‘Attain’ basically means ‘get,’ but it is used in specific contexts. Usually you attain something that you work towards. You could attain your Ph.D after many years of study, or you could attain the number one position on the soccer ladder after playing and winning many games.

When you learn new vocab, make sure that you note collocations too. For this group of words some collocations are:
accommodate someone’s request
analogous situation, analogous to
in anticipation of, unanticipated consequences
assurance of
attainment of, attainable goals, unattainable goals

Check the meanings of the words if you don’t already know them. Check the meanings of the various forms as sometimes they are different. You can check them at Time4english by clicking the words (http://www.time4english.com/aamain/lounge/awl.asp).

Vocabulary for IELTS – Academic Word List 97

Complete the sentences. Choose the correct word and then use the correct form of the word.

1. Often to explain a tricky concept to students a lecturer will use an ______________ situation. (anticipate, analogy)
2. Despite all of his ______________ he didn’t ever contribute a single dollar to the children’s upbringing after the divorce. (assure, accommodate)
3. Because of her disability she needed a lot of changes in the workplace. Her new company was very _______________. (accommodate, attain)
4. I was watching a video that said that our dreams are all _______________ if we only continue to strive for them. (analogy, attain)
5. Farmers need to be able to ______________ weather patterns in order to plant and harvest at the optimal times. (assure, anticipate)

Answers (in the wrong order)
5. anticipate   3. accommodating    2. assurances   1. analogous     4. attainable