Topic Explanation and Use
Core idea
This lesson helps you say the same idea with sharper, more natural vocabulary.
Academic Verbs teaches verbs that help you explain evidence, interpret data, and justify claims more precisely.
Use this vocabulary when you need to describe what evidence shows or what a writer is doing, instead of relying on vague verbs like say or do.
At B2 level, learn fewer words but learn them well: meaning, collocation, and one model sentence.
Use it here
- Choose the verb from the job you need: indicate, evaluate, justify, or interpret.
- Follow the verb with real evidence or a clear idea.
- Use the word that fits the meaning, not the word that only sounds more advanced.
Watch it work
Remember this
- Choose the meaning first before you choose the word.
- Learn the word with a natural collocation or partner phrase.
- Use the new word in one short sentence right away.
- Replace vague words only when the new word stays accurate.
- Keep the register stable so the language fits the task.
Real-World Examples with Academic Verbs
Example 1
Too weakThe chart says bus use went up in May.
BetterThe chart indicates that bus use rose in May.
The stronger version names the real meaning instead of staying vague.
Example 2
Too weakThe writer says there is a reason for the change.
BetterThe writer explains one reason for the change.
The better sentence sounds more natural for a real task and a real reader.
Word Bank and Useful Chunks
Word bank
- analyze: examine information carefully
- indicate: show a result or trend
- demonstrate: show clearly with evidence
- justify: give reasons or evidence for a claim
- evaluate: judge strengths and weaknesses
- interpret: explain the meaning of information
Useful chunks
- analyze data
- highlight a trend
- demonstrate a result
- justify a claim
Sentence frames
- The data indicate that...
- This pattern suggests that...
- One explanation is that...
Common Errors with Academic Verbs
Common problem 1
using a broad everyday verb where an academic verb is more exact
WeakThe chart says the route helped workers.
StrongThe chart indicates that the route improved commuting times for workers.
Fix: choose a verb that names the job clearly
Common problem 2
using an academic verb without evidence after it
WeakThe writer evaluates the issue.
StrongThe writer evaluates the issue by comparing cost with long-term benefit.
Fix: follow the verb with the idea or evidence it acts on
Common problem 3
repeating the same academic verb in every sentence
WeakThe chart shows one trend, and the writer shows one cause.
StrongThe chart indicates one trend, and the writer explains one cause.
Fix: vary the verb only when the meaning changes
Interactive Practice Lab
Practice
Start with meaning. Then move to collocations and sentence control for Academic Verbs.
Score: 0/3
Use words that sound natural together. Precision is more important than difficulty.
1. Quick pick
The graph ___ that bus use increased after the route change.
2. Build it
Put the sentence in a natural order.
Put the chunks in the natural order.
3. Type the missing word
Complete the useful chunk: analyze _____
Fix this: analyze: examine information carefully
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