Academic Word List II
Thirty-four powerful headwords from AWL sublists 3–6, the vocabulary of argument, evaluation and policy. Learn the verb patterns, prepositions and synonym sets that turn a band 6 Task 2 paragraph into a band 8 one, then write your own paragraph using them.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
- Use 34 headwords from AWL sublists 3–6 (ensure, enable, criteria, implication, incentive, sustainable…) accurately
- Master the grammar patterns behind them: enable sb to do, contribute to + -ing, emphasis on, access to
- Replace vague everyday words with precise academic alternatives without changing the meaning
- Avoid singular/plural and preposition traps (criterion/criteria, alternative to, decline in)
- Write a cohesive Task 2 body paragraph using at least eight of the target words
Set 1 — Verbs for cause, purpose and change
Saved as flashcards with a free accountcontribute
verb/kənˈtrɪbjuːt/
1) To be one of the causes of something. 2) To give money, time, ideas or effort to help achieve something.
অবদান রাখা; (কোনো কিছুর) কারণ হওয়া
Unplanned construction has contributed to serious waterlogging in many parts of Chattogram.
ensure
verb/ɪnˈʃʊə/
To make certain that something happens or is the case. Not to be confused with ‘insure’ (buy insurance) or ‘assure’ (tell someone confidently).
নিশ্চিত করা
Governments must ensure that every child has access to safe drinking water.
enable
verb/ɪˈneɪbl/
To make it possible for someone to do something. Pattern: enable + person + to-infinitive.
সক্ষম করা; সুযোগ করে দেওয়া
Mobile banking enables farmers to receive payments without travelling to the nearest town.
enhance
verb/ɪnˈhɑːns/
To improve the quality, value or strength of something, usually something that is already good.
উন্নত করা; বাড়ানো
A year of study abroad can greatly enhance a graduate’s career prospects.
promote
verb/prəˈməʊt/
1) To encourage or support something so that it grows, spreads or becomes popular. 2) To move someone to a higher position at work.
উৎসাহিত করা; প্রসার ঘটানো; পদোন্নতি দেওয়া
The campaign aims to promote healthy eating among secondary school students.
maximise
verb/ˈmæksɪmaɪz/
To make something as large or as great as possible. Opposite: minimise. American spelling: maximize.
সর্বোচ্চ করা
Farmers can maximise their yields by rotating crops and testing the soil regularly.
justify
verb/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/
To show that a decision, action or idea is reasonable or necessary.
যৌক্তিকতা দেখানো; ন্যায্য প্রমাণ করা
It is hard to justify spending millions on a new stadium while many hospitals lack basic equipment.
resolve
verb/rɪˈzɒlv/
To find a satisfactory way of dealing with a problem, dispute or difficulty. (Also: to decide firmly to do something.)
সমাধান করা; নিষ্পত্তি করা
The two neighbouring countries resolved the border dispute through negotiation.
decline
verb / noun/dɪˈklaɪn/
(v) To become smaller, weaker or fewer. (n) A gradual decrease. (Also: to refuse politely.)
হ্রাস পাওয়া; হ্রাস; প্রত্যাখ্যান করা
The proportion of Bangladeshis working in agriculture has declined steadily over the past three decades.
access
noun / verb/ˈækses/
(n) The right, chance or means to use or reach something. (v) To get or use something, especially information online. The noun takes ‘to’; the verb does not.
প্রবেশাধিকার; ব্যবহারের সুযোগ
Millions of people in remote char areas still lack access to reliable healthcare.
Verb patterns: where marks are won and lost
| Verb | Correct pattern | Example | Common error |
|---|---|---|---|
contribute | contribute to + noun / -ing | Cars contribute to air pollution. | ✗ contribute to increase |
ensure | ensure (that) + clause; ensure + noun | Ensure that all workers are paid fairly. | ✗ ensure to pay |
enable | enable + person + to-infinitive | Loans enable students to study. | ✗ enable to study |
enhance | enhance + thing (quality, skills, prospects) | Practice enhances fluency. | ✗ enhance students |
promote | promote + noun (an idea, activity or product) | Schools should promote reading. | ✗ promote students to read (use encourage sb to do) |
justify | justify + noun / -ing | Nothing can justify cutting the budget. | ✗ justify to cut |
resolve | resolve + problem / dispute / issue | Talks resolved the dispute. | ✗ resolve people |
decline | (v) decline by / to; (n) a decline in | Sales declined by 20%. A decline in sales. | ✗ a decline of sales |
access | (n) access to; (v) access + object | access to education; access the website | ✗ access to the website (as a verb) |
maximise | maximise + noun | maximise profits | ✗ maximise to earn |
Check: verbs and their patterns
7 questions- 1
Free school meals can to better attendance and concentration.
- 2
Scholarships talented students from low-income families to study at leading universities.
- 3
The authorities must that all new buildings can withstand earthquakes.
- 4
Global demand for jute sharply in the second half of the twentieth century as plastic replaced natural fibres.
- 5
Many people in rural areas cannot online government services because of poor internet connections.
- 6
Match each verb to its meaning.
enhancejustifyresolvemaximisepromotecontribute - 7
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Answer every question to check.
Set 2 — Nouns for analysing problems and plans
Saved as flashcards with a free accountalternative
noun / adjective/ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/
(n) Something you can choose instead of something else. (adj) Different from the usual or traditional kind.
বিকল্প
Protected cycle lanes would offer commuters a cheap and healthy alternative to private cars.
circumstance
noun (usually plural)/ˈsɜːkəmstəns/
A fact or condition that affects a situation, event or decision.
পরিস্থিতি; অবস্থা
In exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness, candidates may be allowed to take the exam later.
criterion / criteria
noun (singular / plural)/kraɪˈtɪəriən/ ; /kraɪˈtɪəriə/
A standard or principle used to judge, decide or choose something. Criterion is singular; criteria is plural.
মানদণ্ড
Exam results are only one of the criteria used to award government scholarships.
framework
noun/ˈfreɪmwɜːk/
A set of rules, ideas or beliefs that is used as the basis for decisions, plans or laws; a supporting structure.
কাঠামো; রূপরেখা
The government needs a clear legal framework to protect people who shop online.
technique
noun/tekˈniːk/
A particular way of doing something, especially one that needs skill or training.
কৌশল
Skimming and scanning are essential techniques for finishing the Reading test on time.
phase
noun/feɪz/
A stage in a process of change or development. Phrasal verbs: phase in (introduce gradually), phase out (remove gradually).
পর্যায়; ধাপ
The first phase of the Dhaka metro rail opened to passengers in December 2022.
outcome
noun/ˈaʊtkʌm/
The final result of an action, process or event.
ফলাফল; পরিণাম
Children who attend pre-school tend to have better educational outcomes later in life.
proportion
noun/prəˈpɔːʃn/
A part or share of a whole, often expressed as a percentage; the relationship between two amounts.
অনুপাত; অংশ
Poorer households spend a much larger proportion of their income on food than wealthier ones.
trend
noun/trend/
A general direction in which something is changing or developing.
প্রবণতা; ধারা
There is a growing trend towards online shopping among young people in Dhaka.
emphasis
noun/ˈemfəsɪs/
Special importance or attention given to something. The verb is ‘emphasise’, which takes no preposition.
গুরুত্ব; জোর
The new curriculum places greater emphasis on problem-solving and less on memorisation.
implication
noun (often plural)/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃn/
A possible future effect or result of an action, decision or situation; also something suggested but not said directly.
সম্ভাব্য প্রভাব; অন্তর্নিহিত অর্থ
Rising sea levels have serious implications for millions of people living along the coast.
Correct the nouns and prepositions
7 questions- 1
Find and correct the mistake:
The main criteria for selection is academic merit.
- 2
Find and correct the mistake:
The new syllabus emphasises on practical skills.
- 3
Find and correct the mistake:
Online learning is a useful alternative of classroom teaching.
- 4
Find and correct the mistake:
In these circumstance, the exam was postponed for a week.
- 5
Find and correct the mistake:
There has been a sharp decline of the number of people buying printed newspapers.
- 6
Choose the best word: ‘Climate change has serious ___ for rice farming in coastal districts.’
- 7
Which Task 1 sentence uses ‘proportion’ correctly?
Answer every question to check.
Set 3 — Views, policy and quality
Saved as flashcards with a free accountperspective
noun/pəˈspektɪv/
A particular way of thinking about something, often influenced by your background or position.
দৃষ্টিকোণ
From an economic perspective, educating girls brings some of the highest returns of any investment.
attitude
noun/ˈætɪtjuːd/
The way you think and feel about something, which is often shown in your behaviour.
মনোভাব
Attitudes towards women working outside the home have changed considerably in recent decades.
commitment
noun/kəˈmɪtmənt/
A firm promise to do something, or a willingness to give your time and energy to something.
অঙ্গীকার; প্রতিশ্রুতি; নিষ্ঠা
Reaching band 7 requires real commitment: at least an hour of focused practice every day.
debate
noun / verb/dɪˈbeɪt/
(n) A discussion in which people express different opinions. (v) To discuss a subject formally, considering different views.
বিতর্ক; বিতর্ক করা
There is ongoing debate about whether university education should be free for everyone.
incentive
noun/ɪnˈsentɪv/
Something, often money or a reward, that encourages a person or organisation to do something.
প্রণোদনা
Tax incentives could encourage more companies to invest in solar energy.
considerable
adjective/kənˈsɪdərəbl/
Large in size, amount or degree. Do not confuse with ‘considerate’ (kind and thoughtful).
উল্লেখযোগ্য পরিমাণ; বেশ বড়
The Padma Bridge has saved travellers from the south-west a considerable amount of time.
sufficient
adjective/səˈfɪʃnt/
Enough for a particular purpose (a formal word for ‘enough’). Opposite: insufficient.
পর্যাপ্ত
Many rural schools do not receive sufficient funding to employ qualified science teachers.
adequate
adjective/ˈædɪkwət/
Good enough or large enough for a particular need, though not excellent. Opposite: inadequate.
যথোপযুক্ত; চলনসই রকম পর্যাপ্ত
Every garment worker has the right to adequate wages and safe working conditions.
apparent
adjective/əˈpærənt/
1) Clear and easy to see or understand. 2) Seeming to be true, although it may not be.
স্পষ্ট; আপাতদৃষ্টিতে মনে হওয়া
It soon became apparent that the new traffic rules were not being enforced.
initial
adjective/ɪˈnɪʃl/
Happening at the beginning of a process; first.
প্রাথমিক
Solar panels have high initial costs, but they save households money in the long run.
fundamental
adjective/ˌfʌndəˈmentl/
Forming the basic and most important part of something, on which everything else depends.
মৌলিক
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right.
sustainable
adjective/səˈsteɪnəbl/
1) Able to continue for a long time. 2) Causing little or no damage to the environment, so it can continue.
টেকসই
Bangladesh needs economic growth that is sustainable and does not destroy its rivers and forests.
diverse
adjective/daɪˈvɜːs/
Including many different types of people or things. Noun: diversity; verb: diversify.
বৈচিত্র্যময়
London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
Upgrade everyday words, but only when the meaning matches
| Everyday word | Academic alternative | Example |
|---|---|---|
help (make possible) | enable sb to do | Loans enable students to continue their studies. |
help cause | contribute to | Poor drainage contributes to flooding. |
make sure | ensure (that) | Inspections ensure that factories are safe. |
make better | enhance (good → better) | Volunteering enhances a CV. |
encourage | promote | Sports clubs promote teamwork. |
solve | resolve (disputes, issues, conflicts) | Mediation can resolve family disputes. |
go down | decline | Birth rates have declined. |
enough | sufficient / adequate | There is insufficient evidence. |
big (amount) | considerable / substantial | at considerable cost |
basic | fundamental | a fundamental change in attitudes |
first | initial | the initial phase of the project |
result | outcome | the outcome of the election |
future effect | implication | implications for public health |
point of view | perspective | from a parent’s perspective |
reward | incentive | incentives for green businesses |
different kinds of | diverse / a diverse range of | a diverse range of courses |
Band 6 vs Band 8: a Task 2 body paragraph
Band 6 style
In my opinion the government should give money to people who use buses. This will help to make the traffic less and also the air will be more clean. Many people think that buses are not good enough, so the government must make them better first. Then more people will use them and the result will be good for everyone.
Band 8 style
In my view, financial incentives, such as discounted monthly passes, would be a highly effective way to promote public transport. Lower fares would enable commuters on modest incomes to leave their motorbikes at home, which would contribute significantly to reducing both congestion and emissions. However, such schemes can only be justified if the service itself is adequate. At present, many people regard buses as unreliable and overcrowded, and this negative attitude will not change until the government ensures that vehicles run frequently and safely. The likely outcome of combining cheaper fares with better services is a sustainable shift away from private vehicles.
The ideas are almost identical; the difference is precision. ‘Give money’ becomes ‘financial incentives, such as discounted monthly passes’ (a specific example). ‘Help to make the traffic less’ becomes ‘contribute significantly to reducing congestion’ (correct pattern: contribute to + -ing). ‘Not good enough’ becomes ‘adequate’ and ‘negative attitude’, and ‘the result will be good’ becomes ‘the likely outcome… is a sustainable shift’. Every target word is used with its correct grammar, which is what lifts Lexical Resource to band 7–8.
Writing Task 2 practice
130+ words · 15 minWrite ONE body paragraph (at least 130 words) for the Task 2 question below. Use at least EIGHT words from this lesson, each with its correct grammar and collocation (for example: enhance prospects, gain access to, a diverse range of, initial costs, justify the expense).
In many countries, a growing proportion of young people choose to complete their university education abroad.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Focus your paragraph on the main ADVANTAGES, but acknowledge one disadvantage before showing why the benefits are greater.
Self-check before submitting
- ☐ A clear topic sentence that states the main advantage
- ☐ At least eight target words, each with the correct pattern (enable sb to do, contribute to + -ing, access to…)
- ☐ A specific example or explanation supporting each point
- ☐ One disadvantage acknowledged with a concession word (admittedly, although, while)
- ☐ No word repeated unnecessarily; synonyms or other word forms used instead
- ☐ A final sentence that links back to the question (advantages outweigh disadvantages)
Final quiz: Academic Word List II
11 questions- 1
Critics argue that the enormous cost of the project cannot be when so many people lack basic services.
- 2
Without funding, rural clinics will continue to struggle to keep qualified staff.
- 3
Instead of banning cars, the city could offer financial to people who travel by bus.
- 4
The costs of installing solar panels are high, but running costs are very low.
- 5
Public attitudes mental health have changed a great deal in the last ten years.
- 6
Match each everyday word to its academic equivalent.
enoughmake betterbasicresultfirstpoint of viewvaried - 7
In the sentence ‘Despite his apparent calm, he was extremely nervous before the interview’, what does ‘apparent’ mean?
- 8
Which is the best formal paraphrase of ‘The government must make sure that all children can go to school’?
- 9
Find and correct the mistake:
Social media has contributed to increase loneliness among teenagers.
- 10
Find and correct the mistake:
Teachers should show more commitment to improve the results of their students.
- 11
Find and correct the mistake:
Regular feedback can enhance students to write more accurately.
Answer every question to check.
Key takeaways
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