Advanced250 min

Nominal relative clauses

Lesson content
A nominal relative clause is a type of noun clause that is used to express ideas more concisely.

In a nominal relative clause, a noun/pronoun and another pronoun are ‘fused’ together into one relative pronoun. Typical relative pronouns are: what, who, when, where, how, why, whatever, whoever, whichever.
I know the things which what I like.
The person who Whoever is elected will serve five years.


Some nominal relative pronouns can be followed by to infinitive.
I considered what to say.
The manual illustrates how to troubleshoot problems.


Nominal relative clauses can be in subject or object position. What other people think is irrelevant.
Did you tell them where we’re meeting?

Notice that in subject position, the clause can function as a cleft structure and add emphasis.

We use nominal relative clauses after the phrases This/That/It + be + just, exactly, precisely.
This is what I feared would happen.
That’s exactly when we’re away.
It’s just what I wanted!


We don’t use what in a normal relative clause.
It’s a video what I made ages ago.

We use that/which or nothing (if the relative pronoun is the object of the verb).

whoever, whenever, whatever, whichever

We use whoever, whenever, whatever, whichever in nominal relative clauses to replace anyone who/any person who, any time that or anything which/that, the one that.
I’ll do whatever you want.
Coffee? Yes please, whenever you’re making one.
Whoever wins goes forward to the next stage.


Notice the difference with who:
Who we’re looking for is a genuine entrepreneur. (the specific person who)

Quiz

Question 1 of 10

Identify the nominal relative clause in the sentence: "What she said made me happy."

What she said
made me happy
she said
made

Education System and AI for the Future: A Paradigm Shift in Learning

The convergence of artificial intelligence and education represents perhaps the most profound transformation in pedagogical practice since the invention of the printing press. We stand at the precipice of an educational revolution that promises to fundamentally reshape how knowledge is transmitted, absorbed, and evaluated across all levels of learning. This metamorphosis extends far beyond the mere digitization of existing practices; it constitutes a comprehensive reimagining of educational delivery that could democratize learning, bridge geographical divides, and unlock human potential on an unprecedented scale.

Recent empirical evidence underscores the accelerating momentum of this transformation. The global AI in education market, valued at $5.88 billion in 2024, is projected to surge to $32.27 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate of 31.2%. This exponential growth trajectory reflects not merely commercial enthusiasm but substantive pedagogical innovation driven by rigorous research and mounting evidence of AI's transformative potential in educational contexts.

The foundational premise of AI-enhanced education lies in its capacity to personalize learning experiences with unprecedented granularity. Traditional one-size-fits-all educational models, which have dominated formal instruction for centuries, are increasingly being supplanted by adaptive systems that calibrate themselves to individual learning patterns, cognitive preferences, and academic trajectories. These intelligent platforms employ sophisticated algorithms to analyze vast datasets encompassing student performance metrics, engagement patterns, and learning velocities, subsequently tailoring content delivery, pacing, and instructional strategies to optimize individual outcomes.

Contemporary research illuminates the profound efficacy of this personalized approach. Studies demonstrate that AI-driven adaptive learning systems can enhance retention rates by up to 30% while simultaneously improving student engagement levels by 53%. These improvements stem from the technology's ability to identify knowledge gaps in real-time and dynamically adjust instructional content to address deficiencies before they become entrenched. Moreover, AI-powered assessment tools can predict student performance with accuracy rates approaching 92%, enabling proactive interventions that prevent academic failure rather than merely responding to it after the fact.

The implementation of intelligent tutoring systems represents another revolutionary dimension of AI's educational integration. These sophisticated platforms function as personalized instructors, providing immediate feedback, scaffolded learning experiences, and adaptive support that responds to individual student needs. Research indicates that approximately 90% of students utilizing AI-powered tutoring systems report more beneficial experiences compared to traditional human tutoring, largely due to the technology's availability, consistency, and ability to adapt instruction to optimal learning moments.

However, the transformation extends beyond individual learning optimization to encompass systemic efficiencies that address longstanding challenges in educational administration. AI-powered grading systems can reduce educators' workload by up to 70%, liberating teachers from routine administrative tasks and enabling them to focus on higher-order pedagogical activities such as creative instruction, emotional support, and meaningful student interaction. This reallocation of human resources represents a fundamental shift in the teaching profession, emphasizing uniquely human capabilities while delegating routine cognitive tasks to artificial intelligence.

The democratizing potential of AI in education cannot be overstated. Geographical barriers that have historically limited access to quality education are being systematically dismantled as AI-powered platforms make sophisticated instruction available to learners regardless of their physical location. Remote schools implementing adaptive learning systems have documented 35% increases in student participation and 28% improvements in learning outcomes, demonstrating the technology's capacity to bridge educational equity gaps that have persisted for generations.

Furthermore, AI's capacity to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles represents a significant advancement in inclusive education. Traditional classroom instruction, constrained by temporal limitations and standardized delivery methods, often fails to address the heterogeneous learning requirements of diverse student populations. AI-enabled systems, conversely, can simultaneously accommodate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners while adjusting difficulty levels, pacing, and content presentation to match individual cognitive profiles.

The integration of natural language processing technologies has introduced additional dimensions of educational innovation. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide on-demand support, answering student queries in real-time and offering supplementary explanations tailored to individual comprehension levels. These systems employ sophisticated linguistic algorithms to understand contextual nuances in student inquiries and generate responses that align with their specific knowledge levels and learning objectives.

Machine learning algorithms have also revolutionized educational content creation and curation. AI systems can analyze student performance data to identify common misconceptions, knowledge gaps, and learning obstacles, subsequently generating targeted instructional materials designed to address these specific challenges. This data-driven approach to content development ensures that educational resources are continuously refined based on empirical evidence of their effectiveness rather than relying solely on theoretical assumptions about optimal instruction.

The implementation of AI in educational assessment represents another transformative application. Adaptive testing platforms adjust question difficulty and content focus based on student responses, providing more accurate measurements of academic competency while reducing test anxiety and improving the overall assessment experience. These systems can evaluate not only final answers but also problem-solving processes, offering comprehensive insights into student thinking patterns and learning strategies.

However, the integration of AI in education is not without significant challenges and concerns that must be thoughtfully addressed. Data privacy and security represent paramount considerations, particularly given the sensitive nature of educational information and the vulnerability of student populations. Educational institutions must implement robust data protection protocols while ensuring that AI systems comply with relevant privacy regulations and ethical standards.

The specter of algorithmic bias presents another critical challenge that could exacerbate existing educational inequalities if not carefully managed. AI systems trained on biased datasets may perpetuate or amplify discrimination against certain demographic groups, potentially creating new forms of educational disadvantage. Addressing this challenge requires diverse development teams, inclusive training datasets, and continuous monitoring of AI system outputs for evidence of discriminatory patterns.

Teacher preparation and professional development emerge as crucial factors in successful AI implementation. Educators must acquire new competencies to effectively integrate AI tools into their pedagogical practice while maintaining their essential role as learning facilitators and mentors. This transformation necessitates comprehensive professional development programs that help teachers understand AI capabilities, limitations, and optimal applications within educational contexts.

The digital divide presents another significant obstacle to equitable AI implementation in education. Students lacking access to reliable internet connectivity or appropriate technological devices may be further disadvantaged as AI-enhanced instruction becomes increasingly prevalent. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated efforts to expand technological infrastructure and ensure universal access to the tools necessary for AI-enhanced learning.

Looking toward the future, emerging technologies promise to further expand AI's educational applications. Virtual and augmented reality integration with AI systems could create immersive learning environments that simulate complex scenarios and provide experiential learning opportunities previously impossible in traditional classroom settings. These technologies could revolutionize subjects such as history, science, and medicine by enabling students to virtually explore historical events, conduct dangerous experiments safely, or practice surgical procedures without risk.

The development of emotional intelligence in AI systems represents another frontier with significant educational implications. Future AI tutors may be capable of recognizing and responding to student emotional states, adjusting instruction not only based on cognitive performance but also on affective factors such as frustration, boredom, or excitement. This emotional responsiveness could enhance the AI-student relationship and improve learning outcomes by addressing the crucial role of emotion in cognitive processing.

Collaborative AI systems that facilitate group learning and peer interaction represent another promising development. These platforms could analyze group dynamics, optimize team compositions, and provide scaffolding for collaborative problem-solving activities. Such systems could enhance social learning while maintaining the personalization benefits of individual AI tutoring.

The integration of AI with learning analytics promises to provide unprecedented insights into learning processes and outcomes. These systems could track learning across multiple contexts and time periods, providing comprehensive portraits of student development that inform both individual instruction and broader educational policy decisions. Such detailed analytics could enable evidence-based educational improvements at scale while respecting individual privacy and autonomy.

As we navigate this transformative period, it becomes increasingly apparent that the future of education will be characterized by human-AI collaboration rather than replacement. The most effective educational systems will likely combine AI's computational capabilities with human creativity, empathy, and wisdom. Teachers will evolve into learning architects who design AI-enhanced experiences while providing the emotional support, motivation, and contextual understanding that remain uniquely human contributions to the educational process.

The successful implementation of AI in education requires careful attention to ethical considerations, equity concerns, and pedagogical principles. While the technology offers unprecedented opportunities to personalize learning, improve outcomes, and democratize access to quality education, its benefits will only be realized through thoughtful design, inclusive implementation, and continuous evaluation of its impacts on diverse learner populations.

Ultimately, the fusion of AI and education represents both an opportunity and an imperative. As global challenges become increasingly complex and the pace of technological change accelerates, educational systems must evolve to prepare learners for an uncertain future. AI-enhanced education offers the tools to create more effective, accessible, and personalized learning experiences that can adapt to individual needs while preparing students for a world where human-AI collaboration will be essential for success. The question is not whether AI will transform education, but how thoughtfully and equitably we will manage this inevitable transformation to ensure it serves the needs of all learners and contributes to a more just and prosperous society.
1. **convergence** /kənˈvɜːrdʒəns/ (US) /kənˈvɜːdʒəns/ (UK)
the process of coming together

2. **profound** /prəˈfaʊnd/ (both US/UK)
very great or intense

3. **transformation** /ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃən/ (both US/UK)
a complete change

4. **pedagogical** /ˌpedəˈɡɑːdʒɪkəl/ (US) /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkəl/ (UK)
relating to teaching

5. **printing press**
machine for producing printed materials

6. **stand at the precipice**
be at the edge of a major change

7. **fundamentally reshape**
completely change the basic structure

8. **transmitted** /trænsˈmɪtɪd/ (both US/UK)
passed on or communicated

9. **absorbed** /əbˈzɔːrbd/ (US) /əbˈsɔːbd/ (UK)
taken in and understood

10. **evaluated** /ɪˈvæljueɪtɪd/ (both US/UK)
assessed or judged

11. **metamorphosis** /ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəsɪs/ (both US/UK)
a process of transformation

12. **extends far beyond**
goes much further than

13. **mere digitization**
simply converting to digital format

14. **constitutes** /ˈkɑːnstətuːts/ (US) /ˈkɒnstɪtjuːts/ (UK)
forms or makes up

15. **comprehensive reimagining**
complete rethinking

16. **democratize** /dɪˈmɑːkrətaɪz/ (US) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ (UK)
make accessible to everyone

17. **bridge geographical divides**
connect people across distances

18. **unlock human potential**
release people's abilities

19. **unprecedented scale**
never-before-seen level

20. **empirical evidence**
proof based on observation

21. **underscores** /ˌʌndərˈskɔːrz/ (US) /ˌʌndəˈskɔːz/ (UK)
emphasizes

22. **accelerating momentum**
increasing speed of change

23. **surge** /sɜːrdʒ/ (US) /sɜːdʒ/ (UK)
increase rapidly

24. **registering** /ˈredʒɪstərɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
recording or showing

25. **compound annual growth rate**
yearly increase rate calculated over multiple years

26. **exponential growth trajectory**
rapidly increasing path of development

27. **commercial enthusiasm**
business excitement

28. **substantive** /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ (both US/UK)
having real importance

29. **rigorous research**
thorough and careful study

30. **mounting evidence**
increasing proof

31. **transformative potential**
ability to create major change

32. **foundational premise**
basic underlying assumption

33. **unprecedented granularity**
extremely detailed level

34. **one-size-fits-all**
designed to suit everyone

35. **dominated** /ˈdɑːməneɪtɪd/ (US) /ˈdɒməneɪtɪd/ (UK)
controlled or ruled

36. **supplanted** /səˈplæntɪd/ (both US/UK)
replaced

37. **adaptive systems**
technology that adjusts automatically

38. **calibrate** /ˈkæləbreɪt/ (both US/UK)
adjust precisely

39. **cognitive preferences**
thinking style choices

40. **academic trajectories**
educational paths

41. **intelligent platforms**
smart technology systems

42. **employ sophisticated algorithms**
use complex computer programs

43. **vast datasets**
enormous collections of information

44. **encompassing** /ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
including

45. **performance metrics**
measurement standards

46. **engagement patterns**
involvement behaviors

47. **learning velocities**
speeds of understanding

48. **subsequently** /ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/ (both US/UK)
afterward

49. **tailoring** /ˈteɪlərɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
customizing

50. **content delivery**
presentation of material

51. **pacing** /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
speed of instruction

52. **instructional strategies**
teaching methods

53. **optimize** /ˈɑːptəmaɪz/ (US) /ˈɒptəmaɪz/ (UK)
improve to best possible level

54. **individual outcomes**
personal results

55. **contemporary research**
current studies

56. **illuminates** /ɪˈluːməneɪts/ (both US/UK)
makes clear

57. **profound efficacy**
deep effectiveness

58. **retention rates**
percentages of information remembered

59. **simultaneously** /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/ (both US/UK)
at the same time

60. **stem from**
originate from

61. **identify knowledge gaps**
find areas of missing understanding

62. **in real-time**
immediately

63. **dynamically adjust**
change flexibly

64. **address deficiencies**
fix weaknesses

65. **become entrenched**
become firmly established

66. **accuracy rates**
levels of correctness

67. **approaching** /əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/ (US) /əˈprəʊtʃɪŋ/ (UK)
getting close to

68. **proactive interventions**
preventive actions

69. **after the fact**
after something has happened

70. **intelligent tutoring systems**
smart teaching programs

71. **revolutionary dimension**
groundbreaking aspect

72. **sophisticated platforms**
advanced systems

73. **personalized instructors**
individual teachers

74. **immediate feedback**
instant response

75. **scaffolded learning**
supported education

76. **optimal learning moments**
best times for understanding

77. **systemic efficiencies**
improvements across the whole system

78. **longstanding challenges**
problems that have existed for a long time

79. **liberating** /ˈlɪbəreɪtɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
freeing

80. **routine administrative tasks**
regular office work

81. **higher-order pedagogical activities**
advanced teaching tasks

82. **creative instruction**
imaginative teaching

83. **emotional support**
psychological help

84. **meaningful student interaction**
important communication with learners

85. **reallocation** /ˌriːæləˈkeɪʃən/ (both US/UK)
redistribution

86. **human resources**
people and their skills

87. **uniquely human capabilities**
abilities only people have

88. **delegating** /ˈdeləɡeɪtɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
assigning to others

89. **routine cognitive tasks**
regular thinking jobs

90. **democratizing potential**
ability to make things equal

91. **cannot be overstated**
is extremely important

92. **geographical barriers**
distance obstacles

93. **historically limited**
restricted in the past

94. **systematically dismantled**
carefully removed

95. **regardless of**
without consideration of

96. **physical location**
geographical place

97. **documented** /ˈdɑːkjəmentɪd/ (US) /ˈdɒkjʊmentɪd/ (UK)
recorded

98. **bridge educational equity gaps**
reduce learning inequality

99. **persisted for generations**
continued for many years

100. **accommodate** /əˈkɑːmədeɪt/ (US) /əˈkɒmədeɪt/ (UK)
provide for

101. **diverse learning needs**
different educational requirements

102. **inclusive education**
learning that includes everyone

103. **constrained** /kənˈstreɪnd/ (both US/UK)
limited

104. **temporal limitations**
time restrictions

105. **standardized delivery methods**
uniform teaching approaches

106. **heterogeneous** /ˌhetərəˈdʒiːniəs/ (both US/UK)
varied and diverse

107. **conversely** /kənˈvɜːrsli/ (US) /kənˈvɜːsli/ (UK)
on the other hand

108. **visual learners**
people who learn by seeing

109. **auditory learners**
people who learn by hearing

110. **kinesthetic learners**
people who learn by doing

111. **cognitive profiles**
thinking patterns

112. **natural language processing**
computer understanding of human language

113. **virtual assistants**
digital helpers

114. **on-demand support**
help when needed

115. **supplementary explanations**
additional clarifications

116. **comprehension levels**
understanding abilities

117. **sophisticated linguistic algorithms**
advanced language programs

118. **contextual nuances**
subtle meaning differences

119. **generate responses**
create answers

120. **align with**
match with

121. **learning objectives**
educational goals

122. **revolutionized** /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪzd/ (both US/UK)
completely changed

123. **content creation and curation**
making and organizing material

124. **performance data**
information about results

125. **common misconceptions**
shared wrong ideas

126. **knowledge gaps**
areas of missing understanding

127. **learning obstacles**
barriers to understanding

128. **targeted instructional materials**
focused teaching resources

129. **data-driven approach**
method based on information

130. **continuously refined**
constantly improved

131. **empirical evidence**
proof from observation

132. **theoretical assumptions**
ideas without proof

133. **optimal instruction**
best teaching

134. **adaptive testing platforms**
adjustable assessment systems

135. **question difficulty**
how hard problems are

136. **content focus**
subject emphasis

137. **accurate measurements**
precise evaluations

138. **academic competency**
educational ability

139. **test anxiety**
worry about exams

140. **problem-solving processes**
ways of finding solutions

141. **comprehensive insights**
complete understanding

142. **thinking patterns**
ways of processing information

143. **learning strategies**
methods for studying

144. **significant challenges**
important problems

145. **thoughtfully addressed**
carefully dealt with

146. **data privacy and security**
protection of information

147. **paramount considerations**
most important factors

148. **sensitive nature**
delicate quality

149. **vulnerability** /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ (both US/UK)
weakness or exposure to harm

150. **robust data protection**
strong information security

151. **comply with**
follow

152. **relevant privacy regulations**
applicable protection laws

153. **ethical standards**
moral guidelines

154. **specter of**
threat of

155. **algorithmic bias**
unfairness in computer programs

156. **exacerbate** /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ (US) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ (UK)
make worse

157. **educational inequalities**
unfairness in learning

158. **perpetuate** /pərˈpetʃueɪt/ (both US/UK)
continue

159. **amplify** /ˈæmplɪfaɪ/ (both US/UK)
increase

160. **discrimination** /dɪˌskrɪməˈneɪʃən/ (both US/UK)
unfair treatment

161. **demographic groups**
population categories

162. **educational disadvantage**
learning inequality

163. **diverse development teams**
varied creation groups

164. **inclusive training datasets**
representative information collections

165. **continuous monitoring**
ongoing observation

166. **discriminatory patterns**
unfair behaviors

167. **teacher preparation**
educator training

168. **professional development**
career improvement

169. **crucial factors**
important elements

170. **acquire new competencies**
gain new skills

171. **integrate** /ˈɪntəɡreɪt/ (both US/UK)
combine

172. **pedagogical practice**
teaching methods

173. **learning facilitators**
education helpers

174. **mentors** /ˈmentərz/ (US) /ˈmentɔːz/ (UK)
guides

175. **necessitates** /nəˈsesəteɪts/ (both US/UK)
requires

176. **comprehensive programs**
complete courses

177. **optimal applications**
best uses

178. **digital divide**
technology gap

179. **equitable implementation**
fair introduction

180. **reliable internet connectivity**
dependable online access

181. **appropriate technological devices**
suitable technology tools

182. **disadvantaged** /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒd/ (both US/UK)
harmed or limited

183. **increasingly prevalent**
becoming more common

184. **coordinated efforts**
organized attempts

185. **expand technological infrastructure**
grow technology systems

186. **universal access**
availability for everyone

187. **emerging technologies**
new developments

188. **virtual reality**
computer-simulated environment

189. **augmented reality**
enhanced real-world view

190. **immersive learning environments**
engaging educational settings

191. **simulate** /ˈsɪmjəleɪt/ (both US/UK)
imitate

192. **complex scenarios**
complicated situations

193. **experiential learning**
hands-on education

194. **revolutionize** /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (both US/UK)
completely change

195. **virtually explore**
examine using technology

196. **historical events**
past occurrences

197. **conduct dangerous experiments**
perform risky tests

198. **surgical procedures**
medical operations

199. **emotional intelligence**
understanding of feelings

200. **frontier** /frənˈtɪr/ (US) /ˈfrʌntɪə/ (UK)
edge of development

201. **recognizing** /ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
identifying

202. **responding to**
reacting to

203. **emotional states**
feeling conditions

204. **cognitive performance**
thinking ability

205. **affective factors**
emotional elements

206. **frustration** /frʌˈstreɪʃən/ (both US/UK)
feeling of annoyance

207. **excitement** /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/ (both US/UK)
feeling of enthusiasm

208. **emotional responsiveness**
reaction to feelings

209. **affective** /əˈfektɪv/ (both US/UK)
relating to emotions

210. **cognitive processing**
mental thinking

211. **collaborative systems**
working-together platforms

212. **facilitate** /fəˈsɪləteɪt/ (both US/UK)
make easier

213. **group dynamics**
team interactions

214. **optimize** /ˈɑːptəmaɪz/ (US) /ˈɒptəmaɪz/ (UK)
improve

215. **team compositions**
group makeups

216. **scaffolding** /ˈskæfəldɪŋ/ (both US/UK)
support structure

217. **collaborative problem-solving**
working together to solve issues

218. **social learning**
education through interaction

219. **personalization benefits**
individual advantages

220. **learning analytics**
educational data analysis

221. **unprecedented insights**
never-before-seen understanding

222. **multiple contexts**
various situations

223. **time periods**
lengths of time

224. **comprehensive portraits**
complete pictures

225. **student development**
learner growth

226. **individual instruction**
personal teaching

227. **broader educational policy**
wider school rules

228. **evidence-based improvements**
changes based on proof

229. **at scale**
in large amounts

230. **individual privacy**
personal secrecy

231. **autonomy** /ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/ (US) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ (UK)
independence

232. **navigate** /ˈnævəɡeɪt/ (both US/UK)
find a way through

233. **transformative period**
time of major change

234. **characterized by**
marked by

235. **human-AI collaboration**
people and computers working together

236. **replacement** /rɪˈpleɪsmənt/ (both US/UK)
substitution

237. **computational capabilities**
computer abilities

238. **creativity** /ˌkriːeɪˈtɪvəti/ (both US/UK)
imaginative thinking

239. **empathy** /ˈempəθi/ (both US/UK)
understanding others' feelings

240. **wisdom** /ˈwɪzdəm/ (both US/UK)
good judgment

241. **learning architects**
education designers

242. **contextual understanding**
situational comprehension

243. **uniquely human contributions**
things only people can do

244. **ethical considerations**
moral factors

245. **equity concerns**
fairness worries

246. **pedagogical principles**
teaching rules

247. **thoughtful design**
careful planning

248. **inclusive implementation**
fair introduction

249. **continuous evaluation**
ongoing assessment

250. **diverse learner populations**
varied student groups

251. **fusion** /ˈfjuːʒən/ (both US/UK)
combination

252. **imperative** /ɪmˈperətɪv/ (both US/UK)
urgent necessity

253. **global challenges**
worldwide problems

254. **increasingly complex**
becoming more complicated

255. **pace of technological change**
speed of technology development

256. **accelerates** /əkˈseləreɪts/ (both US/UK)
speeds up

257. **evolve** /ɪˈvɑːlv/ (US) /ɪˈvɒlv/ (UK)
develop gradually

258. **uncertain future**
unclear tomorrow

259. **adaptive** /əˈdæptɪv/ (both US/UK)
able to change

260. **inevitable transformation**
unavoidable change

261. **thoughtfully** /ˈθɔːtfəli/ (both US/UK)
carefully

262. **equitably** /ˈekwətəbli/ (both US/UK)
fairly

263. **prosperous society**
successful community

Emphatic syllable stress

Emphatic syllable stress, also known as word stress, is the emphasis placed on one particular syllable in a word. In English, most multisyllabic words have one syllable that is pronounced more forcefully or clearly than the others. This stressed syllable is slightly louder, longer, and pronounced with a higher pitch compared to the unstressed syllables.

Correct syllable stress can change the meaning of a word or make your speech sound more natural and fluent. For example, in the word 'present,' the stress can change depending on whether it is used as a noun ('PRE-sent' meaning a gift) or a verb ('pre-SENT' meaning to give or show). Emphatic syllable stress plays a key role in understanding spoken English and being understood by others.