Y07W26VC Theme Words — Poverty & global issues

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Poverty & global issues. The words in this set are used when discussing economic inequality, resource distribution, humanitarian challenges, and systemic barriers facing communities around the world. Many of these terms appear in economics, international studies and academic writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with questions of fairness, responsibility, and global change.

Word in Context (Theme: Poverty & global issues)

These three words connect to the theme of Poverty & global issues. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with more precise, thoughtful language.

sustainable

/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/

sus‑tain‑a‑ble

adjective

Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources or causing harm; capable of continuing over time without environmental or social damage.

Word family: sustainability (n.), sustain (v.)

Example: Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations.

Synonyms: renewable, viable, long-term

Collocations: sustainable development, sustainable practices, sustainable future

access

/ˈæk.ses/

ac‑cess

noun

The right or opportunity to use or benefit from something; the ability to reach, enter, or approach a place or obtain something.

Word family: accessible (adj.), accessibility (n.)

Example: Many people in developing countries lack access to clean water and healthcare.

Synonyms: availability, entry, admission

Collocations: access to education, access to healthcare, access to resources

inequality

/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ə.ti/

in‑e‑qual‑i‑ty

noun

The state of being unequal in wealth, power, opportunities, or other social resources; unfair or uneven distribution.

Word family: equal (adj.), equally (adv.)

Example: Global inequality means that people in rich countries have far more opportunities than those in poor countries.

Synonyms: disparity, imbalance, unfairness

Collocations: reduce inequality, address inequality, economic inequality

Academic Vocab

reveal

/rɪˈviːl/

re‑veal

verb | [reveal – revealed – revealed]

To make something known or visible that was previously hidden or secret; to disclose or uncover information.

Word family: revelation (n.), revealing (adj.)

Example: The investigation will reveal the causes of poverty in the region.

Synonyms: show, disclose, expose

Collocations: reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal a secret

expose

/ɪkˈspəʊz/

ex‑pose

verb | [expose – exposed – exposed]

To reveal or show something that was hidden or concealed; to subject someone or something to something undesirable.

Word family: exposure (n.), exposed (adj.)

Example: The report exposed widespread corruption in government spending.

Synonyms: reveal, uncover, display

Collocations: expose a problem, expose corruption, expose injustice

disclose

/dɪsˈkləʊz/

dis‑close

verb | [disclose – disclosed – disclosed]

To reveal or make known something that was previously kept secret or private; to tell or communicate information.

Word family: disclosure (n.), disclosed (adj.)

Example: The charity did not disclose the names of donors to protect their privacy.

Synonyms: reveal, tell, share

Collocations: disclose information, disclose details, disclose findings

illustrate

/ˈɪl.ə.streɪt/

il‑lus‑trate

verb | [illustrate – illustrated – illustrated]

To show or explain something by providing examples, pictures, or practical demonstrations; to make something clear or understandable.

Word family: illustration (n.), illustrative (adj.)

Example: The documentary illustrates the daily challenges faced by communities in poverty.

Synonyms: demonstrate, explain, show

Collocations: illustrate the point, illustrate the problem, illustrate the issue

highlight

/ˈhaɪ.laɪt/

high‑light

verb | [highlight – highlighted – highlighted]

To draw attention to something, especially something important, or to make something stand out as noteworthy or significant.

Word family: highlighting (n.), highlighted (adj.)

Example: The speech highlighted the urgent need for global action on climate change.

Synonyms: emphasise, stress, feature

Collocations: highlight the need, highlight the importance, highlight the problem

this reveals

/ðɪs rɪˈviːlz/

this re‑veals

phrase (discourse marker)

A sentence-starter phrase used to introduce information or findings that show or make clear something important or previously unknown.

Example: Children in rural areas have limited access to education; this reveals the inequality in educational opportunities.

Synonyms: this shows, this demonstrates, this uncovers

Collocations: this reveals the truth, this reveals the problem, this reveals the issue

Confusing Words

may vs might

These words express possibility, but they have different strengths and uses, creating confusion about which one to use in different contexts.

  • may — May expresses a stronger or more definite possibility; it is used when something is more likely to happen. It is also used when asking for or giving permission. For example: You may leave when you finish your work. It also indicates: Climate change may cause severe flooding.
  • might — Might expresses a weaker or more remote possibility; it suggests something is less certain or less likely. It is also the past tense of 'may'. For example: If we don't act now, the situation might become worse. Or in the past: I asked if I might stay longer.

Memory rule: Use may for stronger possibility or when asking permission. Use might for weaker or more uncertain possibility. In formal writing, 'may' is slightly stronger than 'might'.