Advanced Writing - Week 2

THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

REMEMBER

An introduction should introduce

The topic & the aspects of the topic

being dealt with (general statements)

Direct answer to the question (thesis

statement)

The introduction should NOT be longer

than 3 sentences.

REMEMBER

Do NOT copy the topic. It may be paraphrased by synonyms, antonyms, different voice,
different structures, reverse negatives, changes in word order, etc.

1.1. THE GENERAL STATEMENTS

A. With Nouns/Gerunds
 The issue of… is a subject of much controversy. Some people argue/ insist that… Others hold/
claim that…
 The question of… remains controversial. On the other hand…

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  When the issue of… comes into view, there exist conflicting opinions… Some people are
convinced that…, while/ whereas others believe/assert…
Example: When the issue of parents’ role in education comes into view, there exist conflicting
opinions.

B. With Clauses:
 Whether or not… is an open-ended source of debate. It is often claimed that…/ It seems
apparent that…
 The idea that… provokes controversies.
 Whether or not… still remains a question.
Examples:
- Whether or not parents are the best teachers for children is an open-ended source of debate.
 Truth be told,_______________ has generated much __________ ____________

interest discussion lately in recent years

controversy late recently in recent time

Examples:
- Truth be told, parents’ role in education has generated much interest in recent time. Some
people assert that parents are the best teachers, while some others are convinced that school
plays a more significant part in a child’s growth.

Examples:

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 I/ WRITING THE INTRODUCTION
First, we have to introduce both sides . Usually we start with a fact leading to the debate, then we
introduce the arguments. But if you don’t have much time, just say what view A is and what view B is.

Language to introduce a fact:

Nowadays,/ Recently/ Today, there has been a steady increase in...
In these years, / In recent years, there is a growing concern about.../interest in... More
and more countries are being involved/interested in...
The impact of.../The development of.../The ... has become an area of focus these years./ has become a matter of
great interest/of increasing concern/ of great dispute/of great controversy. / ...is a hotly- debated topic/ a
controversial issue/a contentious matter
It is a contentious /controversial issue whether S +V....
There is no doubt/little doubt that today... It is a matter of fact that.... It is common knowledge that...
Language to introduce the views:
Many people/Some people claim that..../ believe that.../ are of the opinion that..../argue that. /
criticize N/ are in favor of N.../are against N/are opposed to N/ object to N.. / are concerned/worried about the
dangers/risks of...
Others, however, believe that/claim that...etc. / Others adopt an opposing view, believing that. /stating
that...

Next, if possible, try to use one statement to signal that you are going to mention both sides (not just one side).
(Depend on the length of your introduction and the flow of the speech. This sentence is not compulsory).

Language to signal a discussion essay:

There are both advantages and disadvantages/both benefits and problems to N (name of the situation). Each side has
their own merits/arguments, which will be outlined below.
It is important to look at both sides’ arguments before coming to a conclusion. It is the
goal of this article to outline the arguments presented by both sides. Below are some
arguments concerning N (name of the problem).
This essay will elaborate on both positive and negative effects of N.

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 II/ WRITING THE CONCLUSION
Signal that this is the conclusion, summarizing what has been said (if possible, use key words). State your own
opinion and don’t forget to signal that this is your own opinion. If you’re short on time, go straight to
your opinion. Try to have 2 sentences.

Useful Language
As indicated above,/ As suggested above,/As outlined above, S can.... and also ........ However, it can
also... From my point of view,/ Personally, I think....
In light of the above arguments, I believe that.../ it is my opinion that...
From what has been discussed, we can draw a conclusion that.../one can see that.../ it is clear that....
Based on the points outlined above, I believe that...
Since the advantages of N outweigh its disadvantages, I believe. .../in my view, /
We should ..... in order to reap the benefits / maximize the advantages/ reduce the problem/alleviate
the problem / tackle the problem/ overcome the situation /reverse this trend/ limit the negative
effects

More practice:
1/ Some people believe that arts should receive subsidies or sponsorship from government and
big companies. Others feel such spending is a luxury and that it would be better if it were
invested in scientific projects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinions.

2/ Some people believe that culture will be ruined if it is used to earn tourism revenue, but others
consider that tourism is the only way of protecting a culture. Discuss both sides and give your own
opinion.

3/ Some people believe it is better for governments to spend any available money for sports
on providing facilities for the general population. Others believe that instead they should
invest in training top athletes to win major competitions.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.

4/ Some people believe that it is good for a country to host a major sport competition. Others
think it causes many problems for the country.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.

5/ Mobile telephones have brought many benefits but they have also had negative effects. Do
the disadvantages of having mobile phones outweigh the advantages.

6/ Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge right
and wrong and to behave well. Some say that teachers should only teach students about
academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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 THEME 2 – EDUCATION

TOPICS

1. Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female study in every subject.
Do you agree or disagree?
2. Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools.
Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed
schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
3. Some people think that the main purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens
and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
4. In order to learn a language well, we should also learn about the country as well as
the cultures and lifestyles of the people who speak it. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
5. Students from rural areas often find it difficult to access university education. Some
people think that it should become easier for them to access higher education. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and
include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
6. In many countries, sport and exercise classes are replaced with academic subjects.
What is your opinion? What are the effects to the children in their lives?
7. Teachers used to convey information, but now with wide resources of information. Some
people think that there is no role for teachers to play in modern education, others disagree.
Discuss both views and give your opinion?
8. Children find it difficult to concentrate on or pay attention to their study in school.
Why? How can we solve this problem?
9. Nowadays most people learn academic study in university, but others think we should
encourage to learn vocational skills more, do you agree or disagree?
10. Many parents choose to teach their children at home rather than sending their children
to school, do you think the benefits of homeschooling outweigh its drawbacks?

11. Children are experiencing the increasing educational, social and commercial pressures.
What are the causes? What measures do you think can be taken to reduce them?

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12. Should education and healthcare be free of charge and funded by the government, or
should it be the responsibility of the people to pay for these services? Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
13. As part of education, students should spend a period of time studying and living in a
different county to learn language and culture. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
14. Some universities are offering online courses as an alternative to classes delivered on
campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
15. Most young people leave school with a negative attitude toward learning. Why do
you think this is happening? What can be done to encourage them to have a positive
attitude?

16. Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others
believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the
future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and
give your own opinion.
17. Some people think a country benefits from a large proportion of young people university
educated, but others think sending young people to universities only leads to graduate
unemployment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion?
18. The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities such as the government.
Some people argue that teachers should make the choice. Do you agree or disagree?
19. Everyone should stay in school until the age of eighteen. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
20. Money for research is limited. Some think that financial support from
governments should be provided. Do you agree or disagree?
21. Some people think scientific research is a waste of time and money. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
22. In the past, people store knowledge in the books. Nowadays, people store knowledge
on the internet. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
23. Some people think that printed books are no longer necessary in this digital era as all
writings can be stored electronically. Others think that printed books still play
important roles. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
24. The main purpose of libraries is to provide books; therefore, they should not use limited
resources and space and should be replaced by computer software. DVDs, etc. Do you
agree or disagree?
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25. Full-time university students need to spend a lot of time on studying, but it is essential
to get involved in other activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree

26. Some people say modern children's games do not develop a wide range of skills,
while traditional games can be much better for developing such skills. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

27. Some people think that schools should stop teaching students by using books, because
students find them boring and that children can learn from films, TV, video games and
computer instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

28. In many countries, sport and exercise classes are replaced with academic subjects.
What is your opinion? What are the effects to the children in their lives?

29. Some people think government should invest more money in teaching science than
other subjects in order for a country to develop and progress. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

30. Full-time university students need to spend a lot of time on studying, but it is essential
to get involved in other activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

31. Some people believe that universities should only accept students with high marks.
Others think that students of all ages and ability levels should be able to attend
universities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

32. Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and
job training are better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
33. School teaching should focus on the success of the workforce and less importance should
be given to academic achievement. To what extent do you agree?

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 IDEAS TO BE SORTED OUT

Benefits of education

Education gives people knowledge and skills

People with qualification are more likely to find work
They can earn a higher salary
They can contribute positively to society
Schools aim to teach young people moral values such as tolerance and sharing
Schools prepare children to be members of a society
Benefits of Studying Abroad

Foreign institutions may offer better courses

Many students want to attend a prestigious university
The best universities employ teachers who are experts in their fields
Qualifications gained abroad can open the door to better job opportunities
Living abroad can broaden students’ horizons
Overseas students are exposed to different cultures and customs.
They become more independent
They are responsible for cooking, cleaning and paying bills
They will learn a foreign language
Drawback of studying abroad

Living and studying abroad can be difficult

Students have problems with paperwork such as visa applications
The language barrier can be a problem
Students have to find accommodation and pay bills
Studying in a foreign language is challenging
Living alone in an unfamiliar culture can cause homesickness
Technology in Education: Advantages

Technology is a powerful tool to engage students

Technology can make lessons much more interesting
Students can do research using online resources
Students can study at their own place
Adults can take distance learning courses
Students can study whenever and wherever they want
Students also learn skills which are useful for their future jobs

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 For example, they learn to write reports using a word processor
Technology in Education: Disadvantages

People rely too much on computers

Young learners do not become proficient in some basic skills
They use word processors and spelling may suffer
People should be able to write a letter by hand
Technology is no substitute for a real teacher
Learners need a structured course
An experienced teacher knows what materials to choose
Computers are expensive to maintain and can be unreliable
Technology in Education: Opinion

Institutions should supplement traditional teaching with the use of technology

Technology is part of everyday life
It can enhance a teacher’s lessons
Students can use online resources to help with homework
Students must still learn to write by hand
They should still use traditional sources of information such as books
Education in Developing countries:

Problems
Children often have to work from an early age
There are no schools in many areas
Families do not have access to books or computers
Literacy rates are often low
People in developing countries need knowledge and skills
Education is the key to improving the economy of these countries
Education in developing countries: solutions

Developed countries could help developing nations by providing money

They could invest in schools and technology
They could supply the funds to build schools and pay for teachers
Children need to have access to free schooling
Computer equipment could be donated
The Internet can expose students to a world of knowledge and information
Governments should make education compulsory for all children
They should encourage parents to send their children to school

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 Governments of developed and developing countries must work together
Higher education: Advantages (also see “benefits of education”)
There are many benefits to going to university
A degree can open the door to better employment prospects
Economies are becoming increasingly knowledge-based
Most jobs require specific knowledge and skills
Skilled workers are needed for sectors such as information technology and engineering
Repetitive manual jobs are now done by machine
Many factories have moved to developing countries
Higher education: Disadvantages
A healthy economy needs a wide range of workers
Some manual workers will always be needed
A university degree is not necessary for many service professions
Practical training is more important in some industries
In the UK, for example, there is currently a shortage of plumbers
Their services are therefore becoming more and more expensive
Advantage of Home-schooling
Some parents decide to educate their children at home
Some families live in isolated areas with poor transport
Other parents are not satisfied with local schools
Parents can respond to what their children need and how they learn best
One-to-one lessons allow much faster progress
The child can work at his or her own pace
Discipline problems are avoided by home-schooling
Disadvantages of home-schooling
Most parents do not have the time to educate their children at home
One parent would need to give up work
School subjects are normally taught by up to ten different teachers
Most parents do not have the necessary knowledge or resources
Private tutors are expensive
Children will miss out on the social experience that school offers
At school, children learn how to get on with each other
Home-schooled children may lack social skills
Schools offer a better overall educational experience
Bad behavior in schools: causes
Bad behavior is due to a lack of structure and discipline
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 There are too many children in some classes
Large classes are difficult to manage
May disruptive students come from an unstable family background
Other parents are too lenient and spoil their children
Some children are used to getting whatever they want
Schools can do very little if they are not supported by parents
Bad behavior in schools: solutions
Schools need a clear code of conduct
Schools need a clear set of rules about behavior
They need to create a positive working atmosphere
Teachers must have the power to punish disruptive students
Schools should remove difficult children from lessons
Schools need to work closely with parents
Discipline could be lacking at home
Parents must support the school rules
They should take responsibility for their children’s behavior
Corporal Punishment: Opinion
Corporal Punishment is not a good idea
Physical punishment is a way of controlling children using fear
This does not promote trust between adults and children
Children who are punished physically may become shy or resentful
Corporal punishment creates an atmosphere of fear and anger
Single Sex Education: Advantages
Some people believe that male and female students should go to separate schools
This is often for religious or cultural reasons
Discipline problems might be avoided by separating boys and girls
Boys and girls may learn in different ways and have different needs
Student at single-sex schools often get better exam grades.
Single-sex Education: Disadvantages
Separating boys and girls is unnecessary
It is unhealthy in terms of children’s social development
Many coeducational schools are extremely successful
A mixed-sex environment is more representative of real life
Coeducational schools provide children with better social skills for adult life
Advantages of Streaming (grouping children according to ability)

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 Some schools separate students according to their academic ability
Teachers can work at the right speed for their students
Teachers can plan more suitable lessons
High-level groups may progress faster
Lower level groups can benefits from a slower pace
Some teachers and parents support streaming for these reasons
Disadvantages of Streaming
Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students
Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others
Streaming could damage students’ self esteem
They may lose motivation
Students from wealthier families tend to be better prepared
Children from poorer families may receive less support from parents

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 ACADEMIC WORD LIST FOR IELTS

TOPIC 2: EDUCATION
YOUR NOTES
ACADEMIC
No CLASSIFIERS MEANING/USES EXAMPLES (for learners’ own
WORDS/PHRASES
examples or notes)

Pharmacists are not allowed to

1. Dispense (v) to give out something dispense certain medications without
the doctor’s prescription.

relating to the legal right to There has been a role shift from
2. Custodial (adj) care for someone or grandparents as babysitters to
something, especially a child custodial adults.

I noticed that young boys are often

3. Inclined (adj) likely to do something
inclined to fight with each other.

To counsel an employee for a

to give advice, especially on
4. Counsel (v) performance issue, you need to be
social or personal problems
direct.

someone who helps a person

or organization do something The facilitators of the presentation
5. Facilitator (n) more easily or find the answer just stood around with their hands in
to a problem, by discussing
their pockets.
things and suggesting ways of
doing things

13 | M S N U O N G C L A S S
 intended to teach, especially in
The didactic approach is often the
a way that is too determined or
6. Didactic (adj) issue underlying resistance to change
eager, and often fixed and
amongst educators.
unwilling to change

The school secretary is in charge of

to control the operation or
7. Administer (v) administering childcare in the event
arrangement of something
of an emergency.

to give something, especially a Rather than allotting homework to

8. Allot (v) share of something available, every child, the teacher gave it to
for a particular purpose one child only.

Army foot soldiers during the Middle

9. Close order Ages fought in close order with
pikes and other heavy weapons.

Some bears are becoming habituated

used to something, especially
10. Habituated (adj) to people and are moving closer to
something unpleasant
cities.

In most countries, some form of

relating to a third level or
11. Tertiary (adj) secondary education is compulsory,
stage
but tertiary education is voluntary.

Travelling overseas for university is

done in order to get ready for
12. Preparatory (adj) a great preparatory exercise for
something
understanding new cultures.

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 I chose to travel to a new country to
to make a bad or unpleasant
13. Ameliorate (v) ameliorate my educational
situation better
experience.

an education that includes Part of getting a well-rounded

Well-round many areas, for example education is taking classes in
14. (n)
education music, the arts, and social and subjects outside one’s declared
physical skills major.

15. Persistence the quality of being persistent, I know that with persistence, I will
(n)
or the act of persisting be able to stand up on the surf board.
to behave in a dishonest way Nobody likes a team player that has
16. Cheat (v)
in order to get what you want to cheat in order to win
the way in which you are
treated and educated when
young, especially by your My upbringing was very active,
17. Upbringing (n) parents, especially in relation meaning that I was always playing
to the effect that this has on team sports.
how you behave and make
moral decisions

an activity that practises a

particular skill and often
involves repeating the same I was late for soccer practice so my
18. Drill (n)
thing several times, especially coach made me do the drill alone
a military exercise intended to
train soldiers
to make something perfect or If you want to hone your basketball
19. Hone (v) completely suitable for its skills, you should practice every
purpose night.
to persuade someone The government will coerce schools
20. Coerce (v) forcefully to do something to end their physical education
that they are unwilling to do programs.

Schools everywhere have left the

21. Squeeze (n) a reduction or limit squeeze in their budget and many
have had to close.
to make someone feel morally Some students feel more obligated to
22. Obligate (v) or legally forced to do pursue academic achievement than
something to participate in physical education.

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 The most vital skill one can have for
23. Vital skill success in life is being able to write
well.
She embraced the scholastic
relating to school and
24. Scholastic (adj) tradition of her grandparents and
education
entered medical school.
to do or begin to do
It is very expensive to undertake
something, especially
25. Undertake (v) academic research about certain
something that will take a
medical topics.
long time or be difficult
a facilitative process, a service
Many American students seek out
rendered to the individual to
26. Vocational guidance (n) vocational guidance with their
aid him in choosing and
school counselors before graduation.
adjusting to an occupation
an educational establishment Some multinational students are
with a curriculum and being enrolled in alternative schools
27. Alternative school (n)
methods that are to help them adjust to a new
nontraditional education setting.
People enrolled at vocational
a school where students learn
schools last May exceeded the
28. Vocational school (n) skills that involve working
209,000 that registered the year
with their hands
prior.
to describe or explain A highly intelligent scholar named
something in a way that
29. Boarding school (v) Arpeggio attended the most
makes it seem more important
or serious than it really is prestigious boarding school in town.

Children tend to overstate things

30. Overstate (v) to exaggerate
when telling stories about their toys.
She combined a fine intellect with a
the ability to understand and
31. Intellect (n) straightforward, no-nonsense
to think in an intelligent way
approach.

to cause someone to have a The book was written to arouse

32. Arouse (v)
particular feeling the reader’s sense of nationalism.

in a way that is not easily or He tried to inconspicuously enter the

33. Inconspicuously (adv) quickly noticed or seen, or movie theatre from the side to avoid
does not attract attention paying.
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 an object used for pleasure or
There was little money for toys, so
34. Plaything (n) enjoyment, such as a child's
homemade playthings sufficed.
toy

A person who wants to practice a

to give up something such as a
35. Relinquish (v) monastic life should relinquish all
responsibility or claim
earthly desires.

When parents give their infant a

36. Infant (n) a baby or a very young child plethora of toys, the baby will grow
up spoiled.
The medication prescribes may have
drug interactions risks, so please
37. Drug interaction
inform your physician of behavioral
changes.
The gravitational interaction
Gravitational identified in Newton’s theory of
38.
interaction gravity offered many answers in
Physics.

to make something else seem The illustrations in the children’s

39. Complement (v) better or more attractive when book The Little Prince really
combining with it complement the text.

Traditional schools often force

to do many things in a short
40. Cram (v) students to cram for unexpected tests
period of time
and assignments.
not at all reasonable, or with It is senseless to teach a student who
41. Senseless (adj)
no good or useful purpose is not willing to learn.
During the monsoon season, many
Korean people resort to traditional
42. Traditional method
methods of keeping cool in high
temperatures
The two main automakers in the
world have production methods
43. Production method
which have put them ahead of the
competition.

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 In all genres of science, the scientific
method is the framework for
44. Scientific method
investigating and answering
questions.
training that makes people
more willing to obey or more
able to control themselves, My mother refused, so my father
45. Discipline (n) often in the form of rules, and was the main adult disciplining us
punishments if these are children.
broken, or the behavior
produced by this training

proudly refusing to obey The defiant soldier refused to take the

46. Defiant (adj)
authority prisoners to the other base camp.
The elderly woman behind the
in a way that is careful and
47. Diligently (adv) counter knitted diligently as
uses a lot of effort
customers shopped.
The Internet is an important tool that
to spread opinions, lies, or
48. Propagate (v) allows people to learn and propagate
beliefs among a lot of people
new knowledge.
an exam that you take again As punishment for his rude facial
49. Retake (n) because you failed it the first expression, the student was not
time allowed a photo retake.
behavior that follows the It is important that teachers do not
50. Conformity (n) usual standards that are promote total conformity in schools
expected by a group or society because individuality is important.
the fact of obeying a
I will participate in the project not
particular law or rule, or of
51. Compliance (n) because I agree with the cause, but
acting according to an
for mere compliance.
agreement
respect shown for another With great deference, the student
person esp. because of that
52. Deference (n) deeply bowed to the teacher with
person’s experience,
respect.
knowledge, age, or power
ridiculous or completely In fact, the idea that the two are
53. Absurd (adj)
unreasonable mutually exclusive is absurd.
It seems that Aidan has begun to
to cause strong feelings or
54. Kindle (v) kindle his creativity since he was
ideas in someone
given the toy art set.

18 | M S N U O N G C L A S S
 to say in a formal or official
The medical examiner had to certify
55. Certify (v) way, usually in writing, that
as a general practitioner first.
something is true or correct
As more professionals seek
specialization these days, our country
56. Social differentiation
has begun to experience increased
social differentiation.

The teacher’s aim is to raise

Target, the goal intended to be
57. Aim (n) awareness to prevent students from
attained
being left behind
To mix with and join society
or a group of people, often I tried to integrate a French lesson
58. Integrate (v)
changing to suit their way of into my History lesson on Napoleon
life, habits, and customs
He willingness to live alone in
The quality of being happy to another country earned him a
59. Willingness (n)
do something if it is needed scholarship to study
abroad
Would you prefer to go overseas by
60. Overseas (adv) in, from, or to other countries
plane or by boat?
Your generous donation ensures
To improve the quality of
food for the hungry and enriches
61. Enrich (v) something by adding
something else your sponsor
child’s life
Willingness to accept
The violence seemed so
behavior and beliefs that are
incompatible with Quebec’s
62. Tolerance (n) different from your own,
reputation for tolerance and
although you might not agree
openness
with or approve of them
I possess both the knowledge and
To have or own something, or
63. Possess (v) skills to change my car tires
to have a particular quality
independently
A special ceremony or
responsibility that signals the All of our overseas students will be
64. Initiation (n)
acceptance of someone into a given a brief initiation to the area
group
To increase the size or value
65. Augment (v)
of something by adding

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 something to it Many teachers augment their
teaching styles to suit international
students
To improve the quality, Having a diversity of students in the
66. Enhance (v) amount, or strength of classroom enhances the overall
something environment

During the tertiary period of the

67. Tertiary period experiment, the ants subjected to
radiation dominant

He couldn’t empathize with Sara’s

To be able to understand how
68. Empathize (v) pain because he had never lost a pet
someone else feels
before

To force someone or In the course of history, love has

69. Drive (v) something into a particular driven men and women to strange
state, often an unpleasant one
extremes
Skilled at solving problems When lost in the wilderness, it is
70. Resourceful (adj) and making decisions on your important to be resourceful in order
own to survive

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