Opinion & Argument Language
Task 2 asks you to take a position and defend it for 250 words — and vague verbs sink essays faster than grammar slips. This deck replaces "say", "good" and "bad" with the working vocabulary of argument: contend, advocate, drawback, outweigh, mitigate. Each card shows the word inside an essay-shaped sentence, so you learn the register along with the meaning and can drop the phrase straight into an introduction or a concession paragraph.
Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 13 flashcards into the learner.
Practice in the free learnerHow to study this set
Practise these words in pairs of opposites: advocate ↔ oppose, benefit ↔ drawback, strengthen ↔ undermine. When you review a card, decide which paragraph of a Task 2 essay it belongs to — thesis, supporting argument, concession, or conclusion — because knowing where a word lives is half of using it naturally.
All 13 flashcards
What does "contend" mean?
To argue or claim something in a debate. "Some economists contend that automation creates more jobs than it destroys."
What does "advocate" mean (as a verb)?
To publicly support an idea or policy. "Many health experts advocate a tax on sugary drinks."
What is a "drawback"?
A disadvantage or downside. "The main drawback of remote work is the loss of spontaneous collaboration."
What does "compelling" mean?
So convincing it demands attention or agreement. "There is a compelling case for investing in early education."
What does "controversial" mean?
Causing strong public disagreement. "School uniforms remain a controversial topic among parents."
What does "inevitable" mean?
Certain to happen; unavoidable. "Some degree of urban growth is inevitable as economies develop."
What does "mitigate" mean?
To make something harmful less severe. "Flexible hours can mitigate the stress of long commutes."
What does "outweigh" mean?
To be greater or more important than something else. "The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks."
What does "hinder" mean?
To make progress difficult; to obstruct. "Poor internet access hinders rural students."
What does "feasible" mean?
Realistically possible to do. "A four-day week is feasible for many office-based industries."
What does "detrimental" mean?
Harmful, damaging. "Excessive screen time can be detrimental to children's sleep."
What does "justify" mean?
To show that something is right or reasonable. "Higher salaries alone do not justify the environmental cost."
What does "undermine" mean?
To weaken something gradually, often from within. "Cheating scandals undermine public trust in examinations."
What to learn next
Comfortable arguing? Level 4, "High-Score Collocations", teaches the natural word pairings — pose a threat, strike a balance — that make the same arguments sound like a native academic writer.
Continue to Level 4: High-Score Collocations →