Which word refers to the first of two items previously mentioned?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 exam. Enhance your skills with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all accompanied by hints and explanations. Gear up for success!

Multiple Choice

Which word refers to the first of two items previously mentioned?

Explanation:
The main idea is how to refer back to the first of two items that were mentioned. When two things are named, you point to the first with “the former” and to the second with “the latter.” So the word that refers to the first item is the former. For example, if you say, “Two countries, Canada and Mexico, were studied. The former had higher GDP per capita,” you’re signaling that Canada (the first item) is the one with the higher GDP per capita. Respectively isn’t used to refer back to items; it links items to descriptions in a list. And a phrase like “The most noticeable feature is…” isn’t a back-reference to the items at all.

The main idea is how to refer back to the first of two items that were mentioned. When two things are named, you point to the first with “the former” and to the second with “the latter.” So the word that refers to the first item is the former.

For example, if you say, “Two countries, Canada and Mexico, were studied. The former had higher GDP per capita,” you’re signaling that Canada (the first item) is the one with the higher GDP per capita.

Respectively isn’t used to refer back to items; it links items to descriptions in a list. And a phrase like “The most noticeable feature is…” isn’t a back-reference to the items at all.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy