Cambridge IELTS 19 - Academic - Test 1 - Reading - Passage 1 (2)

to increase something to the highest possible level

referring to a situation in which teams, players, etc. are trying to defeat their rivals

a condition that causes a person or thing to be more successful compared to others

most often or in most cases

to have origins or existence that extends to a specific earlier time

done for recreation, not as an occupation

referring to a name commonly used for something

(of a tennis racket) having strings arranged in a loose, irregular pattern, often creating an exaggerated and springy effect

the arrangement of strings in a racket that forms the surface which makes contact with the ball or shuttlecock

to cause or give rise to something

a stroke in racket sports such as tennis or table tennis where the player hits the ball with forward spin

to officially forbid a particular action, item, or practice

the union of organizations, regions, countries, etc. to form a larger organization or government

used to indicate a small number or amount of something

the quality of being consistent, steady, or predictable in occurrence or pattern

a defining or distinctive feature of something

the state of being important or worthy of attention

food that is essential to one's growth and health

a group of items that share a common feature

referring to the first of two things mentioned

to a large degree

referring to the second of two things mentioned

(physics) the state of being under pressure as a result of getting stretched

to set a piece of equipment in place and make it ready for use

in a way that happens repeatedly, often annoyingly

several and of different types or kinds

used to point out that something or someone is part of a set or group

an area where people can play basketball, tennis, etc.

a type of string or cord made from the natural fibers found in the intestines of animals, often used in sports equipment like tennis rackets or musical instruments

a long, continuous tube in the body through which the food coming from the stomach moves and is passed

able to resist wear, damage, or decay

a tough synthetic fiber that is light and elastic, used in textile industry

not flexible and therefore hard to bend or change shape

a strong, lightweight material made from synthetic fibers, often used in protective gear such as bulletproof vests, helmets, and tires because of its high resistance to impact

a type of plastic made by combining two or more different chemical compounds to enhance strength, flexibility, and durability

a synthetic fiber that is quick to dry and is widely used in textile industry

(of different elements) to come together in order to shape a single unit or a group

a substance that is added in small quantities to something else to improve or preserve its quality, appearance, or effectiveness

combining two or more different elements, often from different sources or types

the arrangement or organization of equipment, tools, or elements in a specific way, typically designed to achieve a particular function or performance

to a significant or notable degree beyond all others

something that is well-suited or ideal for a particular purpose, style, or situation

to be likely to develop or occur in a certain way because that is the usual pattern

to compete, argue, or fight until a decision, winner, or resolution is reached

the barrier in the middle of a court over which players hit the ball, used in sports such as tennis

to show, point out, or suggest the existence, presence, or nature of something

the rotation applied to a tennis ball, which affects its flight path and bounce

from a certain perspective or interpretation, though not in every way

to change something in a significant or fundamental way

outside the limits of something in distance, reach, or capacity

the act of making something suitable or adapting to specific circumstances by making necessary changes or modifications

the act of putting the ball into play by hitting or throwing it to start a point in sports like tennis, volleyball, or table tennis

to relate or assign a feature or quality to something or someone

a heavy soft metal, used in making bullets, in plumbing and roofing, especially in the past

a part of an object designed for grasping, holding, or carrying it

a strong liking for one option or choice over another based on personal taste, favor, etc.

to adjust or shape something closely to the contours or structure of another object

the part of a tool, handle, or equipment, such as a racket, that is held with the hand, often covered with a special tape or material to make holding easier and more secure

to cause something to reach a particular level, amount, or condition

to expect or predict that something will happen

at or to a more advanced point or stage

(of pieces of evidence, facts, statements, etc.) to be opposite or very different in a way that it is impossible for all to be true at the same time

a series of matches played by a particular sports teams in various locations

used to highlight differences or similarities when comparing two or more things or people

the action of putting the ball or puck into play to start a point or match