Semantic Precision in Competing Claims

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

C2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Fill in the blank (dropdown)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The explanation is plausible but not ___; a rival account fits equally well.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. impossible
   2. self-contradictory
   3. incoherent
   4. compelling
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   compelling

   Plausibility without excluding an equally good rival does not make the explanation compelling.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The result ___ the weaker claim while leaving the stronger one unproven.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. substantiates
   2. subordinates
   3. subverts
   4. substitutes
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   substantiates

   Substantiate means provide evidential support.

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The objection concerns the inference, not the measurements ___ se.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. pro
   2. per
   3. ex
   4. ad
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   per

   Per se means in themselves.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The conclusion is warranted, ___ the premises are true and the reasoning is valid.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. irrespective
   2. provided
   3. notwithstanding
   4. despite
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   provided

   Provided introduces the condition on this qualified assessment.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The two explanations are mutually ___: accepting either rules out the other.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. compatible
   2. inclusive
   3. exclusive
   4. supportive
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   exclusive

   Mutually exclusive means unable to hold together.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The distinction is ___ to the conclusion; remove it and the reasoning collapses.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. peripheral
   2. incidental
   3. integral
   4. extraneous
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   integral

   Integral means essential to the whole argument.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The example illustrates a possibility, not its ___.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. possibility
   2. prevalence
   3. conceivability
   4. existence
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   prevalence

   An example can show existence without establishing how common it is.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The evidence is ___; it supports the account but does not decide between alternatives.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. definitive
   2. dispositive
   3. conclusive
   4. corroborative
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   corroborative

   Corroborative evidence adds support without necessarily settling the question.

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The claim is ___ by an exception that the author does not address.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. underwritten
   2. undercut
   3. underscored
   4. underpinned
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   undercut

   Undercut means weaken; the other verbs strengthen or emphasise.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The apparent disagreement is largely ___, arising from different uses of the same term.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. statistical
    2. semantic
    3. empirical
    4. chronological
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    semantic

    Different word meanings create a semantic disagreement.

11. Question 11 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The study's narrow scope ___ against broad generalisation.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. mediates
    2. mitigates
    3. militates
    4. meditates
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    militates

    Militate against means be a reason opposing an action; mitigate means lessen severity.

12. Question 12 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The distinction is fine but ___; it changes what follows logically.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. cosmetic
    2. interchangeable
    3. inconsequential
    4. consequential
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    consequential

    Consequential means important in its effects.

13. Question 13 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The account is ___ rather than contradictory: it omits details but does not deny them.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. incomplete
    2. incompatible
    3. inconsistent
    4. incoherent
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    incomplete

    Omission makes an account incomplete without producing contradiction.

14. Question 14 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The author's concession is ___, limited to one carefully specified respect.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. circumscribed
    2. unqualified
    3. unrestricted
    4. categorical
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    circumscribed

    Circumscribed means narrowly bounded.

15. Question 15 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The evidence does not ___ that conclusion, although it permits it.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. necessitate
    2. preclude
    3. exclude
    4. contradict
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    necessitate

    Necessitate means make necessary; permitted is weaker than required.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.