Bloc, Wing, Faction | IELTS vocabulary

The words bloc, wing, and faction all refer to loosely organized groups within a larger group of society.

A bloc is a group interested in promoting a certain interest, regardless of the political affiliation of its members. For example, the farm bloc is interested in protecting the interests of all farmers. Likewise, the bloc of southern congressmen includes both Democrats and Republicans.

A wing is one of two directly opposed subgroups of the same political party or bloc. Example are: the conservative wing of the farm bloc, the liberal wing of the Republican Party.

A faction is usually a disruptive or a minority subgroup.

• A small faction of opposition MPs disrupted the parliament yesterday.