Listening Part 4: News Item

To move people away from a dangerous area to a place of safety.

“Authorities ordered residents to evacuate the coastal town before the hurricane made landfall.”

“Firefighters evacuated nearly 500 people from the apartment building within minutes.”

Often used: evacuate residents · evacuation order · forced to evacuate

A sudden start or increase of something harmful, such as a disease or violence.

“Health officials declared an outbreak of measles in three schools across the region.”

“The outbreak of wildfires forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.”

Often used: disease outbreak · outbreak of violence · contain an outbreak

To rise very quickly to a high level.

“Housing prices soared by 25 percent in major cities during the past two years.”

“Demand for electric vehicles has soared as fuel costs continue to climb.”

Often used: prices soar · costs soar · soar to a record high

A death caused by an accident, disaster, or other event.

“Officials confirmed three fatalities following the highway collision during the snowstorm.”

“The new safety regulations aim to reduce workplace fatalities by 40 percent.”

Often used: road fatality · fatality rate · report fatalities

To fall very steeply and quickly in value, number, or level.

“Stock prices plummeted after the company announced unexpected quarterly losses.”

“The region's tourism numbers plummeted following the travel restrictions.”

Often used: prices plummet · plummet to an all-time low · stocks plummet

An official investigation into a suspected problem or wrongdoing.

“A federal probe was launched into allegations of corruption within the police department.”

“The safety probe revealed that the manufacturer had ignored repeated warnings.”

Often used: launch a probe · federal probe · probe into allegations

The total number of deaths, injuries, or damage caused by a disaster or conflict.

“The death toll from the earthquake rose to over 200 as rescue crews reached remote villages.”

“Economists warned that the financial toll of the pandemic could last for a decade.”

Often used: death toll · rising toll · take a toll on

To reveal or introduce something new to the public for the first time.

“The federal government unveiled a new national housing strategy aimed at first-time buyers.”

“The tech company unveiled its latest product at a press conference in Vancouver.”

Often used: unveil a plan · unveil a policy · officially unveiled

The official decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a legal trial.

“The jury delivered a guilty verdict after three days of deliberation.”

“Advocates called the verdict a landmark moment for environmental law in Canada.”

Often used: deliver a verdict · guilty verdict · landmark verdict

To claim that someone has done something wrong, without yet having proof.

“The report alleged that senior officials had accepted bribes from contractors.”

“Protesters alleged that the company had knowingly dumped chemicals into the river.”

Often used: allegedly committed · allege misconduct · as alleged by

In the middle of or during a situation, often one that is difficult or chaotic.

“The election was held amid widespread protests over the proposed electoral reforms.”

“The company announced layoffs amid growing concerns about its financial stability.”

Often used: amid concerns · amid protests · amid rising tensions

The amount by which spending or losses exceed income or gains.

“The government announced a record budget deficit of $30 billion for the fiscal year.”

“A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods than it exports.”

Often used: budget deficit · trade deficit · run a deficit

The act of leaving, especially on a trip.

“Our departure is scheduled for 8 a.m.”

Often used: departure time · departure gate

To send someone or something to a place for a particular purpose, especially in an official context.

“The government dispatched emergency crews to the flood-affected regions overnight.”

“Additional police units were dispatched to the city centre to manage the large crowd.”

Often used: dispatch troops · dispatch aid workers · dispatch emergency services

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

An official charge or tax imposed by a government or authority.

“A new environmental levy was placed on single-use plastics to reduce waste.”

“The levy on imported goods was introduced to protect domestic manufacturers.”

Often used: impose a levy · environmental levy · levy on goods

to increase rapidly in intensity, size, or seriousness.

“Without intervention, the conflict shown in the image is likely to escalate quickly.”

“The small fire could escalate into a major emergency if not controlled.”

Often used: escalate quickly · escalate into a crisis · continue to escalate

To make or pass laws about a particular issue.

“The government plans to legislate against the use of single-use plastics by next year.”

“Parliament was urged to legislate stricter controls on pharmaceutical pricing.”

Often used: legislate against · legislate for · legislate on behalf of

An official penalty or restriction imposed on a country or individual to force compliance with a rule or law.

“New economic sanctions were imposed on the country following its violation of trade agreements.”

“The sports federation issued sanctions against the athlete for doping violations.”

Often used: impose sanctions · lift sanctions · economic sanctions

Very careful and critical examination of something or someone.

“The company's hiring practices came under intense scrutiny after a whistleblower report.”

“Government spending is facing increased scrutiny from opposition members.”

Often used: come under scrutiny · intense scrutiny · face public scrutiny

The fact of being responsible for your actions and required to explain or justify them to others.

“Critics argued that the new bill lacked real accountability measures for corporate polluters.”

“Public calls for accountability grew louder after the audit revealed misuse of government funds.”

Often used: demand accountability · lack of accountability · accountability measures

A gas or substance sent into the air.

“Cars produce harmful carbon emissions.”

Often used: carbon emission · reduce emissions

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

an indirect negative result or consequence of an action or event, often felt later.

“The accident visible in the image will likely have repercussions for the entire supply chain.”

“Poor planning at this stage will have serious repercussions for the project's timeline.”

Often used: have repercussions · serious repercussions · feel the repercussions