About to take on a shape that should improve things (6)
I believe the answer is:
reform
'should improve things' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'about to take on a shape' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 're' ('re' means regarding or about).
'to take on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a shape' becomes 'form' ('form' can be a synonym of 'shape').
're'+'form'='REFORM'
'that' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reform that I've seen before include "Show improvement" , "Removal of abuses" , "Mend one's ways" , "Change one's ways (for the better?)" , "Go straight" .)