sputter

 sputter

= to make a series of soft, explosive popping or spitting sounds

A loose ignition cable caused Mark’s V8 engine to sputter as he accelerated away from the stoplight.

Mark sat near the lake while his small portable stove started to sputter under the damp wood.

Susan smiled brightly as the popcorn machine began to sputter during the university social night.

The blender began to sputter while Susan tried making a smoothie for her new friends.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "sputter":

Synonyms:

Pop

Spit

Crackle

Muffle

Antonyms:

Flow

Purr

Run

Hum

Question: Which sentence uses "sputter" to describe an irregular noise or machine malfunction?

A) The engine sputtered.

B) He sputtered an excuse.

C) She sputtered in anger.

D) They sputtered wildly.

Reading comprehension

Mark was a successful businessman who loved showing off his expensive sports car to his girlfriend, Chloe. Today, he wanted to impress her with a fast drive onto the highway.

A loose ignition cable caused Mark’s V8 engine to sputter as he accelerated away from the stoplight. Pop! Cough! Spit! The shiny red car slowly rolled to the side of the road and stopped completely.

Chloe gasped. "Is it supposed to make that funny popping noise?"

Mark panicked because he knew nothing about fixing cars. Luckily, Susan, a friendly university student, pulled over on her small scooter.

"Need help?" Susan asked cheerfully. She popped open Mark’s hood, found the loose cable, and snapped it right back into place in five seconds.

The engine roared back to life instantly. Chloe cheered for Susan, while Mark stood there with a red face, feeling less like a cool businessman and more like a silly driver.

Question 1: Why did Mark’s sports car stop on the side of the road?

A) He ran out of gas.

B) A cable was loose.

C) Chloe turned it off.

D) Susan broke the engine.

Question 2: In the story, what does the word sputter describe?

A) A smooth engine sound.

B) Chloe’s loud laughter.

C) Irregular popping noises.

D) Susan’s fast scooter.

invincibility

 invincibility 

= the state or condition of being unable to be harmed, defeated, or damaged

Mark feels invincibility when he finishes a marathon ahead of everyone else.  

His success in business gives Mark a sense of invincibility in the industry.

Susan’s adorable smile makes her feel invincible in social settings.

Susan feels invincible when she successfully completes a tough workout.

Synonyms and Antonyms for "invincibility":

Synonyms:  

immunity  

unstoppable  

undefeated  

invulnerable

Antonyms:  

vulnerability  

weakness  

defeat  

fragility

Question:

What best describes "invincibility"?

A) Ability to be harmed easily

B) Being impossible to defeat

C) Feeling tired often

D) Losing confidence quickly  

Reading Comprehension:

Mark felt invincibility when he finished a marathon ahead of everyone else. He was so proud that he boasted to Susan, a university student, "I am unstoppable! Nothing can beat me now." Susan giggled and said, "Oh really? I challenge you to a race." Mark laughed and accepted. Chloe, Mark's girlfriend, watched nervously, thinking Mark was overconfident. 

The next morning, they met at the park for the race. Mark was confident, but Susan surprised everyone. She ran with all her might and zoomed past Mark like a rocket. Mark tripped over a small rock and fell flat on his face. Chloe couldn't stop laughing. Mark got up, embarrassed, and said, "Okay, maybe I’m not invincible after all." Susan cheered, "See? Even invincible people can fall sometimes!"

MC Questions:

What does "Mark feels invincibility when he finishes a marathon ahead of everyone else" mean?

A) He feels tired and weak.

B) He believes he cannot be defeated.

C) He wants to quit running.

D) He feels afraid of losing.

Why did Mark trip during the race?

A) He was too confident and overestimated himself.

B) He was distracted by Chloe.

C) He decided to walk instead of run.

D) He was tired from running too fast.

burgle

 burgle

= to break into a house or building illegally and steal something

The Yuen Long warehouse was burgled twice in a week; copper wiring was stolen each time.

Mark was shocked when he learned someone tried to burgle his sports car last night.

Mark's friend told him someone tried to burgle his apartment while he was at work.

Susan was scared when she heard someone tried to burgle her dorm room.

Susan's favorite café was burgled last month, and she was upset about it.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "burgle":

Synonyms:

break in

trespass

raid

invade

Antonyms:

protect

guard

secure

defend

Question:What is the meaning of "burgle"?

A) Break into a house and steal

B) Help someone in need

C) Clean a house quickly

D) Repair a broken door

 

 

The Great Sports Car Burglar Alarm

Mark was shocked when he learned someone tried to burgle his sports car last night. The thief was no ordinary crook – he left a note saying, "Nice car! Can I borrow it for a race?"

Susan, a clever university student, decided to help. She installed a silly but smart alarm that played loud chicken sounds whenever someone touched the car. Chloe, Mark’s girlfriend, added a fake rubber snake on the steering wheel.

That night, the thief returned. When he touched the car, the chicken alarm clucked loudly, and he jumped back screaming when he saw the snake. He ran away yelling, "I’m not stealing a haunted car!"

Mark laughed and thanked Susan and Chloe for their funny yet effective plan. Now, he parks his car with a chicken and snake guard!

Questions:

What did Mark discover about his sports car?

a) It was stolen.

b) Someone tried to burgle it.

c) It was sold.

d) It was broken by accident.

What does "burgle" mean in the story?

a) To clean a car.

b) To race a car.

c) To break into and steal something.

d) To borrow something legally.

out on a limb

 

out on a limb

= in a risky or vulnerable position, often by expressing an opinion or making a decision that is not widely supported

He's really out on a limb with his views on the new policy; not many people agree with him.

他對新政策的看法真是太特立獨行了；認同他的人並不多。

When Aunt Cindy brought up some political news at dinner, she definitely went out on a limb. It made for a tense evening.

當 Cindy 姨媽在晚餐時提起一些政治新聞時，她顯然是走出自己的舒適圈、很大膽地開了口。這讓整個晚上變得很緊張。

During the debate, Susan went out on a limb with her unconventional ideas about education reform, shocking both sides.

在辯論期間，Susan 對教育改革提出了不按牌理出牌的想法，讓雙方都大感震驚。

When Mark suggested that the team should adopt a pet project, he went out on a limb since most colleagues preferred to focus on their main tasks.

當 Mark 建議團隊應該採用一個對他自己個人感興趣的計劃時，他算是冒了很大的風險，因為大多數同事都更希望專注在他們的主要任務上。

Some synonyms and antonyms for "out on a limb":

Synonyms

Risky

In a vulnerable position 

On shaky ground 

Antonyms

Safe

Secure

On solid ground 

Conservative

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

What does the phrase "out on a limb" imply in a figurative sense?

A) Being in a safe and secure position.

B) Taking a risk or putting oneself in a vulnerable situation.

C) Being in a state of happiness and contentment.

D) Achieving a comfortable and stable situation.

step up

 step up

= to take action, increase effort, or assume responsibility, especially in a challenging situation

During the marathon, Mark stepped up his pace to win.

Mark stepped up to lead the new business venture.

Susan stepped up to organize a sports event at university. 

Susan stepped up her game in basketball practice.

To meet more people, Susan stepped up and joined clubs.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "step up":

Synonyms:

advance

increase

take charge

rise

Antonyms:

decline

withdraw

retreat

reduce

Question:

What does "step up" most likely mean?

A) Give up

B) Take responsibility

C) Move backward

D) Stop working

Reading comprehension

Mark, a successful businessman, decided to join a marathon to impress his girlfriend, Chloe. But Mark wasn’t a serious runner—he loved sports cars more than running shoes. Susan, a sporty university student, also signed up for the race.

At the start, Mark struggled to keep up. Seeing this, Susan shouted, “Mark, step up!” She then ran beside him, giving him funny tips like, “Imagine you’re chasing your sports car!”

During the marathon, Mark stepped up his pace to win. But just when he thought victory was near, his shoelace came undone, and he tripped over a squirrel named Speedy. Susan laughed and helped him get back on track. Thanks to Susan, Mark crossed the finish line first, with Chloe cheering wildly. Mark promised to buy Susan coffee every weekend as a thank-you!

 

01. What does "step up" mean in the story?

A) Slow down

B) Take action and increase effort

C) Sit down

D) Give up

02. How did Susan help Mark during the marathon?

A) By running faster and encouraging him

B) By tying his shoelace before the race

C) By driving him in a car

D) By distracting the squirrel

step down

 step down

= to resign or leave a position of power or responsibility, often voluntarily

HKU president Xiang Zhang will step down in 2028 after serving for ten years.

Mark decided to step down as CEO after 15 years in the IT industry.

After winning the championship, Mark chose to step down from professional running.

When she found it hard to balance, Susan stepped down from the university sports team. 

After a stressful semester, Susan stepped down from her club leadership role.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "step down":

Synonyms:

resign

quit

leave

retire

Antonyms:

stay

continue

lead

remain

What does "step down" mean?

A) Leave a position

B) Gain more power

C) Start a new role

D) Stay in charge

groundwork

 groundwork

= the basic work or foundation that is done to prepare for something more important or complex

Mark believes running every morning is the groundwork for his success.

Mark thinks coffee is the groundwork for a productive day.

Running daily is Susan’s groundwork for improving her stamina.

Susan believes groundwork in teamwork leads to winning games.

Making study plans is the groundwork for Susan’s exam success.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "groundwork":

Synonyms:

foundation

basis

preparation

premise

Antonyms:

conclusion

result

effect

outcome

Question:

What does "groundwork" mean?

A) Final result

B) Basic preparation

C) Random action

D) Unexpected outcome

fanboy

 fanboy

= a person, usually male, who is extremely enthusiastic and devoted to a particular product, brand, franchise, or interest, often to the point of being biased or overly defensive about it

Mark is a fanboy of sports cars, always following the latest models.

As a professional runner, Mark is a fanboy of high-tech running shoes.

Mark is a fanboy of classic literature, often seen reading at his office.

In the IT industry, Mark is known as a fanboy of cutting-edge technology.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "fanboy":

Synonyms:

enthusiast

devotee

supporter

follower

Antonyms:

critic

skeptic

opponent

disbeliever

What does the term "fanboy" usually mean?

A) Neutral observer

B) Biased enthusiastic fan

C) Person who dislikes

D) Casual passerby

conflate

 conflate

= to combine two or more ideas, texts, or pieces of information into one, often in a way that may cause confusion or blend distinct elements together

Mark accidentally conflated two IT projects and caused confusion in the team.

He conflated his weekend running plans with fishing trips in his schedule.

The two issues were mistakenly conflated during the public debate.

Don’t conflate correlation with causation—they are not the same.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "conflate":

Synonyms:

merge

combine

blend

unite

Antonyms:

separate

divide

disconnect

split

Question:

What does "conflate" mean?

A) Separate ideas clearly

B) Combine ideas as one

C) Ignore important details

D) Argue against a point

novelty

 

novelty

= the quality of being new and unusual 

The novelty of the new computer design has significantly contributed to the company's success this year.

今年，這款新電腦設計的新穎性大大促成了公司的成功。

Mark appreciated the novelty of the music festival, as it featured new and local bands.

Mark 欣賞這個音樂節的新鮮感，因為它有新樂團和在地樂團。

Mark enjoyed the novelty of his new gadget, which had features he had never seen before.

Mark 喜歡他新小工具的新奇感，因為它有一些他以前從沒看過的功能。

The novelty of Susan’s new hairstyle earned her many compliments from her friends.

Susan 新髮型的與眾不同，讓她的朋友們給了她許多稱讚。

Some synonyms and antonyms for "novelty":

Synonyms 

Uniqueness

Originality

Freshness

Innovation 

Antonyms

Familiarity

Ordinary

Commonplace 

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

In the context of its common usage, which of the following best describes the noun "novelty"?

A) The state of being well-known and widely accepted.

B) A peculiar or unusual item that captures attention due to its uniqueness.

C) A situation characterized by repeated patterns and predictability.

D) The property of being unchanging over time without any variation.

heartfelt

 heartfelt

= expressing genuine and sincere emotion or feeling, especially kindness, gratitude, or sorrow

After Argentina’s World Cup final defeat, Messi shared a heartfelt message with fans, expressing his deep gratitude and pride despite the loss.

Mark wrote a heartfelt message in his friend’s birthday card.

After the race, Mark expressed heartfelt gratitude to his coach.

Susan gave a heartfelt compliment to her favorite professor.

Susan posted a heartfelt thank-you on social media for the support.

Some synonyms and antonyms for heartfelt:

Synonyms:

sincere

genuine

honest

earnest

Antonyms:

insincere

fake

superficial

indifferent

What does "heartfelt" most mean?

A) Not sincere or fake

B) Deeply sincere and true

C) Shallow and careless

D) Cold or indifferent

dominate

 dominate

= to have control, power, or influence over someone or something

Spain dominated the 2026 World Cup, beating Argentina to win the championship.

Mark's IT company dominates the local market. 

Mark dominates the business meetings with his confident ideas.

In her classes, Susan dominates the discussions with smart points.

During university sports days, Susan dominates the races.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "dominate":

Synonyms:

control

rule

command

lead

Antonyms:

yield

follow

submit

surrender

Question:

What does "dominate" most closely mean?

A) To give up control

B) To have power over

C) To follow rules

D) To ignore others

entice

 entice

= to attract or tempt someone by offering something appealing or desirable

Mark enticed investors with his innovative IT startup idea.

The promise of a marathon prize enticed Mark to train harder.

Susan was enticed to join the basketball team this semester.

A free yoga class enticed Susan to try stretching exercises.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "entice":

Synonyms:

attract

tempt

lure

seduce

Antonyms:

repel

deter

discourage

disgust

What does "entice" mean?

A) To repel or push away

B) To attract or tempt

C) To avoid or ignore

D) To confuse or mislead

drink-driving

 drink-driving

= operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, which impairs the driver's ability to drive safely

Mark reads articles on how drink-driving impacts professional athletes like runners.

Mark often warns his colleagues about the severe legal consequences of drink-driving.

At university, Susan discusses how drink-driving can ruin young lives.

Susan tells her friends that drink-driving can cause serious accidents.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "drink-driving":

Synonyms:

DUI

drunk driving

driving under influence

impaired driving

Antonyms:

sobriety driving

designated driving

sober driving

safe driving

Question:

What is drink-driving?

A) Driving after drinking

B) Drinking coffee driving

C) Running after drinking

D) Fast car driving

appeal

 appeal

= to make a serious or urgent request for help, support, or a decision

The Hospital Authority appeals for urgent heart donation for a 6-month-old baby in critical condition.

Mark appealed to the board for more funding for his startup.

Mark appealed to the city council to improve the local park.

Susan appealed to her professor for an extension on the assignment.

Susan appealed to the university to add more clubs for students.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "appeal":

Synonyms:

request

petition

plead

entreat

Antonyms:

refuse

reject

deny

ignore

Question:

What does "appeal" mean as a verb?

A) To refuse a request

B) To make a serious request

C) To ignore a problem

D) To give up easily

nothing to write home about

 

nothing to write home about

= something is not particularly impressive, noteworthy, or special 

The Italian pizza restaurant was okay; it wasn't expensive, but the food was just nothing to write home about.

那家義大利披薩餐廳還可以；不算貴，但食物就是沒什麼好大肆稱讚的。

Mark bought a new phone, but it turned out to be nothing to write home about compared to his old one.

 Mark 買了一支新的手機，但跟他舊的相比，結果也沒什麼值得一提的。

 

Mark thought the movie was entertaining, but it was nothing to write home about.

Mark 覺得這部電影挺好看有趣的，但其實也沒什麼值得特別稱讚的。

Susan found the vacation relaxing, yet the hotel accommodations were nothing to write home about.

Susan 覺得這次度假很放鬆，但飯店的住宿條件卻沒什麼好令人稱讚的。

Some synonyms and antonyms for "nothing to write home about":

Synonyms

Unremarkable 

Ordinary

Average 

Antonyms

Exceptional

Outstanding

Impressive 

Remarkable 

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

What does the phrase "nothing to write home about" mean?

A) It is very impressive or extraordinary.

B) It is unremarkable or not worthy of much attention.

C) It is very exciting and thrilling.

D) It is important and significant news.

spur

 spur

= to encourage or stimulate someone or something to take action or to make progress

The government plans to spur economic growth through new investment policies.

Mark’s new business strategy spurred rapid growth in sales.

A recent marathon win spurred Mark to train even harder.

A delicious meal at campus spurred Susan’s love for cooking.

Susan’s coach’s encouragement spurred her to train harder.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "spur":

Synonyms:

encourage

motivate

prompt

stimulate

Antonyms:

discourage

deter

hinder

inhibit

What does the verb "spur" mean?

A) To stop suddenly

B) To encourage action

C) To ignore something

D) To delay progress

state-of-the-art

 state-of-the-art 

= the most advanced and developed level of technology, technique, or knowledge currently available

Mark bought a state-of-the-art sports car that everyone admires.

His office is equipped with state-of-the-art IT systems to enhance productivity.

Susan uses a state-of-the-art fitness tracker to monitor her workouts.

Her university lab has state-of-the-art equipment for experiments.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "state-of-the-art":

Synonyms:

cutting-edge

advanced

leading-edge

modern

Antonyms:

outdated

obsolete

old-fashioned

primitive

Question:

What does "state-of-the-art" mean?

A) Old and outdated

B) Most advanced and modern

C) Simple and basic

D) Unreliable and weak

outclass

 outclass

= to surpass or be significantly better than someone or something in a particular skill, ability, or quality

Mark was happy to see France outclass Morocco to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Mark outclassed the other runners in the marathon.

His coffee brewing skills outclass those of his barista friends.

Susan outclassed her teammates in the university soccer match.

She outclassed everyone in the cooking contest last semester.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "outclass":

Synonyms:

surpass

outperform

excel

exceed

Antonyms:

underperform

lag

fail

trail

What does "outclass" mean?

A) Do worse than them

B) Be far better than them

C) Be the same as them

D) Avoid competition

lenient

 lenient

= being tolerant, permissive, or forgiving, especially when dealing with rules or behavior

Mark is lenient with his employees when they need time off.

At work, Mark is lenient about coffee breaks as long as productivity stays high.

Mark is lenient in allowing flexible work hours for his team.

Susan’s professor is lenient with deadlines during exam weeks.

Susan is lenient with herself when she tries new sports and makes mistakes.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "lenient":

Synonyms:

permissive

tolerant

merciful

forgiving

Antonyms:

strict

severe

rigid

harsh

Question: What does "lenient" mean?

A) Strict and unforgiving

B) Tolerant and forgiving

C) Harsh and severe

D) Rigid and demanding