Glossary
Access to Water
The availability and ability to obtain clean, safe drinking water, which is a fundamental human right and a critical global challenge.
Example:
Muchas organizaciones trabajan para mejorar el acceso al agua potable en regiones áridas.
Argumentative Essay
A type of essay where the writer presents a claim or thesis and supports it with evidence and reasoning to persuade the reader.
Example:
Para el examen, debemos escribir un ensayo argumentativo sobre el impacto de la tecnología en la juventud.
Consumption (reduction)
The act of decreasing the amount of goods and services used, often promoted as a strategy to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Example:
Para proteger el medio ambiente, es vital disminuir el consumo excesivo de recursos naturales.
Education (as a solution)
The process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits, often proposed as a solution to societal problems.
Example:
La educación ambiental es una solución efectiva para fomentar prácticas sostenibles en la población.
Environmental Issues
Problems related to the natural environment, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change, that affect ecosystems and human well-being.
Example:
La contaminación del aire en las grandes ciudades es un grave problema ambiental que afecta la salud pública.
Food Security
The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Example:
La agricultura sostenible es clave para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria en las comunidades rurales.
Free Response
A type of exam question that requires the test-taker to generate their own answer, often in the form of an essay or a detailed explanation.
Example:
La sección de respuesta libre del examen nos pide escribir un correo electrónico formal.
Global Challenges
Major issues impacting the world, often transcending national borders, such as environmental, political, and societal problems.
Example:
El cambio climático es uno de los mayores desafíos globales que enfrentamos hoy en día.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and cultures worldwide, driven by trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
Example:
La globalización ha facilitado la difusión de la música latina a nivel mundial.
Health Preservation
The act of maintaining and protecting one's health and well-being, often through preventative measures and proper care.
Example:
La educación sobre nutrición es esencial para la preservación de la salud a largo plazo.
Indigenous Cultures
The distinct traditions, languages, and ways of life of the original inhabitants of a particular region or country.
Example:
Es importante preservar las lenguas y costumbres de las culturas indígenas de América Latina.
Interpersonal Speaking
A communicative mode that involves direct oral communication between individuals, requiring the ability to express opinions and engage in conversation.
Example:
Practicamos la conversación interpersonal discutiendo temas de actualidad en clase.
Multiple Choice
A type of question where the test-taker selects the best answer from a list of options, commonly used to assess comprehension and vocabulary.
Example:
En la sección de lectura, habrá varias preguntas de opción múltiple sobre el significado de las palabras.
Political Issues
Problems related to governance, power structures, and public policy, such as corruption, inequality, and human rights violations.
Example:
La lucha contra la corrupción política es fundamental para el desarrollo de una sociedad justa.
Societal Issues
Problems affecting the structure and well-being of a community or society, including poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare.
Example:
La desigualdad económica es un problema social persistente en muchas naciones latinoamericanas.
Thesis
The main argument or claim of an essay, typically stated in the introduction, which the writer will defend throughout the text.
Example:
Mi tesis es que el uso de energías renovables es crucial para el futuro del planeta.