This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Society & Social Issues. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
concerted effort
Reducing homelessness requires a concerted effort from several services.
antisocial behaviour
Residents reported antisocial behaviour near the playground.
address an issue
The forum was created to address an issue affecting older residents.
claim benefits
Eligible residents can claim benefits through the local advice centre.
mindless violence
The community condemned the mindless violence that damaged local shops.
divided opinions
The proposal produced divided opinions across the neighbourhood.
allay fears
The council held a meeting to allay fears about the new housing plan.
sources close to the resident
According to sources close to the resident, she welcomed the new support service.
small number
Only a small number of residents objected to the scheme.
social fabric
Local clubs are an important part of the social fabric of the town.
in broad agreement
The delegates were in broad agreement about the proposed reforms.
break the cycle
Early support can help families break the cycle of long-term exclusion.
incite violence
Public figures must not incite violence against minority groups.
unveil a plan
The council will unveil a plan to improve access to childcare.
large number
A large number of residents attended the consultation.
social network
A strong social network can reduce feelings of isolation.
network of contacts
The charity relies on a network of contacts to reach isolated residents.
heal the rift
A shared project helped heal the rift between the two groups.
public disorder
Police were called after public disorder broke out near the station.
promote equal opportunities
The policy aims to promote equal opportunities in public employment.
make a plea
Community leaders chose to make a plea for calm after the incident.
provide shelter
The hall will provide shelter during severe weather.
make enemies
The campaign may make enemies among people who oppose the reforms.
unsocial hours
Care workers often have to work unsocial hours.
fresh drive
The charity launched a fresh drive to recruit volunteers.
provide relief
The emergency fund will provide relief to households facing hardship.
change their ways
The programme gives repeat offenders a chance to change their ways.
changed man
After treatment and training, he returned to the community a changed man.
tackle social inequality
The programme seeks to tackle social inequality through fair access to services.
draconian measures
Critics said the curfew amounted to draconian measures.