Assessment and Discourse: English Vocabulary List

to provide a valid reason or explanation for an action, decision, or belief, usually something that others consider wrong

"He can't justify it."

"The young man tried to justify his rude behavior by saying that he was very tired and stressed from work."

used to explain the main reason or starting point of a situation

"Why did you start?"

"Why did you go there in the first place if you knew it was dangerous and forbidden?"

the fifth month of the year, after April and before June

"The trees are fully green by the month of May."

"May is the fifth month and the peak of spring in the Northern Hemisphere"

trying to stop something because one strongly disagrees with it

"They are opposed."

"She is opposed to the new law because she thinks it will hurt small businesses and families."

to express admiration or approval toward something or someone

"Teachers praise hardworking students."

"The teacher praised the student for his creative solution to a difficult math problem that had stumped everyone else."

to express one's opinion through a statement

"He remarks on it."

"The teacher remarked that the student's essay was one of the best she had ever read in her career."

the creation of theories or opinions about something with no fact or proof

"Wild speculation about the future."

"There was widespread speculation about the cause of the fire but investigators had not yet determined whether it was an accident or arson."

a considered or deliberate mental or emotional attitude toward something

"Her stance on the issue."

"The politician's firm stance on environmental issues resonated with many voters."

the image or idea that is formed based on how one understands something

"Extrasensory perception is a controversial topic."

"Visual perception involves the brain's complex process of interpreting raw light signals from the retina."

the collective attitudes, beliefs, and views held by the general population on various issues, events, or individuals

"Public opinion is divided."

"Public opinion supported the new policy."

something that is said that shows one's opinion of something

"His remark was insightful."

"He made a short remark during the meeting."

used to convay that one is strongly against someone or something

"Strong opposition to the plan."

"He spoke in opposition to the new law because he thought it was unfair."

used when introducing additional information to a statement that has just been made

"He is kind likewise his brother."

"He is kind likewise his brother is also very generous and always willing to help people in need."

to form an opinion or assumption about something based on available information or logic

"I figure it will rain."

"Based on the evidence, we can figure out who committed the crime."

to give a fact or an opinion as a reason against something

"I object to that."

"Many citizens object to the proposed tax increase, citing its potential negative impact on the economy."

based only on facts and not influenced by personal feelings or judgments

"The report is objective."

"The judge must be objective and not let personal feelings affect his decisions in the courtroom."

based on or influenced by personal feelings or opinions rather than facts

"This is subjective."

"Art is subjective because what one person finds beautiful another person might find ugly or boring."

to firmly and persistently express an opinion, belief, or statement as true and valid

"She maintains her innocence."

"Despite all the criticism, she continued to maintain her innocence throughout the trial."

used to admit that a statement is true before making another one

"It may be true."

"He may be tired, but he still needs to finish his homework before going to bed."

to state the name of someone or something

"Name the dog."

"The committee will name the recipient of the prestigious award at the annual gala."

to strongly disagree with a policy, plan, idea, etc. and try to prevent or change it

"Many citizens oppose the new law."

"Many citizens oppose the construction of a new shopping mall because it would destroy the local park."

to think or have an opinion about something

"I reckon it's cold."

"She didn't want to say for sure, but she reckoned that the project would be delayed."

to think about someone or something in a specified way

"I regard it highly."

"Many people regard him as the best doctor in the city because he has saved so many lives."

to form a theory or opinion about a subject without knowing all the facts

"Analysts speculate about the company's future."

"Financial analysts often speculate about the company's future performance based on limited information available to the public."

to have a certain opinion regarding an issue

"I stand by this."

"Despite the criticism, the senator continued to stand by her controversial voting record."

to express a brief conclusion or judgment about someone or something based on available information

"Sum up the main points."

"Let me sum up the main points of my presentation before I take any questions from the audience."

the act of interpreting something incorrectly

"A misunderstanding caused trouble."

"The misunderstanding caused an argument."

an opinion or stance held in opposition to another in a dispute or argument

"Their position was opposite."

"He explained his position on the topic."

the act or process of testing or verifying the truth of something through evidence or argument

"We need proof."

"The lawyer presented compelling proof that his client was not at the scene of the crime."

the mind's power to understand or think logically

"Use your reason."

"Despite the emotional pleas, she tried to approach the problem with logic and reason."

the general opinion that the public has about someone or something because of what they did in the past

"Her reputation is solid."

"The company’s reputation was damaged by the scandal."

used to show one's agreement

"Right, I agree."

"Right, I understand your point completely and agree with your proposed solution."

one of the people or groups involved in an argument, contest, etc.

"Which side are you?"

"He found himself caught in the middle, unable to fully support either side of the family dispute."

used to indicate contrast

"He is rich, while she is poor."

"While he initially seemed confident, his demeanor changed completely when confronted with the evidence."

to use sign language for communication

"She can sign hello."

"The deaf student was able to sign her request to the teacher."

used to show one feels the same as another person about a particular thing or is willing to do the same thing they do

"I like pizza. Likewise."

"My sister loves to travel, and likewise, I have always dreamed of seeing the world."

an opinion that is formed after thinking carefully

"That is my judgment."

"After careful consideration, the judge's final judgment was delivered."