1.approach (n.) [əˋprotʃ]

nearing or coming to

Ex:It started to snow very heavily as the airplane started its approach to the airport.

 

2.make something of oneself (idiom)

become successful in a career

Ex:My dad never thought I would make something of myself because I didn't graduate from a prestigious university, but I proved him wrong.

 

3.get ahead (phrasal verb)

become successful in the business world

Ex:If you want to get ahead in life, you have to set clear goals.

 

4.realize (v.) [ˋrɪə͵laɪz]

understand the importance of something

Ex:Many young married couples don't realize how challenging raising children can be until they have children of their own.

 

5.recall (v.) [rɪˋkɔl]

remember something from the past

Ex:I can't recall a time when my parents argued in front of me and my brothers.

 

6.focus on (v.)

pay careful and direct attention to a particular person or thing

Ex:When people focus too much on their careers, they sometimes neglect their family's needs.

 

7.distraction (n.) [ di'stræk∫ən]

something that takes your attention away from another activity

Ex:Watching too much TV can be a big distraction from building a good relationship with children.

 

8.off the top of your head (idiom)

think of something immediately without preparation

Ex:I felt really embarrassed when I couldn't remember her name off the top of my head.

 

9.precinct (n.) [ˋprisɪŋkt]

the office of a police department in a particular area

Ex:Let's go down to the police precinct and report the burglary.

 

10.bizarre (adj.) [bɪˋzɑr]

strange or unusual

Ex:That's the most bizarre story I've ever heard.

 

11.unidentified (adj.) [͵ʌnaɪˋdɛntɪ͵faɪd]

unknown or impossible to determine the origin

Ex:The police were able to capture the criminal through an unidentified source.

 

12.out of this world

unbelievable, incredible

Ex:You have to see his enormous house. It's out of this world.

 

13.par (n.) [pɑr]

An amount or level considered to be average; a standard

Ex: The gains and losses are about on a par

 

14.be at a loss for words (idiom)

not knowing what to say

Ex:My parents are at a loss (for words) to know how to help my younger sister with the drug addiction.

 

15.get on someone's case (idiom)

criticize or give someone a hard time

Ex:If you don't get on his case for speeding, he'll end up causing a serious accident.

 

16.dump someone (v.)

end a relationship

Ex:Sarah decided to dump her boyfriend because he was involved in self-destructive behaviors.

 

17.siblings (n.) [ˋsɪblɪŋ]

simplistic, unimportant

Ex:Many siblings experience problems as they grow up.

 

18.frank (adj.) [fræŋk]

direct or open

Ex:You often have to be frank with people who are struggling with serious financial problems, so you can help them get out of debt.

 

19.booze (n.) [buz]

alcohol (informal)

Ex:They were giving out booze at that party to kids who were drinking illegally.

 

20.confidential (adj.) [͵kɑnfəˋdɛnʃəl]

private

Ex:Marriage therapists always keep conversations confidential, so you don't have to worry that your problems don't become the gossip of the town.

 

21.demanding (adj.) [dɪˋmændɪŋ]

requiring great effort or work

Ex:My history teacher is very demanding. She expects student to memorize so many facts.

 

22.mail-in rebate (n.)

refund or return of money sent to the purchaser after buying goods

Ex:It took two months to receive my mail-in rebate from that company.

 

23.throw in (phrasal verb)

add as an extra item

Ex:The computer store threw in a free set of speakers when I bought a computer.

 

24.sticker shock (n.)

great surprise at the sales price of an item

Ex:I can't get over the sticker shock of seeing the price of cars these days.

 

25.chip in (phrasal verb)

add or contribute

Ex:My father chipped in money so I could by my first laptop.