10 words
- compellingadjective/kom-PEL-ing/
so convincing that it is hard to disagree with
The data provide such a compelling case that even critics were convinced.
Collocation: a compelling argument · Similar: convincing, persuasive
- contendverb/kon-TEND/
to argue or claim firmly that something is true
Supporters of the ban contend that it will save lives, despite strong criticism.
Collocation: contend that · Similar: argue, maintain
- outweighverb/owt-WAY/
to be greater or more important than something else
In my view, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Collocation: far outweigh · Similar: exceed, override
- concedeverb/kon-SEED/
to admit, often reluctantly, that something is true
Even its supporters concede that the plan has some weaknesses.
Collocation: concede a point · Similar: admit, acknowledge
- refuteverb/ri-FYOOT/
to prove that a statement or theory is wrong
New research appears to refute the claim that sugar causes hyperactivity.
Collocation: refute a claim · Similar: disprove, rebut
- flawedadjective/FLAWD/
containing a mistake or weakness that spoils it
The argument is flawed because it relies on one small study.
Collocation: deeply flawed · Similar: faulty, defective
- counterargumentnoun/KOWN-ter-ar-gyu-ment/
a reason given against another point of view
A strong essay should acknowledge at least one counterargument and respond to it.
Collocation: address a counterargument · Similar: objection, opposing view
- detrimentaladjective/det-ri-MEN-tal/
causing harm or damage
Too much screen time can be detrimental to children's sleep.
Collocation: a detrimental effect · Similar: harmful, damaging
- justificationnoun/jus-ti-fi-KAY-shun/
a good reason that shows why something is right
There is little justification for charging students such high fees.
Collocation: little justification for · Similar: reason, grounds
- meritnoun/MER-it/
a quality that makes something worth considering
There is some merit in the idea of a four-day week.
Collocation: have some merit · Similar: value, worth
Grammar check
Choose the right option, then open the answer.
1. It is the cost, not the idea, ___ most people object to.
what · which · that · who
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that: In 'It is ... that' cleft sentences, use 'that' after the part you want to highlight.
2. Were the tax ___, many families would struggle.
to rise · rising · rises · rose
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to rise: Formal inverted conditional: 'Were + subject + to-infinitive' replaces 'If the tax were to rise'.
3. I propose that every school ___ a free breakfast club.
offering · offered · to offer · offer
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offer: After 'propose that', formal English uses the subjunctive: the base form, whatever the subject.
4. Rarely ___ such a persuasive argument against cars.
I have heard · have I heard · I heard · heard I
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have I heard: Negative adverbs like 'Rarely' at the start of a sentence need inversion: auxiliary before subject.
5. Opponents object ___ the plan on environmental grounds.
against · with · to · for
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to: The verb 'object' is followed by 'to'.
Use the words: speaking questions
- Do the benefits of international tourism outweigh its costs for local communities?
- Is it ever justifiable for governments to restrict what people eat or drink?
- How persuasive do you find the arguments for a shorter working week?
Answer them out loud with Dodo in the app for a band and better versions of your answers.