Reading Passage 1: "William Kamkwamba"

10 
Take toll on something (v) – to harm or damage someone or something, 
especially in a gradual way
Example: The recession has taken a heavy toll
11 
Cope with (v) – to dal successfully with a difficult situation (B2)
Example: It must be difficult to cope with three small children and a job
12 
Counter (v) – to react to something with an opposing opinion or action, or to 
defend yourself against something 
Example: The prime minister countered the opposition’s claims about health 
service cuts by saying that the government has increased spending in this area. 
Day 14 (Reading Passage 2: The house of the future, then and now)
Word list:
1 
Obsession (n) – something or someone that you think about all the time (B2)
Example: An unhealthy obsession with death
2 
Consolidate (v) – to become or cause something to become stronger, and more 
certain
Example: The success of their major product consolidated the firm’s position in 
the market 
3 
Futuristic (adj) – strange and very modern, or intended or seeming to come from 
some imagined time in the future 
Example: Her latest novel is a futuristic thriller, set some time in the late 21st
century 
4 
Indebted to (v) – grateful because of help given 
Example: We are deeply indebted to you for your help
5 
Dwelling (n) - a house or place to live in
Example: There is an estimated shortfall five million dwellings across the country 
IEL
TS ZONE
30 - Day Reading Challenge

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30 - Day Reading Challenge
6 
Team up (v) – to join another person, or form a group with other people, in order 
to do something together 
Example: They teamed up for a charity performance