glossary link

Reading

• Explore the African wilderness

• Find hidden treasure

• Have an unusual adventure

• Find the guardian of the treasure

Vocabulary & Grammar

EXPRESSIONS WITH TAKE

Writing

Speaking

Glossary

mirage |ˈmɪrɑːʒ, mɪˈrɑːʒ|

noun

an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air. the surface of the road ahead rippled in the heat mirages.

• an unrealistic hope or wish that cannot be achieved: the hope of sanctuary initially proved a mirage.

drudgery |ˈdrʌdʒəri|

noun [ mass noun ]

hard menial or dull work: domestic drudgery.

undergo |ʌndəˈgəʊ|

verb (undergoes, undergoing |-ˈgəʊz| ; pastunderwent |-ˈwɛnt| ; past participleundergone |-ˈgɒn| ) [ with obj. ]

experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous): he underwent a life-saving brain operation.

endurance |ɪnˈdjʊər(ə)ns, ɛn-, -ˈdʒ-, -ɔː|

noun [ mass noun ]

1 the ability to endure an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way: she was close to the limit of her endurance.

shelter |ˈʃɛltə|

noun

1 a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. huts like this are used as a shelter during the winter. an air-raid shelter.

• a place providing food and accommodation for the homeless. did they give you any breakfast at the shelter?

chamber |ˈtʃeɪmbə|

noun

1 a large room used for formal or public events: a council chamber.

fate |feɪt|

noun

1 [ mass noun ] the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power: fate decided his course for him | his injury is a cruel twist of fate.

curse |kəːs|

noun

1 a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something: she'd put a curse on him.

• [ usu. in sing. ] a cause of harm or misery: impatience is the curse of our day and age.

2 an offensive word or phrase used to express anger or annoyance: at every blow there was a curse.

3 (the curse) informal menstruation.

reluctant |rɪˈlʌkt(ə)nt|

adjective

unwilling and hesitant; disinclined: [ with infinitive ] : she seemed reluctant to answer.

hike |hʌɪk|

noun

1 a long walk or walking tour: a five-mile hike across rough terrain.

• informal a long distance: it's such a hike from Adelaide to Perth.

2 a sharp increase, especially in price or cost: fears of a hike in interest rates.

verb

1 [ no obj., with adverbial of direction ] walk for a long distance, especially across country: they hiked across the moors | (as nounhiking) : she enjoys hiking and climbing in her spare time.

seek |siːk|

verb (past and past participlesought |sɔːt| ) [ with obj. ]

attempt to find (something): they came here to seek shelter from biting winter winds.

due |djuː|

adjective

1 [ predic. ] expected at or planned for at a certain time: the baby's due in August | he is due back soon

balaclava |ˌbaləˈklɑːvə| (also balaclava helmet)

nounchiefly Brit.

a close-fitting garment covering the whole head and neck except for parts of the face, typically made of wool.