Listening Part 6: Viewpoints

A personal belief or judgement.

“In my opinion, the plan needs more detail.”

Often used: in my opinion · a strong opinion

CELPIP tip: Upgrade 'I think' to 'In my opinion' or 'My view is that' for a more polished, scored response.

The protection of nature and natural resources.

“The park is a model of successful wildlife conservation.”

Often used: wildlife conservation · water conservation

CELPIP tip: Use 'wildlife/energy conservation' collocations in formal opinion tasks; stronger than simply saying 'protecting nature.'

The subjects and content taught in a course or school.

“The new curriculum includes more hands-on science projects.”

Often used: design a curriculum · core curriculum

CELPIP tip: Formal; strong collocations: 'design a curriculum' or 'school curriculum.' Avoid in casual speech tasks.

Money that you owe to someone.

“She worked hard to pay off her student debt.”

Often used: pay off debt · in debt

CELPIP tip: Strong in opinion essays; collocate with 'accumulate debt' or 'fall into debt' to sound sophisticated.

One thing that helps cause a result.

“Cost was the deciding factor in our choice.”

Often used: a key factor · an important factor

CELPIP tip: Use 'a key/major factor' to sound analytical; stronger than saying 'one reason' in opinion tasks.

A substance in food that the body needs to grow and stay healthy.

“Vegetables are full of important nutrients.”

Often used: essential nutrients · rich in nutrients

CELPIP tip: Formal health term; collocate with 'essential nutrients' or 'nutrient-rich diet' to boost register.

Large or important enough to have an effect.

“There has been a significant improvement in sales.”

Often used: significant impact · significant increase

CELPIP tip: Formal upgrade for 'big' or 'important'; collocate with 'a significant impact/improvement' for higher scores.

To make a process work by machines, not people.

“They automated the entire billing process.”

Often used: automate a task · fully automate

CELPIP tip: Use in formal opinion tasks; collocate with 'automate repetitive tasks' to sound precise and professional.

To weaken or damage something gradually.

“Constant criticism can undermine confidence.”

Often used: undermine confidence · undermine efforts

CELPIP tip: Formal and precise; use 'this undermines the argument that...' to rebut opposing views with sophistication.

actively deal with global warming problems

“World leaders met to discuss new policies to tackle climate change.”

CELPIP tip: Neutral; 'tackle' sounds more dynamic than 'deal with'—pair with 'urgent need to' for emphasis.

make something clearer or easier to understand

“This new study sheds light on the causes of urban poverty.”

CELPIP tip: Neutral but sophisticated; use to introduce supporting evidence: 'This statistic sheds light on the real issue.'

As a result.

“He missed the train and consequently was late.”

Often used: result

CELPIP tip: Use in formal opinion writing to show cause-effect; stronger than 'so' or 'therefore'.