Be careful with the word ‘so-called;’  a lot of people use it incorrectly. It means that something is given a name, but the name isn’t suitable. We use the word to criticise something or to be insulting.

Examples:
The so-called experts don’t know more than anyone else.
Her so-called friends didn’t support her when she needed it most.

When you learn new vocab, make sure that you note collocations too. For this group of words some collocations are:
reluctance to, a certain reluctance, reluctant to
straightforward solution

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 114

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

1. She ______________ took the job because she was desperate for money. (undergo, reluctant)
2. She has to ______________ knee surgery tomorrow. (undergo, reluctant)
3. The _______________ Climate Policy was in fact nothing more than a pretence. (so-called, whereby)
4. The solution is _______________; give each person an equal number of hours and they’ll all be happy. (so-called, straightforward)
5. There is a repayment plan ______________ you pay a small amount for the first few years and then a large amount at the end. It may solve your problem. (whereby, straightforward)

Answers (in the wrong order)
5. whereby   3. so-called   2. undergo   1. reluctantly    4. straightforward