Level

Academic vocabulary

Build a useful vocabulary for reading, discussing ideas, and writing clearly. These twenty words include the language of evidence, interpretation, and argument.

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Academic vocabulary

Word	Meaning	In a sentence
analyzeverb	To study something carefully by examining its parts and how they relate.	We will analyze the survey responses to find common concerns.
argumentnoun	A claim supported by reasons or evidence.	Her argument for a later start time included evidence about sleep.
contextnoun	The surrounding information or situation that helps explain what something means.	Read the whole paragraph to understand the word in context.
contrastverb	To examine or describe differences between things.	Contrast the two endings and explain how each changes the story.
deriveverb	To get something from a source or work it out from other information.	We can derive the missing measurement from the diagram.
evidencenoun	Information or observations that help show whether a claim is true.	The footprints provided evidence that an animal had crossed the garden.
hypothesisnoun	A proposed explanation that can be tested using observations or an investigation.	Our hypothesis was that the seedlings would grow taller with more light.
interpretverb	To explain or understand the meaning of something.	How do you interpret the final line of the story?
justifyverb	To give reasons or evidence showing that a choice, claim, or action is reasonable.	Justify your answer with a calculation.
perspectivenoun	A way of thinking about or viewing a situation.	Reading the diary gave us a different perspective on the journey.
relevantadjective	Closely connected to the topic or purpose being considered.	Include only details that are relevant to your main question.
significantadjective	Important enough to deserve attention or have an effect.	The bridge repair made a significant difference to our journey.
summarizeverb	To state the main points briefly.	Summarize the article in three sentences.
thesisnoun	The central claim that a piece of writing develops and supports.	The essay's thesis is that the city needs more shaded public spaces.
validadjective	Well founded or acceptable for the purpose being considered.	You have a valid reason to request more time.
assessverb	To examine something and judge its quality, importance, or condition.	The coach will assess each player's progress after six weeks.
coherentadjective	Organized and connected in a way that is clear and makes sense.	The final paragraph turns the separate observations into a coherent argument.
nuancenoun	A small but meaningful difference in meaning, feeling, sound, or appearance.	The translator preserved the nuance between a polite request and a firm instruction.
subjectiveadjective	Shaped by a person's feelings, experiences, or opinions.	Choosing the best song is a subjective judgment.
contemporaryadjective	Belonging to or reflecting the present time.	The gallery pairs historical portraits with contemporary photography.