**Test 1 - Part 2:**
Herbs
Meaning: Plants used for flavoring food, medicinal purposes, or for fragrance. Common
herbs include basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, and parsley.
Explanation: In the context of the talk in Part 2, herbs are mentioned as an example of
plants people might grow in small urban gardens or allotments. These plants are often
easy to grow in limited space and are commonly used in cooking for their aromatic
qualities. Herbs are one of the things that can be grown in small urban plots, alongside
larger vegetables like beans or cabbages.
Rows of beans
Meaning: A line or series of bean plants planted in the ground, typically in an organized,
straight formation. Beans are often grown in rows to maximize space and ensure that
the plants can grow in an orderly fashion.
Explanation: In Part 2, the phrase "a couple of rows of beans" is used to illustrate how
even a small garden or allotment can accommodate a few basic crops. Beans, like
many vegetables, are usually planted in rows to make it easier to manage the plants,
harvest them, and ensure they get enough space to grow properly. It suggests that
even small plots of land can yield a variety of vegetables, including simple crops like
beans.
Plot
Meaning: A small piece of land or area designated for a specific purpose, such as
gardening or farming.
Explanation: In Part 2, the term "plot" refers to an allotment or a designated area of
land, typically around 250 square meters, where individuals can grow their own
vegetables and fruits. The word plot emphasizes the idea of a contained or specific
area used for a particular activity, in this case, gardening. It’s often used when referring
to small, personal, or shared garden spaces in urban or suburban areas, like those
used for growing food.
Notorious
Meaning: Famous or well-known, typically for something negative or undesirable.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker says that allotments are "notorious communal
hives." Here, notorious doesn't carry a negative connotation, but rather emphasizes the
idea that allotments are widely known for being lively, busy, and socially active places
where people come together. The word notorious is often associated with something
negative (e.g., a notorious criminal), but in this context, it simply highlights that
allotments are well-known for their community atmosphere.
Meaning: A person who drives a large vehicle (called a "lorry" in British English) used
for transporting goods, often referred to as a "truck" in American English.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker mentions how allotments bring together people from
different social backgrounds, saying, "Where else do you find a lawyer deep in
conversation with a lorry driver?" The term lorry driver is used here to highlight the
diversity of people who use allotments, contrasting a lawyer (a professional from a
higher social class) with a lorry driver (typically a working-class occupation). The
phrase illustrates the social interaction and sense of community that allotments
promote, as they bring together people from various walks of life.
Initiatives
Meaning: New plans or actions designed to address a particular issue or achieve a
specific goal, often involving an organized effort or a new approach.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker talks about "initiatives to involve the wider
community," including people who are less able, retired, or unemployed. Here,
initiatives refer to proactive efforts or programs that are put in place to engage different
groups in the allotment community. These could be activities or projects aimed at
making allotments more inclusive, supporting people who might otherwise be excluded,
and fostering a sense of shared purpose among different people. The word suggests
an organized and deliberate effort to bring about change or participation.
Balcony
Meaning: A platform or structure that extends from the outside wall of a building,
typically on the upper floors, and is usually surrounded by a railing or balustrade.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker refers to people in urban areas who "may have a
tiny yard or a balcony," implying that in some cities, people don't have a large garden
but might have a small outdoor space like a balcony. Balconies are common in
apartment buildings or homes where outdoor space is limited. The mention of
balconies contrasts with the larger space provided by an allotment, highlighting how
these small outdoor areas are not sufficient for growing food, unlike allotments which
offer a bigger, dedicated space for gardening.
Clogged up
Meaning: Blocked or congested, usually referring to something that is obstructed or
unable to function properly due to a build-up of material or activity.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker mentions that allotments help make cities "more
sustainable and appealing to live in" by providing "green space in our ever more
clogged up towns and cities." Here, clogged up refers to the increasing congestion and
overcrowding in urban areas. It suggests that cities are becoming more crowded,
polluted, and difficult to navigate due to the high volume of traffic, buildings, and
people. Allotments offer a solution by providing open, green spaces that help alleviate
this "clogging" and contribute to the overall livability and environmental health of cities.
Hence pollution
Meaning: As a result of, or because of, pollution. The word "hence" indicates that the
pollution is a consequence of a previous action or situation.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker says, "locally grown food doesn't have to be
transported long distances, and that helps to reduce road traffic and hence pollution."
The use of hence in this context suggests that by reducing the need for transporting
food over long distances (which involves trucks and other vehicles), pollution—which is
caused by emissions from those vehicles—can be reduced as a direct result. So,
hence pollution connects the idea of reducing traffic (by growing local food) to a
decrease in pollution levels, as fewer trucks on the road means less air and noise
pollution.
Superior
Meaning: Of higher quality, value, or excellence compared to something else.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker says that food grown on an allotment tastes
"infinitely better" than anything bought in the supermarket because it is "super-fresh."
Here, superior is used to describe the higher quality of home-grown produce compared
to store-bought food. The speaker is emphasizing that the freshness, taste, and overall
quality of the vegetables and fruits grown in an allotment are far superior to those that
have been transported long distances, often losing freshness and flavor in the process.
In general, the term implies that something is better in terms of quality or effectiveness.
Pesticides
Meaning: Chemicals used to kill or control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, or
other organisms that can harm crops or plants.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker mentions that growing food on an allotment means
you know it’s organic—meaning it wasn’t sprayed with pesticides. Pesticides are
commonly used in large-scale, industrial farming to protect crops from pests. However,
they can have harmful effects on the environment, human health, and wildlife. By
growing food in a small, personal allotment, people often avoid using such chemicals,
instead relying on more natural methods of pest control. The speaker uses pesticides
to contrast the industrial farming approach with the more sustainable and healthconscious approach of allotment gardening.
The beds
Meaning: In gardening, beds refer to areas of soil where plants are grown, often raised
or organized into specific sections for easier planting and maintenance.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker mentions "soil beds on either side" in the context of
an allotment. Here, beds refer to sections of cultivated soil where vegetables, fruits, or
flowers are planted. These beds are typically organized to make it easier for gardeners
to plant, tend to, and harvest crops. The phrase helps to describe the layout of a typical
allotment, where plants are arranged in neat, manageable rows or sections for better
growth and accessibility. Beds in this context are an essential part of gardening,
providing a structured space for growing plants.
Shed
Meaning: A small, simple building or structure, typically located in a garden or yard,
used for storage or as a workspace.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker refers to a shed at the end of the allotment plot,
saying, "Most allotments have their own shed at the far end." A shed is often used by
gardeners to store tools, gardening equipment, seeds, or other materials necessary for
managing an allotment. It can also serve as a small workspace where the gardener can
rest, plan, or even work on small projects. The mention of a shed helps paint a picture
of a typical allotment, where gardeners can organize their supplies and take shelter
from the weather.
Hosepipe
Meaning: A flexible tube used for carrying water, typically used for watering plants,
cleaning, or other outdoor tasks.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker mentions that "a hosepipe can be attached to the
tap for easy watering." A hosepipe is a long, flexible tube that allows water to be
directed to plants or areas that need watering. In the context of allotments, it’s an
essential tool for irrigating the soil, especially when rainfall is insufficient. The mention
of a hosepipe emphasizes the practicality of allotments, where gardeners can easily
access water to care for their crops without needing to manually carry it in buckets. It
also highlights the convenience of modern gardening tools in maintaining a productive
garden.
Compost bin
Meaning: A container or structure used to store organic waste materials, such as food
scraps, plant cuttings, and other biodegradable matter, which break down naturally to
form compost.
Explanation: In Part 2, the speaker describes a compost bin at the end of an allotment
plot: "This plot has a compost bin at the end opposite the shed for recycling organic
waste." A compost bin is used by gardeners to collect organic materials like vegetable
peels, leaves, grass clippings, and other plant-based waste. Over time, these materials
decompose, creating compost, a nutrient-rich substance that can be used to enrich the
soil and improve plant growth. The use of a compost bin highlights the sustainable and
eco-friendly practices common in allotment gardening, where gardeners recycle waste
into a valuable resource.
1. **Plot of land**
- **Meaning:** A specific area of land, often small in size, that is designated for a
particular purpose (like growing plants in this case).
- **Explanation:** The speaker is talking about a small piece of land, either a garden
or an allotment, that people can use for growing food.
2. **Allotment**
- **Meaning:** A piece of land rented by an individual or group for gardening or
farming, especially in urban areas.
- **Explanation:** The speaker contrasts small urban gardens with allotments, which
offer a larger space for growing vegetables and fruits.
3. **Communal hives**
- **Meaning:** A place where people gather and interact in a community-like
atmosphere.
- **Explanation:** The speaker uses this phrase to describe how allotments often
bring people together, creating a sense of community among people of different
backgrounds.
4. **Camaraderie**
- **Meaning:** A feeling of friendship and mutual support.
- **Explanation:** The speaker mentions camaraderie as an important social aspect
of allotments, where people work together and support each other in their gardening
efforts.
5. **Recreational asset**
- **Meaning:** A valuable resource for leisure or enjoyment.
- **Explanation:** The speaker describes allotments as a valuable resource for
recreation, particularly for people who don’t have large gardens.
6. **Involvement with nature**
- **Meaning:** Interaction and connection with the natural world, such as growing
plants or observing wildlife.
- **Explanation:** Allotments offer an opportunity for people to engage with nature,
which contributes to their mental and physical well-being.
7. **Sustainable**
- **Meaning:** Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without
damaging the environment.
- **Explanation:** The speaker emphasizes how allotments contribute to the
sustainability of urban areas by providing green spaces.
8. **Industrial scale farm**
- **Meaning:** A large-scale farm that produces food using commercial methods.
- **Explanation:** The speaker contrasts small, organic allotment gardens with large
farms that may use pesticides and industrial practices.
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**Test 1 - Part 3:**
Illustration
Meaning: A visual representation or artwork that explains or decorates a concept, story,
or idea. In this context, it typically refers to drawing or graphic design.
Explanation: In Part 3, Lily says she is applying for a course in illustration. Here,
illustration refers to the creation of pictures or drawings, often for books, magazines, or
digital media. It can also include graphic design, visual storytelling, or the artistic
rendering of concepts. The use of the term highlights a specific art discipline focused
on visual representation, usually through drawing, painting, or digital methods. Unlike
broader fields of fine art or graphic arts, illustration tends to focus more on creating
images that communicate ideas, stories, or concepts.
Opted for
Meaning: Chose or decided on a particular option or course of action.
Explanation: In Part 3, Lily says, "I've opted for Birmingham." Here, opted for means
that Lily has made a choice or decision to apply to study in Birmingham. The phrase is
commonly used to indicate a deliberate choice between different alternatives. It
emphasizes the act of making a decision after considering various options. In this case,
Lily chose to apply to a college in Birmingham, likely because it offers the illustration
course she is interested in, despite there being no such course in London.
Carrying on
Meaning: Continuing or persisting with an activity or task.
Explanation: In Part 3, Mark says, "I'm wondering what the point of carrying on at art
school really is." Here, carrying on refers to continuing his studies at art school. Mark is
questioning whether it is worthwhile to continue with his education, especially since he
feels he now knows that he primarily wants to focus on painting. The phrase carrying
on conveys the idea of maintaining an ongoing activity, such as studying or working,
without interruption. In this context, it expresses Mark's uncertainty about the value of
continuing his formal education.
Living expenses
Meaning: The costs associated with daily life, including accommodation, food, utilities,
transportation, and other essential needs.
Explanation: In Part 3, Mark mentions that "students are running up at least a £30,000
debt by the end of their course," referring to living expenses as part of the overall cost
of attending art school. Living expenses are the costs required for maintaining one's
day-to-day life, including rent, food, transportation, and other personal needs. This
phrase highlights that, beyond tuition fees, students must also cover the cost of living
while they are studying, which can accumulate to significant amounts over time. In
Mark's case, this is one of the reasons he is questioning the value of continuing with
formal education in art school.
Paying my way
Meaning: Earning enough money to cover one's own expenses, particularly for living,
education, or other financial responsibilities, without relying on others.
Explanation: In Part 3, Mark says, "I feel that if I get a studio and start working, at least
I’d be paying my way." Here, paying my way refers to Mark's desire to become
financially independent by earning money through selling his artwork, rather than
relying on student loans or financial support from others (like parents or scholarships).
It implies self-sufficiency, where Mark would be responsible for his own living expenses
and financial needs through his work, rather than depending on the costs of continuing
formal education.
Critical appraisal
Meaning: The process of evaluating or assessing something, usually in a detailed and
thoughtful manner, to identify strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.
Explanation: In Part 3, the tutor says, "the key factor here is that being at art school
exposes you to critical appraisal." Here, critical appraisal refers to the constructive
feedback, analysis, and evaluation that students receive from their teachers, peers, or
mentors. For artists, this kind of feedback is crucial for personal development, as it
helps them improve their skills, refine their work, and better understand their strengths
and areas for improvement. The tutor is suggesting that this kind of assessment and
reflection is an important aspect of art education, which would be missing if Mark were
to pursue his art independently without formal study.
Constructive criticism
Meaning: Feedback or evaluation that is intended to help someone improve, focusing
on specific areas that need work while also offering suggestions for how to make
improvements.
Explanation: In Part 3, the tutor discusses the importance of constructive criticism in an
educational setting, particularly for artists. Constructive criticism involves offering
feedback in a way that is helpful, supportive, and aimed at improving the person’s skills
or work. It contrasts with simple negative feedback, as it suggests solutions or ways to
address the issues identified. For example, instead of simply saying "this isn't good,"
constructive criticism would explain why it's not effective and provide suggestions for
how to improve it. In the context of art school, this type of feedback is vital for personal
and artistic growth, as it helps students understand what to refine and how to enhance
their work.
Rash decisions
Meaning: Hasty or impulsive choices made without careful consideration of the
consequences or potential risks.
Explanation: In Part 3, the tutor says, "Anyway, don’t go making any rash decisions."
Here, rash decisions refers to making quick choices without thinking through all the
possible outcomes or reflecting carefully on the situation. Rash implies acting
impulsively or without caution, which can lead to regrettable or poorly thought-out
choices. The tutor is advising Mark not to make a decision about dropping out of art
school or pursuing an independent art career without fully considering the long-term
impact or other potential options.
1. **Foundation course**
- **Meaning:** An introductory or preparatory course, usually taken before
specializing in a particular field of study.
- **Explanation:** Mark mentions that his current studies are part of a foundation
course, meaning it’s a broad introductory program before focusing on a specific area of
art.
2. **Rose-tinted spectacles**
- **Meaning:** A perspective that sees things in an overly optimistic or idealistic way.
- **Explanation:** The tutor uses this metaphor to suggest that Mark might be
romanticizing the idea of leaving art school and working independently, ignoring the
potential challenges.
3. **Living on the breadline**
- **Meaning:** Living in poverty, with only enough money to cover basic needs.
- **Explanation:** The tutor highlights that many artists who skip formal education
end up struggling financially, with very little money.
4. **Running up a debt**
- **Meaning:** Accumulating debt, often due to expenses or borrowing money.
- **Explanation:** Mark is concerned about the financial burden of attending art
school, where students often end up owing a large sum after graduation.
5. **Critical appraisal**
- **Meaning:** An evaluation or analysis of something, typically with the intent to
improve or develop it.
- **Explanation:** The tutor emphasizes the importance of receiving feedback, or
critical appraisal, during art school to help students improve and grow as artists.
6. **Creative community**
- **Meaning:** A group of individuals who share a passion for creativity, such as
artists, writers, musicians, etc.
- **Explanation:** Lily suggests that Mark should be part of a creative community to
get feedback on his work and gain exposure.
7. **Constructive criticism**
- **Meaning:** Feedback that is intended to help someone improve by highlighting
both strengths and areas for improvement.
- **Explanation:** The tutor stresses the importance of constructive criticism as an
essential element of personal and professional growth, particularly in the arts.
8. **Making a living**
- **Meaning:** Earning enough money to support oneself.
- **Explanation:** The tutor points out that many artists who leave art school early
find it difficult to make a living from their work, which is why education can be
beneficial.