CELPIP Reading · Part 4

Part 4 vocabulary: Reading for Viewpoints

The words and phrases that come up in Reading Part 4, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 4 format and strategy.

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Verbs 28

assert
verbCLB 8/əˈsɜːrt/
To state something firmly.
“The author asserts that the policy will fail.”
Similarclaimmaintaindeclare
CELPIP tip Identifies the writer's main claim.
concede
verbCLB 8/kənˈsiːd/
To admit something is true, often reluctantly.
“She concedes that the plan has some merit.”
Similaradmitacknowledge
CELPIP tip Writers concede minor points before arguing.
criticize
verbCLB 7/ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz/
To point out faults.
“Many parents criticize the new schedule.”
Similarcondemnfind fault with
CELPIP tip Shows a negative viewpoint.
endorse
verbCLB 7/ɪnˈdɔːrs/
To publicly support.
“The council endorsed the proposal.”
Similarsupportbackapprove
CELPIP tip Shows a positive viewpoint.
question
verbCLB 5/ˈkwɛstʃən/
To express doubt about.
“Experts question whether the plan is realistic.”
Similardoubtchallenge
CELPIP tip As a verb, means to express doubt about something.
undermine
verbCLB 8/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/
To weaken gradually.
“Cuts could undermine the quality of education.”
Similarweakendamage
CELPIP tip Common in negative arguments.
argue
verbCLB 5/ˈɑːrɡjuː/
To give reasons.
“He argues that taxes are too high.”
Similarclaim
CELPIP tip Means to give reasons for a view.
maintain
verbCLB 7/meɪnˈteɪn/
To keep stating.
“She maintains that it's unfair.”
Similarinsist
CELPIP tip Means to keep saying something firmly.
insist
verbCLB 6/ɪnˈsɪst/
To demand firmly.
“He insists the plan will work.”
Similarmaintain
CELPIP tip Means to state something firmly.
suggest
verbCLB 5/səˈdʒɛst/
To propose.
“The author suggests a new approach.”
Similarpropose
CELPIP tip Means to propose an idea or solution.
believe
verbCLB 5/bɪˈliːv/
To think is true.
“Many believe the change is needed.”
Similarthink
CELPIP tip Shows a view. Check whose view it is.
doubt
verbCLB 5/daʊt/
To be unsure.
“I doubt it will succeed.”
Similarquestion
CELPIP tip Shows skepticism about an idea or claim.
reject
verbCLB 6/rɪˈdʒɛkt/
To refuse to accept.
“Voters rejected the idea.”
Similardismiss
CELPIP tip Means to refuse to accept.
favour
verbCLB 6/ˈfeɪvər/
To prefer.
“Most residents favour the plan.”
Similarprefersupport
CELPIP tip Means to prefer or support.
welcome
verbCLB 5/ˈwɛlkəm/
To be pleased about.
“Parents welcomed the decision.”
Similarembrace
CELPIP tip Shows a positive view of something.
praise
verbCLB 6/preɪz/
To express approval.
“Critics praised the new design.”
Similarcommend
CELPIP tip Means to express approval.
condemn
verbCLB 8/kənˈdɛm/
To strongly disapprove.
“Groups condemned the cuts.”
Similardenounce
CELPIP tip Means to strongly disapprove.
warn
verbCLB 6/wɔːrn/
To tell of danger.
“Experts warn of rising costs.”
Similarcaution
CELPIP tip Means to tell of danger. Look for the concern.
highlight
verbCLB 6/ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/
To emphasize.
“The report highlights several problems.”
Similaremphasize
CELPIP tip Means to emphasize a key point.
acknowledge
verbCLB 7/əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/
To accept as true.
“She acknowledges the risks.”
Similaradmit
CELPIP tip Means to accept as true, often as a concession.
challenge
verbCLB 6/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/
To question.
“He challenges the official figures.”
Similardispute
CELPIP tip Means to question an idea.
dispute
verbCLB 7/dɪˈspjuːt/
To argue against.
“They dispute the findings.”
Similarchallenge
CELPIP tip Means to argue against something.
contend
verbCLB 8/kənˈtend/
To argue that something is true.
“Some parents contend that homework is too heavy for young children.”
Similarargueclaimmaintain
CELPIP tip Introduces one side's claim; check who holds it.
dismiss
verbCLB 8/dɪsˈmɪs/
To refuse to consider an idea seriously.
“The mayor dismissed the critics as out of touch.”
Similarrejectbrush asidewave off
CELPIP tip Shows a strong negative attitude toward the other side.
refute
verbCLB 9/rɪˈfjuːt/
To prove that a claim is false.
“The author refutes the claim that remote workers are less productive.”
Similardisproverebutcounter
CELPIP tip Means the writer disagrees and gives evidence.
concur
verbCLB 9/kənˈkɜːr/
To agree.
“Most experts concur that early reading is important.”
Similaragreeacceptendorse
CELPIP tip Formal; it signals that most people or experts agree.
repudiate
verbCLB 10/rɪˈpjuːdieɪt/
To reject strongly.
“The union repudiated the claims made in the report.”
Similarrejectdenydisown
CELPIP tip A very strong rejection.
underpin
verbCLB 10/ˌʌndərˈpɪn/
To support or form the basis of something.
“Strong research underpins the author's argument.”
Similarsupportunderlieform the basis of
CELPIP tip Shows what an argument rests on.

Nouns 27

stance
nounCLB 7/stæns/
An opinion or position.
“The writer's stance is clearly against the change.”
Similarpositionstandpoint
CELPIP tip Questions often ask about the writer's stance.
proponent
nounCLB 8/prəˈpoʊnənt/
A person who supports an idea.
“Proponents say it will save money.”
Similarsupporteradvocate
CELPIP tip A supporter of an idea. The opposite of "opponent".
opponent
nounCLB 7/əˈpoʊnənt/
A person who is against an idea.
“Opponents worry about rising costs.”
Similarcriticadversary
CELPIP tip Separate opponents' views from the writer's.
argument
nounCLB 6/ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/
Reasons supporting an idea.
“Her argument is based on research.”
Similarcasereasoning
CELPIP tip The reasons supporting an idea. Find the writer's main argument.
claim
nounCLB 6/kleɪm/
A statement that something is true.
“The claim lacks evidence.”
Similarassertion
CELPIP tip A statement that may not be proven. Evaluate each claim.
viewpoint
nounCLB 6/ˈvjuːpɔɪnt/
An opinion.
“The writer's viewpoint is clear.”
Similaropinionperspective
CELPIP tip An opinion. Questions often ask for the writer's viewpoint.
perspective
nounCLB 6/pərˈspɛktɪv/
A way of seeing something.
“From a parent's perspective, it's unsafe.”
Similarpoint of view
CELPIP tip A way of seeing something. Compare the perspectives.
opinion
nounCLB 5/əˈpɪnjən/
A belief.
“Public opinion is divided.”
Similarview
CELPIP tip A belief. Separate opinions from facts.
debate
nounCLB 6/dɪˈbeɪt/
A discussion between opposing views.
“The debate continues.”
Similardiscussion
CELPIP tip A discussion between opposing views.
controversy
nounCLB 7/ˈkɒntrəvɜːrsi/
Strong public disagreement.
“The plan caused controversy.”
Similardispute
CELPIP tip Strong public disagreement. The topic has two sides.
criticism
nounCLB 6/ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/
Negative judgment.
“The policy faced criticism.”
Similardisapproval
CELPIP tip A negative judgment. Look for what is being criticized.
concern
nounCLB 6/kənˈsɜːrn/
Worry.
“Safety is a major concern.”
Similarworry
CELPIP tip A worry, usually from opponents.
benefit
nounCLB 5/ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
Advantage.
“The benefits are clear.”
Similaradvantage
CELPIP tip An advantage, usually given by supporters.
drawback
nounCLB 6/ˈdrɔːbæk/
Disadvantage.
“One drawback is the cost.”
Similardownside
CELPIP tip A disadvantage, usually given by opponents.
critic
nounCLB 6/ˈkrɪtɪk/
A person who criticizes.
“Critics say it's too expensive.”
Similaropponent
CELPIP tip A person who criticizes something.
supporter
nounCLB 5/səˈpɔːrtər/
A person in favour.
“Supporters praised the decision.”
Similarproponent
CELPIP tip A person in favour of something.
consensus
nounCLB 7/kənˈsɛnsəs/
General agreement.
“There's no consensus among experts.”
Similaragreement
CELPIP tip General agreement. Look for whether one exists.
compromise
nounCLB 6/ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz/
A middle-ground solution.
“The writer suggests a compromise.”
Similarmiddle ground
CELPIP tip A middle-ground solution. Often the writer's suggestion.
evidence
nounCLB 6/ˈɛvɪdəns/
Proof.
“There's strong evidence for this view.”
Similarproof
CELPIP tip Proof that supports a view.
assumption
nounCLB 7/əˈsʌmpʃən/
Something believed without proof.
“This is based on a false assumption.”
Similarpresumption
CELPIP tip Something believed without proof. Often a weak point in an argument.
objection
nounCLB 7/əbˈdʒɛkʃən/
An expression of disagreement.
“Residents raised objections.”
Similarprotest
CELPIP tip An expression of disagreement.
proposal
nounCLB 6/prəˈpoʊzəl/
A suggested plan.
“The proposal was rejected.”
Similarplan
CELPIP tip A suggested plan, often the topic of the text.
issue
nounCLB 5/ˈɪʃuː/
A topic of concern.
“Housing is a key issue.”
Similarmatter
CELPIP tip The topic of concern.
approach
nounCLB 6/əˈproʊtʃ/
A way of dealing with something.
“A new approach is needed.”
Similarmethod
CELPIP tip A way of dealing with something. Often the writer's solution.
conclusion
nounCLB 6/kənˈkluːʒən/
Final judgment.
“The writer's conclusion is cautious.”
Similarverdict
CELPIP tip The final judgment. Often tested.
trade-off
nounCLB 7/ˈtreɪd ɒf/
A balance between two things.
“There's a trade-off between cost and quality.”
Similarcompromise
CELPIP tip A balance between two things. Shows a balanced view.
detractor
nounCLB 8/dɪˈtræktər/
A person who criticizes something.
“Detractors say the new arena will cost taxpayers too much.”
Similarcriticopponent
CELPIP tip The opposite of a supporter; track which side each person is on.

Adjectives 25

biased
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈbaɪəst/
Unfairly favouring one side.
“The report seems biased toward developers.”
Similarone-sidedpartial
CELPIP tip Tone questions may test this.
valid
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈvælɪd/
Reasonable and logical.
“Both sides raise valid concerns.”
Similarreasonablelegitimatesound
CELPIP tip Shows the writer sees merit in a view.
misguided
adjectiveCLB 8/ˌmɪsˈɡaɪdɪd/
Based on wrong ideas.
“The writer calls the policy misguided.”
Similarmistakenwrong
CELPIP tip Strong negative judgment word.
convincing
adjectiveCLB 6/kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/
Persuasive.
“The argument is convincing.”
Similarpersuasive
CELPIP tip Used to judge an argument as believable.
unconvincing
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ/
Not persuasive.
“Her reasons are unconvincing.”
Similarweak
CELPIP tip Used to judge an argument as not believable.
balanced
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈbælənst/
Considering all sides.
“The article is balanced.”
Similarfaireven-handed
CELPIP tip Considering all sides. Describes tone.
objective
adjectiveCLB 7/əbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Not influenced by feelings.
“Try to remain objective.”
Similarimpartial
CELPIP tip Not influenced by feelings. Describes tone.
subjective
adjectiveCLB 7/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Based on feelings.
“That's a subjective view.”
Similarpersonal
CELPIP tip Based on feelings. Describes tone.
critical
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
Expressing disapproval.
“The writer is critical of the plan.”
Similardisapproving
CELPIP tip Expressing disapproval. Describes tone.
supportive
adjectiveCLB 6/səˈpɔːrtɪv/
Giving support.
“He's supportive of the idea.”
Similarencouraging
CELPIP tip Giving support. Describes tone.
cautious
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈkɔːʃəs/
Careful.
“The author takes a cautious view.”
Similarcareful
CELPIP tip Careful. Describes a writer's tone.
skeptical
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈskɛptɪkəl/
Doubtful.
“Many are skeptical.”
Similardoubtful
CELPIP tip Doubtful. Describes a writer's tone.
optimistic
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/
Hopeful.
“She's optimistic about the plan.”
Similarhopeful
CELPIP tip Hopeful. Describes a writer's tone.
pessimistic
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌpɛsɪˈmɪstɪk/
Expecting bad results.
“He's pessimistic about the outcome.”
Similargloomy
CELPIP tip Expecting bad results. Describes tone.
reasonable
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈriːzənəbəl/
Sensible.
“It's a reasonable compromise.”
Similarsensible
CELPIP tip A positive judgment: sensible.
unfair
adjectiveCLB 5/ʌnˈfɛər/
Not just.
“The rule is unfair to renters.”
Similarunjust
CELPIP tip A negative judgment: not just.
justified
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪd/
Having good reason.
“Their concerns are justified.”
Similarvalid
CELPIP tip Having a good reason. A positive judgment.
outdated
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌaʊtˈdeɪtɪd/
Old-fashioned.
“The law is outdated.”
Similarobsolete
CELPIP tip Old-fashioned. A negative judgment.
impractical
adjectiveCLB 7/ɪmˈpræktɪkəl/
Not realistic.
“The plan is impractical.”
Similarunrealistic
CELPIP tip Not realistic. A negative judgment.
divided
adjectiveCLB 6/dɪˈvaɪdɪd/
In disagreement.
“Opinion is divided.”
Similarsplit
CELPIP tip Shows people disagree, with no clear consensus.
contentious
adjectiveCLB 8/kənˈtenʃəs/
Causing disagreement.
“The new bike lane has been a contentious issue in the neighbourhood.”
Similarcontroversialdisputeddivisive
CELPIP tip Tells you there are two strong sides.
tenuous
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈtenjuəs/
Weak or uncertain.
“The link between screen time and grades is tenuous.”
Similarweakflimsyshaky
CELPIP tip Criticism of an argument's strength.
pragmatic
adjectiveCLB 9/præɡˈmætɪk/
Dealing with things in a practical way.
“The writer takes a pragmatic view, focusing on cost.”
Similarpracticalrealisticsensible
CELPIP tip Describes the writer's approach; useful in attitude questions.
equivocal
adjectiveCLB 10/ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/
Not clear; can be understood in more than one way.
“The council's response was equivocal, neither supporting nor rejecting the plan.”
Similarambiguousunclearvague
CELPIP tip Signals a neutral or undecided position.
disingenuous
adjectiveCLB 10/ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒenjuəs/
Not honest, pretending to know or believe less than you do.
“It is disingenuous to claim the fee is only for maintenance.”
Similardishonestinsinceremisleading
CELPIP tip Strong criticism of someone's honesty.

Adverbs 11

admittedly
adverbCLB 8/ədˈmɪtɪdli/
Used to accept a point before arguing against it.
“Admittedly, the costs are high, but the benefits are greater.”
Similarto be fairgranted
CELPIP tip Often followed by 'but' and the real argument.
strongly
adverbCLB 5/ˈstrɒŋli/
Very much.
“She strongly opposes the change.”
Similarfirmly
CELPIP tip Shows how strongly the writer feels.
firmly
adverbCLB 6/ˈfɜːrmli/
Strongly.
“He firmly believes it's wrong.”
Similarstrongly
CELPIP tip Shows a strong position.
partly
adverbCLB 6/ˈpɑːrtli/
Not completely.
“I partly agree.”
Similarsomewhat
CELPIP tip Shows only partial agreement.
ultimately
adverbCLB 7/ˈʌltɪmətli/
In the end.
“Ultimately, the writer supports it.”
Similarfinally
CELPIP tip Introduces the final view.
nevertheless
adverbCLB 7/ˌnɛvərðəˈlɛs/
However.
“Nevertheless, the risks remain.”
Similarhowever
CELPIP tip Means however. Introduces a contrast.
undeniably
adverbCLB 8/ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbli/
Certainly.
“It is undeniably costly.”
Similarcertainly
CELPIP tip Concedes something is certainly true.
arguably
adverbCLB 7/ˈɑːrɡjuəbli/
Possibly.
“It's arguably the best option.”
Similarpossibly
CELPIP tip Presents a view that could be argued, not a fact.
understandably
adverbCLB 7/ˌʌndərˈstændəbli/
In a way that is easy to understand.
“Parents are understandably worried.”
Similarnaturally
CELPIP tip Shows sympathy for a view or reaction.
reluctantly
adverbCLB 7/rɪˈlʌktəntli/
Unwillingly.
“He reluctantly agreed.”
Similarunwillingly
CELPIP tip Means unwillingly. Shows attitude.
ostensibly
adverbCLB 10/ɑːˈstensəbli/
Apparently, but perhaps not really.
“The rule is ostensibly about safety, but critics say it is about money.”
Similarseeminglysupposedly
CELPIP tip Hints that the writer doubts the stated reason.

Phrases 16

it could be argued that
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a possible view.
“It could be argued that the city should wait.”
Similarsome might say
CELPIP tip Not always the writer's own view. Read on.
far from
phraseCLB 8
Not at all.
“The plan is far from perfect.”
Similarnot at allanything but
CELPIP tip Signals a negative judgment.
on balance
phraseCLB 7
After considering everything.
“On balance, the plan is worth it.”
Similaroverall
CELPIP tip Introduces the final view after weighing both sides.
in favour of
phraseCLB 6
Supporting.
“The writer is in favour of the change.”
Similarsupporting
CELPIP tip Shows support. Note who is in favour.
against the idea
phraseCLB 6
Opposed.
“Many are against the idea.”
Similaropposed to
CELPIP tip Shows opposition. Note who is against the idea.
there is little doubt
phraseCLB 7
It's almost certain.
“There is little doubt that change is needed.”
Similarclearly
CELPIP tip Shows near certainty about the point that follows.
it remains to be seen
phraseCLB 8
Not yet known.
“It remains to be seen whether it works.”
Similarwe'll see
CELPIP tip Shows the outcome is not yet known.
the real question is
phraseCLB 7
Introduces the key issue.
“The real question is who will pay.”
Similarthe key issue
CELPIP tip Introduces the key issue the writer cares about.
at first glance
phraseCLB 6
Initially.
“At first glance, it seems fair.”
Similarinitially
CELPIP tip Often followed by a different view.
by no means
phraseCLB 8
Not at all.
“It is by no means perfect.”
Similarnot at all
CELPIP tip Means not at all.
to some extent
phraseCLB 7
Partly.
“To some extent, they are right.”
Similarpartly
CELPIP tip Shows partial agreement only.
in theory
phraseCLB 6
In principle.
“In theory, it should work.”
Similarin principle
CELPIP tip Often followed by 'in practice'.
in practice
phraseCLB 6
In reality.
“In practice, it's difficult.”
Similarin reality
CELPIP tip Means in reality, often contrasted with "in theory".
a double-edged sword
phraseCLB 7
Something with good and bad effects.
“Technology is a double-edged sword.”
Similarmixed blessing
CELPIP tip Something with both good and bad effects.
by extension
phraseCLB 8
Following the same logic one step further.
“Cheaper transit helps workers and, by extension, local businesses.”
Similaras a resultlikewise
CELPIP tip Shows how the writer extends an argument; follow the chain of reasons.
on the contrary
phraseCLB 9
Used to say that the opposite is true.
“The program did not fail; on the contrary, enrolment doubled.”
Similarin factquite the opposite
CELPIP tip Introduces the writer's real point after rejecting another.

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Verbs 28

assert

concede

criticize

endorse

question

undermine

argue

maintain

insist

suggest

believe

doubt

reject

favour

welcome

praise

condemn

warn

highlight

acknowledge

challenge

dispute

contend

dismiss

refute

concur

repudiate

underpin

Nouns 27

stance

proponent

opponent

argument

claim

viewpoint

perspective

opinion

debate

controversy

criticism

concern

benefit

drawback

critic

supporter

consensus

compromise

evidence

assumption

objection

proposal

issue

approach

conclusion

trade-off

detractor

Adjectives 25

biased

valid

misguided

convincing

unconvincing

balanced

objective

subjective

critical

supportive

cautious

skeptical

optimistic

pessimistic

reasonable

unfair

justified

outdated

impractical

divided

contentious

tenuous