Neutral and sensationalist language
Look at the article READ ALL ABOUT IT. What two synonyms of remove does it mention? What does the
article say about these kinds of synonyms?
Read the words in the box and match them to the words 1–7 that are closest to their meaning.
axe clash condemn dispute divulge laud leak
pledge provoke quash slam spark tout vow
1 stop axe quash
2 criticise slam condemn
3 promise vow pledge
4 cause spark provoke
5 praise laud tout
6 disagree clash dispute
7 reveal divulge leak
Synonyms can sometimes differ slightly in meaning, how they fit grammatically within a sentence, or which
words they collocate with. For the headlines (1–7) below, decide if both words in italics can be used with
little change in meaning or if only one of the words is possible.
1 Closure of iconic cinema sparks / provokes protests from local community.
2 Three-time Oscar nominee touted / lauded to clean up for portrayal of US leader in recent release.
3 Residents clash / dispute with police after three days of violence in the area.
4 Long running drama Crossways to be quashed / axed after ratings slump.
5 The Prime Minister has now vowed / pledged his support to organisations struggling during the recession.
6 Business leaders slam / condemn government for funding cuts.
7 ‘I never divulge / leak my age to anyone but my husband,’ claims screen star.
Complete the news article with the correct form of a word from the box.
clash dispute divulge laud leak quash vow
The NEWS Watch live
Home UK World Politics Climate Science and Technology Travel Sport
TOP STORIES
leaked documents were quick to deny their involvement and
As expected, those implicated in the (1) …………...
distance themselves from the allegations of financial misconduct. Ministers have moved swiftly (2)
……………
to quashthe claims, labelling the information as fabricated and questioning its authenticity. They
vow
vehemently deny any wrongdoing and (3…………...) to prove the revelations to be a politically motivated
ploy by the opposition to undermine current reforms.
laud the leaks, arguing that the documents released provide
Voices from the opposition however (4)…………...
irrefutable evidence of abuse of power by those currently in position. They are demanding accountability
and transparency from the government, calling for those involved to be removed from position with
immediate effect.
clash
While the government and the opposition continue to (5) …………... , the public look for clarity on who to
believe. With the origin and veracity of the information highly (6) disputed
…………… and with those who published
divulge their sources, there is no doubt this issue will be fiercely debated for
the material refusing to (7)…………...
days to come.
