Vocabulary

Attitudes & Opinions

controversial · sceptical · compelling · biased · impartial

Words 1–4

Say each word after your teacher

controversial
causing a lot of public disagreement /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl/
The referee's controversial decision was discussed for weeks.
sceptical
doubting that something is true /ˈskeptɪkl/
I was sceptical about the app's claims until I tried it.
compelling
very interesting or convincing /kəmˈpelɪŋ/
The documentary makes a compelling case for protecting sharks.
biased
unfairly preferring one side /ˈbaɪəst/
The commentator was clearly biased towards the home team.

Words 5–8

Say each word after your teacher

impartial
not supporting any side; fair to everyone /ɪmˈpɑːʃl/
A good referee must be completely impartial.
objective
based on facts, not feelings /əbˈdʒektɪv/
Try to give an objective review, even of your favourite band.
cynical
believing people only act in their own interest /ˈsɪnɪkl/
He's so cynical — he thinks every charity is a scam.
credible
able to be believed or trusted /ˈkredəbl/
Wikipedia is useful, but check that its sources are credible.

Words 9–10

Say each word after your teacher

enthusiastic
showing great excitement and interest /ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/
The crowd gave the band an enthusiastic welcome.
indifferent
not interested or not caring /ɪnˈdɪfrənt/
She's completely indifferent to football — she never watches it.

Your turn

Answer out loud — full sentences

1
What are you sceptical about?
2
Is it possible to be completely objective about sport?
3
What topic is controversial in your country right now?
4
What are you enthusiastic about, and what are you indifferent to?
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