Y06W11VC Word Roots — -ive (tending to)

Having the ability or tendency to produce new and original ideas or things.

Word Breakdown: -ive (suffix meaning 'tending to')

Example: A creative approach to writing often produces unexpected and memorable results.

Synonyms: imaginative, inventive, original

Collocations: a creative solution, creative writing, creative thinking

Energetically engaged in doing something; not passive or idle.

Example: Taking an active role in discussions helps students develop their critical thinking skills.

Synonyms: engaged, involved, dynamic

Collocations: an active participant, take an active role, active learning

Effective at convincing someone to believe or do something.

Example: A persuasive argument uses a combination of evidence, reasoning and language to change the reader's mind.

Synonyms: convincing, compelling, influential

Collocations: a persuasive argument, persuasive language, a persuasive text

To assess or judge the quality, importance or value of something based on careful consideration.

Word family: evaluate (v.), evaluation (n.), evaluative (adj.)

Example: Students were asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each argument before deciding which was more convincing.

Synonyms: assess, judge, appraise

Collocations: evaluate the evidence, evaluate a response, evaluate critically

To consider or judge the nature, quality or ability of something or someone.

Word family: assess (v.), assessment (n.), assessable (adj.)

Example: The teacher assessed the students' responses against the marking criteria before providing feedback.

Synonyms: evaluate, judge, measure

Collocations: assess the situation, assess performance, assess evidence

To form an opinion or conclusion about something based on reasoning and evidence. As a noun, a person who decides outcomes officially.

Word family: judge (n./v.), judgement (n.), judicial (adj.)

Example: Students were encouraged to judge each argument on its merits rather than its emotional appeal.

Synonyms: evaluate, assess, consider

Collocations: judge fairly, judge on the merits, withhold judgement

To think carefully about something, especially before making a decision or judgement.

Word family: consider (v.), consideration (n.), considered (adj.)

Example: Before reaching a conclusion, it is important to consider the evidence from more than one perspective.

Synonyms: think about, reflect on, weigh up

Collocations: consider the evidence, consider all options, on consideration

To carefully consider the importance or value of different options, ideas or pieces of evidence.

Word family: weigh (v.)

Example: She weighed both arguments carefully before deciding which position was better supported by evidence.

Synonyms: consider, balance, evaluate

Collocations: weigh the evidence, weigh up options, weigh the pros and cons

‘On balance’ introduces a judgement made after considering different sides or pieces of evidence.

Example: On balance, the benefits of the plan seem stronger than the problems.

Synonyms: overall, all things considered, taking everything into account

Collocations: on balance, it seems; on balance, the evidence; on balance, this suggests