BEC Higher

When the college was established in 1546, it inherited a hall from each of three antecedent institutions.

The two brothers established a clothes retailing business.

An international medical conference was established for the interchange of new ideas and a

a fact or standard by which you can judge the success or value of something: 

Productivity is not the only yardstick of success.

C1 knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subjectat the present time based on information or experience: 

Public awareness of the problem will make politicians take it seriously.

Environmental awareness has increased dramatically over the past decade.

the ability of people to compete successfully: 

The President sees education as a way to improve competitiveness.

the state of being confidential: 

patient/client confidentiality

All replies will be treated with complete confidentiality.

B1 a subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about: 

environmental/ethical/personal issues

As employers we need to be seen to be addressing (= dealing with) these issues sympathetically.

Don't worry about who will do it - that's just a side issue (= not the main problem).

C1 believing that something is very important and giving a lot of time and energyto it: 

a dedicated father/teacher

She's completely dedicated to her work.

The Green Party is dedicated to protecting the environment.

 to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it:

to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have: 

They hope to emulate the success of other software companies.

Fitzgerald is eager to emulate Martin's record of three successive world titles.

to try to do something, especially something difficult: 

[ + to infinitive ] He attempted to escape through a window.

He attempted a joke, but no one laughed.

There's no point in even attempting an explanation - he'll never listen.

C2 [ S ] a first small event or problem that causes a much worse situation to develop: 

That small incident was the spark that set off the street riots.

C2 an area of interest or activity: 

Her interests are in the realm of practical politics.

C2 the careful and detailed examination of something in order to get informationabout it: 

The government's record will be subjected to/come under (close) scrutiny in the weeks before the election.

B2 [ T ] to discover the exact size or amount of something: 

"Will the table fit in here?" "I don't know - let's measure it."

This machine measures your heart rate.

He measured the flour into the bowl.

C1 complete and including everything that is necessary: 

We offer you a comprehensive training in all aspects of the business.

Is this list comprehensive or are there some names missing?

He has written a fully comprehensive guide to Rome.

d

C2 the force or action of one object hitting another: 

The impact of the crash reduced the car to a third of its original length.

The bullet explodes on impact (= when it hits another object).

I am writing to apologize for the omission/for omitiing to send the order

I am extremly sorry to cause you this inconvenience

I assure you nothing like this will ever happen again

I would be most grateful if you could send me an up-to-date brochure

I would like futher information about the services you offer

I should be grateful if you would send me full details of your package

I am interested in applying for the post of bilingual secretary, which was advertised in the Daily Herald on 30th May

I would like to apply for the post of Head of Science, which was advertised recently. My qualifications and experience, as you will see from my curriculum vitae, make me a particularly suitable applicant for this post.

In addition, additionally, moreover

Therefore, as a result

However, nevertheless