Exercises C1 : practice Nuancing statements in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course on nuancing statements in English at C1 level. You will practise using adverbs of degree, modal verbs, and contrast structures to move beyond absolute statements.

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Exercice 1 — Fill in the gaps: adverbs of nuance

Complete each sentence with the most appropriate nuancing adverb from the course (fairly, largely, broadly, somewhat, rather). Each adverb is used once.

1. The new policy is ___ effective, though it still has a few weaknesses.
2. Her reaction was ___ surprising, given how calm she usually is.
3. The results are ___ consistent with what the researchers had predicted.
4. The delay was ___ caused by poor planning at the management level.

Correction

1. The new policy is fairly effective, though it still has a few weaknesses.
2. Her reaction was somewhat surprising, given how calm she usually is.
3. The results are broadly consistent with what the researchers had predicted.
4. The delay was largely caused by poor planning at the management level.

Exercice 2 — Spot and correct the errors

Each sentence contains one error related to nuancing — an incorrect word choice, a missing nuancing element, or a misused modal verb. Rewrite the full corrected sentence.

1. Although the project succeeded, but the team faced several unexpected challenges.
2. The report is fairly more detailed than the previous one.
3. This solution could work; however it has some limitations that must to be addressed.
4. The findings are largely accurate, despite they do not account for recent data.

Correction

1. Although the project succeeded, the team faced several unexpected challenges.
2. The report is rather more detailed than the previous one.
3. This solution could work; however, it has some limitations that must be addressed.
4. The findings are largely accurate, although they do not account for recent data.

Exercice 3 — Choose the best nuanced sentence

For each situation, choose the sentence that best expresses a nuanced statement using the structures studied in the course.

1. You want to say that a plan is mostly good but has minor flaws.
2. You want to express that something is possible but not certain.
3. You want to contrast two ideas — an overall success despite some problems.
4. You want to soften a criticism about someone's work.

Correction

1. B. The plan is broadly sound, although it could be refined in a few areas.
2. C. This might lead to better outcomes, though further evidence is needed.
3. C. The event was fairly successful; however, the organisational issues should not be overlooked.
4. B. Your work is rather promising, although some sections could benefit from further development.