Y06W37VC Word Roots — co- / con- (with / together)

To work together with others toward a shared goal.

Word Breakdown: co- / con- (prefix meaning 'with / together')

Example: Students must cooperate effectively in group tasks to ensure that everyone contributes fairly.

Synonyms: collaborate, work together, partner

Collocations: cooperate with, cooperate effectively, cooperate on a project

To write or create something by putting parts together. Also, to make up a whole from its parts.

Example: The persuasive essay was composed of a clear introduction, three well-supported paragraphs and a strong conclusion.

Synonyms: write, create, construct

Collocations: compose a text, composed of, carefully composed

To join or link two things or ideas; to relate one thing to another.

Example: Good writers connect each paragraph to the central argument using linking words and clear topic sentences.

Synonyms: link, join, relate

Collocations: connect to, connect with, connect ideas

To show or explain why something is reasonable, correct or appropriate.

Word family: justify (v.), justification (n.), justified (adj.)

Example: Writers must justify their claims by linking evidence directly to the argument being made.

Synonyms: defend, explain, support

Collocations: justify a decision, justify the reasoning, well-justified

To give backing or evidence to strengthen a claim or argument.

Word family: support (n./v.), supportive (adj.)

Example: Each topic sentence should be supported by at least one piece of evidence from a reliable source.

Synonyms: back up, reinforce, uphold

Collocations: support a claim, provide support, strong support

A cause or justification for an action or belief. As a verb, to think logically.

Word family: reason (n./v.), reasoning (n.), reasonable (adj.)

Example: The main reason the argument was unconvincing was the lack of specific evidence to support each claim.

Synonyms: rationale, justification, cause

Collocations: give a reason, sound reasoning, reason for

Facts, information or examples that support a claim or prove that something is true.

Word family: evidence (n.), evident (adj.), evidently (adv.)

Example: A persuasive argument relies on credible and relevant evidence, not just opinion.

Synonyms: proof, data, support

Collocations: cite evidence, provide evidence, evidence suggests

To argue in support of something; to protect an idea or position from criticism.

Word family: defend (v.), defence (n.), defensible (adj.)

Example: In a class debate, students were required to defend their position using evidence and logical reasoning.

Synonyms: support, uphold, argue for

Collocations: defend a position, defend against criticism, defend the argument

‘This is justified by’ introduces the reason or evidence that supports a claim.

Example: The decision is justified by the safety evidence collected near the crossing.

Synonyms: this is supported by, this is backed by, this is explained by

Collocations: this is justified by evidence; this is justified by the fact; this is justified by examples