Mastering thematic vocabulary is essential for success in the ЕГЭ English exam. Having a rich vocabulary organized by themes allows you to express your ideas more precisely and effectively in both the writing and speaking sections. This guide will help you build and use thematic vocabulary for the most common topics that appear in the English ЕГЭ exam.
Thematic vocabulary refers to words and expressions organized around specific topics or themes. In language learning and testing, these themes typically cover areas of everyday life, social issues, and academic subjects. Having a strong command of thematic vocabulary is crucial for the ЕГЭ English exam, as it enables you to understand reading and listening texts more fully and to express yourself more precisely in writing and speaking tasks. The exam frequently includes topics such as education, environment, technology, health, travel, and social issues. This guide will provide comprehensive vocabulary lists for these common themes, along with example sentences, collocations, and practice exercises to help you use this vocabulary effectively in context.
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| academic achievement | success in educational pursuits | Her academic achievements include graduating with honors and winning a scholarship. |
| curriculum | the subjects comprising a course of study | The school's curriculum includes both traditional subjects and innovative programs. |
| distance learning | education that takes place over the internet or by correspondence | Many universities now offer distance learning options for students who cannot attend in person. |
| enroll | to register or enter as a student | She enrolled in a photography course at the local college. |
| extracurricular activities | activities pursued outside the normal curriculum | Universities often look for students who participate in extracurricular activities. |
| graduate | to successfully complete a course of study | He graduated from university with a degree in computer science. |
| higher education | education beyond high school, especially at college or university | Higher education is becoming increasingly important in today's job market. |
| lecture | an educational talk to an audience | The professor's lectures are always engaging and informative. |
| scholarship | a grant or payment to support a student's education | She was awarded a scholarship based on her academic excellence. |
| tuition | teaching or instruction; fees for teaching | University tuition has increased significantly over the past decade. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| drop out | to leave school or university before completing a course | He dropped out of college to start his own business. |
| catch up | to reach the same level as others after falling behind | She missed a week of classes and had to catch up on her assignments. |
| hand in | to submit work to a teacher | The essay must be handed in by Friday. |
| look up | to search for information | If you don't know the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary. |
| sign up for | to register for a course or activity | I've signed up for a Spanish course this semester. |
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| biodiversity | the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat | Rainforests are known for their incredible biodiversity. |
| climate change | long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns | Climate change is causing more extreme weather events worldwide. |
| conservation | protection of natural resources | Conservation efforts have helped save several endangered species. |
| deforestation | the clearing of forests on a large scale | Deforestation contributes significantly to climate change. |
| ecosystem | a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment | Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that support a wide variety of marine life. |
| endangered species | a species at risk of extinction | The giant panda was once an endangered species but has now been upgraded to vulnerable. |
| pollution | the presence of harmful substances in the environment | Air pollution in major cities can cause serious health problems. |
| renewable energy | energy from sources that are naturally replenished | Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources. |
| sustainability | avoidance of depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance | Many companies are now focusing on sustainability in their operations. |
| waste management | the collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste materials | Effective waste management is essential for reducing environmental pollution. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cut down | to fell trees | Thousands of trees are cut down every day in the Amazon rainforest. |
| run out of | to exhaust a supply | If we don't conserve water, we might run out of fresh water resources. |
| clean up | to remove dirt, pollution, etc. | Volunteers helped clean up the beach after the oil spill. |
| use up | to consume all of something | We're using up Earth's resources faster than they can be replenished. |
| phase out | to gradually stop using something | Many countries are phasing out single-use plastics. |
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| artificial intelligence (AI) | the simulation of human intelligence in machines | Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing many industries, from healthcare to transportation. |
| cybersecurity | the practice of protecting systems and networks from digital attacks | Companies invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect sensitive data. |
| digital literacy | the ability to use information and communication technologies | Digital literacy is becoming an essential skill in today's job market. |
| innovation | the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products | Continuous innovation is key to staying competitive in the tech industry. |
| internet of things (IoT) | the interconnection of everyday devices via the internet | The Internet of Things allows us to control home appliances remotely. |
| social media | websites and applications that enable users to create and share content | Social media has transformed how people communicate and share information. |
| software | programs and other operating information used by a computer | The company develops software for financial institutions. |
| technological advancement | progress in technology | Technological advancements have made smartphones more powerful than early computers. |
| virtual reality (VR) | a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world | Virtual reality is being used in education to create immersive learning experiences. |
| wearable technology | electronic devices that can be worn on the body | Smartwatches are a popular form of wearable technology. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| log in/on | to access a computer system or website | You need to log in with your username and password. |
| back up | to make a copy of data for safety | Remember to back up your files regularly. |
| plug in | to connect a device to an electrical supply | Don't forget to plug in your laptop when the battery is low. |
| set up | to establish or arrange something | I need to set up my new smartphone before I can use it. |
| shut down | to turn off a computer or system | Always shut down your computer properly to avoid data loss. |
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| balanced diet | a diet containing the proper proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water | A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. |
| chronic illness | a long-term health condition | Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires ongoing management. |
| healthcare | the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health | Access to affordable healthcare is a major issue in many countries. |
| immunity | the ability of an organism to resist infection | Regular exercise can help boost your immunity. |
| mental health | a person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being | There is growing awareness of the importance of mental health. |
| nutrition | the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth | Good nutrition is fundamental to good health. |
| physical fitness | the condition of being physically fit and healthy | Regular exercise contributes to physical fitness. |
| preventive care | healthcare that prevents illness or disease | Preventive care includes vaccinations and regular check-ups. |
| recovery | the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury | His recovery after surgery was quicker than expected. |
| well-being | the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy | Many companies now focus on employee well-being. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| come down with | to become ill | She came down with the flu and had to stay in bed. |
| work out | to exercise | He works out at the gym three times a week. |
| cut down on | to reduce consumption | The doctor advised him to cut down on sugar. |
| build up | to increase strength or resistance | Regular exercise helps build up your immune system. |
| get over | to recover from an illness | It took her two weeks to get over the cold. |
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | a place to stay | The hotel offers luxury accommodation at reasonable prices. |
| destination | a place to which someone is going | Paris is a popular tourist destination. |
| excursion | a short journey or trip | The cruise included several excursions to nearby islands. |
| itinerary | a planned route or journey | Our itinerary includes three days in Rome and two in Florence. |
| landmark | a building or feature that is easily recognized | The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. |
| package holiday | a vacation organized by a travel company at an inclusive price | They booked a package holiday to Spain that included flights and hotel. |
| passport | an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship | Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. |
| sightseeing | the activity of visiting places of interest in a particular location | We spent the day sightseeing in the historic city center. |
| souvenir | a thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event | She bought a small Eiffel Tower souvenir in Paris. |
| visa | an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country | You need to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| check in | to register at a hotel or for a flight | We need to check in at least two hours before the flight. |
| set off | to start a journey | We set off early to avoid the traffic. |
| get away | to go on vacation | They're planning to get away for a few days. |
| drop off | to deliver someone or something | The taxi dropped us off at the airport. |
| look around | to explore a place | We spent the afternoon looking around the old town. |
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| discrimination | unfair treatment of people based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age | Laws have been enacted to prevent discrimination in the workplace. |
| equality | the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities | Gender equality is an important goal in modern society. |
| globalization | the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence | Globalization has led to increased cultural exchange between countries. |
| human rights | basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person | The organization works to protect human rights around the world. |
| immigration | the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country | Immigration has contributed to the cultural diversity of many nations. |
| poverty | the state of being extremely poor | Efforts to reduce poverty include education and job creation programs. |
| social media | websites and applications that enable users to create and share content | Social media has changed how people communicate and share information. |
| sustainability | avoidance of depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance | Sustainability is a key consideration in modern urban planning. |
| unemployment | the state of being without a job | High unemployment rates can lead to social and economic problems. |
| welfare | statutory procedure or social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need | The welfare system provides support for those who cannot support themselves. |
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| speak up | to express one's opinion | It's important to speak up against injustice. |
| stand up for | to defend or support | We must stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. |
| look after | to take care of | Society should look after its most vulnerable members. |
| bring about | to cause to happen | Education can bring about positive social change. |
| cut off | to isolate or exclude | Some communities are cut off from basic services. |
Complete each sentence with an appropriate word from the Education and Learning vocabulary.
Answers:
1. She enrolled in a business management course at the local university.
2. The school's curriculum includes both traditional subjects and innovative programs.
3. Many students participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and music.
4. He graduated from university with a degree in engineering.
5. The professor's lectures are always engaging and informative.
Match each environmental term with its definition.
Definitions: a) long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, b) the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, c) energy from sources that are naturally replenished, d) the clearing of forests on a large scale, e) a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
Answers:
1. biodiversity - b) the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
2. climate change - a) long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
3. deforestation - d) the clearing of forests on a large scale
4. ecosystem - e) a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
5. renewable energy - c) energy from sources that are naturally replenished
Complete each sentence with an appropriate phrasal verb related to technology.
Answers:
1. Don't forget to back up your files regularly to avoid losing important data.
2. You need to log in with your username and password to access the system.
3. Remember to plug in your laptop when the battery is low.
4. I need to set up my new smartphone before I can use it.
5. Always shut down your computer properly to avoid data loss.
Choose the correct collocation to complete each sentence about health and wellness.
Answers:
1. Regular exercise helps to maintain good health.
2. Many people try to lead a healthy lifestyle.
3. Doctors work to prevent illness and disease.
4. Patients may need to receive medical treatment.
5. It's important to reduce stress in your daily life.
Organize vocabulary by themes using mind maps. Start with a central theme (e.g., "Environment") and branch out to related subtopics and vocabulary.
Create flashcards with the word on one side and the definition, example sentence, and/or translation on the other. Review them regularly.
Instead of memorizing isolated words, learn them in phrases, sentences, or short texts. This helps you understand how the words are used naturally.
When you learn a new word, think of other words that are related to it. For example, if you learn "curriculum," associate it with "education," "school," "subjects," etc.
Practice using the new vocabulary in speaking and writing. Try to incorporate new words into your conversations or written assignments.
Read articles, books, or blogs about specific themes to expose yourself to relevant vocabulary in context.
Make up your own sentences using new vocabulary words, ideally relating them to your personal experiences or opinions.
In the ЕГЭ English exam, you may be tested on your ability to:
When preparing for the exam, focus on building a rich vocabulary for the most common themes, and practice using this vocabulary in context. Pay special attention to collocations and phrasal verbs, as these are often challenging for language learners but essential for natural, fluent English.