Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
Given the limited sample size, it ............... that the effect is smaller than we first thought.
Wrong!
Use a hedging phrase that fits the pattern 'it + verb phrase + that' to avoid overclaiming.
I ............... endorse the proposal, but only if the safeguards are written into the final draft.
Wrong!
You need a cautious commitment that signals conditional support rather than full certainty.
The minister ............... denied any prior knowledge, even under sustained questioning.
Wrong!
Choose a boosting adverb that collocates with 'denied' to show strong emphasis.
To ............... clear, I am not accusing anyone of misconduct, only highlighting a procedural risk.
Wrong!
The fixed phrase is 'to be clear' when you want to remove ambiguity.
I ............... say the timeline is unrealistic, unless the client accepts a reduced scope.
Wrong!
Use a hedging phrase that signals a cautious opinion rather than a firm claim.
The data ............... support the conclusion that the policy reduced emissions in the short term.
Wrong!
Pick a boosting adverb that strengthens the claim and fits naturally before 'support'.
I ............... to the figures, but I cannot vouch for the assumptions behind them.
Wrong!
You need a phrase that shows limited commitment, accepting something only for the sake of argument.
It is ............... that the board will approve the merger without significant concessions.
Wrong!
Choose a hedging adjective that expresses likelihood without certainty.
I ............... that the report was edited after sign-off, but I have no proof.
Wrong!
Use a verb that signals a tentative claim rather than a firm accusation.
I ............... accept responsibility for the delay, but I will not accept blame for the budget overrun.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both options can express strong personal commitment in this context.
The witness ............... maintained that her statement had been taken out of context.
Wrong!
Choose an adverb that boosts the firmness of the witness's position.
If pressed, I ............... agree that the strategy carries reputational risk.
Wrong!
Choose a hedge that shows reluctant or limited agreement.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Given the limited sample size, it is conceivable that the effect is smaller than we first thought.
- I can cautiously endorse the proposal, but only if the safeguards are written into the final draft.
- The minister flatly denied any prior knowledge, even under sustained questioning.
- To be clear, I am not accusing anyone of misconduct, only highlighting a procedural risk.
- I would hesitate to say the timeline is unrealistic, unless the client accepts a reduced scope.
- The data unequivocally support the conclusion that the policy reduced emissions in the short term.
- I defer to the figures, but I cannot vouch for the assumptions behind them.
- It is probable that the board will approve the merger without significant concessions.
- I suspect that the report was edited after sign-off, but I have no proof.
- I fully accept responsibility for the delay, but I will not accept blame for the budget overrun.
I readily accept responsibility for the delay, but I will not accept blame for the budget overrun. - The witness steadfastly maintained that her statement had been taken out of context.
- If pressed, I might agree that the strategy carries reputational risk.
