Discern – Word Of The Day For IELTS

Discern – Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing

Discern /dɪˈsɜːn/ (Verb)

Meaning:

(formal) to notice or understand something by thinking about it carefully or be able to see something by looking carefully

Synonyms:

Recognise, Identify, Distinguish

Word Family:

• Adjective: Discernible
• Verb: Discern
• Adverb: Discernibly

Examples:

• Officials were keen to discern how much public support there was
• Politicians are good at discerning public opinion.
• There are many other issues where this same pattern can be discerned.
• Lucas claims that such a relationship can be discerned in his data.

Exercises:

Try to use this word “discern” in your writing 

Writing Task 2 Topic:

People should follow the customs and traditions when people start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Essay:

Many people argue that foreigners should adapt to the local customs and traditions when they come to reside in a new country. I completely agree with this view.

Newcomers will certainly face difficulties if they do not conform to the norms of social behaviour in the host country. Firstly, it will become almost impossible for them to blend into their new environment. For example, an entrepreneur who comes to live in a new country and starts up a business must discern the business practices of that country. There are bound to be many pitfalls, not only legal ones but also simply in terms of winning and keeping customers. Secondly, recent immigrants might fall foul of the law if they do not respect the behaviour and customs of locals. In Singapore, for instance, residents will consider newcomers dirty and ill-mannered if they litter the street or spit gum in public places.

There are also many benefits for foreigners when they do adopt the customs and traditions of their new country of residence. One advantage is that local people will be more welcoming when they feel that the newcomers are showing respect for the local way of life. The establishment of closer links with the host community might lead to greater integration and mutual understanding. Another benefit is the richness of the experience which newcomers will gain from enjoying aspects of local customs and traditions, enabling them to participate in community life and avoid social isolation. During festivals and national holidays, especially, they will feel like they ‘belong’ in their new country.

In conclusion, I would argue that it is essential for new residents to follow the traditions and habits of locals in the host community in order to integrate fully into society.

• The norms of social behaviour: standards of behaviour that are typical of and accepted within society
• Host country: a country which receives visitors or new residents.
• Blend into: to look very similar to the surrounding people or things, so that it is difficult to distinguish what is new.
• Pitfalls: a hidden danger or difficult, which it is not easy or possible to see at first
• Fall foul of the law: to get into trouble with the police because you are doing something illegal
• Integration: the process of mixing people who have previously been separated
• Mutual understanding: the feeling which two or more people share equally.
• Social isolation: the state of being alone in society.