This document discusses the use of precise language to avoid inappropriate or ambiguous words. It provides a series of sentences where one word is replaced with a more accurate option from a list of alternatives. The sentences cover topics like pollution, living conditions, computer games, examinations, insurance payouts, research methods, products, staff members, books, and details. The purpose is to demonstrate how replacing a vague or loaded word with a more precise one can improve the clarity and objectivity of writing.

1. USING PRECISE WORDS
Choose the correct words

2. Once again television is the (1) ___________of a
national debate – this time about the effect on young
people of seeing violence and sex on their TV screens.
According to a (2) ________ published
yesterday, the number of complaints about television
shows has (3) ________ from 2,000 to 15,000 in just
one year! What lies behind this dramatic increase ? It
seems that the thing that makes (4) _________ most
angry is the fact that violent or sexual images are often
shown during the early evening.,
Television on trial

3. when children are yet in bed. Channel 6’s
‘News World’ was recently criticized because
it showed images of a plane (5) _______ in which
350 people were killed. On that occasion,
hundreds of furious parents called in to say that
the images were completely unsuitable for the
early evening, and that their children were
clearly (6) _______ . But channel 6’s news boss
frank lane (7) _______ that his programmes are
unsuitable. ‘We take great care not to include any
images that might be disturbing. On this particular
we may have been wrong.

4. But let me (8) ______ the public that every effort
is made to prevent unnecessary offence. At the
same time, we have a duty to show to the world
as it really is, not as we would like it to be. And
sometimes it is a terrible place. Even children
have to learn that lesson. ‘Mr.Lane, who at 64
years of age is planning to (9) _______ next year,
hopes that the programme will remain unchanged
after he has gone. ‘I’ve spent 30 years making it
what it is. It would be a shame to waste all that hard
work.’

5. 1 A issue B subject C question
2 A account B commentary C report
3 A doubled B shot up C grown
4 A audience B spectators C viewers
5 A crash B collision C pile=up
6 A depressed B unhappy C upset
7 A insisted B denied C claimed
8 A swear B assure C guarantee
9 A resigns B retire C quit

6. 1 A issue B subject C question
2 A account B commentary C report
3 A doubled B shot up C grown
4 A audience B spectators C viewers
5 A crash B collision C pile=up
6 A depressed B unhappy C upset
7 A insisted B denied C claimed
8 A swear B assure C guarantee
9 A resigns B retire C quit
ANSWERS

7. sizeable stimulating minor
senior unacceptable controversial
significant questionable
disappointing affordable
Instructions:
Each sentence contains an inappropriate word or phrase. Replace it with a more
suitable word from the list below.

8. Exercise:
1. Pollution is a big problem in Hong Kong.
2. Living conditions in some housing developments are horrible.
3. The influence of computer games on young people is a hot topic.
4. Mark’s performance in the examination was bad.
5. She received big sum of money from the insurance company.
6. Chan’s (2001) method of investigation is wrong.
7. The company’s cheap products have proved to be very popular.
8. A number of old members of staff have left in recent years.
9. Professor Yau’s new book is very good.
10. This is a small detail, which I think we can discuss another time.

9. Answers:
1. Pollution is a significant (big) problem in Hong Kong.
2. Living conditions in some housing developments are unacceptable (horrible).
3. The influence of computer games on young people is a controversial (hot) topic.
4. Mark’s performance in the examination was disappointing (bad).
5. She received a sizeable (big) sum of money from the insurance company.
6. Chan’s (2001) method of investigation is questionable (wrong).
7. The company’s affordable (cheap) products have proved to be very popular.
8. A number of senior (old) members of staff have left in recent years.
9. Professor Yau’s new book is very stimulating (good).
10. This is a minor (small) detail, which I think we can discuss another time.