j Exam tip: In the W riting exam you should also indicate how certain you are about the j facts and opinions you present. I If you want to express a high degree of certainty, use w ords like conclusive. I
Example: Astronomers were able to present conclusive evidence that the universe is expanding.
; If you want to express doubt, use w ords like apparently. j Example: He was apparently calm when he discovered the damage to his car.
2
3
For each sentence 1-5 circle the word or expression in italics that makes the stronger claim. 1
Based on the evidence available to date, we have come to the tentative/definitive conclusion that s m a lle r class sizes improved p upils’ educational attainm ent.
2
The evidence that sm oking increases the risk of lung cancer is undisputed/strong.
3
It has been reported/confirm ed that the royal wedding w ill take place in August.
U
Heavily indebted companies w ill/are liable to fa il in the cu rren t economic clim ate.
5
The w orke rs were seemingly/known to be contented w ith the changes to th e ir w orking conditions.
For each sentence 1-6, cross out the word a-c which does not collocate with the word in bold. 1
Psychologists have come to a /th e ________ conclusion that children of w orking m others are not educationally disadvantaged. a
2
b am ple
c definitive
There is ________ evidence that genetically engineered foods are safe to eat. a
3
tentative
abundant
b am ple
c marked
Recent governm ent reform s had a /a n ________ effect on the budget deficit. a
abundant
b negligible
c modest
U The graph shows that there has been a /a n ________ increase in the average daily consum ption of fresh fru it and vegetables. a 5
c abundant
tentative
b definitive
c vast
The rebels have o b ta in e d ________ supplies of weapons. a
4
b modest
Negotiators fo r the two countries have reached a ________ agreement on how to resolve the border dispute. a
6
marked
vast
b abundant
c marked
For each sentence 1-6 replace the word or expression in bold with one of the key words from this unit. 1
If my boss comes under any m ore pressure, she’s likely to explode.
2
Because of more effective policing, there has been a noticeable decrease in youth crime.
3
Job prospects fo r graduates have im proved slightly over the last six months.
U People who gam ble rarely win m ore than they lose. 5
No one has been able to give a conclusive answer to the question of why some people seem to be consistently lu ckie r than others.
Vocabulary for IELTS