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Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Words focused on empathy, practical solutions, and weighing options. Essential for helping a friend or colleague solve a problem.
/əˈliːvieɪt/
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.
Use this instead of saying 'make it better' or 'help with'.
/ˌædvənˈteɪdʒəs/
Involving or creating favorable circumstances that increase the chances of success or effectiveness.
Use this to score CLB 9+ instead of saying something is 'good' or 'helpful'.
/ˈpærəmaʊnt/
More important than anything else; supreme.
Perfect for emphasizing the most important piece of advice you are giving.
/ˈpruːdənt/
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Use this instead of saying 'it's a smart idea' or 'you should be careful'.
/ˌriːpərˈkʌʃən/
An unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
A highly advanced word to use when warning someone about the negative results of a bad choice.
/ˈvaɪəbəl/
Capable of working successfully; feasible.
Replaces 'possible' or 'something that will work'. Extremely strong in Task 1 and Task 5.
/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
To make less severe, harmful, or painful.
Use when advising someone on how to handle a bad situation without completely solving it.
/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd/
Burdened with too much of something; defeated by sheer volume.
The absolute best empathy word for Task 1. Start your response by validating that they feel 'overwhelmed'.
/proʊˈæktɪv/
Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
Use this when giving advice that requires the person to take immediate action.
/jiːld/
To produce or provide a result.
An incredibly sophisticated way to say 'it will give you' or 'it will result in'.
/ˈhɛzɪtənt/
Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
Perfect for acknowledging someone's fears before pushing them to take your advice.
/ˈɒptɪməl/
Best or most favorable; optimum.
Replaces 'best'. E.g., 'The optimal choice is...' instead of 'The best choice is...'.
/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/
Tending to cause harm.
The ultimate CLB 9 replacement for 'bad for you'.
/ˈɪmplɪmənt/
To put a decision, plan, agreement, etc. into effect.
Replaces 'do' or 'start'. Instead of 'Start a schedule', say 'Implement a schedule'.
/səbˈstænʃəl/
Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Use this to emphasize how big or important something is. Replaces 'big', 'a lot', or 'huge'.
/kənˈstrʌktɪv/
Serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.
Great for advising someone to take a positive, problem-solving approach.
/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/
To regard as probable; expect or predict.
Replaces 'expect' or 'guess'. Shows forward-thinking.
/pərˈspɛktɪv/
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Excellent for advising someone to see things differently.
/əˈproʊtʃ/
A way of dealing with something.
Replaces 'way to do it'. E.g., 'This is a better approach' instead of 'This is a better way'.
/ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
One of two or more available possibilities.
The definitive CLB 9 word for offering a different option.