This lesson practises 30 C2 collocations on Writing, Argumentation & Research. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
literature review
The literature review identifies gaps in existing research.
the simple reason
At a research seminar, the research paper featured the simple reason.
draw a logical conclusion
From the evidence, readers can draw a logical conclusion.
make the case for
The proposals make the case for funding a larger study.
establish a cause
The data alone cannot establish a cause for the change.
in-depth critique
Her in-depth critique identified several weaknesses in the argument.
cite reliable sources
Students must cite reliable sources in every research report.
bridge the gap
The workshop aims to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice.
compelling reason
There is a compelling reason to revise the sample size.
confront an issue
The discussion must confront an issue that earlier studies ignored.
evidence emerges
New evidence emerges when the archive is catalogued.
give an account of
The introduction should give an account of the research question.
test a theory
The experiment was designed to test a theory about language acquisition.
detailed account
The appendix gives a detailed account of the sampling process.
confront issues
The report should confront issues of bias directly.
background reading
Complete the background reading before you begin the literature review.
pale in comparison with/to
The second proposal pales in comparison with the original plan.
win an argument
In academic writing, evidence matters more than trying to win an argument.
thrust of an argument
The article explains the thrust of an argument for universal access.
do research
Before making claims, students should do research on the topic.
pick a fight
The player did not want to pick a fight with the referee.
put the case for
The authors put the case for a longer follow-up period.
give a reason
Authors should give a reason for excluding a source.
formulate a theory
The researcher formulated a theory from the available evidence.
polar opposite
Her findings were the polar opposite of the initial prediction.
give evidence
The documents give evidence of changes in policy.
exact opposite
The findings suggest the exact opposite of what the author expected.
beyond reasonable doubt
The jury had to be convinced beyond reasonable doubt before reaching a verdict.
critical analysis
The assignment requires critical analysis rather than a simple summary.
full explanation
The method section offers a full explanation of the coding process.