Y06W24VC Theme Words — Reading & writing

To write or create a text by putting ideas together in a thoughtful and deliberate way.

Word family: compose (v.), composition (n.)

Example: She took time to compose her thoughts before beginning the first paragraph of her persuasive letter.

Synonyms: write, draft, create

Collocations: compose a text, compose a response, carefully composed

The way in which a piece of writing is organised and arranged.

Word family: structure (n./v.), structural (adj.)

Example: A clear structure makes it easier for the reader to follow the argument from introduction to conclusion.

Synonyms: organisation, framework, layout

Collocations: clear structure, the structure of, structure an essay

A particular method or skill used to achieve a specific effect in writing.

Word family: technique (n.), technical (adj.)

Example: The author used the technique of short, punchy sentences to create a sense of urgency in the final chapter.

Synonyms: method, approach, device

Collocations: a writing technique, use a technique, literary technique

Something that requires effort, skill or determination to achieve. As a verb, to dispute or question something.

Word family: challenge (n./v.), challenging (adj.)

Example: She rose to the challenge of writing a complex argument by planning carefully and revising thoroughly.

Synonyms: difficulty, obstacle, test

Collocations: rise to the challenge, face a challenge, challenge a claim

To deal with a difficult situation or person directly and boldly.

Word family: confront (v.), confrontation (n.)

Example: A strong writer is willing to confront uncomfortable ideas rather than avoid them.

Synonyms: face, address, tackle

Collocations: confront the issue, confront a problem, confront directly

To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

Word family: overcome (v.)

Example: With practice and persistence, most students can overcome the challenge of structuring a complex argument.

Synonyms: conquer, deal with, surmount

Collocations: overcome a challenge, overcome difficulty, overcome obstacles

To continue doing something despite difficulty or opposition.

Word family: persist (v.), persistence (n.), persistent (adj.)

Example: Even when the task became difficult, she persisted with her writing and completed a strong final draft.

Synonyms: continue, persevere, keep going

Collocations: persist with, persist despite, persistent effort

To refuse to accept or be changed by something; to withstand a force or pressure.

Word family: resist (v.), resistance (n.), resistant (adj.)

Example: Writers who resist the urge to use vague language produce clearer and more persuasive texts.

Synonyms: withstand, oppose, refuse

Collocations: resist the temptation, resist change, resist pressure

‘Despite this’ introduces something that happens even though the previous idea might make it unlikely.

Example: The task was difficult. Despite this, the group kept working until it was finished.

Synonyms: even so, nevertheless, however

Collocations: despite this, the; despite this, many; despite this, it