Can-Do Task: Choose Words That Say Exactly What You Mean

Can-Do Task: choose words that say exactly what you mean — no more, no less.

Notice

  • Task: rewrite each blunt sentence below so the connotation matches a described goal, without changing the basic facts.
  • 1) “The restaurant was cheap.” — rewrite so it sounds like a compliment.
  • 2) “My colleague talks a lot in meetings.” — rewrite so it sounds like a criticism.
  • 3) “The company cut 200 jobs.” — rewrite in softened corporate language.

Rule

Self-check: did each rewrite keep the same basic facts while shifting only the emotional colouring of the words? That shift — without changing the truth of the sentence — is the core C2 skill this task builds.

Practice

  1. Model answer for (1):
    Answer: “The restaurant was great value for money.”
  2. Model answer for (2):
    Answer: “My colleague dominates every meeting.”
  3. Model answer for (3):
    Answer: “The company streamlined its workforce by 200 positions.”

Connect

Practise reframing sentences for different audiences in the Writing Practice Hub.

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CEFR: C2

Azizul Hakim
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