Vocabulary: Academic Word List and Collocations Flashcards

Choose the correct word: 'The findings have ______ implications for public health policy, particularly regarding vaccination programmes.'

Answer: significant

'Significant' is the adjective form needed to modify 'implications'; the other options are the wrong word class for this position.

Which sentence correctly uses 'whereas'?

Answer: Whereas developed countries have high car ownership, many developing nations rely heavily on public transport.

'Whereas' introduces a contrast between two clauses; it requires a full contrasting clause, not a result or disconnected thought.

The AWL word 'constitute' most closely means:

Answer: to make up or form a whole

'Constitute' means to make up or form — e.g., 'Women constitute 40% of the workforce.'

Which collocation is CORRECT in academic English?

Answer: arrive at a conclusion

'Arrive at a conclusion' is the standard academic collocation; 'reach a conclusion' is also correct; the other options do not collocate with 'conclusion' in formal writing.

The word 'albeit' is used correctly in which sentence?

Answer: The results were positive, albeit limited by a small sample size.

'Albeit' introduces a concessive phrase (not a full clause with subject+verb) — e.g., 'albeit limited by a small sample size.'

Choose the best word to complete: 'The author ______ that further research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.'

Answer: acknowledges

'Acknowledges' is the most academically precise reporting verb for noting something the author recognises, without the negative connotation of 'admits' or the informality of 'agrees'.

The adverb that best collocates with 'affect' in academic writing is:

Answer: adversely affect

'Adversely affect' is the highest-register collocation; 'negatively affect' is acceptable but less academic; 'badly affect' is informal; 'badly adversely affect' is redundant.