Y06W31VC Word Roots — -voc / -voke- (call / voice)

The total number of words a person knows or the set of words used in a particular field or text.

Word Breakdown: -voc- (root meaning 'to call / voice')

Example: Building a wide vocabulary helps students express their ideas with greater precision and variety.

Synonyms: lexicon, word bank, word knowledge

Collocations: build vocabulary, a wide vocabulary, vocabulary list

A person who argues in support of a cause. As a verb, to publicly support or argue for something.

Example: The community advocate spoke at the council meeting about the need for more affordable housing.

Synonyms: supporter, champion, campaigner

Collocations: advocate for, an advocate of, strongly advocated

To refer to or appeal to something — such as a law, authority or principle — as justification.

Example: The lawyer invoked the principle of fair treatment to argue that the policy was unjust.

Synonyms: call upon, appeal to, cite

Collocations: invoke a right, invoke the law, invoke a principle

A structured discussion in which opposing arguments are put forward. As a verb, to argue or discuss formally.

Word family: debate (n./v.)

Example: The class participated in a structured debate about whether social media has more positive or negative effects on society.

Synonyms: discussion, argument, deliberation

Collocations: debate the issue, open to debate, a lively debate

To give reasons for or against something; to present a case or opinion with evidence.

Word family: argue (v.), argument (n.), arguably (adv.)

Example: The editorial argues convincingly that access to education is the most powerful tool for reducing inequality.

Synonyms: contend, claim, maintain

Collocations: argue that, argue for, it could be argued

To talk or write about a topic in detail, considering different aspects or perspectives.

Word family: discuss (v.), discussion (n.)

Example: Students were asked to discuss the causes of poverty and suggest practical solutions.

Synonyms: examine, explore, talk about

Collocations: discuss the issue, discuss in detail, open for discussion

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

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

Example: When writing an argument, it is important to consider the strongest objections to your own position.

Synonyms: think about, reflect on, weigh up

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

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

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

Example: Students were asked to evaluate three different solutions to the problem and choose the most effective one.

Synonyms: assess, judge, appraise

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

‘On the other hand’ introduces a different or opposite point of view.

Example: Some students prefer group work. On the other hand, others focus better alone.

Synonyms: however, in contrast, alternatively

Collocations: on the other hand, some; on the other hand, this; on the other hand, it