What does the verb venture mean?
to set out for somewhere
Example: They ventured into the forest to find an area to camp before it became dark.
What does the phrase nothing ventured, nothing gained imply?
if you don’t take a risk, you won’t achieve something worthwhile
This phrase emphasizes the importance of taking risks for potential rewards.
Define exploitation.
the full use of something for benefit
Example: The exploitation of natural resources has led to serious environmental harm.
What does the adjective spiraling describe?
rising at an increasing rate
Example: The rise in the price of oil has been blamed for the recent spiraling costs of living.
What is meant by depletion?
reduction; exhaustion
Example: Global warming will worsen as the depletion of the ozone layer continues.
What does the idiom in sth’s wake signify?
outcomes that occur as the result of an event/action (usually negative)
Example: The tornado left a trail of destruction in its wake as it hit the town.
Define mining.
the activity of removing natural resources from the ground
Example: Coal mining was the biggest industry in the town, and it had provided many residents with jobs.
What does the noun plethora mean?
an overwhelmingly large amount of something
Example: There is a plethora of restaurants to choose from on Newbury street.
What does the phrase inexorably decline mean?
to become less and less in an unstoppable way
Example: Natural resources in the area have inexorably declined and are at critical levels due to heavy mining.
What is an entrepreneur?
a businessman or a businesswoman
Example: A young entrepreneur bought the business and sold it for double the price a year later.
Define asteroid.
each of the bodies of rock that move around the Sun
Example: Astronomers will watch the asteroid as it follows its orbit through the Solar system.
What does the term treasure trove refer to?
a good or rich source of something
Example: This recipe book is a treasure trove of practical ideas on how to cook with few ingredients.
What is ore?
a mineral from which metal is obtained
Example: Uranium miners must take great care when digging for radioactive ore.
What does the verb sustain mean?
to maintain
Example: Scientists fear that our planet will not be able to sustain humanity in the decades to come.
What is a metric ton?
a unit of measurement equal to about 2,200 pounds
Example: Human activity adds about 7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.
Define large-scale.
broad; extensive
Example: A large-scale campaign is underway to raise money for the victims of the earthquake.
What does the noun element refer to?
a degree or amount
Example: Any dangerous activity such as oil mining contains an element of risk.
What does the phrase in one’s element mean?
happy because you are doing something you enjoy and are good at
This phrase suggests a state of comfort and proficiency.
Define peril.
a danger; a hazard
Example: The road was closed due to the many perils drivers could face during the severe storm.
What does the phrase bide one’s time mean?
to wait patiently for a good opportunity before doing something
Example: The governor was biding his time calmly before finally raising taxes.
What does the adverb headlong describe?
recklessly with great speed
Example: The car sped round the bend and smashed headlong into the barrier.
