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Writing

Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

Master the opinion, comparison and justification vocabulary you need to choose an option and defend it in writing for CELPIP Writing Task 2.

How to use these words: Task 2 gives you two options and asks you to choose one and explain why. State your choice clearly, support it with reasons and examples, and use contrast connectors to dismiss the alternative.

366 words & phrases·63 free·Study these with flashcards & quizzes →
neighbourhoodnounˈneɪbəhʊdneutralCLB 7

The area around where you live.

“It is a quiet, friendly neighbourhood.”

areadistrictcommunity

Often used: quiet neighbourhood · safe neighbourhood

opinionnounəˈpɪnjənneutralCLB 7

A personal belief or judgement.

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

viewbelief

Often used: in my opinion · a strong opinion

commutenoun/verbkəˈmjuːtneutralCLB 8

The regular journey between home and work.

“My daily commute takes about an hour each way.”

journeytrip

Often used: daily commute · long commute · commute to work

essentialadjectiveɪˈsɛnʃlformalCLB 8

Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

“Good communication is essential for teamwork.”

crucialvitalnecessary

Often used: absolutely essential · essential for

feedbacknounˈfiːdbækneutralCLB 8

Comments about how well something is done.

“My manager gave me helpful feedback.”

commentsinput

Often used: give feedback · positive feedback

fitnessnounˈfɪtnəsneutralCLB 8

The state of being physically healthy.

“Swimming improves overall fitness.”

healthcondition

Often used: physical fitness · fitness level

performancenounpəˈfɔːmənsneutralCLB 8

A show given for an audience.

“The evening performance sold out quickly.”

showproduction

Often used: live performance · give a performance

pollutionnounpəˈluːʃnneutralCLB 8

Harmful substances that damage the environment.

“Air pollution is worse in large cities.”

contamination

Often used: air pollution · reduce pollution

ambitiousadjectiveæmˈbɪʃəsneutralCLB 9

Having a strong desire to succeed.

“He is ambitious and wants to lead the team.”

drivendeterminedaspiring

Often used: ambitious goal · highly ambitious

conservationnounˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃənformalCLB 9

The protection of nature and natural resources.

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

preservationprotection

Often used: wildlife conservation · water conservation

cuisinenounkwɪˈziːnneutralCLB 9

A style of cooking from a place or culture.

“The city is famous for its diverse cuisine.”

cookingfare

Often used: local cuisine · fine cuisine

curriculumnounkəˈrɪkjələmformalCLB 9

The subjects and content taught in a course or school.

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

syllabusprogram

Often used: design a curriculum · core curriculum

debtnoundɛtneutralCLB 9

Money that you owe to someone.

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

what is owed

Often used: pay off debt · in debt

drawbacknounˈdrɔːbækneutralCLB 9

A disadvantage or negative feature.

“The main drawback of the plan is the cost.”

disadvantagedownsidesnag

Often used: major drawback · main drawback · only drawback

evidencenounˈɛvɪdənsformalCLB 9

Facts that show whether something is true.

“There is strong evidence for the claim.”

proofdata

Often used: scientific evidence · clear evidence

experimentnounɪkˈspɛrɪməntneutralCLB 9

A test done to learn something.

“The experiment confirmed their theory.”

testtrial

Often used: run an experiment · controlled experiment

factornounˈfæktərneutralCLB 9

One thing that helps cause a result.

“Cost was the deciding factor in our choice.”

elementcause

Often used: a key factor · an important factor

heritagenounˈhɛrɪtɪdʒformalCLB 9

Traditions and culture passed down.

“The festival celebrates local heritage.”

traditionlegacy

Often used: cultural heritage · preserve heritage

leisurenounˈlɛʒəformalCLB 9

Free time for relaxation and fun.

“He reads in his leisure time.”

free timerecreation

Often used: leisure time · leisure activities

nutrientnounˈnjuːtriəntformalCLB 9

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

“Vegetables are full of important nutrients.”

nourishment

Often used: essential nutrients · rich in nutrients

nutritiousadjectivenjuːˈtrɪʃəsneutralCLB 9

Full of substances that keep you healthy.

“A nutritious lunch keeps me focused.”

healthywholesome

Often used: nutritious meal

significantadjectivesɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntformalCLB 9

Large or important enough to have an effect.

“There has been a significant improvement in sales.”

considerablesubstantialnotable

Often used: significant impact · significant increase

worthwhileadjectiveˌwɜːθˈwaɪlneutralCLB 9

Worth the time, money, or effort spent.

“The course was difficult but worthwhile.”

rewardingvaluableuseful

Often used: worthwhile investment · well worthwhile

automateverbˈɔːtəmeɪtformalCLB 10

To make a process work by machines, not people.

“They automated the entire billing process.”

mechanizecomputerize

Often used: automate a task · fully automate

emissionnounɪˈmɪʃnformalCLB 10

A gas or substance sent into the air.

“Cars produce harmful carbon emissions.”

dischargerelease

Often used: carbon emission · reduce emissions

fatiguenounfəˈtiːɡformalCLB 10

Extreme tiredness.

“Chronic fatigue can affect daily life.”

exhaustiontirednessweariness

Often used: mental fatigue · suffer from fatigue

initiativenounɪˈnɪʃətɪvformalCLB 10

The ability to act and decide independently.

“She showed initiative by solving it herself.”

driveenterprise

Often used: take the initiative · show initiative

innovativeadjectiveˈɪnəveɪtɪvformalCLB 10

Introducing new ideas or methods.

“The startup created an innovative app.”

inventiveoriginalgroundbreaking

Often used: innovative approach · innovative design

integrateverbˈɪntɪɡreɪtformalCLB 10

To become part of a group or society.

“Newcomers work hard to integrate into society.”

blend inassimilate

Often used: integrate into · fully integrate

moderateadjective/verbˈmɒdərətformalCLB 10

Not too much or too little; reasonable.

“Moderate exercise improves your mood.”

reasonablebalanced

Often used: moderate exercise · in moderation

proficientadjectiveprəˈfɪʃntformalCLB 10

Highly skilled and competent at something.

“She is proficient in three programming languages.”

skilledcompetentadept

Often used: proficient in · highly proficient · become proficient

reluctantadjectiverɪˈlʌktəntformalCLB 10

Unwilling and hesitant to do something.

“He was reluctant to change his plans.”

unwillinghesitant

Often used: reluctant to · somewhat reluctant

turnovernounˈtɜːnəʊvəformalCLB 10

The total sales of a business in a period; also staff leaving rate.

“High staff turnover increased training costs.”

salesthroughput

Often used: annual turnover · staff turnover

accountableadjectiveəˈkaʊntəblformalCLB 11

Responsible and required to explain actions.

“Managers are accountable for their teams.”

responsibleanswerable

Often used: hold accountable · accountable for

advocateverb/nounˈædvəkeɪtformalCLB 11

To publicly support a cause; a supporter.

“She advocates for better public transport.”

supportchampionpromote

Often used: advocate for · strong advocate

frugaladjectiveˈfruːɡlformalCLB 11

Careful with money; not wasteful.

“Living a frugal lifestyle helped them save.”

thriftyeconomical

Often used: frugal lifestyle · frugal spending

obsoleteadjectiveˈɒbsəliːtformalCLB 11

No longer used because something newer exists.

“That technology is now completely obsolete.”

outdatedold-fashioned

Often used: become obsolete · obsolete technology

sedentaryadjectiveˈsɛdəntriformalCLB 11

Involving a lot of sitting; not active.

“A sedentary lifestyle can harm your health.”

inactivemotionless

Often used: sedentary lifestyle · sedentary work

undermineverbˌʌndəˈmaɪnformalCLB 11

To weaken or damage something gradually.

“Constant criticism can undermine confidence.”

weakenerodesabotage

Often used: undermine confidence · undermine efforts

raise concernscollocationformalCLB 7

mention worries or problems formally

“Several employees raised concerns about the new scheduling policy at the staff meeting.”

take on responsibilitiescollocationneutralCLB 7

accept or begin handling new duties

“She was willing to take on additional responsibilities after her colleague resigned.”

boost productivitycollocationneutralCLB 8

increase the amount or quality of work output

“Flexible work hours have been shown to boost productivity among office employees.”

make a compelling casecollocationformalCLB 8

present a convincing argument or justification

“She made a compelling case for hiring two additional staff members.”

negotiate a contractcollocationformalCLB 8

discuss and agree on the terms of a formal agreement

“The sales director spent three weeks negotiating a contract with the overseas supplier.”

reach a consensuscollocationformalCLB 8

come to an agreement that everyone accepts

“After two hours of discussion, the board finally reached a consensus on the budget.”

tackle climate changecollocationneutralCLB 8

actively deal with global warming problems

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

drive revenuecollocationformalCLB 9

generate or increase income for a business

“The marketing campaign was designed to drive revenue during the slow season.”

foster a positive work environmentcollocationformalCLB 9

encourage and build a supportive workplace culture

“Leadership training helps managers foster a positive work environment for their teams.”

shed light oncollocationneutralCLB 9

make something clearer or easier to understand

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

streamline operationscollocationformalCLB 9

make business processes more efficient

“The new software helped the company streamline its operations and reduce costs.”

as a resultphraseneutralCLB 8

Because of this; consequently.

“Sales rose, and as a result, profits grew.”

consequentlytherefore

Often used: result

firstlyadverbˈfɜːstliformalCLB 8

Used to introduce the first point.

“Firstly, let me explain the background.”

to begin withfirst

Often used: sequence

howeveradverbhaʊˈɛvəformalCLB 8

Used to introduce a contrasting idea.

“The plan is costly; however, it is effective.”

neverthelessnonethelessbut

Often used: contrast

in addition tophraseformalCLB 9

As well as; besides.

“In addition to English, she speaks French.”

besidesas well as

Often used: addition

in conclusionphraseformalCLB 9

Used to introduce a final summary.

“In conclusion, the benefits are clear.”

to concludefinallyto sum up

Often used: conclusion

in other wordsphraseneutralCLB 9

Said in a simpler or clearer way.

“It failed; in other words, we start over.”

that isnamely

Often used: clarification

in particularphraseformalCLB 9

Especially; specifically.

“I enjoy sports, in particular tennis.”

especiallynotably

Often used: emphasis

thereforeadverbˈðeəfɔːformalCLB 9

For that reason; as a result.

“The data is incomplete; therefore, we must wait.”

thushenceconsequently

Often used: result

consequentlyadverbˈkɒnsɪkwəntliformalCLB 10

As a result.

“He missed the train and consequently was late.”

thereforeas a resultthus

Often used: result

whereasconjunctionweərˈæzformalCLB 10

Used to compare two contrasting facts.

“He likes tea, whereas she prefers coffee.”

whilealthough

Often used: contrast

easier said than doneidiominformalCLB 9

Simple to suggest but hard to do.

“Saving money is easier said than done.”

harder in practice
in the long runidiomneutralCLB 9

Over a long period; eventually.

“Saving now pays off in the long run.”

eventuallyover time
the bottom lineidiomneutralCLB 9

The most important fact or point.

“The bottom line is that we need more time.”

main pointkey fact
deadline-drivenadjectivewordCLB 9
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controversialadjectivewordCLB 10
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comprehensiveadjectivewordCLB 11
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cut down onphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 8
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look up tophrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 8
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rely onphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 8
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get byphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 9
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point outphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 9
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take onphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 9
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bring aboutphrasal verbphrasal verbCLB 11
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earn a degreecollocationcollocationCLB 6
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acquire new skillscollocationcollocationCLB 7
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back up your claimcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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be at risk ofcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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carry out researchcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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cope with stresscollocationcollocationCLB 7
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follow a balanced dietcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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gain hands-on experiencecollocationcollocationCLB 7
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give back to the communitycollocationcollocationCLB 7
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have access to healthcarecollocationcollocationCLB 7
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hold a strong opinioncollocationcollocationCLB 7
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maintain a healthy lifestylecollocationcollocationCLB 7
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make significant progresscollocationcollocationCLB 7
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natural habitatcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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provide quality educationcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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pursue higher educationcollocationcollocationCLB 7
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raise environmental awarenesscollocationcollocationCLB 7
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rely heavily oncollocationcollocationCLB 7
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address mental healthcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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adopt a healthier approachcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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become increasingly dependent oncollocationcollocationCLB 8
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bridge the gap betweencollocationcollocationCLB 8
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broaden one's knowledgecollocationcollocationCLB 8
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build up immunitycollocationcollocationCLB 8
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come to the conclusion thatcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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conduct researchcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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conserve natural resourcescollocationcollocationCLB 8
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cutting-edge technologycollocationcollocationCLB 8
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draw a conclusioncollocationcollocationCLB 8
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fall behind technologicallycollocationcollocationCLB 8
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keep pace withcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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lifelong learningcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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meet academic requirementscollocationcollocationCLB 8
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meet the demands ofcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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promote physical activitycollocationcollocationCLB 8
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protect endangered speciescollocationcollocationCLB 8
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provide solid evidencecollocationcollocationCLB 8
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put a strain oncollocationcollocationCLB 8
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raise a valid pointcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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raise awareness aboutcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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raise privacy concernscollocationcollocationCLB 8
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renewable energy sourcescollocationcollocationCLB 8
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strongly suggest thatcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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take a balanced viewcollocationcollocationCLB 8
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take a toll oncollocationcollocationCLB 8
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take meaningful actioncollocationcollocationCLB 8
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undergo routine checkupscollocationcollocationCLB 8
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acknowledge the fact thatcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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address a growing concerncollocationcollocationCLB 9
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air quality standardscollocationcollocationCLB 9
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allocate resourcescollocationcollocationCLB 9
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apply critical thinkingcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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drive innovationcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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foster a love of learningcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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foster a sense of belongingcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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fuel rapid growthcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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have a profound impact oncollocationcollocationCLB 9
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long-term environmental impactcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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make a compelling argumentcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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outweigh the drawbackscollocationcollocationCLB 9
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pose a serious riskcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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pose a serious threatcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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pose a significant riskcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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raise educational standardscollocationcollocationCLB 9
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reduce greenhouse gas emissionscollocationcollocationCLB 9
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strike a balance betweencollocationcollocationCLB 9
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sustainable developmentcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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take preventive measurescollocationcollocationCLB 9
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take the position thatcollocationcollocationCLB 9
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alleviate symptomscollocationcollocationCLB 10
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biodiversity losscollocationcollocationCLB 10
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bridge the digital dividecollocationcollocationCLB 10
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bridge the skills gapcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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call into questioncollocationcollocationCLB 10
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challenge the assumption thatcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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close the achievement gapcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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environmental degradationcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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have serious reservations aboutcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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implement environmental policiescollocationcollocationCLB 10
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mitigate the effects ofcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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place emphasis on preventioncollocationcollocationCLB 10
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present a counterargumentcollocationcollocationCLB 10
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streamline business operationscollocationcollocationCLB 10
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on the other handphraselinkerCLB 8
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on the contraryphraselinkerCLB 10
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go the extra mileidiomidiomCLB 9
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once in a blue moonidiomidiomCLB 9
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a blessing in disguiseidiomidiomCLB 10
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food for thoughtidiomidiomCLB 10
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take it with a grain of saltidiomidiomCLB 10
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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pick one option in Writing Task 2?⌄

Yes. Commit to one choice and justify it. A clear position supported with reasons scores higher than weighing both options without deciding.

What vocabulary raises a Writing Task 2 score?⌄

Precise opinion phrases, varied reasoning connectors and accurate comparison language. The higher-CLB entries below are exactly this kind of vocabulary.

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