IELTS/TOEFL words: accurate, affect,alter,alternative,adequate,assist

an accurate description
The figures they have used are just not accurate.
Her novel is an accurate reflection of life in post-war Spain.
We hope to become more accurate in predicting earthquakes.
NOTE: The opposite is inaccurate.

affect/əˈfekt/ (v): to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause them to change: Both buildings were badly affected by the fire.
The divorce affected every aspect of her life.
It's a disease which affects mainly older people.
I was deeply affected by the film (= It caused strong feelings in me).

*
To change, adjust: ALTER,
option or choice: ALTERNATIVE.




alter/ˈɑːl.ţɚ/
We've had to alter some of our plans.
Although long-distance phone calls are going up, the charge for local calls will not alter.
Giving up our car has radically altered our lifestyle.

alternative /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/ : choice
an alternative to coffee
There must be an alternative to people sleeping on the streets.
I'm afraid I have no alternative but to ask you to leave (= that is what I have to do).

alternative /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/ (a): An alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one:
The opposition parties have so far failed to set out an alternative strategy.
An alternative venue for the concert is being sought.

*
Enough is ADEQUATE /'ædikwit/
to help or aid: ASSIST. That's all!




adequate /ˈæd.ə.kwət/:
Have we got adequate food for twenty guests?
I didn't have adequate time to prepare.
It's not by any means a brilliant salary but it's adequate for our needs.
The council's provision for the elderly is barely adequate (= is not enough).
[+ to infinitive] Will future oil supplies be adequate to meet world needs?

assist /əˈsɪst/:
The army arrived to assist in the search.
You will be expected to assist the editor with the selection of illustrations for the book.