Word forms

-ism

Band 6-7

The full list of 20 words in this set. Open any word for its pronunciation, collocations, a band 8 sentence and the mistakes Vietnamese learners make.

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20 words

  1. 1

    authoritarianismnoun/ˌɔːθɒrɪˈteəriənɪzəm/

    a political system or ideology in which power is concentrated in the hands of a ruler or a small group and political freedoms are limited

    Many Task 2 prompts ask students to weigh the risks of authoritarianism against the need for stability.

  2. 2

    tourismnoun/ˈtʊərɪz(ə)m/

    the industry or activity of people travelling for pleasure or visiting places of interest

    Tourism is a major source of income for the island.

  3. 3

    pluralismnoun/ˈplʊrəlɪzəm/

    the existence or acceptance of a variety of distinct groups, beliefs, or cultural backgrounds within a society

    Pluralism encourages different cultural groups to participate in public life.

  4. 4

    communismnoun/ˈkɒmjʊnɪzəm/

    A political and economic system where property is commonly owned and class distinctions are abolished, typically associated with state control.

    Arguments about communism and capitalism were common during the 20th century.

  5. 5

    skepticismnoun/ˈskɛptɪsɪz(ə)m/

    an attitude of doubting the truth of something; doubt

    Public skepticism about the new policy made the government delay implementation.

  6. 6

    liberalismnoun/ˈlɪb(ə)rəlɪzəm/

    A political belief in individual freedoms, democracy, and civil liberties.

    Liberalism influenced many post-war constitutions that protect freedom of speech.

  7. 7

    imperialismnoun/ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪz(ə)m/

    A policy or practice by which a state extends its power and influence over other countries, often by direct territorial acquisition or by exerting control.

    The 19th-century scramble for Africa is a classic example of European imperialism.

  8. 8

    activismnoun/ˈæktɪvɪz(ə)m/

    organized action intended to bring social or political change

    Student activism played a big role in the protests last year.

  9. 9

    protectionismnoun/prəˈtɛkʃənɪzəm/

    Economic policy of protecting domestic industries from foreign competition, typically using tariffs, quotas, or subsidies.

    Many countries adopted protectionism after the crisis to shield local jobs.

  10. 10

    nepotismnoun/ˈnɛpətɪz(ə)m/

    the practice of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs

    The company's promotion was criticised as blatant nepotism.

  11. 11

    pragmatismnoun/ˈpræɡmətɪzəm/

    A practical approach that focuses on what works rather than on theory or ideology.

    Pragmatism in policy-making often means testing small-scale pilots before national rollout.

  12. 12

    collectivismnoun/kəˈlɛktɪvɪzəm/

    A social or political system that prioritizes group goals and interdependence over individual interests.

    Collectivism is often emphasized in discussions about welfare and public responsibility.

  13. 13

    ethnocentrismnoun/ˌɛθnə(ʊ)ˈsɛntrɪzəm/

    The belief that one's own culture or ethnic group is superior to others, often leading to misinterpretation of other cultures.

    Ethnocentrism can lead tourists to misjudge local customs and offend hosts unintentionally.

  14. 14

    altruismnoun/ˈæltruɪz(ə)m/

    Selfless concern for the welfare of others; unselfish behaviour or attitudes.

    Voluntary blood donors act out of altruism rather than for money.

  15. 15

    secularismnoun/ˈsɛkjʊlərɪzəm/

    The principle that government and institutions should be separate from religious bodies and not favor any religion.

    Secularism is often debated in relation to education and public symbols.

  16. 16

    sensationalismnoun/sɛnˈseɪʃənəlɪz(ə)m/

    the use of shocking stories or language to provoke public interest and excitement, often at the expense of accuracy

    Critics accused the tabloid of sensationalism after it exaggerated the scandal.

  17. 17

    hedonismnoun/ˈhiːd(ə)nɪzəm/

    The doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

    Critics claim that certain adverts promote hedonism by linking happiness with immediate gratification.

  18. 18

    elitismnoun/ɪˈliːtɪzəm/

    The belief or practice that a society should be led by an elite or that a minority deserves privileges over the majority.

    Critics accused the policy of elitism because it seemed to favour graduates from top universities.

  19. 19

    pacifismnoun/ˈpæsɪfɪz(ə)m/

    the belief in avoiding war and violence as a means of settling disputes

    His pacifism prevented him from joining the army during the war.

  20. 20

    humanismnoun/ˈhjuːmənɪzəm/

    An outlook that emphasizes human values, reason, and dignity, often focusing on secular and ethical concerns rather than religious doctrine.

    Renaissance humanism revived interest in classical learning and the value of the individual.

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