🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & define both views (Discuss Both Views + Opinion)

Read the prompt twice and underline the task verbs and scope: “Discuss both views and give your opinion” about whether city life or rural life is better. Identify the two viewpoints precisely: View A (reasons some prefer cities) and View B (reasons others prefer rural areas). Note that you must both explain each side and state your own stance clearly. Avoid drifting into advantages–disadvantages format without explicitly linking to people’s preferences. Generate two strong, distinct reasons for each side that you can develop with an explanation and a compact, realistic example. For cities, typical points include employment density, public services, transport, and cultural variety. For rural areas, typical points include lower living pressure, cleaner environment, community ties, and space for families. Decide where to place your opinion: either in the introduction (clear thesis up front) or in the conclusion (delayed judgement), but be consistent. Keep the tone balanced when presenting the two views, and save persuasive language for your evaluative lines. Finally, note the target length (~270–310 words) and plan time: about 8–9 minutes to plan, 25–28 to write, 3–4 to check cohesion and accuracy.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Cities vs. Rural)

Prompt: “Some people prefer living in cities; others believe rural life is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Focus: Explain why some prefer cities and why others prefer rural areas; state your judgement.
Typical angles: Cities → services, jobs, networks, transport; Rural → cost/quality of life, safety, nature, community.
Pitfall: Listing many points without fully explaining any; aim for depth (reason → explanation → example).

Step 2 — Plan a clear structure & argument flow

Use a four- or five-paragraph structure to keep control. In the introduction, paraphrase the statement in one sentence and add either a neutral outline (“both sides have merit”) or a thesis that signals your leaning. In Body 1, explain why some people prefer city life: start with a topic sentence that names this view, then explain two linked reasons (e.g., proximity to specialised jobs and dense public infrastructure) and include a compact example (e.g., graduates moving to capital cities for internships and reliable transport). In Body 2, explain why others prefer rural life with a parallel structure (e.g., reduced living pressure and stronger community ties), anchored by a concise example (e.g., families choosing villages for space and safety). Add a brief evaluation sentence in one body paragraph or a separate short paragraph to weigh the trade-offs and signal your opinion logically. The conclusion directly answers the question and synthesises the most persuasive reasons. Maintain balance: present each side fairly before you judge. Use cohesive devices for contrast (on the one hand/on the other hand; while/whereas) and evaluation (on balance; ultimately). Keep examples plausible and short.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Cities vs. Rural)

Intro: Paraphrase + (neutral outline or opinion).
Body 1 (Cities view): Jobs + services/infrastructure → micro-example (graduates, hospitals, metro).
Body 2 (Rural view): Lower stress + community/nature → micro-example (families value space and safety).
Evaluation/Conclusion: Weigh practicality vs. well-being; state opinion and why.

Step 3 — Write balanced, high-impact paragraphs

Keep topic sentences view-labelled so the examiner sees control (e.g., “Many people favour cities because…” / “By contrast, rural life appeals to others since…”). Develop each reason with a clear mechanism (“dense transport networks shorten commutes, which broadens job options and after-work activities” or “lower housing pressure reduces financial anxiety, which improves family time”). Use micro-examples that sound real but take one line. Add an evaluation line either at the end of Body 2 or in a short bridging paragraph (“However, these benefits depend on stage of life and income; for early-career graduates, access may outweigh noise, whereas for families, space may outweigh amenities”). Maintain an objective tone when presenting both sides, reserving persuasive language for your opinion. Vary sentences (one concise, one complex) and keep cohesion through reference (“these services”, “such pressures”). Avoid clichés or unprovable statistics. Finish with a conclusion that restates your answer in fresh words without adding new arguments.

Example Box — High-impact Sentences

Thesis (balanced): “Both settings offer real advantages, but on balance I prefer cities for their opportunities early in life.”
Topic (Body 1): “Cities attract residents because dense labour markets and public services make daily life more efficient.”
Topic (Body 2): “Others value rural areas for lower living pressure and closer community ties that support long-term well-being.”
Evaluation line: “Ultimately, the better choice depends on priorities: access and pace versus space and stability.”
Conclusion line: “While rural life better serves families seeking calm, cities remain more practical for career building.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and accuracy

Use precise lexis for lifestyle and infrastructure (e.g., commute, amenities, public transport, cost of living, community cohesion, environmental quality). Signal contrast and concession with varied devices (while, whereas, on the other hand, nevertheless, albeit) and evaluation with on balance, to a large extent, ultimately. Maintain a formal, neutral tone when presenting views; avoid stereotyping either setting. Check paragraph unity: one controlling idea per body paragraph, with a reason → explanation → example chain. Ensure referencing and articles are accurate, and avoid overusing “firstly/secondly”. Keep verb tenses consistent, prefer concise clauses to long strings of modifiers, and proofread for subject–verb agreement and punctuation (especially commas in complex sentences). Aim for ~280–310 words with fully developed ideas rather than lists.

Example Box — Quick Quality Checks

Balance: Are both views explained fairly before judging?
Development: Reason → mechanism → micro-example chain present?
Cohesion: Clear contrast and evaluation linkers used naturally?
Accuracy: Articles, prepositions, and agreement correct?
Task: Opinion present and consistent with discussion?

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)

Adapt to the cities vs. rural prompt. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Cities vs. Rural)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): People disagree about whether living in cities or in rural areas offers a better life.

Intro S2 (Outline/Thesis): This essay will discuss both views, and I [prefer/lean towards] […], mainly because […].

Body 1 S3 (Cities — topic): Many people choose cities because […].

Body 1 S4 (Explain): In urban areas, [… mechanism …] which leads to [… outcome …].

Body 1 S5 (Micro-example): For example, [… short, plausible illustration …].

Body 1 S6 (Link back): Therefore, cities appeal to those who prioritise […].

Body 2 S7 (Rural — topic): By contrast, others prefer rural life because […].

Body 2 S8 (Explain): Living outside major centres means [… mechanism …], resulting in [… outcome …].

Body 2 S9 (Micro-example): For instance, [… compact illustration …].

Body 2 S10 (Link back): Thus, rural areas attract people who value […].

Evaluation S11 (Weighing): On balance, although […], [… is/are] more compelling because […].

Conclusion S12 (Restate opinion): In summary, both settings have strengths, but I believe […].

Conclusion S13 (Synthesis): The better choice depends on [… factor(s) …], yet for [… group/time of life …], [… setting …] is usually preferable.

Paraphrase & Thesis — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Cities vs. Rural)

Paraphrase Options

P1: People are divided over whether urban living or a rural lifestyle provides the better quality of life.
P2: There is ongoing debate about the relative merits of city life compared with living in the countryside.

Thesis/Opinion Options

Neutral outline: This essay examines both perspectives before presenting my view.
City-leaning: While rural areas offer calm and space, I favour cities due to broader opportunities and services.
Rural-leaning: Although cities provide access and variety, I prefer rural life for lower stress and stronger community ties.

🔷 Part 2 — Task

[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2] — Opinion (Agree/Disagree)

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Question: University education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

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🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers & Explanations

Sample Answer — Band 6 (≈280–300 words)

Introduction. People often argue about whether city life or rural life is better. Some people enjoy the fast pace, services and chances in big cities, while others believe the countryside offers a healthier and calmer lifestyle. This essay will discuss both sides and then give my opinion.

Body 1 (Cities). Many people prefer to live in cities because they can find more jobs and services there. Large towns have many companies, hospitals and schools, so residents feel they have more options. In addition, public transport usually works better in cities, which helps people save time on commuting. For example, university graduates may move to the capital because they expect to find internships and good training. As a result, for young adults who want to start a career, cities can be more practical.

Body 2 (Rural). On the other hand, some people choose rural areas because daily life can be less stressful. Housing is often cheaper, the air is cleaner, and noise is lower. These features support family life, since children can play outside and people may know their neighbours better. For instance, parents might move to a village to get a garden and a safer environment for their kids. Therefore, rural life attracts people who value peace and space more than quick access to services.

Conclusion (Opinion). In my view, both settings have advantages, but the best choice depends on age and priorities. When people are young and building a career, a city is usually more suitable. However, for families or for those who want a slower rhythm, rural areas may be better. Overall, I slightly prefer cities at this stage of my life because they provide more opportunities and activities.

Why this works (Step-by-step, Band 6)

1) The introduction paraphrases the task and mentions both views, showing task awareness.

2) A clear promise to “discuss both sides” signals appropriate essay type.

3) Body 1 starts with a topic sentence that labels the “city” view.

4) It gives two simple reasons (jobs, services) that are relevant and easy to expand.

5) Transport is used as a supporting mechanism, building coherence.

6) A short, realistic example (graduates moving) provides support without statistics.

7) The final sentence of Body 1 links the idea back to a group (young adults).

8) Body 2 mirrors the structure by presenting the rural preference.

9) Reasons (lower stress, cheaper housing, cleaner air) are concrete and connected.

10) The example of parents moving to a village fits the claim logically.

11) Cohesive devices like “on the other hand” help contrast the two sides.

12) The conclusion states an opinion and relates it to life stage, which is evaluative.

13) Tone is generally neutral when discussing both views, then personal in the opinion.

14) Paragraphing follows a standard structure that examiners expect.

15) Vocabulary is clear though not very sophisticated, fitting Band 6 characteristics.

16) Sentences are mostly accurate with occasional basic complex forms.

17) Word length exceeds 250 words, meeting task requirements.

Tip: To reach Band 7, add more precise lexis (e.g., “urban infrastructure,” “community cohesion”) and develop mechanisms more fully.

Sample Answer — Band 7 (≈290–310 words)

Introduction. Whether life is better in cities or in rural areas remains contested. Supporters of urban living highlight access to specialised employment and dense public services, whereas advocates of the countryside emphasise quality of life and community ties. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view.

Body 1 (Cities). Cities attract many residents because they concentrate opportunities and infrastructure. In metropolitan areas, diverse industries sit close together, so people can change jobs or pursue training without relocating. Moreover, urban transport networks shorten commutes and enable flexible lifestyles, from evening classes to cultural events. For example, new graduates often choose capital cities precisely because internships, professional associations and hospitals cluster there. Consequently, for individuals prioritising career development and variety, urban life can be more efficient and stimulating.

Body 2 (Rural). By contrast, rural areas appeal to those who favour stability and lower living pressure. Housing space per euro is typically higher outside major centres, and the environment is quieter and cleaner. These conditions can strengthen family routines and neighbourly relations, which many people find emotionally protective. A case in point is that parents may swap a small city flat for a village house with a garden, trading proximity to amenities for safety and room for children. Thus, for households focused on long-term well-being, rural life may be the wiser choice.

Conclusion (Opinion). On balance, both settings offer real benefits; however, I lean towards cities during early career stages because access and density accelerate growth. Later in life, once professional goals stabilise, rural communities may deliver a healthier rhythm. Therefore, the better option depends less on geography than on priorities and timing.

Why this works (Step-by-step, Band 7)

1) The introduction paraphrases precisely and previews both sides with concise labels.

2) The thesis promises evaluation later, suiting the “discuss both views + opinion” task.

3) Body 1 uses a cause–mechanism–outcome chain (concentration → mobility → lifestyle).

4) Lexis such as “metropolitan,” “diverse industries,” and “associations” adds precision.

5) The micro-example (graduates choosing capitals) is plausible and focused.

6) The final sentence of Body 1 evaluates who benefits (people prioritising careers).

7) Body 2 mirrors structure and balances the argument by shifting to well-being.

8) It quantifies ideas qualitatively (“space per euro,” “quieter and cleaner”).

9) The example contrasts trade-offs (garden and safety vs amenities), adding nuance.

10) Cohesion is achieved with contrast markers and parallel phrasing.

11) The conclusion synthesises timing and priorities, not just restating points.

12) Stance is clear but not extreme, consistent with analysis.

13) Sentences vary in length and pattern; complex forms are controlled.

14) There are no unsupported statistics; claims remain reasonable.

15) Task response is complete: both views + explicit opinion tied to life stages.

16) Accuracy is high with occasional advanced structures (relative clauses, participles).

17) Word count remains comfortably above 250 words.

Sample Answer — Band 8+ (≈300–320 words)

Introduction. The long-running debate over whether city or rural life is “better” rarely has a single answer, because value depends on what people optimise for. Urban supporters point to agglomeration advantages—dense labour markets, advanced services and cultural breadth—while rural advocates stress environmental quality, safety and social cohesion. This essay weighs both views before advancing a conditional opinion.

Body 1 (Cities). Urban areas confer productivity and access benefits that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. When firms, universities and hospitals cluster, information flows faster and career ladders multiply; equally, multimodal transport compresses distance, expanding choice after work. Consider a junior doctor: in a capital city, rotations, conferences and specialist mentors are all within reach, accelerating competency. For people seeking rapid skill acquisition, then, cities act as engines of mobility and experimentation, albeit at the cost of noise, crowding and higher rents.

Body 2 (Rural). Conversely, rural districts often maximise day-to-day well-being. Lower housing pressure, contact with nature and slower rhythms reduce chronic stress, and thicker community ties can offer practical support that no app can supply. Parents, for instance, may accept a longer drive to work in return for a garden, clean air and trusted neighbours who can help with childcare. Such trade-offs privilege stability over optionality; they are rational for households prioritising health, belonging and predictable routines.

Conclusion (Opinion). On balance, neither setting is universally superior: cities optimise for opportunity, rural areas for sustainability. In my view, early-career individuals and entrepreneurs gain more from urban density, whereas families and those in later life stages often thrive rurally. Policy should therefore focus less on promoting one model and more on improving both—cleaner, safer cities and better-connected, well-serviced villages—so that people can choose without penalty.

Why this works (Step-by-step, Band 8+)

1) The opening reframes the question (“what people optimise for”), signalling sophisticated task interpretation.

2) It labels both sides with precise lexis (“agglomeration advantages,” “social cohesion”).

3) Topic sentences explicitly mark each perspective, aiding coherence.

4) Mechanisms are explained (clustering → faster information flows → career mobility).

5) The junior-doctor example is specific, plausible and directly tied to the mechanism.

6) Balanced evaluation acknowledges costs (noise, crowding, rents) within the city paragraph.

7) Rural paragraph foregrounds well-being constructs (stress reduction, community capital).

8) The childcare support illustration operationalises “community ties.”

9) Abstract nouns (“optionality,” “stability”) are controlled and meaningful.

10) Conclusion synthesises rather than repeats, and gives a conditional opinion by life stage.

11) It also offers a policy implication, showing higher-level insight without drifting off-task.

12) Lexical resource is varied and precise; collocations are natural.

13) Grammar shows range (non-finite clauses, relative clauses, concessive structures) with high accuracy.

14) Paragraphs are unified; examples are compact and “micro.”

15) Cohesive devices are subtle (reference chains, contrastive adverbs) rather than over-signposted.

16) The stance is consistent and clearly linked to criteria (opportunity vs sustainability).

17) Word count safely exceeds 250 words, ensuring full development.

🔷 Part 4 — Vocabulary

Key Words from the Task (Cities vs Rural Life)

Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, patterns, a clear definition, a model sentence with a gloss, useful synonyms, and typical learner mistakes.

urban — BrE /ˈɜːbən/, AmE /ˈɝːbən/

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Patterns: urban + area/life/population/infrastructure; urban vs rural; in an urban setting

Definition: relating to towns and cities, especially their people, services, and way of life.

Example: Urban residents often have quicker access to hospitals and universities — meaning city-dwellers can reach key services faster.

Synonyms: city, metropolitan

Common learner mistakes:
– Don’t say “in the urban”; say “in urban areas”.
– Avoid using it as a noun: not “the urban”, but “urban people/areas”.
– Spell with one “b”: urban, not “urbb an”.

rural — BrE /ˈrʊərəl/, AmE /ˈrʊrəl/

Part(s) of speech: adjective

Patterns: rural + area/community/life/economy; in a rural setting; rural–urban gap

Definition: relating to the countryside rather than the town or city.

Example: Families choose rural villages for space and quiet — that is, they want gardens and less noise.

Synonyms: countryside, pastoral (literary)

Common learner mistakes:
– Not “rural place” for everything; use “rural area” or “village”.
– Don’t confuse with “remote”: rural ≠ very far away (it can be near a town).
– Pronunciation: two syllables /RUR-al/, not /ruːˈreɪl/.

infrastructure — BrE /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə/, AmE /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃɚ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: infrastructure for sth; transport/health/education infrastructure; invest in infrastructure

Definition: the basic systems and services a place needs to work well (e.g., roads, transport, power, hospitals, schools).

Example: Cities with reliable infrastructure reduce travel time — in other words, good roads and trains help people move faster.

Synonyms: public works, basic services

Common learner mistakes:
– Uncountable: not “an infrastructure” in most cases; say “the infrastructure”.
– Use “invest in infrastructure”, not “invest to”.
– Spell “infra-” + “structure”, not “infrustraction”.

amenities — BrE /əˈmiːnɪtiz/, AmE /əˈmɛnətiz/

Part(s) of speech: noun (plural)

Patterns: amenities such as …; local amenities; access to amenities

Definition: useful features or facilities of a place that make life easier or more pleasant (e.g., shops, parks, clinics).

Example: Many move downtown for better amenities — that is, they want nearby shops, gyms, and healthcare.

Synonyms: facilities, conveniences

Common learner mistakes:
– Usually plural: “amenities”, not “an amenity” (unless one item).
– Don’t confuse with “amity” (friendship).
– Use “access to amenities”, not “access of amenities”.

commute — BrE /kəˈmjuːt/, AmE /kəˈmjut/

Part(s) of speech: verb; noun (“a commute”)

Patterns: commute to/from/between; a long/short commute; commute time

Definition: to travel regularly between home and work or school.

Example: People accept longer distances if they can commute by fast train — meaning travel time stays manageable.

Synonyms: travel to work, travel in

Common learner mistakes:
– Verb pattern: “commute to work”, not “commute at work”.
– Noun use: “a long commute”, not “long commuting” (as a noun).
– Don’t add an object after the verb: not “commute the office”.

cost of living — BrE /ˌkɒst əv ˈlɪvɪŋ/, AmE /ˌkɔst əv ˈlɪvɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: the cost of living is/has risen; high/low cost of living; reduce the cost of living

Definition: the amount of money needed to pay for basic expenses such as housing, food, and transport in a place.

Example: Some leave big cities because the cost of living is too high — that is, everyday expenses are expensive.

Synonyms: living expenses, household costs

Common learner mistakes:
– Fixed phrase: “the cost of living”, not “the living cost” (less common).
– Verb agreement: “cost of living rises” (singular noun phrase).
– Avoid pluralising: not “costs of living” in general statements.

cohesion — BrE /kəʊˈhiːʒən/, AmE /koʊˈhiʒən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: cohesion in/within a community; social/community cohesion; strengthen cohesion

Definition: the situation in which people are closely connected and work well together.

Example: Smaller towns may show stronger social cohesion — in other words, neighbours support each other more.

Synonyms: unity, solidarity

Common learner mistakes:
– Uncountable: not “a cohesion”.
– Don’t confuse with “adhesion” (sticking physically).
– Use “cohesion within a community”, not “cohesion of people to”.

density — BrE /ˈdɛnsəti/, AmE /ˈdɛnsəti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable/uncountable)

Patterns: population/traffic density; high/low density; density of sth; at high density

Definition: the number of people or things in a given area.

Example: Urban density creates more customers near each shop — that is, many people live close together.

Synonyms: concentration, crowding (contextual)

Common learner mistakes:
– Preposition: “density of population”, not “density in population”.
– Meaning: high density ≠ high quality; it means many people per area.
– Don’t use “dense of people”; say “densely populated”.

well-being — BrE /ˌwɛl ˈbiːɪŋ/, AmE /ˌwɛl ˈbiɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: well-being of sb; physical/mental well-being; promote/protect well-being

Definition: a state of being healthy, safe, and comfortable in life.

Example: Access to parks can improve residents’ well-being — that is, people feel healthier and calmer.

Synonyms: welfare, health

Common learner mistakes:
– Keep the hyphen: well-being, not “wellbeing” in formal writing (both seen, but hyphen preferred in many styles).
– Uncountable: not “a well-being”.
– Use “well-being of people”, not “well-being for people” (avoid awkward preposition).

sustainability — BrE /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/, AmE /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: sustainability of sth; sustainability in urban planning; promote sustainability

Definition: the ability of systems (environmental, social, economic) to continue over time without causing harm.

Example: Planners now test city projects for sustainability — in short, they check if the plan can work long-term without damage.

Synonyms: long-term viability, environmental responsibility

Common learner mistakes:
– Don’t confuse with “stability”: stability = not changing; sustainability = lasting without harm.
– Use with “of”: “the sustainability of a project”.
– Avoid “sustainable to” when you mean “sustainable for” or “sustainable in”.

🔶 Part 5 — Phrases / Expressions

Key Phrases & Expressions (Cities vs Rural Life)

Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, a model sentence with gloss, useful synonyms, and typical learner mistakes. All examples use city–countryside contexts.

on the one hand … on the other hand — BrE /ɒn ðə wʌn hænd … ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd/, AmE /ɑn ðə wʌn hænd … ɑn ði ˈʌðɚ hænd/

Part(s) of speech: discourse marker (paired connective)

Patterns: On the one hand, S1. On the other hand, S2.

Definition: a paired connector to present two contrasting views before evaluation.

Example: On the one hand, cities offer jobs; on the other hand, rural towns provide peace — meaning the two sides must be weighed.

Synonyms: in contrast / conversely (single connectors), while / whereas (clausal)

Common learner mistakes:
– Avoid using only one half; the pair should balance.
– Capitalise at sentence starts and keep the comma after each half.
– Do not add “the” before “other hand” incorrectly (“on other hand” ✗).

quality of life — BrE /ˈkwɒlɪti əv laɪf/, AmE /ˈkwɑːləti əv laɪf/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: improve/affect/reduce quality of life; quality of life for + group

Definition: overall standard of comfort, health and happiness experienced by people.

Example: Lower noise and cleaner air can raise the quality of life in villages — that is, people feel healthier and calmer.

Synonyms: well-being, living standards

Common learner mistakes:
– Not “quality life” alone; keep “of”.
– Avoid vague claims; specify factors (air, safety, space).
– Singular idea: “quality of life is…”, not “are”.

access to amenities — BrE /ˈækses tə əˈmiːnɪtiz/, AmE /ˈækˌsɛs tə əˈmɛnətiz/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: have/gain/seek access to amenities; limited/wide access to + amenities

Definition: ability to use helpful local facilities such as clinics, shops and parks.

Example: Graduates move to capitals for better access to amenities — meaning key services are nearby.

Synonyms: proximity to facilities, availability of services

Common learner mistakes:
– Preposition: “access to”, not “access of”.
– “Amenities” is usually plural in this sense.
– Don’t confuse amenities with “amity” (friendship).

public transport network — BrE /ˌpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt ˈnɛtwɜːk/, AmE /ˌpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːrt ˈnɛtwɝːk/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: expand/upgrade the public transport network; rely on + network; network coverage/frequency

Definition: the system of buses, trains, trams, etc., that moves people around a city or region.

Example: A dense public transport network shortens commutes — that is, people reach work faster.

Synonyms: mass transit system, urban rail/bus system

Common learner mistakes:
– Not “public transportation network” in BrE essays unless consistent; use one variety.
– Use singular “network” for the overall system.
– Collocate with “service frequency/coverage”, not “power”.

close-knit community — BrE /ˌkləʊs ˈnɪt kəˈmjuːnɪti/, AmE /ˌkloʊs ˈnɪt kəˈmjunɪti/

Part(s) of speech: adjective + noun phrase

Patterns: a close-knit community; remain/form/build a close-knit community

Definition: a group of people who know each other well and support one another.

Example: Many villages keep a close-knit community — meaning neighbours help and trust each other.

Synonyms: tight-knit community, cohesive neighbourhood

Common learner mistakes:
– Keep the hyphen: close-knit (not “close knit”).
– Don’t say “tight community knit”.
– Avoid overgeneralising: not all small towns are close-knit.

work–life balance — BrE /ˌwɜːk laɪf ˈbæl(ə)ns/, AmE /ˌwɝːk laɪf ˈbæl(ə)ns/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: achieve/improve/harm work–life balance; good/poor balance

Definition: the ability to manage time and energy between job and personal life.

Example: Rural areas may support better work–life balance — that is, people spend less time commuting.

Synonyms: balance between work and personal life

Common learner mistakes:
– Use an en dash or hyphen consistently: work–life/work-life (be consistent).
– Not a verb: avoid “to work–life balance”.
– Keep as a set phrase; don’t insert “and” (✗ “work and life balance”).

career prospects — BrE /kəˈrɪə ˈprɒspɛkts/, AmE /kəˈrɪr ˈprɑːspɛkts/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase (plural)

Patterns: improve/limit career prospects; strong/weak prospects; prospects for graduates

Definition: chances of getting good jobs and advancing professionally.

Example: Capitals may offer stronger career prospects — meaning more roles and clearer promotion paths.

Synonyms: job opportunities, advancement opportunities

Common learner mistakes:
– Use plural “prospects” for general chances.
– Preposition: “prospects for graduates,” not “prospects of graduates”.
– Avoid vague nouns like “good things” in formal writing.

make ends meet — BrE /meɪk ɛndz miːt/, AmE /meɪk ɛndz mit/

Part(s) of speech: idiom (verb phrase)

Patterns: struggle to make ends meet; barely make ends meet

Definition: to have just enough money to pay for basic needs.

Example: With high city rents, some families struggle to make ends meet — that is, they can hardly cover essentials.

Synonyms: get by financially, keep afloat

Common learner mistakes:
– Don’t say “do ends meet”. Use the verb “make”.
– Fixed plural “ends”; not “make end meet”.
– Idiomatic; avoid literal interpretations in essays.

trade-off between A and B — BrE /ˈtreɪd ɒf bɪˈtwiːn eɪ ənd biː/, AmE /ˈtreɪd ˌɔf bɪˈtwin eɪ ənd bi/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: a trade-off between X and Y; accept/face a trade-off; weigh trade-offs

Definition: a situation where gaining one benefit requires giving up another.

Example: Many households accept a trade-off between space and access — meaning more space may mean fewer services nearby.

Synonyms: compromise, balance between competing aims

Common learner mistakes:
– Keep the hyphen: trade-off.
– Use “between A and B”, not “between to A and B”.
– Not a verb in formal writing: avoid “to trade-off” (use “to trade off” if verbal).

to a large extent — BrE /tʊ ə lɑːdʒ ɪkˈstɛnt/, AmE /tə ə lɑrdʒ ɪkˈstɛnt/

Part(s) of speech: adverbial phrase

Patterns: to a large/greater/lesser extent, clause

Definition: used to say that something is true in many or most ways, but not completely.

Example: To a large extent, the better option depends on life stage — that is, age and goals strongly influence the choice.

Synonyms: largely, for the most part

Common learner mistakes:
– Fixed article “a”: “to a large extent”, not “to large extent”.
– Avoid double adverbs (“very largely” is clumsy in formal essays).
– Use for nuanced claims; do not overuse in every sentence.