Listening Part 3: Information

A list of topics or tasks planned to be discussed or completed at a meeting or event.

“The interviewer asked the guest to outline the agenda for the upcoming community information session.”

“Budget concerns were the first item on the agenda for the town hall meeting.”

Often used: set the agenda · follow the agenda · hidden agenda

To briefly describe the main points or features of something.

“The speaker outlined the key requirements for joining the volunteer program.”

“She outlined the steps applicants must follow before submitting their forms.”

Often used: outline the process · outline the requirements · briefly outline

A distinct stage or step in a process or development.

“The construction project will be completed in three separate phases over four years.”

“During the second phase of the program, participants will focus on workplace communication skills.”

Often used: next phase · initial phase · phase of development

The process of officially signing up or recording one's name for a course, program, or service.

“Online registration for the workshop closes at midnight on Friday.”

“The coordinator explained that registration is free for all newcomers to the city.”

Often used: complete registration · registration deadline · registration fee

The standards or conditions used to judge or decide something (plural of criterion).

“The selection criteria for the grant include financial need and academic performance.”

“Applicants who do not meet all the criteria will not be considered in this round.”

Often used: selection criteria · meet the criteria · evaluation criteria

The length of time that something lasts or continues.

“The duration of the certification course is six weeks.”

“Participants must commit to the full duration of the program to receive credit.”

Often used: program duration · full duration · duration of the contract

The process of accepting people into a program or organization, or the number accepted at one time.

“The next intake for the training program begins in September.”

“Due to high demand, the intake this year was limited to fifty participants.”

Often used: next intake · intake process · annual intake

A formal talk given to teach students.

“The professor gave a fascinating lecture.”

Often used: attend a lecture · give a lecture

To check or confirm that something is true, accurate, or correct.

“Applicants must verify their identity by presenting two pieces of government-issued ID.”

“The interviewer asked the expert to verify the statistics cited in the report.”

Often used: verify information · verify identity · independently verify

A formal request, often written.

“She submitted her visa application online.”

Often used: submit an application · application form

A qualification, achievement, or piece of documentation that shows a person is qualified for something.

“All applicants must have their foreign credentials assessed before applying to the program.”

“The interviewer asked the expert about the credentials required to work as a licensed nurse in Canada.”

Often used: foreign credential · professional credential · credential assessment

The basic physical systems and structures needed for a society to function, such as roads and utilities.

“The federal budget included major investment in transportation infrastructure.”

“Aging infrastructure in many cities requires costly repairs and upgrades.”

Often used: public infrastructure · infrastructure investment · aging infrastructure

Something that is required as a condition before something else can happen or be done.

“A valid driver's license is a prerequisite for applying to the delivery coordinator position.”

“The interviewer explained that completing the orientation is a prerequisite for accessing the lab.”

Often used: meet the prerequisite · course prerequisite · mandatory prerequisite

To provide financial support to reduce the cost of something for the recipient.

“The government subsidizes childcare costs for low-income families.”

“Public transit in the region is heavily subsidized by municipal tax revenue.”

Often used: subsidize housing · subsidize costs · heavily subsidized

The amount of a resource, such as money, time, or space, that has been set aside for a particular purpose.

“The budget allocation for community programs increased by fifteen percent this year.”

“Each department received a specific allocation of hours for professional development.”

Often used: budget allocation · resource allocation · funding allocation

A standard or point of reference used to measure or compare performance.

“The organization set a benchmark of five hundred volunteers recruited per quarter.”

“Student test scores are used as a benchmark to assess the program's effectiveness.”

Often used: set a benchmark · industry benchmark · performance benchmark

A statement that limits or denies responsibility, or that clarifies the boundaries of what is being offered or claimed.

“The guest speaker added a disclaimer that the figures cited were based on last year's data.”

“The brochure included a disclaimer stating that prices were subject to change.”

Often used: add a disclaimer · legal disclaimer · include a disclaimer

A difference or inconsistency between two facts, figures, or sets of data that should agree.

“There was a discrepancy between the reported and actual number of participants.”

“Auditors noted a significant discrepancy in the organization's financial records.”

Often used: notable discrepancy · discrepancy between · explain a discrepancy

A fixed regular payment given to someone, often for training, an internship, or a scholarship.

“Interns will receive a weekly stipend to cover transportation and meal costs.”

“The research assistant position comes with a modest stipend of four hundred dollars per month.”

Often used: monthly stipend · receive a stipend · living stipend

Official recognition or approval given to an institution or program that meets required standards.

“The college recently received full accreditation from the national board of education.”

“Without proper accreditation, the diploma may not be recognized by employers.”

Often used: seek accreditation · professional accreditation · accreditation process

An official instruction or authorization given to an organization or person to perform a specific task or role.

“The agency's mandate is to support the settlement of newcomers in the province.”

“The committee operates under a mandate to review safety regulations every two years.”

Often used: under a mandate · expand the mandate · fulfill a mandate

Arranged or existing only for the present time, with the expectation of being changed or confirmed later.

“Applicants will receive a provisional acceptance letter while their documents are being reviewed.”

“The provisional schedule may change depending on the availability of the venue.”

Often used: provisional approval · provisional license · provisional offer

An official agreement to give up a requirement, right, or rule in a specific situation.

“A fee waiver is available for participants who demonstrate financial hardship.”

“The organization requires all volunteers to sign a liability waiver before participating.”

Often used: fee waiver · liability waiver · sign a waiver

The state of meeting the requirements.

“Check your eligibility before applying.”

Often used: eligibility criteria · confirm eligibility