Functional language for academic discussion (C1 Vocabulary)
In academic work you often float an idea before you commit to it, then examine the evidence carefully. Use let us suppose that or what if we were to to open a hypothesis, and on closer examination to show a point becomes clearer after a second look. Mind the setting: let us suppose that, spelled out in full, is a writing and lecturing formula, and in an actual seminar it sounds scripted. Spoken, people shorten it to suppose or say: 'Suppose the sample had been larger', 'Say we surveyed part-timers separately'.
Hypothesizing and analyzing
let us suppose that /lɛt ʌs səˈpoʊz ðæt/ — Let us suppose that the sample had been larger; how might the result change?
what if we were to /wʌt ɪf wi wɜr tu/ — What if we were to survey part-time students separately before drawing conclusions?
on closer examination /ɑn ˈkloʊsər ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/ — On closer examination, the drop in attendance coincided with the fee increase.
Not ""This proves the theory." (too absolute for academic discourse; a single result rarely proves anything)" — say ""This appears to support the theory."". Academic language hedges: prefer 'appears to', 'suggests', or 'indicates' over 'proves'.
Try it: Priya: The numbers looked fine to me at first glance. Marcus: They did, but ___ the two surveys measured different behaviors. Which opener signals that Marcus spotted something after a second, careful look? (on closer examination / let us suppose that / what if we were to) Answer: on closer examination — "On closer examination" fits because Marcus is reporting what a more careful look at existing data reveals. "Let us suppose that" opens an imagined hypothesis, not an analysis of real findings, and "what if we were to" proposes a future action rather than reviewing what is already there.
Arguing and qualifying
When you make a claim, present it as debatable rather than final with it can be argued that, and name a flaw with a major weakness. Then soften how far a claim reaches with to a certain extent, which means partly, within limits.
it can be argued that /ɪt kæn bi ˈɑrɡjud ðæt/ — It can be argued that the policy fails to address the underlying cause of the problem.
a major weakness /ə ˈmeɪdʒər ˈwiknəs/ — A major weakness of the report is its narrow sample base.
to a certain extent /tu ə ˈsɜrtən ɪkˈstɛnt/ — To a certain extent, the reform improved transparency, though not in every department.
Try it: Nadia: So the criticism of the study is completely fair? Owen: ___ it is, since some of the data really is missing, but the main finding still holds. Which phrase lets Owen agree only partly rather than fully? (to a certain extent / it can be argued that / a major weakness) Answer: to a certain extent — "To a certain extent" concedes that the criticism is partly valid while leaving room to defend the finding, which matches Owen's 'but'. "It can be argued that" introduces a whole new claim rather than qualifying agreement, and "a major weakness" names a flaw instead of measuring how far Owen agrees.
Try it: Sofia: You're wrong about the proposal; it's clearly the best option. Diego: I see your point, but ___ the proposal is that it ignores maintenance costs. Complete Diego's reply so he names a serious flaw politely. (a major weakness of / let us suppose that / on closer examination) Answer: a major weakness of — After acknowledging Sofia, Diego points to a specific flaw, and "a major weakness of" names that limitation directly. "Let us suppose that" would open a hypothesis instead of critiquing the plan, and "on closer examination" would promise analysis without actually stating the weakness he has in mind.