Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
1Given the limited sample size, it ............... that the effect is smaller than we first thought.
Wrong!
The hedge "is conceivable" presents the conclusion as possible without overclaiming.
2I ............... endorse the proposal, but only if the safeguards are written into the final draft.
Wrong!
The phrase "can cautiously" shows conditional support rather than complete certainty.
3The minister ............... denied any prior knowledge, even under sustained questioning.
Wrong!
The adverb "flatly" strongly emphasizes a denial.
4To ............... clear, I am not accusing anyone of misconduct, only highlighting a procedural risk.
Wrong!
The verb "be" completes the fixed expression "to be clear".
5I ............... say the timeline is unrealistic, but it is certainly ambitious.
Wrong!
The phrase "would hesitate to" makes the statement sound cautious and reluctant.
6The data ............... support the conclusion that the policy reduced emissions; there is simply no other plausible explanation for the drop.
Wrong!
The adverb "unequivocally" boosts the claim, matching the writer's certainty that there is no other plausible explanation.
7On the figures, I ............... to the finance team, but I cannot vouch for the assumptions behind them.
Wrong!
The verb "defer" means you accept the finance team's authority on the figures rather than committing yourself.
8It is ............... that the board will approve the merger without significant concessions.
Wrong!
The adjective "probable" expresses likelihood without absolute certainty.
9I ............... that the report was edited after sign-off, but I have no proof.
Wrong!
The verb "suspect" signals a tentative belief without proof.
10I ............... accept responsibility for the delay, but I will not accept blame for the budget overrun.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "fully" and "readily" show clear acceptance of responsibility in this context.
11The witness ............... maintained that her statement had been taken out of context.
Wrong!
The adverb "steadfastly" shows that the witness firmly maintained her position.
12If pressed, I ............... agree that the strategy carries reputational risk.
Wrong!
The modal "might" softens the agreement and makes it less definite.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
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, but it is certainly ambitious.
- The data unequivocally support the conclusion that the policy reduced emissions; there is simply no other plausible explanation for the drop.
- On the figures, I defer to the finance team, 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 / 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.