Cambridge IELTS 19 - Académique - Test 1 - Lecture - Passage 1 (1)

an object with a handle, an oval frame and a tightly fixed net, used for hitting the ball in sports such as badminton, tennis, etc.

to secure a position in a ranking based on measured success or accomplishment

extremely great or large

worth noticing, especially because of being unusual or extraordinary

to regard someone or something in a certain way

to join in a contest or game

in opposition to someone or something

to state the name of someone or something

before the present moment or a specific time

to think about someone or something in a specified way

possessing a natural skill or ability for something

a competitor, team, or animal considered to have little chance of winning a contest

serious and of great importance

to be the main cause or reason for something

a major change in the character, condition, or nature of someone or something

to dispose information about something, so that it publicly known

(of a person) having filled a specific status or position in an earlier period

the act or process of changing something, usually slightly

to make small and precise adjustments

to change or make something in a way that better serves a particular task, person, etc.

related to or involving only one certain thing

a person who strings or repairs strings on equipment such as tennis rackets, musical instruments, or other items requiring stringing

in a favorable or approving manner

a sports equipment with a handle and a netted frame, used by players to hit the tennis ball

the process or action of combining one thing with another to increase the overall quantity, quality, or scope

difficult to notice or detect because of its slight or delicate nature

to occur or be spoken in the course of events

used to say that something is almost but not completely true or exact

describing something that is not seen or noticed

to be constructed from or made up of certain things or people

to change from one thing, such as a task, major, conversation topic, job, etc. to a completely different one

produced artificially, typically based on its natural version

to regard something or someone as smaller or less important than they really are

used to indicate the outcome that occurs due to a specific cause or event

a small group considered the most powerful, successful, skilled, or privileged within a society or organization

used to indicate preference or a greater inclination toward something

one by one; separately from the others

(of a person) very careful about one's choices and standards regarding what is considered good or acceptable

a detailed statement of the features, materials, dimensions, standards, or requirements that something must have

a person, company, or country that produces large numbers of products

to complete a series of steps or actions that are necessary to achieve a specific goal or outcome

doing something completely and comprehensively without leaving out any important details

to move or arrange something slightly so that its position, fit, or appearance is more suitable

lacking special features or remarkable traits

containing plenty of things or people in a small space

used to introduce a word or statement that explains or clarifies exactly what has just been said

having the most importance or influence

a boundary or distinction used to separate or differentiate concepts, ideas, or categories

not a lot in amount or extent

in a manner that is gradually growing in degree, extent, or frequency over time

the style or manner in which someone plays, competes, or performs in a particular activity or sport

traveling to various locations to perform, compete, or be seen, typically as part of a planned event or series

the outer structure of a racket, typically made of lightweight material, which holds the strings in place

the process of changing or adjusting something to fit personal preferences or specific needs

used to refer to people or things that are similar to or of the same kind as the one being mentioned

into a particular position or group, often implying an addition or transition

the thin cords stretched across the frame of a sports racket, such as a tennis or badminton racket, used to hit the ball or shuttlecock

the vertical strings on a racket, running from the throat to the top of the frame

the strings on a racket that run horizontally

the process of making something as large or effective as possible, often by improving or increasing its quantity, value, or impact

with little difficulty or trouble

indicating the main location or area where something or someone works, lives, or operates

the arrangement and spacing of the strings on a racket, which can vary in design, typically affecting the racket's performance, control, and power