Lock and Key
The verb is the key. It either turns or it doesn't.
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The verb is the key. It either turns or it doesn't — logic has nothing to do with it.
Eight common word pairs you learn as one piece, because the verb in each cannot be swapped for another.
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You can know both words and still pair them wrongly. That pairing is the most visible Band 6 marker there is.
You can know research. You can know carry out. You can still write do research in Task 2 and be marked at Band 6 for it.
That is what collocation means: some words are married, and the partnership is not derivable from logic. There is no rule that explains why you carry out research but pose a threat. English simply settled on it, and examiners hear the wrong pairing instantly.
The verb is the key. It either turns or it doesn't.
The verb is the key. It either turns or it doesn't — logic has nothing to do with it.
Eight partnerships, each with the wrong version shown beside it.
✗ do research — fine spoken, informal in Task 2
carry out + research / a study / a survey
Universities should carry out research into renewable energy.
✗ have a role for
play a (major / key / vital) role in + -ing
Schools play a key role in shaping early attitudes.
✗ make a threat — different meaning entirely
pose a threat / risk / challenge + to
Rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal cities.
✗ reach a demand
meet + demand / needs / a target
Existing housing cannot meet the demand of a growing population.
✗ solve an issue — overclaims resolution
address + an issue / a problem / concerns
Governments must address the issue of youth unemployment.
✗ increase awareness on
raise awareness + of (not on)
Campaigns can raise awareness of the risks involved.
✗ get access / take access
gain access + to · access is uncountable
Rural students struggle to gain access to higher education.
✗ give emphasis / emphasise on
place / put emphasis + on
Schools should place greater emphasis on practical skills.
Store each card as one unit. Split the verb from the noun and you will reassemble them wrongly under pressure.
Sixteen verb-noun pairs. Half are wrong in ways that sound perfectly reasonable.
Sort each item into the correct category
Three decisions where the wrong answer is still good English.
Chain 1
Sentence: Universities should ___ research into renewable energy.
Candidates: do / carry out
The expert chooses:
Because:
Chain 2
Sentence: Rising sea levels ___ a threat to coastal cities.
Candidates: make / pose
The expert chooses:
Because:
Chain 3
Sentence: Governments must ___ the issue of youth unemployment.
Candidates: solve / address
The expert chooses:
Because:
Eight sentences, verb missing, no options given. This one is production.
Universities should research into renewable energy sources.
Early schooling a key role in shaping lifelong attitudes.
Rising sea levels a serious threat to low-lying coastal cities.
The current housing supply cannot the demand of a growing urban population.
Governments must the issue of youth unemployment before it worsens.
Public campaigns can awareness of the risks of excessive screen time.
Students in rural areas often struggle to access to higher education.
Schools should greater emphasis on practical skills alongside academic ones.