This is the fifth sample article candidates of the ECPE examination (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Michigan) My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in this type of piece of writing. As stated, examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words, readers are able to distinguish the author's unique "voice"). Before reading, take a look at the following post if you haven't already done so. It will help you focus on the vital aspects you need to be aware of while reading the article and what you should make sure to use when you write your own. The question appeared in Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) and is accompanied by the following three writing prompts:
I find it's only fitting that the first word that must be explained is the one used in the blog's name.
Argute has two meanings:
b) shrill, piercing in sound / sharp in taste
Strangely enough, when it comes to taste and sound, the word has a negative connotation, but a positive one when talking about wit.
It is rarely used in the English language at present, its frequency having dropped in the last 200 years.
The word "argute" originates from Latin and comes from the verb arguere, meaning "to make clear, prove". It's therefore easy to understand how the word argue used today means "to debate, explain using proof" or the connection between the word's meaning (bright, clear) and the symbol for silver, which in Latin is argentum, in the periodic table (Ag).