Here are some groups of words that commonly occur in Problems, with examples. Here is some information about the way the information is shown.

Here are some groups of words that commonly occur in Problems, with examples from different disciplines. Click on Instructions for more information about the format.

The answer to a legal Problem Question is written as if you were giving legal advice to a client. The client may be a defendant (the person or company that is accused or who is responding to a complaint), or a plaintiff (the person or company that is making the accusation).

The usual structure is as follows:

Stage

Comment

1.

Issue

The facts and circumstances provided in the problem question

2

Rule

Identification of the applicable point of law

3

Analysis

Applications of the law likely to be raised by the opposition (Concessions)

4.

Applications of the law that are likely to be  useful to the client. (The writer's main arguments)

5

Conclusion

Whether the client's case is likely to succeed or fail

The Analysis section is the most important part of the answer because it demonstrates that you know how to apply the law.

Some common word groups
natural justice Example
fair trial / hearing Example
fair-minded / impartial / independent / informed / objective  observer Example
the merits of the decision / case / claim Example
held that Example
argued that Example
held that vs. argued that Example
likely that Example
it is … likely that Example
(there was a) real possibility (of bias) Example

The tasks below will give you more information about the structure of Problem Questions.

Task 1

Look at the Sketch Engine listing for "argued that" and look at the way the sentences are structured. Drag the words around to make correct sentences.

Exercise

Task 2

Look at the Sketch Engine listing for "a real possibility". You will see that two structures are possible: "a real possibility that ..." and "a real possibility of ...". Choose the correct form.

Exercise

Task 3

Look at the Sketch Engine listing for "a real possibility" and "likely that". Choose the correct phrase for the sentences given.

Exercise

Task 4

Two common phrases in Problem Questions are "argued that" and "held that". Can you tell the difference? Drag the sentences into the correct box to check.

Exercise

Comments

Mohammad56's picture Mohammad56 replied on Iran

Hi.please help me to fill these words in their correct forms. 1.The new CEO of the compony has.........knowledge of the market after decades of being in the industry. 2.scientists warn that droughts and floods will become more common if we don't.........our efforts to prevent global warming. Thankyou

Kirk's picture Kirk replied on Spain

Hello Mohammad56,

Peter has already answered this same question on a different page. Please do not post your questions on more than one page. To complete these sentences, I'd suggest you look up 'intensify' and 'extend' in the dictionary - this should help you make a choice.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team