IELTS Reading: Matching Features Tutorial
How to Answer “Matching Features” Questions in IELTS
1
Understand the Task:
In this question type, you are given a list of features (such as statements, facts, characteristics, opinions, or actions) and a list of options (such as people, places, years, or things). You must match each feature to the correct option based on information in the passage. Some options may be used more than once, and some may not be used at all.
In this question type, you are given a list of features (such as statements, facts, characteristics, opinions, or actions) and a list of options (such as people, places, years, or things). You must match each feature to the correct option based on information in the passage. Some options may be used more than once, and some may not be used at all.
2
Read the Options First:
Before reading the features or the passage, quickly look over the options (e.g., people’s names, researchers, years). This helps you focus your search as you read.
Before reading the features or the passage, quickly look over the options (e.g., people’s names, researchers, years). This helps you focus your search as you read.
3
Skim the Features (Statements):
Read the list of features and underline key words. These may include dates, opinions, or actions. Understanding what each feature is asking about will guide your reading.
Read the list of features and underline key words. These may include dates, opinions, or actions. Understanding what each feature is asking about will guide your reading.
4
Scan the Passage for Each Option:
Go through the passage, searching for each option. Often, features are spread throughout different paragraphs. Focus on sentences around each name/year/thing.
Go through the passage, searching for each option. Often, features are spread throughout different paragraphs. Focus on sentences around each name/year/thing.
5
Match Carefully & Use Process of Elimination:
For each feature, match it to the best-fitting option based on evidence from the passage. Cross out options you’ve already used (unless options can be used more than once). If you’re unsure, eliminate options that clearly don’t fit.
For each feature, match it to the best-fitting option based on evidence from the passage. Cross out options you’ve already used (unless options can be used more than once). If you’re unsure, eliminate options that clearly don’t fit.
6
Check for Synonyms & Paraphrasing:
Information in the features will often be paraphrased in the text. Look for similar meanings, not just identical words.
Information in the features will often be paraphrased in the text. Look for similar meanings, not just identical words.
7
Double-Check Your Answers:
Re-read the relevant part of the passage for each answer to be sure it matches the information exactly.
Re-read the relevant part of the passage for each answer to be sure it matches the information exactly.
Example:
Options:
A. Dr. Smith
B. Dr. Lee
C. Dr. Ahmed
Features:
1. Believes climate change is mainly caused by humans.
2. Focuses research on ocean temperatures.
Sample Passage:
"Dr. Smith argues that the primary cause of climate change is human activity..."
"Dr. Lee has spent many years measuring ocean temperatures..."
Answers:
1. A (Dr. Smith)
2. B (Dr. Lee)
A. Dr. Smith
B. Dr. Lee
C. Dr. Ahmed
Features:
1. Believes climate change is mainly caused by humans.
2. Focuses research on ocean temperatures.
Sample Passage:
"Dr. Smith argues that the primary cause of climate change is human activity..."
"Dr. Lee has spent many years measuring ocean temperatures..."
Answers:
1. A (Dr. Smith)
2. B (Dr. Lee)
Reading Passage: Global Collaboration in Scientific Discovery
Paragraph A
The nature of scientific discovery has undergone significant transformation in the twenty-first century. Where once scientific breakthroughs were attributed to isolated individuals working in private laboratories, today’s advances increasingly arise from teams of researchers spanning continents and cultures. Digital technology, rapid communication, and increased international funding have enabled projects of unprecedented scale and complexity. In this new era, collaboration is not only encouraged, but often essential for addressing the most pressing questions in science.
Paragraph B
Professor Lars Bjornsen, a climatologist based in Sweden, is one of the leading advocates for global teamwork in environmental science. Bjornsen’s research into Arctic ice melt has involved partnerships with laboratories in Canada, Russia, and China. He argues that no single country possesses all the expertise or data needed to model climate systems accurately. “Climate does not respect borders,” he explains, “and neither should our research. Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information can we understand and respond to changes that affect the entire planet.”
Paragraph C
Not all scientists, however, agree on the unqualified benefits of large-scale collaboration. Dr. Nalini Shah, a molecular biologist in India, has participated in several international cancer research consortia. While acknowledging the progress enabled by data-sharing, Shah raises concerns about coordination. “Communication barriers and conflicting regulations can delay important discoveries,” she notes. Dr. Shah highlights a case where time-sensitive clinical data from her team could not be integrated due to incompatible formats used by European partners, ultimately postponing a promising drug trial.
Paragraph D
Other experts focus on the social dynamics of collaboration. Dr. Marcus Caldwell, a British neuroscientist, has studied the impact of multicultural research teams on innovation. According to Caldwell, diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions, especially in fields like neuroscience where problems are complex and multidimensional. Nevertheless, he cautions that misunderstandings may arise from differing work habits or cultural expectations. “Successful collaboration depends as much on respect and flexibility as it does on scientific skill,” Caldwell insists.
Paragraph E
Technological advances have been both a driver and a challenge for collaborative science. Professor Junko Watanabe of Japan, an expert in computational physics, coordinates one of the world’s largest distributed computing projects. Watanabe points out that digital platforms have allowed researchers in over forty countries to analyse astronomical data simultaneously. Yet, she warns that cybersecurity threats and unreliable connections can threaten the integrity of results. In one recent incident, a coordinated cyberattack temporarily blocked access to key satellite images, delaying analysis for several days.
Paragraph F
As these examples illustrate, the shift toward global scientific collaboration is both promising and fraught with obstacles. Many agencies, such as the International Science Council, now sponsor forums and training aimed at improving cross-border communication and project management. Virtual conferences, online peer review, and open-access data repositories are helping to reduce barriers, but funding disparities and political tensions still restrict who participates and how freely results are shared. Even so, there is broad agreement that the benefits of worldwide collaboration—access to expertise, shared costs, and accelerated innovation—generally outweigh the drawbacks.
Paragraph G
Looking to the future, most observers expect international partnerships in science to deepen. As urgent problems like pandemics and climate change demand quick, coordinated responses, researchers are likely to rely even more on digital tools and multinational networks. The evolving nature of collaboration may eventually require new ethical standards, particularly concerning data privacy and intellectual property. Whether the scientific community can overcome the remaining challenges will determine not only the pace of discovery, but also the fairness with which its benefits are distributed worldwide.
Matching Features: Scientists & Their Views
Instructions:
Below are six statements (Features) about global scientific collaboration. Match each statement to the correct scientist (Options A–D).
Options may be used more than once or not at all.
Drag and drop the correct scientist to each statement, or tap to select on mobile.
Below are six statements (Features) about global scientific collaboration. Match each statement to the correct scientist (Options A–D).
Options may be used more than once or not at all.
Drag and drop the correct scientist to each statement, or tap to select on mobile.
List of Scientists:
A. Professor Lars Bjornsen
B. Dr. Nalini Shah
C. Dr. Marcus Caldwell
D. Professor Junko Watanabe
1
Believes scientific research on global issues cannot succeed without cross-border cooperation.
Drop scientist here
2
Expressed concern about the difficulties caused by incompatible research methods.
Drop scientist here
3
Argues that teamwork between researchers with different backgrounds increases creativity.
Drop scientist here
4
Warns that security problems and poor connections can harm scientific results.
Drop scientist here
5
Thinks that mutual respect and flexibility are just as important as scientific expertise.
Drop scientist here
6
Describes a case where important medical research was delayed due to data format issues.
Drop scientist here
Answer Key & Detailed Explanations
Tap or click each answer for a step-by-step explanation and evidence from the passage.
1. Professor Lars Bjornsen (A)
▶
Explanation:
- The statement asks which scientist believes research on global issues can't succeed without cross-border cooperation.
- Paragraph B quotes Bjornsen: “Climate does not respect borders, and neither should our research. Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information can we understand and respond…”
- This shows he thinks international teamwork is essential for success.
- None of the other scientists make such a direct claim about cross-border necessity.
- Therefore, A is the answer.
- The statement asks which scientist believes research on global issues can't succeed without cross-border cooperation.
- Paragraph B quotes Bjornsen: “Climate does not respect borders, and neither should our research. Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information can we understand and respond…”
- This shows he thinks international teamwork is essential for success.
- None of the other scientists make such a direct claim about cross-border necessity.
- Therefore, A is the answer.
2. Dr. Nalini Shah (B)
▶
Explanation:
- The question asks who is concerned about difficulties from incompatible research methods.
- Paragraph C: Dr. Shah “raises concerns about coordination... time-sensitive clinical data from her team could not be integrated due to incompatible formats used by European partners.”
- She gives a real example of research being delayed for this reason.
- No other scientist discusses incompatible formats as a major issue.
- So, B is the answer.
- The question asks who is concerned about difficulties from incompatible research methods.
- Paragraph C: Dr. Shah “raises concerns about coordination... time-sensitive clinical data from her team could not be integrated due to incompatible formats used by European partners.”
- She gives a real example of research being delayed for this reason.
- No other scientist discusses incompatible formats as a major issue.
- So, B is the answer.
3. Dr. Marcus Caldwell (C)
▶
Explanation:
- This statement is about creativity from teamwork between researchers with different backgrounds.
- Paragraph D: Caldwell “studied the impact of multicultural research teams on innovation. According to Caldwell, diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions…”
- He is the only one who makes a point about increased creativity through diversity.
- Therefore, the answer is C.
- This statement is about creativity from teamwork between researchers with different backgrounds.
- Paragraph D: Caldwell “studied the impact of multicultural research teams on innovation. According to Caldwell, diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions…”
- He is the only one who makes a point about increased creativity through diversity.
- Therefore, the answer is C.
4. Professor Junko Watanabe (D)
▶
Explanation:
- This question is about who warns of security problems and poor connections affecting scientific results.
- Paragraph E: Watanabe “warns that cybersecurity threats and unreliable connections can threaten the integrity of results. In one recent incident, a coordinated cyberattack temporarily blocked access…”
- The passage only attributes this warning to Watanabe.
- Thus, D is the answer.
- This question is about who warns of security problems and poor connections affecting scientific results.
- Paragraph E: Watanabe “warns that cybersecurity threats and unreliable connections can threaten the integrity of results. In one recent incident, a coordinated cyberattack temporarily blocked access…”
- The passage only attributes this warning to Watanabe.
- Thus, D is the answer.
5. Dr. Marcus Caldwell (C)
▶
Explanation:
- The feature says mutual respect and flexibility are as important as scientific skill.
- Paragraph D: Caldwell says, “Successful collaboration depends as much on respect and flexibility as it does on scientific skill…”
- This is almost a direct quote from Caldwell.
- No other scientist talks about the role of respect and flexibility.
- The answer is C.
- The feature says mutual respect and flexibility are as important as scientific skill.
- Paragraph D: Caldwell says, “Successful collaboration depends as much on respect and flexibility as it does on scientific skill…”
- This is almost a direct quote from Caldwell.
- No other scientist talks about the role of respect and flexibility.
- The answer is C.
6. Dr. Nalini Shah (B)
▶
Explanation:
- This feature is about a case where medical research was delayed by data format issues.
- Paragraph C: Dr. Shah “highlights a case where time-sensitive clinical data…could not be integrated due to incompatible formats…”
- This is directly stated in the passage.
- No other scientist gives an example of a delayed medical project.
- Therefore, B is correct.
- This feature is about a case where medical research was delayed by data format issues.
- Paragraph C: Dr. Shah “highlights a case where time-sensitive clinical data…could not be integrated due to incompatible formats…”
- This is directly stated in the passage.
- No other scientist gives an example of a delayed medical project.
- Therefore, B is correct.
Top 20 Hardest Words in the Passage
Study the most challenging words from the passage and questions. Click or tap each word for more details and usage tips.
transformation
/ˌtræns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): transformation of/in sth
Definition: A complete and major change.
Example: "The nature of scientific discovery has undergone significant transformation..."
More common synonym: change
Common mistakes: Confused with "transfer" or "transaction."
Word pattern(s): transformation of/in sth
Definition: A complete and major change.
Example: "The nature of scientific discovery has undergone significant transformation..."
More common synonym: change
Common mistakes: Confused with "transfer" or "transaction."
breakthrough
/ˈbreɪk.θruː/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): a breakthrough in sth
Definition: An important discovery or achievement.
Example: "scientific breakthroughs were attributed to isolated individuals..."
More common synonym: advance, discovery
Common mistakes: Used as a verb (it is a noun).
Word pattern(s): a breakthrough in sth
Definition: An important discovery or achievement.
Example: "scientific breakthroughs were attributed to isolated individuals..."
More common synonym: advance, discovery
Common mistakes: Used as a verb (it is a noun).
unprecedented
/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ (BrE) /ʌnˈpres.əˌden.tɪd/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective
Word pattern(s): of unprecedented scale/complexity
Definition: Never having happened or existed before.
Example: "projects of unprecedented scale..."
More common synonym: unmatched, unique
Common mistakes: Misspelled as "unprecidented."
Word pattern(s): of unprecedented scale/complexity
Definition: Never having happened or existed before.
Example: "projects of unprecedented scale..."
More common synonym: unmatched, unique
Common mistakes: Misspelled as "unprecidented."
continent
/ˈkɒn.tɪ.nənt/ (BrE) /ˈkɑːn.tən.ənt/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): across/spanning continents
Definition: One of the main land masses of the Earth.
Example: "teams of researchers spanning continents and cultures."
More common synonym: landmass
Common mistakes: Confused with "content."
Word pattern(s): across/spanning continents
Definition: One of the main land masses of the Earth.
Example: "teams of researchers spanning continents and cultures."
More common synonym: landmass
Common mistakes: Confused with "content."
advocate
/ˈæd.və.keɪt/ (BrE/AmE, verb); /ˈæd.və.kət/ (BrE/AmE, noun)
Parts of speech: verb, noun
Word pattern(s): advocate for sth, advocate doing sth
Definition: (n.) Someone who supports an idea; (v.) To support or recommend.
Example: "a leading advocate for global teamwork..."
More common synonym: supporter (n.), recommend (v.)
Common mistakes: Pronunciation: stress on the first syllable for noun, second for verb.
Word pattern(s): advocate for sth, advocate doing sth
Definition: (n.) Someone who supports an idea; (v.) To support or recommend.
Example: "a leading advocate for global teamwork..."
More common synonym: supporter (n.), recommend (v.)
Common mistakes: Pronunciation: stress on the first syllable for noun, second for verb.
arise
/əˈraɪz/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: verb
Word pattern(s): problems/issues arise
Definition: To happen or appear.
Example: "today’s advances increasingly arise from teams..."
More common synonym: occur
Common mistakes: Incorrect past form ("arised" instead of "arose").
Word pattern(s): problems/issues arise
Definition: To happen or appear.
Example: "today’s advances increasingly arise from teams..."
More common synonym: occur
Common mistakes: Incorrect past form ("arised" instead of "arose").
pool (resources)
/puːl/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: verb
Word pattern(s): pool resources/efforts
Definition: To combine resources for a shared purpose.
Example: "Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information..."
More common synonym: combine
Common mistakes: Used as a noun in this context (should be verb).
Word pattern(s): pool resources/efforts
Definition: To combine resources for a shared purpose.
Example: "Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information..."
More common synonym: combine
Common mistakes: Used as a noun in this context (should be verb).
consortia
/kənˈsɔː.tɪ.ə/ (BrE) /kənˈsɔːr.tʃə/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun (plural of consortium)
Word pattern(s): research consortia
Definition: Groups formed by several organizations for a common purpose.
Example: "international cancer research consortia..."
More common synonym: alliances, partnerships
Common mistakes: Treated as singular; "consortium" is the singular form.
Word pattern(s): research consortia
Definition: Groups formed by several organizations for a common purpose.
Example: "international cancer research consortia..."
More common synonym: alliances, partnerships
Common mistakes: Treated as singular; "consortium" is the singular form.
coordination
/kəʊˌɔː.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (BrE) /koʊˌɔːr.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): lack of coordination
Definition: The organization of people or things to work together properly.
Example: "raises concerns about coordination..."
More common synonym: organization, cooperation
Common mistakes: Spelled as "co-ordination."
Word pattern(s): lack of coordination
Definition: The organization of people or things to work together properly.
Example: "raises concerns about coordination..."
More common synonym: organization, cooperation
Common mistakes: Spelled as "co-ordination."
compatible/incompatible
/kəmˈpæt.ɪ.bəl/ /ˌɪn.kəmˈpæt.ɪ.bəl/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective
Word pattern(s): compatible/incompatible with
Definition: Able (or not able) to exist or work together without conflict.
Example: "incompatible formats used by European partners..."
More common synonym: suited, mismatched
Common mistakes: Double negatives ("not incompatible" = "compatible").
Word pattern(s): compatible/incompatible with
Definition: Able (or not able) to exist or work together without conflict.
Example: "incompatible formats used by European partners..."
More common synonym: suited, mismatched
Common mistakes: Double negatives ("not incompatible" = "compatible").
clinical
/ˈklɪn.ɪ.kəl/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective
Word pattern(s): clinical data/trials
Definition: Related to medical treatment or testing.
Example: "time-sensitive clinical data..."
More common synonym: medical
Common mistakes: Confused with "clinic."
Word pattern(s): clinical data/trials
Definition: Related to medical treatment or testing.
Example: "time-sensitive clinical data..."
More common synonym: medical
Common mistakes: Confused with "clinic."
integrate
/ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: verb
Word pattern(s): integrate with/into
Definition: To combine parts into a whole.
Example: "data...could not be integrated..."
More common synonym: combine, merge
Common mistakes: Spelled "intergrate."
Word pattern(s): integrate with/into
Definition: To combine parts into a whole.
Example: "data...could not be integrated..."
More common synonym: combine, merge
Common mistakes: Spelled "intergrate."
perspective
/pəˈspek.tɪv/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): a new/different perspective
Definition: A particular way of thinking about something.
Example: "diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions..."
More common synonym: viewpoint
Common mistakes: Used as an adjective.
Word pattern(s): a new/different perspective
Definition: A particular way of thinking about something.
Example: "diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions..."
More common synonym: viewpoint
Common mistakes: Used as an adjective.
multicultural
/ˌmʌl.tiˈkʌl.tʃər.əl/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective
Word pattern(s): multicultural teams/society
Definition: Including people of different cultures.
Example: "the impact of multicultural research teams..."
More common synonym: diverse
Common mistakes: Misspelled "multi-cultural."
Word pattern(s): multicultural teams/society
Definition: Including people of different cultures.
Example: "the impact of multicultural research teams..."
More common synonym: diverse
Common mistakes: Misspelled "multi-cultural."
dimension/dimensional
/daɪˈmen.ʃən/ (BrE) /dəˈmen.ʃən/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun/adjective
Word pattern(s): multidimensional problems
Definition: Aspect or feature; having many parts.
Example: "problems are complex and multidimensional."
More common synonym: aspect, part
Common mistakes: Misspelled as "demensional."
Word pattern(s): multidimensional problems
Definition: Aspect or feature; having many parts.
Example: "problems are complex and multidimensional."
More common synonym: aspect, part
Common mistakes: Misspelled as "demensional."
flexibility
/ˌflek.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˌflek.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): show/need/require flexibility
Definition: Ability to change or adapt easily.
Example: "collaboration depends as much on respect and flexibility..."
More common synonym: adaptability
Common mistakes: Used for "flexion" (not the same).
Word pattern(s): show/need/require flexibility
Definition: Ability to change or adapt easily.
Example: "collaboration depends as much on respect and flexibility..."
More common synonym: adaptability
Common mistakes: Used for "flexion" (not the same).
coordinate
/kəʊˈɔː.dɪ.neɪt/ (BrE) /koʊˈɔːr.də.neɪt/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb
Word pattern(s): coordinate a project/effort
Definition: Organize people or groups to work together well.
Example: "coordinates one of the world’s largest distributed computing projects."
More common synonym: organize
Common mistakes: Spelled "co-ordinate."
Word pattern(s): coordinate a project/effort
Definition: Organize people or groups to work together well.
Example: "coordinates one of the world’s largest distributed computing projects."
More common synonym: organize
Common mistakes: Spelled "co-ordinate."
distributed
/dɪˈstrɪb.juː.tɪd/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective (from verb "distribute")
Word pattern(s): distributed system/network
Definition: Spread out over a wide area or among many people.
Example: "distributed computing projects..."
More common synonym: shared
Common mistakes: Used as a noun instead of adjective.
Word pattern(s): distributed system/network
Definition: Spread out over a wide area or among many people.
Example: "distributed computing projects..."
More common synonym: shared
Common mistakes: Used as a noun instead of adjective.
cybersecurity
/ˌsaɪ.bə.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˌsaɪ.bɚ.sɪˈkjʊr.ə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): cybersecurity threats
Definition: Protection of computer systems from attack.
Example: "cybersecurity threats and unreliable connections..."
More common synonym: IT security
Common mistakes: Spelled "cyber security" (one word is standard).
Word pattern(s): cybersecurity threats
Definition: Protection of computer systems from attack.
Example: "cybersecurity threats and unreliable connections..."
More common synonym: IT security
Common mistakes: Spelled "cyber security" (one word is standard).
repository
/rɪˈpɒz.ɪ.tər.i/ (BrE) /rɪˈpɑː.zə.tɔːr.i/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun
Word pattern(s): data/code repository
Definition: A place where things are stored and managed.
Example: "open-access data repositories..."
More common synonym: storage, archive
Common mistakes: Spelled "repositery."
Word pattern(s): data/code repository
Definition: A place where things are stored and managed.
Example: "open-access data repositories..."
More common synonym: storage, archive
Common mistakes: Spelled "repositery."
Top 20 Hardest Expressions & Phrases
Tap or click any phrase to reveal meaning, usage, and key learner tips.
undergo significant transformation
/ˌʌn.dəˈɡəʊ sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt træns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (BrE)
/ˌʌn.dɚˈɡoʊ sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt træns.fɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (AmE)
/ˌʌn.dɚˈɡoʊ sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt træns.fɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): undergo + adjective + noun
Definition: To experience a major change.
Example: "The nature of scientific discovery has undergone significant transformation."
Synonym: experience a big change
Common mistakes: Use of "pass" instead of "undergo".
Pattern(s): undergo + adjective + noun
Definition: To experience a major change.
Example: "The nature of scientific discovery has undergone significant transformation."
Synonym: experience a big change
Common mistakes: Use of "pass" instead of "undergo".
attributed to
/əˈtrɪb.juː.tɪd tuː/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase (passive)
Pattern(s): attribute sth to sth/sb
Definition: Said or believed to be caused by.
Example: "breakthroughs were attributed to isolated individuals..."
Synonym: credited to
Common mistakes: Used with "for" instead of "to".
Pattern(s): attribute sth to sth/sb
Definition: Said or believed to be caused by.
Example: "breakthroughs were attributed to isolated individuals..."
Synonym: credited to
Common mistakes: Used with "for" instead of "to".
spanning continents and cultures
/ˈspæn.ɪŋ ˈkɒn.tɪ.nənts ənd ˈkʌl.tʃəz/ (BrE)
/ˈspæn.ɪŋ ˈkɑːn.tən.ənts ənd ˈkʌl.tʃɚz/ (AmE)
/ˈspæn.ɪŋ ˈkɑːn.tən.ənts ənd ˈkʌl.tʃɚz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): span X and Y
Definition: Extending over many places and cultures.
Example: "teams...spanning continents and cultures."
Synonym: covering
Common mistakes: Used with "from" instead of "spanning".
Pattern(s): span X and Y
Definition: Extending over many places and cultures.
Example: "teams...spanning continents and cultures."
Synonym: covering
Common mistakes: Used with "from" instead of "spanning".
of unprecedented scale and complexity
/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd skeɪl ænd kəmˈplek.sɪ.ti/ (BrE)
/ʌnˈpres.əˌden.tɪd skeɪl ænd kəmˈplek.sə.t̬i/ (AmE)
/ʌnˈpres.əˌden.tɪd skeɪl ænd kəmˈplek.sə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: prepositional/adjective phrase
Pattern(s): of unprecedented + noun + and + noun
Definition: Never seen before in size and difficulty.
Example: "projects of unprecedented scale and complexity."
Synonym: never-before-seen
Common mistakes: "Unprecedent" as a noun.
Pattern(s): of unprecedented + noun + and + noun
Definition: Never seen before in size and difficulty.
Example: "projects of unprecedented scale and complexity."
Synonym: never-before-seen
Common mistakes: "Unprecedent" as a noun.
is encouraged, but often essential
/ɪz ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒd bʌt ˈɒf.ən ɪˈsen.ʃl/ (BrE)
/ɪz ɪnˈkɝː.ɪdʒd bət ˈɑːf.ən ɪˈsen.ʃl/ (AmE)
/ɪz ɪnˈkɝː.ɪdʒd bət ˈɑːf.ən ɪˈsen.ʃl/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): be encouraged, but (be) essential
Definition: Recommended but in fact necessary.
Example: "collaboration is not only encouraged, but often essential..."
Synonym: required
Common mistakes: Omit "but" or misuse as two sentences.
Pattern(s): be encouraged, but (be) essential
Definition: Recommended but in fact necessary.
Example: "collaboration is not only encouraged, but often essential..."
Synonym: required
Common mistakes: Omit "but" or misuse as two sentences.
pooling resources
/ˈpuː.lɪŋ rɪˈzɔː.sɪz/ (BrE)
/ˈpuː.lɪŋ rɪˈzɔːr.sɪz/ (AmE)
/ˈpuː.lɪŋ rɪˈzɔːr.sɪz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): pool resources
Definition: Combining resources for a common goal.
Example: "Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information..."
Synonym: combining
Common mistakes: Used as a noun ("a pooling").
Pattern(s): pool resources
Definition: Combining resources for a common goal.
Example: "Only by pooling resources and sharing real-time information..."
Synonym: combining
Common mistakes: Used as a noun ("a pooling").
does not respect borders
/dʌz nɒt rɪˈspɛkt ˈbɔː.dəz/ (BrE)
/dʌz nɑːt rɪˈspɛkt ˈbɔːr.dɚz/ (AmE)
/dʌz nɑːt rɪˈspɛkt ˈbɔːr.dɚz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): X does not respect borders
Definition: Not limited by national boundaries.
Example: "Climate does not respect borders..."
Synonym: knows no boundaries
Common mistakes: Omit "not" or use "doesn't have respect".
Pattern(s): X does not respect borders
Definition: Not limited by national boundaries.
Example: "Climate does not respect borders..."
Synonym: knows no boundaries
Common mistakes: Omit "not" or use "doesn't have respect".
time-sensitive data
/taɪm ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv ˈdeɪ.tə/ (BrE)
/taɪm ˈsen.sə.tɪv ˈdeɪ.t̬ə/ (AmE)
/taɪm ˈsen.sə.tɪv ˈdeɪ.t̬ə/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern(s): time-sensitive + noun
Definition: Information that must be used quickly.
Example: "time-sensitive clinical data..."
Synonym: urgent
Common mistakes: Omit hyphen or reverse the order.
Pattern(s): time-sensitive + noun
Definition: Information that must be used quickly.
Example: "time-sensitive clinical data..."
Synonym: urgent
Common mistakes: Omit hyphen or reverse the order.
could not be integrated
/kʊd nɒt bi ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd/ (BrE)
/kʊd nɑːt bi ˈɪn.t̬ə.ɡreɪ.tɪd/ (AmE)
/kʊd nɑːt bi ˈɪn.t̬ə.ɡreɪ.tɪd/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase (passive)
Pattern(s): could not be + past participle
Definition: Was not able to be combined into one system.
Example: "data...could not be integrated..."
Synonym: could not be combined
Common mistakes: Wrong tense ("could not integrate").
Pattern(s): could not be + past participle
Definition: Was not able to be combined into one system.
Example: "data...could not be integrated..."
Synonym: could not be combined
Common mistakes: Wrong tense ("could not integrate").
delayed a promising trial
/dɪˈleɪd ə ˈprɒm.ɪ.sɪŋ ˈtraɪ.əl/ (BrE)
/dɪˈleɪd ə ˈprɑː.mɪ.sɪŋ ˈtraɪ.əl/ (AmE)
/dɪˈleɪd ə ˈprɑː.mɪ.sɪŋ ˈtraɪ.əl/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): delay + adjective + noun
Definition: Caused a useful new test or study to happen later.
Example: "ultimately postponing a promising drug trial."
Synonym: postponed an important test
Common mistakes: Confuse "trial" (test) with "try."
Pattern(s): delay + adjective + noun
Definition: Caused a useful new test or study to happen later.
Example: "ultimately postponing a promising drug trial."
Synonym: postponed an important test
Common mistakes: Confuse "trial" (test) with "try."
leads to more creative solutions
/liːdz tuː mɔː kriˈeɪ.tɪv səˈluː.ʃənz/ (BrE)
/liːdz tuː mɔːr kriˈeɪ.tɪv səˈluː.ʃənz/ (AmE)
/liːdz tuː mɔːr kriˈeɪ.tɪv səˈluː.ʃənz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): leads to + adjective + noun
Definition: Causes better or new answers.
Example: "diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions..."
Synonym: results in better ideas
Common mistakes: Use "lead" instead of "leads."
Pattern(s): leads to + adjective + noun
Definition: Causes better or new answers.
Example: "diversity in perspectives frequently leads to more creative solutions..."
Synonym: results in better ideas
Common mistakes: Use "lead" instead of "leads."
depends as much on X as on Y
/dɪˈpɛndz æz mʌtʃ ɒn ... æz ɒn .../ (BrE)
/dɪˈpɛndz æz mʌtʃ ɑːn ... æz ɑːn .../ (AmE)
/dɪˈpɛndz æz mʌtʃ ɑːn ... æz ɑːn .../ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): depends as much on X as (it does) on Y
Definition: Equally important for both X and Y.
Example: "depends as much on respect and flexibility as it does on scientific skill."
Synonym: equally depends
Common mistakes: Use "than" instead of "as".
Pattern(s): depends as much on X as (it does) on Y
Definition: Equally important for both X and Y.
Example: "depends as much on respect and flexibility as it does on scientific skill."
Synonym: equally depends
Common mistakes: Use "than" instead of "as".
threaten the integrity of results
/ˈθret.ən ði ɪnˈteɡ.rɪ.ti əv rɪˈzʌlts/ (BrE)
/ˈθret.ən ði ɪnˈteɡ.rə.t̬i əv rɪˈzʌlts/ (AmE)
/ˈθret.ən ði ɪnˈteɡ.rə.t̬i əv rɪˈzʌlts/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): threaten the integrity of sth
Definition: Put the trustworthiness of something at risk.
Example: "cybersecurity threats... can threaten the integrity of results."
Synonym: put results at risk
Common mistakes: Use "threat" as a noun here.
Pattern(s): threaten the integrity of sth
Definition: Put the trustworthiness of something at risk.
Example: "cybersecurity threats... can threaten the integrity of results."
Synonym: put results at risk
Common mistakes: Use "threat" as a noun here.
blocked access to key images
/blɒkt ˈæk.sɛs tuː kiː ˈɪm.ɪdʒɪz/ (BrE)
/blɑːkt ˈæk.ses tuː kiː ˈɪm.ɪdʒɪz/ (AmE)
/blɑːkt ˈæk.ses tuː kiː ˈɪm.ɪdʒɪz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): block access to X
Definition: Prevented someone from getting important information.
Example: "a cyberattack temporarily blocked access to key satellite images..."
Synonym: denied access
Common mistakes: Omit "to" after "access".
Pattern(s): block access to X
Definition: Prevented someone from getting important information.
Example: "a cyberattack temporarily blocked access to key satellite images..."
Synonym: denied access
Common mistakes: Omit "to" after "access".
sponsor forums and training
/ˈspɒn.sər ˈfɔː.rəmz ənd ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/ (BrE)
/ˈspɑːn.sɚ ˈfɔː.rəmz ənd ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/ (AmE)
/ˈspɑːn.sɚ ˈfɔː.rəmz ənd ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: verb phrase
Pattern(s): sponsor + noun phrase
Definition: Support meetings and education programs.
Example: "agencies...sponsor forums and training..."
Synonym: organize
Common mistakes: Confused "sponsor" with "participate."
Pattern(s): sponsor + noun phrase
Definition: Support meetings and education programs.
Example: "agencies...sponsor forums and training..."
Synonym: organize
Common mistakes: Confused "sponsor" with "participate."
virtual conferences
/ˈvɜː.tʃu.əl ˈkɒn.fər.ənsɪz/ (BrE)
/ˈvɝː.tʃu.əl ˈkɑːn.fɚ.ənsɪz/ (AmE)
/ˈvɝː.tʃu.əl ˈkɑːn.fɚ.ənsɪz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern(s): virtual + plural noun
Definition: Online meetings held on the internet.
Example: "Virtual conferences, online peer review..."
Synonym: online meetings
Common mistakes: Confused with "augmented reality."
Pattern(s): virtual + plural noun
Definition: Online meetings held on the internet.
Example: "Virtual conferences, online peer review..."
Synonym: online meetings
Common mistakes: Confused with "augmented reality."
open-access data repositories
/ˌəʊ.pən ˈæk.ses ˈdeɪ.tə rɪˈpɒz.ɪ.tər.iz/ (BrE)
/ˌoʊ.pən ˈæk.ses ˈdeɪ.tə rɪˈpɑː.zə.tɔːr.iz/ (AmE)
/ˌoʊ.pən ˈæk.ses ˈdeɪ.tə rɪˈpɑː.zə.tɔːr.iz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective + noun phrase
Pattern(s): open-access + plural noun
Definition: Publicly available storage for information.
Example: "open-access data repositories..."
Synonym: public databases
Common mistakes: Write "opened access."
Pattern(s): open-access + plural noun
Definition: Publicly available storage for information.
Example: "open-access data repositories..."
Synonym: public databases
Common mistakes: Write "opened access."
funding disparities
/ˈfʌn.dɪŋ dɪˈspær.ɪ.tiz/ (BrE)
/ˈfʌn.dɪŋ dɪˈsper.ə.tiz/ (AmE)
/ˈfʌn.dɪŋ dɪˈsper.ə.tiz/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: noun phrase
Pattern(s): noun + disparities
Definition: Unequal amounts of money given to projects.
Example: "funding disparities and political tensions..."
Synonym: inequalities
Common mistakes: Use "difference" instead of "disparity".
Pattern(s): noun + disparities
Definition: Unequal amounts of money given to projects.
Example: "funding disparities and political tensions..."
Synonym: inequalities
Common mistakes: Use "difference" instead of "disparity".
accelerated innovation
/əkˈsel.ə.reɪ.tɪd ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ (BrE/AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern(s): accelerated + noun
Definition: Faster development of new ideas or products.
Example: "access to expertise, shared costs, and accelerated innovation..."
Synonym: faster development
Common mistakes: Misspell "accelerated."
Pattern(s): accelerated + noun
Definition: Faster development of new ideas or products.
Example: "access to expertise, shared costs, and accelerated innovation..."
Synonym: faster development
Common mistakes: Misspell "accelerated."
distributed worldwide
/dɪˈstrɪb.juː.tɪd ˈwɜːld.waɪd/ (BrE)
/dɪˈstrɪb.juː.tɪd ˈwɝːld.waɪd/ (AmE)
/dɪˈstrɪb.juː.tɪd ˈwɝːld.waɪd/ (AmE)
Parts of speech: adjective phrase
Pattern(s): distributed + adverb
Definition: Spread across the whole world.
Example: "the fairness with which its benefits are distributed worldwide."
Synonym: spread globally
Common mistakes: "World-wide" as two words.
Pattern(s): distributed + adverb
Definition: Spread across the whole world.
Example: "the fairness with which its benefits are distributed worldwide."
Synonym: spread globally
Common mistakes: "World-wide" as two words.
Interactive Practice: Words & Expressions (1)
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Interactive Practice: Words & Expressions (2)
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