EC5.5

Question 1

galvanize

cause sb to take action suddenly by exciting/shocking them

Answer 1

Analysts hope growing political interest among Polish youth will galvanize higher turnout among first-time voters in 2025.

Question 2

proffer

to offer sth by holding it out (hand) or to offer advice or an opinion

Answer 2

Dr. John Gottman, known for decades of research on marital dynamics, has authored 26 books that proffer evidence-based advice on building lasting relationships.

Question 3

ostensible

stated or appearing to be true but not necessarily so

Answer 3

Many supplement companies promote the ostensible health benefits of their products, though these claims often lack scientific backing.

Question 4

tout

attempt to sell (sth), typically by a direct or persistent approach

Answer 4

One of the most disliked sales tactics among Polish consumers involves bank employees in shopping malls who tout the benefits of opening new accounts to passersby.

Question 5

volatile

liable to change rapidly und unpredictably, especially for the worse

Answer 5

One of the key topics in the 2025 Polish presidential debate was the need to strengthen the country’s self-sufficiency in energy, ammunition, and food — all sectors considered highly volatile in the face of potential military conflict.

Question 6

spurious

not being what it purports to be, false or fake

Answer 6

Consumers are advised to avoid proprietary blends when buying vitamins, as many companies make spurious claims about the ingredients and their actual effectiveness.

Question 7

transient

lasting only for a short time, impermanent

Answer 7

Married couples should be prepared for transient feelings of apathy or indifference toward their partner — emotions that often pass when both parties actively work on rebuilding emotional intimacy.

Question 8

hegemony

leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others

Answer 8

The United States’ global hegemony has been increasingly challenged by China, particularly through economic expansion and technological development.

Question 9

encompass

surround and have or hold within

Answer 9

Decades of Gottman’s research encompass both observational studies and long-term follow-ups, allowing him to identify patterns like the “Four Horsemen” that predict relational breakdown.

Question 10

preempt

take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening, forestall

Answer 10

Politicians often hold press conferences to preempt scandals, hoping to shape the narrative before damaging information emerges.

Public health officials advocate early vaccination campaigns to preempt seasonal outbreaks of influenza and reduce strain on hospitals.