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Topic Vocabulary & Exercises

9. Extreme Experiences

  VOCABULARY  

IELTS extreme experiences topic title image containing text "Extreme Experiences"

Audio File

Topic Vocabulary:

adore (verb)

Definition: To have a deep affection or love for someone or something.

Example: I adore reading great books.


be crazy about (idiom)

Definition: To really like or enjoy something.

Example: She's crazy about playing the guitar and practices for hours every day.


blissful (adjective)

Definition: Extremely happy.

Example: Walking on the sandy beach during sunset was a blissful experience.


boiling (adjective)

Definition: Very hot.

Example: It was boiling outside so I stayed at home and turned on the air conditioning.


cherish (verb)

Definition: To consider something very special or important.

Example: The trip to the beach with my grandparents is a memory that I cherish.


dreadful (adjective)

Definition: Extremely bad, unpleasant, or serious.

Example: The weather was dreadful, with heavy rain and strong winds making it difficult to go outside.


drive you crazy (idiom)

Definition: To make someone feel very annoyed, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

Example: The constant noise from construction next door is driving me crazy.


enchanting (adjective)

Definition: Really interesting or fascinating in a magical or delightful way.

Example: The enchanting melody of the music transported me to a magical place.


euphoric (adjective)

Definition: Feeling intense happiness.

Example: The Argentinian football fans were euphoric when their team won the World Cup.


exhilarating (adjective)

Definition: Making you feel very happy and full of positive energy.

Example: The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.


get a rush (idiom)

Definition: To get a sudden intense feeling of excitement.

Example: The skydive gave me a big rush.


highlight (noun [c])

Definition: The most important or memorable part.

Example: The fireworks display was the highlight of the evening.


indulge (verb)

Definition: To allow oneself to enjoy or do something pleasurable or satisfying, often in excess.

Example: I decided to indulge myself with a big piece of chocolate cake.


invigorating (adjective)

Definition: Something that makes you feel more awake, energised, and refreshed.

Example: He takes a cold shower in the morning because he finds it invigorating.


jump at the chance (idiom)

Definition: To eagerly and quickly accept an opportunity.

Example: When he was offered a trip to Paris, he jumped at the chance to go.


memorable (adjective)

Definition: Very difficult to forget.

Example: The speech was both heartfelt and memorable.


obnoxious (adjective)

Definition: Annoying, offensive, or unpleasant in behaviour or manner.

Example: The drunk man was loud and obnoxious.


scared stiff (idiom)

Definition: Extremely scared.

Example: I was scared stiff by a loud bang in the middle of the night.


thrilling (adjective)

Definition: Causing a strong feeling of excitement or exhilaration.

Example: There were some thrilling scenes in the movie.


unforgettable (adjective)

Definition: Impossible to forget.

Example: The view the mountain summit was unforgettable.

Exercise 1: Gap-fill Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary word from the list provided.


1. The weather was ___________, making everyone uncomfortable and sweaty.

2. He is ___________ by the thought of public speaking; it fills him with terror.

3. The roller coaster ride was ___________, with twists and turns that left everyone exhilarated.

4. I ___________ the moments spent with my family during the holidays; they are precious to me.

5. The chance to travel to a new country is something I would ___________ without hesitation.

6. The view from the mountaintop was absolutely ___________, it’s etched in my memory.

7. He can be ___________ to staff in shops and restaurants. I wish he would be more patient and polite.

8. The snorkelling trip was the ___________ of my holiday.


Exercise 2: Multiple-Choice Exercise

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence.


1. The race was ___________, with cars competing to win until the final lap.

a) thrilling

b) adore

c) blissful


2. He was ___________ about cycling and went for a 1 hour ride every morning.

a) adore

b) scared stiff

c) crazy


3. The new amusement park ride is absolutely ___________.

a) exhilarating

b) cherish

c) obnoxious


4. She would ___________ to work abroad.

a) get a rush

b) jump at the chance

c) indulge


5. The vacation was so ___________ that they talked about it for years afterward.

a) highlight

b) unforgettable

c) invigorating


6. Her coworker always managed to ___________ her crazy.

a) drive

b) do

c) push


7. A cold shower in the morning is really  ___________.

a) indescribable

b) dreadful

c) invigorating


8. He felt ___________ when she agreed to marry him.

a) cherished

b) dreadful

c) euphoric


Exercise 3: Rewrite Sentences

Rewrite these sentences using the words in brackets.


1. I decided to give myself a treat with a big piece of chocolate cake. (indulge)

2. The skydive was extremely exciting. (get a rush)

3. The beautiful music transported me to a magical place. (enchanting)

4. Walking on the sandy beach during sunset made me incredibly happy. (blissful)

5. I really value the memories of our time together in Paris. (cherish)

6. I absolutely love reading her novels. (adore)

Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1:
1. boiling, 2. scared stiff, 3. thrilling, 4. cherish, 5. jump at, 6. unforgettable, 7.obnoxious, 8. highlight

Exercise 2: 1.a, 2.c, 3.a, 4.b, 5.b, 6.a, 7.c, 8.c

Exercise 3: (Suggested answers)

1. I decided to indulge in a big piece of chocolate cake.

2. I got a rush out of the skydive.

3. The enchanting music transported me to a magical place.

4. Walking on the sandy beach during sunset was blissful.

5. I cherish our time together in Paris.

6. I adore reading her novels.

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