Set 2 Question 1
StarCatching Words
deteriorating (adj.)
If something is deteriorating, it is getting worse.
His deteriorating health worries us all.
substantive (adj.)
If something is substantive, it is important and meaningful. It is different from ‘substantial’, which means a large amount or size of something.
Substantive discussions have been held to devise a solution for this issue.
persistent (adj.)
If a person is persistent, he or she isn’t fazed by challenges and plough through to achieve their goal, often through unreasonable means. If a problem is persistent, it has been around for a long time and is hard to get rid of.
Drug abuse among youngsters is a persistent problem that warrants immediate remedy.
detrimental (adj.)
If something is detrimental, it causes great harm.
This setback has a detrimental impact on the project’s timeline.
prolonged (adj.)
If something is prolonged, it has continued for a very long time. We usually use this to describe a problem, an illness or adverse effects.
Drinking too much alcohol has prolonged effects on our health.
distressing (adj.)
If something is distressing, it makes people feel upset. ‘Distressing’ is different from ‘distressed’, which means the feeling of upset.
The distressing news has left people feeling drained.
delineate (v.)
Delineating something means to describe something in detail. It is the synonym of ‘describe’ and ‘depict’.
The proposal delineates the arrangements for the fair.
profound (adj.)
We usually use ‘profound’ to describe ‘effect’ or ‘change’ to indicate how strong or great they are. We also use ‘profound’ with ‘insight’ or ‘knowledge’ to describe the depth of understanding.
Being a social worker for more than four decades has given her profound insight into the teenage drug problem.
deficiency (n.)
‘Deficiency’ means not having enough of something. Although similar to ‘deprivation’, ‘deprivation’ means ‘lacking something important or basic needs, such as sleep’.
There is a deficiency in caretakers.
approach (n. / v.)
Other than ‘walking up to someone’, you can also ‘approach a problem’, which means ‘handle a problem’. ‘Approach’ also functions as a noun, which is a synonym for ‘solution’.
A more creative approach is needed in solving this persistent problem.
prompt (v.)
If you prompt something, you help to make something happen or reach a certain goal.
The recent rise in fuel prices has prompted the government to actively develop renewable energy.
unequivocally (adv.)
If you express your opinion unequivocally, you are making a strong, clear statement. You can also support something unequivocally.
We unequivocally support the implementation of the new policy against animal abuse.
StarCatching Patterns
Despite…, …
Despite the early warning, many lives were lost in the tsunami.
To begin with, …
To begin with, the amount of homework assigned is unreasonably excessive.
In light of…
In light of the problems mentioned above, I propose the following solutions.
I earnestly hope that…
I earnestly hope that these problems will be addressed promptly and thoroughly to safeguard residents’ living conditions.
