A plot is the sequence of events and actions that make up the main storyline of a book, film, play, or other narrative work. It outlines the key events and conflicts that drive the story forward and includes the development of characters and their interactions. The plot typically involves an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which together create a coherent and engaging narrative.

What is a "plot"?

plot

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cGxvdA&hash=eb40dc5d53e887287f0ec2a1e787abc9734a67a3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

biographical

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmlvZ3JhcGhpY2Fs&hash=408cee759fba9ece0ef62dc56f2eb2707169b926&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

sketch

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2tldGNo&hash=8cbe172ea704f307ab75208b42e4c01aa3de5069&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

fake

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmFrZQ&hash=447472a07ecbae326a30ae6169a7a384b4b8e952&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A myth is a traditional story or belief that explains natural phenomena, customs, or the origins of a culture. Myths often involve gods, supernatural beings, or heroic figures and serve to convey values, moral lessons, or explanations for the unknown. They are passed down through generations and play a significant role in shaping the beliefs and traditions of a society. Myths provide insights into how different cultures understand and interpret the world around them.

What is a "myth"?

myth

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bXl0aA&hash=46b1164c2fe4c51a1e48ec7cf4e2e74c15da52ed&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "tall story" can be traced back to the concept of storytelling and the practice of embellishing or exaggerating details to make a narrative more captivating or entertaining. The idiom refers to a narrative or anecdote that is exaggerated, embellished, or unlikely to be entirely true. It suggests that the story being told is figuratively "tall" or of great height, representing the idea that it stretches the boundaries of believability. The idiom is commonly used to describe a story that may be entertaining but is not entirely factual or realistic.

What is the origin of the idiom "tall story" and when to use it?

tall story

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGFsbCBzdG9yeQ&hash=9155649bd6c59bab294c28540c11104e06317d17&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A fairytale is a type of folktale that features magical elements and fantastical creatures, such as fairies, witches, and talking animals. These stories often involve adventures, quests, and conflicts between good and evil. Fairytales usually have a clear moral or lesson and are set in imaginary worlds or enchanted settings. They are designed to entertain and enchant readers or listeners, often with a happy ending where good triumphs over evil.

What is a "fairytale"?

fairy tale

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmFpcnkgdGFsZQ&hash=d04acb2d68f403b7551df2e5279d514d756872a7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A legend is a traditional story or set of stories passed down through generations, often rooted in historical events but embellished with imaginative or supernatural elements. Legends typically feature heroic figures, significant events, or mythical beings, and they serve to explain or celebrate cultural beliefs and values. While legends may be based on real people or events, they are often exaggerated or fictionalized to convey moral lessons, cultural heritage, or a sense of wonder.

What is a "legend"?

legend

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bGVnZW5k&hash=7311f2f1638f9e59240b7644b2d8d1e113e6b328&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

anecdote

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YW5lY2RvdGU&hash=2e13de8ce741d17370ffdeee0c87fd80836dc965&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "punch line" is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first known use of the phrase in print was in 1916, in a newspaper article about vaudeville (a form of popular entertainment that was popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century). This expression is now used to describe the funny part of a joke, story, or speech. It can also be used to describe the main point or conclusion of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "punch line" and when to use it?

punch line

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cHVuY2ggbGluZQ&hash=2da8af707e7c5650f53fc9f0623c05aa243e84da&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

joke

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=am9rZQ&hash=4c2a2722257efb71b0f110992f8c6ea5ec633370&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.

What is the origin of the idiom "white lie" and when to use it?

white lie

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2hpdGUgbGll&hash=ed16dc32eba57f88165decdad02850b9c7c84071&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

rumor

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cnVtb3I&hash=67473dde0439deea1b5e68d23f30a48985557ef9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

gossip

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Z29zc2lw&hash=01ba91f7c9019185c454c88d7cefe38b6d661700&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to elaborate

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZWxhYm9yYXRl&hash=106b834b690f0a4ae3228ee4f6081ffa17275597&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

hoax

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aG9heA&hash=e36a6afabefe2857846d14be72d405cf8a6c0262&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

prone

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cHJvbmU&hash=8214de51bfb3015ba9f3ede47e728e145392377a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

exaggeration

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZXhhZ2dlcmF0aW9u&hash=31b69ba582f7cc62839aacf524f757decdc52075&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

readable

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmVhZGFibGU&hash=e6ff5713f4266eb9ad1d8fced0e809256b08c694&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

hooked

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aG9va2Vk&hash=e0d65ba43ec3a7a3a40786556e4f40d7b8fe4f8a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

moving

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bW92aW5n&hash=2bc4fa7cd3489cfff1c9d6d8f66602b920f3706a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

gripping

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Z3JpcHBpbmc&hash=b2a5e78654052a33f539f84539cbf473df6ec290&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

bookworm

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ym9va3dvcm0&hash=826a30d37704e718c35ae71e05633c91b63519fd&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

one-dimensional

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b25lLWRpbWVuc2lvbmFs&hash=61a2f68931c827ed3a28e9ed0767fa44bef8d974&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

best-selling

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmVzdC1zZWxsaW5n&hash=cab82da0c186757228dc139783047f6297ed87e8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

avid

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXZpZA&hash=d668ec7ae55aac210c92c2b17bf76cc9c3f1e122&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to depict

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZGVwaWN0&hash=4f65f4321083ee4da26901d14e38072e55b43661&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

single-minded

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2luZ2xlLW1pbmRlZA&hash=2c19529eeb28ff7114b81e239595b8bc6220dea3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

self-sufficient

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2VsZi1zdWZmaWNpZW50&hash=e79786bd50c0e6021c9b371e681e630237e79247&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

thick-skinned

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhpY2stc2tpbm5lZA&hash=14dff8d87c37d139b542678fd393a4359747d155&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

kind-hearted

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=a2luZC1oZWFydGVk&hash=8ab2894c86f9b01cd0a3ac1c558c9e19d7e32db4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

standoffish

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3RhbmRvZmZpc2g&hash=6d66c5b2ff51fd9ef70593032386119684d9f881&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

career-oriented

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Y2FyZWVyLW9yaWVudGVk&hash=224c0f88e19448620e4c4240d8c24f448311bcb9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

level-headed

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bGV2ZWwtaGVhZGVk&hash=f3d4a6b15c37cf0eebef2782ce0d7e796f57a34f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

absent-minded

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YWJzZW50LW1pbmRlZA&hash=447c95863dac7b0720de0f73bb4e0186f5930914&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A farce is a type of movie or play that features unlikely and silly situations, often involving exaggerated and foolish behavior. It uses humor and absurdity to entertain, with characters who find themselves in ridiculous or improbable scenarios. The plot typically involves misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and slapstick comedy, all designed to provoke laughter through its outlandish and exaggerated elements.

What is a "farce"?

farce

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmFyY2U&hash=ae92e14cd066822b412c8d87108ea0e95fc85844&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A pun is a form of wordplay that uses the multiple meanings of a word or similar-sounding words to create a humorous or clever effect. It involves a play on words where a word or phrase is used in a way that suggests different meanings or interpretations. For example, in the phrase "I used to be a baker, but I could not make enough dough", the pun is on the word "dough", which refers both to the mixture used to make bread and slang for money. This play on words adds humor by linking two different meanings of the same word. Puns are often used to add wit or a clever twist to writing and speech.

What is a "pun"?

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cHVu&hash=f530f2910211cda61e8e49b7ba6a3e6d276e0765&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A cartoon is a movie or TV show created by photographing a series of drawings or models instead of using real people or objects. In this type of animation, characters and scenes are illustrated in a stylized manner, and each frame is slightly different from the last. When these frames are played in sequence, they create the illusion of movement and action. Cartoons often focus on entertaining stories and can vary in style and complexity.

What is a "cartoon"?

cartoon

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Y2FydG9vbg&hash=0a1fd95269ae99400d7c83a0a4ea4704efe95738&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

black humor

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmxhY2sgaHVtb3I&hash=84d0122af130e798f7fee26d89e29632d52371ef&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

surreal

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3VycmVhbA&hash=0e57ed5f291bacf7135f740551c52b75b56dc3b6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Irony is a way of using language to say something that is intentionally contrary to what is meant, often to criticize or mock. It employs clever or sarcastic language to highlight flaws or shortcomings indirectly. For example, if someone who is consistently late is called "Mr. Punctual", the remark uses irony to emphasize the opposite of the truth and to subtly criticize the person's lack of punctuality. This form of irony is used to express disapproval or mock someone or something by pointing out their flaws in an indirect and often humorous way.

What is "irony"?

irony

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aXJvbnk&hash=553a0474bf142b7c885a6befd274b5a9889e79c4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Satire is a form of writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, institutions, or social practices. The goal of satire is often to highlight flaws, absurdities, or injustices in a way that provokes thought and encourages change. By presenting issues in a humorous or exaggerated manner, satire aims to make its critique more engaging and impactful, shedding light on the shortcomings or contradictions in the subject being satirized.

What is "satire"?

satire

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2F0aXJl&hash=f9be1471599bbb95f6ee72d332f5524046cc8715&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "follow in one's footsteps" is used to describe the act of doing the same things that another person, often a family member or predecessor, has done before. The phrase originates from the literal act of following someone's footprints or steps, indicating the path they have taken. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent the act of pursuing the same path, career, or lifestyle as someone else, particularly a family member or mentor

What is the origin of the idiom "follow in one's footsteps" and when to use it?

to [follow] in {one's} footsteps

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZm9sbG93IGluIG9uZSdzIGZvb3RzdGVwcw&hash=a16275a5fec5fb7a850be1d03551ea1b7af7d265&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "dead end" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and was originally used to describe a street or road that has no outlet or exit. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has reached a point where there is no way forward, or where further efforts are unlikely to be successful.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead end" and when to use it?

dead end

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGVhZCBlbmQ&hash=f285a145e1f9e9f52a1e51485db562e4d8008316&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

frosty

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZnJvc3R5&hash=81c95469a95ddde786a562d7e31f3cddb648913c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

reception

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cmVjZXB0aW9u&hash=acf86ed4ff079cb6cd348f3754ff7688348f64c5&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "under the weather" has origins in the sailing world and dates back to the 18th century. It originated from sailors who would often feel sick or unwell due to rough weather conditions, which could cause them to feel unwell or seasick. The phrase evolved to describe someone who is feeling sick or not in good health. It is used to indicate that someone is feeling unwell or experiencing a mild illness. It suggests a temporary state of physical discomfort or sickness.

What is the origin of the idiom "under the weather" and when to use it?

under the weather

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dW5kZXIgdGhlIHdlYXRoZXI&hash=2135ea25139e7593387db1fea29f0c96b409ae39&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

stormy

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3Rvcm15&hash=71776ebe4df9fb3ca212ec9f90896947a0b0510a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "call the shots" can be traced back to the sport of billiards or pool. In billiards, the player who "calls the shots" is the one who declares which ball they intend to hit and into which pocket it will go. By doing so, they take control of the game and determine the sequence of shots. It is often used when discussing leadership roles, management positions, or situations where one is responsible for directing and determining the course of action.

What is the origin of the idiom "call the shots" and when to use it?

to [call] the (shots|tune)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2FsbCB0aGUgc2hvdHM&hash=edb9704c11288e7427a4be1a5586c9b2bbe48559&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

firing line

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmlyaW5nIGxpbmU&hash=b478d6441dce244f1b23a5e71b401db4df6602b6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to struggle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RydWdnbGU&hash=14cf4f7176fe80f541790bc49dd3d4afa4e840b9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

warm

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2FybQ&hash=c21432bc7cf134350c975bb2203dc811afd5cf21&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to set {one's} sights on {sth}

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2V0IG9uZSdzIHNpZ2h0cyBvbiBzb21ldGhpbmc&hash=88fabda8c8eeefe5c3e82b6570d24923adf685c3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Here you will find the vocabulary from Unit 3 - Reference in the Total English Advanced coursebook, such as "level-headed", "tall story", "elaborate", etc.

Total English Advanced - Unit 3 - Reference

Unit 3 - Reference

Total English Advanced "Unit 3 - Reference" Vocabulary