CELPIP Reading Part 4 vocabulary

The words and phrases

detractors

People who criticize a plan, idea or person.
Example: Detractors say the new downtown bike lanes have made traffic worse for delivery drivers.

whereas

While; used to compare two facts or opinions that differ.
Example: Some parents want a longer school day, whereas others feel children are already too busy.

supporters claim

People who back an idea or plan say this is true.
Example: Supporters claim the four-day work week makes employees more focused and productive.

advocates

People who publicly speak up for a cause or plan.
Example: Advocates of the plan say it will bring more young families to rural towns.

naysayers

People who say something will fail or is a bad idea.
Example: Naysayers predicted the farmers' market would close within a year, but it's busier than ever.

the jury is still out

People have not yet decided whether something is good or works.
Example: The jury is still out on whether the later school start helps teenagers sleep more.

it is worth noting

This fact is important enough to point out.
Example: It is worth noting that a similar program has already been tried in two other provinces.

while it is true that

Admits one point is correct before arguing a different point.
Example: While it is true that screens can distract students, they can also be useful learning tools.

dismiss

To treat an idea or worry as not worth considering.
Example: The author dismisses concerns about the cost far too quickly.

a valid point

An argument that is reasonable and deserves to be taken seriously.
Example: The columnist makes a valid point about the shortage of affordable rental housing.

a compelling argument

A reason strong enough to convince people.
Example: The writer makes a compelling argument for longer library hours on weekends.

acknowledge

To accept or admit that something is true.
Example: Even the mayor acknowledges that the arena project has serious problems.

nevertheless

Despite what was just said; even so.
Example: The plan is expensive; nevertheless, I believe it is worth trying for one year.

in my view

In my opinion; introduces what the writer personally believes.
Example: In my view, the city should invest in libraries before building another stadium.

I couldn't agree more

I agree completely with what was said.
Example: I couldn't agree more with the author's call for safer crosswalks near schools.

I beg to differ

A polite, formal way to say you disagree.
Example: I beg to differ with the claim that working from home harms team spirit.

far from

Not at all; very much not.
Example: The new snow-clearing schedule is far from perfect, but it's a clear improvement.

a double-edged sword

Something that has both good and bad effects at the same time.
Example: Tourism is a double-edged sword for small coastal towns: it brings jobs but also crowds.

overlook

To fail to notice or consider something important.
Example: The article overlooks the needs of people who don't own a car.

a short-term fix

A solution that helps for now but does not solve the deeper problem.
Example: Hiring temporary staff is only a short-term fix for the clinic's long wait times.

raise the question

To make people think about or ask a particular question.
Example: The debate raises the question of who should pay for free public Wi-Fi.

at first glance

When first looked at, before thinking about it carefully.
Example: At first glance, the proposal seems simple, but the details are quite complicated.

backfire

To produce the opposite of the result that was intended.
Example: Critics warn that the new tax on sugary drinks could backfire on small stores.

on balance

After considering all the points for and against.
Example: On balance, I think the new park is worth the extra noise on weekends.

the debate over

The ongoing public discussion about an issue people disagree on.
Example: The debate over changing the clocks twice a year comes up again every spring.

undeniably

In a way that nobody can reasonably argue against.
Example: The jazz festival undeniably brings visitors and money into the local economy.

shift the burden onto

To make another group responsible for a cost or a task.
Example: The new fee would shift the burden onto renters rather than property owners.

a slippery slope

A small first step that may lead to larger, unwanted changes.
Example: Some readers fear that allowing one exception to the rule is a slippery slope.

Put them to work on Part 4

Practise Part 4 on the test screen, or see how Part 4 works.