for flights
●​ Check-in – the process of confirming your arrival at the airport before your flight
●​ Baggage claim – the area where passengers pick up their luggage after a flight
●​ Train station – a place where trains stop to pick up and drop off passengers
●​ Bus station – a place where buses pick up and drop off passengers
●​ Car rental – service that allows you to rent a car for a period of time​

Accommodation Vocabulary

●​ Hotel – a place that provides rooms for short stays

●​ Guesthouse – a small, private accommodation, often run by a family
●​ Hostel – a budget accommodation, usually with shared rooms and facilities
 ●​ Resort – a hotel or complex offering many recreational activities, often at a beach or
countryside
●​ Airbnb – a platform for renting out rooms or homes from individuals
●​ Bed and breakfast (B&B) – a small establishment offering accommodation and
breakfast
●​ Suite – a set of rooms in a hotel, usually more luxurious than a standard room​

Sightseeing & Activities Vocabulary

●​ Landmark – a famous building or monument

●​ Tourist attraction – a place that draws visitors due to its cultural, historical, or
recreational value
●​ Excursion – a short trip for leisure or educational purposes
●​ Guided tour – a tour of a place led by a knowledgeable guide
●​ Itinerary – a detailed plan for a trip, including places to visit and activities to do
●​ Souvenir – an item purchased as a reminder of a trip
●​ Adventure activities – activities like hiking, skydiving, or rafting, often involving
physical challenges
●​ Wildlife safari – a trip to observe animals in their natural habitat, often in Africa or
tropical areas​

Travel Vocabulary for Planning & Preparation

●​ Travel insurance – insurance that covers risks associated with travel, like accidents
or cancellations
●​ Visa – official permission to enter or stay in a country for a certain period
●​ Currency exchange – the process of changing money from one currency to another
●​ Backpacking – traveling with just a backpack, often on a budget and to multiple
destinations
●​ Jet lag – tiredness caused by traveling across time zones
●​ Packing list – a list of items to bring on a trip
●​ Customs – official procedures for entering or leaving a country, including checking
luggage
●​ Tourist visa – permission for travel, typically for leisure purposes

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone versus

with others?

Traveling alone has several advantages. For example, it allows complete freedom. You can
choose where to go, what to do, and how long to stay without having to compromise with
anyone. It also helps you become more independent and confident, as you are responsible
for making all decisions. However, the main disadvantage is loneliness. Without someone to
share experiences with, some moments might feel less enjoyable. Also, it can be less safe,
especially in unfamiliar places.
On the other hand, traveling with others has its own pros and cons. The main advantage is
that you have company, which can make the trip more fun and memorable. You can share
expenses, and it’s often safer when you have people around. The downside is that it can be
harder to agree on plans. Different people have different interests, which can lead to conflicts
or compromise. You also lose some of the freedom that solo travelers enjoy.

2. Describe a holiday you’ve been on that didn’t go as planned. What

happened, and how did you deal with it?

One holiday I went on didn’t go as planned at all. I had booked a trip to the beach for some
relaxation, but when I arrived, it was stormy and rainy for the entire week. I had planned to
spend most of the time outdoors, but because of the weather, I couldn’t do many of the
activities I had hoped for, like swimming or hiking.

Instead of letting it ruin the trip, I decided to focus on what I could do. I spent more time
exploring the local culture, visiting museums, and trying different foods at local restaurants. I
also read some books I had brought along and took the time to relax indoors. Although the
weather was disappointing, I still made the best of it and had a fulfilling time.

3. How has tourism changed in your country over the last 10 years?

Over the past 10 years, tourism in my country has changed significantly. One of the biggest
changes is the rise of eco-tourism. More tourists are now looking for sustainable travel
options, such as visiting natural reserves and eco-friendly accommodations. This is partly
because of increased awareness about environmental issues and the importance of
protecting natural resources.

Another major change is the increase in digital travel. With the rise of online booking
platforms and travel apps, planning a trip has become much easier. More people are now
traveling independently, booking their own flights, hotels, and experiences. Additionally,
tourism has become more accessible, with budget airlines and cheaper accommodations
making it possible for more people to travel than ever before.

However, one negative aspect of tourism has been overcrowding in some popular
destinations. In recent years, there has been an increase in mass tourism, which has put
pressure on local infrastructure and sometimes harmed the environment. Authorities are now
working on managing these issues to ensure tourism benefits the country and its people
without causing long-term damage.