Framework
/ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk/
nounB2
Definition
A framework is a set of rules, ideas, or parts that support and help organize something complex. It can be used for physical things like buildings or for abstract things like plans, systems, or ways of thinking. It helps people understand or build something step by step.
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See It in Action
Physical structure that supports or holds something
- •The framework of the new bridge is made of steel.
- •Workers built the wooden framework before adding walls.
- •The framework keeps the building strong during storms.
A system of ideas or rules used to organize thoughts or plans
- •The teacher gave us a framework to write our essays.
- •The company uses a framework to manage projects efficiently.
- •This theory provides a framework for understanding human behavior.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "framework" like "frame" (A1 word), but bigger—it holds many parts together, not just one picture.
- ✓Picture a wooden skeleton inside a house that holds walls and roof in place.
- ✓It's the feeling when you have a clear plan or structure for a project, so you don’t get lost.
- ✓Sounds like "FRAME-work" → imagine a workbench made of frames holding tools and materials organized.
- ✓Think of a teacher giving you a framework for writing an essay, so you know what parts to include.
- ✓NOT like "random" (no order), a framework has clear organization and support.
- ✓NOT like "detail" (small parts), a framework is the big structure that holds details inside.
- ✓NOT like "rule" alone, a framework is a group of rules or ideas working together.
Try Other Words
- •Structure: an arrangement or organization of parts (Use when talking about the overall shape or system)
- •Skeleton: the basic supporting part of something (Use when emphasizing the simple, bare support)
- •System: a set of connected parts working together (Use when focusing on rules or ideas working as a whole)
- •Plan: a detailed proposal or method (Use when focusing on an organized idea or method)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "frame" (a border or structure) + "work" (something done or made)
- •Etymology: From English, combining "frame" (to build a structure) and "work" (the action or result)
- •Historical development: Originally used for physical supports in buildings; later used for abstract supports like ideas or systems
- •Modern usage: Used in many fields like construction, computer programming, education, and business to mean the basic supporting system or plan
Reflect & Connect
•How can using a framework help you organize your ideas better when speaking or writing in a new language?
•Can you think of a time when a framework helped you solve a problem or complete a task more easily?
Fill in the blanks
1.The framework of the house was made strong enough to ___ heavy snow on the roof.
2.When writing an essay, a good framework helps you ___ your ideas clearly and logically.
3.Unlike a list of random facts, a framework shows the ___ between different parts.
4.Programmers use a framework to ___ the basic parts of a computer program quickly.
5.The teacher explained the framework ___ which the students should build their projects.
6.If you don't have a framework, your plan might feel ___ and confusing.
7.The framework provides a ___ for understanding how the whole system works.