(for essays and debates) | Word | Meaning | B2-Level Example | |------|---------|------------------| | controversial | causing strong disagreement | The new law is highly controversial. | | biased | unfairly preferring one side | The article was biased against immigrants. | | skeptical | doubting; not easily convinced | Many scientists remain skeptical about the results. | | ambiguous | unclear; can be understood in multiple ways | His reply was ambiguous, so I didn’t know what he meant. | | dilemma | a difficult choice between two bad options | She faced a moral dilemma: lie or betray her friend. |
✅ Decline is more formal than decrease . Use decline for health, economy, standards. ✅ Collocation: dramatic shift / gradual decline / rapid recovery 3. Emotions & Reactions (for storytelling) | Word | Meaning | B2-Level Example | |------|---------|------------------| | overwhelmed | affected too strongly by emotion or work | I felt overwhelmed by all the responsibilities. | | frustrated | annoyed because you can’t achieve something | He got frustrated with the slow internet connection. | | relieved | happy that something bad didn’t happen | I was so relieved to hear that she was safe. | | embarrassed | ashamed or self-conscious in front of others | She felt embarrassed when she forgot his name. | | guilty | feeling bad because you did something wrong | I still feel guilty about lying to my parents. | b2 english words
✅ Controversial is often followed by issue / topic / decision . ✅ Common error: Biased is an adjective → biased towards / against (not “biased to”). 2. Change & Progress (for work / society topics) | Word | Meaning | B2-Level Example | |------|---------|------------------| | transform | change completely | The internet has transformed how we communicate. | | gradual | slow, step by step | There has been a gradual increase in life expectancy. | | shift (n/v) | a slight change in position or direction | There was a sudden shift in public opinion. | | decline (n/v) | decrease in quality or quantity | The town’s population has declined sharply. | | recover | return to a normal state after a problem | It took months for the economy to recover. | (for essays and debates) | Word | Meaning