A VOCABULARY LESSON FOR ADVANCED LEARNERS

A compound noun is a noun formed from two separate words. The meaning of the whole compound noun is often different from the meanings of the two separate words. For example: tooth/paste.

Complete the sentences below using the following compound nouns:

backlash  breakthrough  check-up  downpour  drawback  outcome  output  setback  shake-up  spin-off  upkeep  upshot

1. German teachers are anxiously awaiting the ………….of the pay negotiations.
2. My Japanese landlord takes care of the apartment, but I’m responsible for the ………….of the garden.
3. Non-stick saucepans are a…………from technological advances in space research.
4. The clothing factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil has increased…………. by 20% over the past year.
5. The Chinese government will face a ……….from pensioners if they cut the state pension.
6. Manchester United’s defeat by the German team, Borussia Dortmund, is a serious ……….to their chances of winning the cup.
7. The Japanese actor’s wife maintains that he has been to the doctor simply for a blood test and a ……….
8. My Brazilian friend believes the main……….to living in Tokyo is the high cost of living.
9. The press photographers outside the Chinese embassy were caught in a sudden ………. and got completely drenched.
10. This German vaccine represents a significant……….in the fight against Covid-19.
11. Two Japanese students were caught selling drugs. The ……….of it all was that they were expelled from the school.
12. The new Brazilian chief executive was brought in after a big management ……….

ANSWERS

1. German teachers are anxiously awaiting the OUTCOME of the pay negotiations.
2. My Japanese landlord takes care of the apartment, but I’m responsible for the UPKEEP of the garden.
3. Non-stick saucepans are a SPIN-OFF from technological advances in space research.
4. The clothing factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil has increased OUTPUT by 20% over the past year.
5. The Chinese government will face a BACKLASH from pensioners if they cut the state pension.
6. Manchester United’s defeat by the German team, Borussia Dortmund, is a serious SETBACK to their chances of winning the cup.
7. The Japanese actor’s wife maintains that he has been to the doctor simply for a blood test and a CHECK-UP
8. My Brazilian friend believes the main DRAWBACK to living in Tokyo is the high cost of living.
9. The press photographers outside the Chinese embassy were caught in a sudden DOWNPOUR and got completely drenched.
10. This German vaccine represents a significant BREAKTHROUGH in the fight against Covid-19.
11. Two Japanese students were caught selling drugs. The UPSHOT of it all was that they were expelled from the school.
12. The new Brazilian chief executive was brought in after a big management SHAKE-UP.