A petition, at a C1 CEFR level, signifies a formally lodged appeal, typically in written format, bearing multiple signatories.
Its core purpose is to collectively beseech or register a formal request with an authoritative entity or individual.
This collective endorsement serves to underscore the widespread desire for a particular redress, policy alteration, or affirmative action.
It functions as a potent instrument for societal engagement and advocacy, channeling public sentiment into a structured demand for change.
A petition, at the C2 level of English proficiency, refers to a formal written appeal, often signed by numerous individuals, directed towards an authority or organization. It serves as a collective expression of a particular request or grievance, aiming to influence a decision or prompt a specific action. The power of a petition lies in the unified voice it represents, signifying a shared desire for change or intervention. Consequently, it acts as a democratic tool for advocacy, enabling citizens to articulate their collective will and exert pressure on those in positions of power to address societal concerns or policy matters.
§ What does 'petition' mean?
- Definition
- A formal written document that many people sign to ask a person or organization in power to do something. It is a way for a group of people to show that they all want a specific change or action.
Imagine you and your friends want something changed in your school, like getting more healthy food options in the cafeteria. One way to show the school principal that many students feel the same way is to create a document where everyone can write their name and agree to the request. This document is a petition.
The students started a petition to get more vegetarian options in the school canteen.
A petition is usually a formal request, meaning it's written carefully and directly to someone in authority. It's not just a casual conversation; it's a serious way to communicate a group's wishes. The more people who sign it, the more weight it carries, showing that the issue is important to a lot of individuals.
§ When do people use a petition?
People use petitions when they want to influence decisions or bring about changes. This can happen in many different situations, from local community issues to national political matters. Here are some common scenarios:
- Community Changes: If residents in a neighborhood want a new park, safer crosswalks, or to prevent a building from being demolished, they might start a petition to present to their local government or city council.
- School Issues: As mentioned before, students, parents, or teachers might use petitions to request changes in school policies, curriculum, or facilities.
- Environmental Concerns: Activists often use petitions to urge governments or corporations to take action on environmental protection, such as reducing pollution or saving endangered species.
- Social Justice: For issues related to human rights, equality, or fair treatment, petitions can be a powerful tool to demand legislative changes or protest injustices.
- Workplace Rights: Employees might use a petition to ask their employer for better working conditions, fair wages, or other workplace improvements.
The citizens signed a petition to stop the new factory from being built near their homes.
The main goal of a petition is to demonstrate collective support for a particular cause. When a decision-maker sees that many people are asking for the same thing, they are more likely to listen and consider the request seriously. It's a way for ordinary people to make their voices heard and participate in democratic processes, even outside of elections.
How Formal Is It?
"The citizens submitted a formal petition to the city council, demanding improved public transportation."
"They made a request to the manager for a change in the meeting schedule."
"Can we ask the teacher to extend the deadline for our project?"
"All the kids made a wish to have more playtime at school."
"The whole group went on a rant to the boss about the unfair workload."
Ejemplos por nivel
The students signed a petition.
Students put their names on a paper to ask for something.
Simple present tense, subject-verb-object.
They want a new playground with their petition.
They are asking for a new play area with their signed paper.
Simple present tense, 'with' indicates the tool used.
Many people wrote their names on the petition.
Lots of people added their signatures to the paper.
Simple past tense, 'many people' as subject.
The petition is for cleaner park.
The paper with names asks for a park that is not dirty.
Simple present tense, 'for' indicates the purpose.
We can start a petition.
We can begin writing a paper to ask for something.
Modal verb 'can' for possibility, base form of verb.
The petition has many signatures.
The paper has a lot of names written on it.
Simple present tense, 'has' for possession.
They gave the petition to the mayor.
They handed the signed paper to the city leader.
Simple past tense, direct and indirect object.
This petition asks for more trees.
This paper with names wants more plants.
Simple present tense, 'asks for' means to request.
The grassroots movement launched a petition to challenge the proposed legislation, gathering thousands of signatures online and through community outreach.
Gerakan akar rumput meluncurkan petisi untuk menentang undang-undang yang diusulkan, mengumpulkan ribuan tanda tangan secara daring dan melalui penjangkauan komunitas.
Here, 'petition' is used as a noun, the direct object of 'launched'.
Despite the compelling arguments presented in the petition, the city council voted against implementing stricter environmental regulations, citing economic concerns.
Meskipun argumen meyakinkan yang disajikan dalam petisi, dewan kota memilih menentang penerapan peraturan lingkungan yang lebih ketat, dengan alasan masalah ekonomi.
In this sentence, 'petition' is preceded by an adjective ('compelling') and acts as the object of the preposition 'in'.
Activists are circulating a petition demanding an independent inquiry into the recent allegations of corporate misconduct, aiming to hold those responsible accountable.
Aktivis mengedarkan petisi yang menuntut penyelidikan independen terhadap tuduhan terbaru tentang pelanggaran perusahaan, bertujuan untuk meminta pertanggungjawaban mereka yang bertanggung jawab.
'Petition' is the direct object of 'circulating' and is followed by a participial phrase modifying it.
The overwhelming response to the petition demonstrated a widespread public dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system, prompting calls for reform.
Respons yang luar biasa terhadap petisi menunjukkan ketidakpuasan publik yang meluas terhadap sistem perawatan kesehatan saat ini, mendorong seruan untuk reformasi.
Here, 'petition' is the object of the preposition 'to' and is part of a phrase indicating the source of the response.
Organizers are hopeful that if enough people sign the petition, it will exert sufficient pressure on policymakers to reconsider their stance on the controversial urban development project.
Penyelenggara berharap bahwa jika cukup banyak orang menandatangani petisi, itu akan memberikan tekanan yang cukup pada pembuat kebijakan untuk mempertimbangkan kembali sikap mereka pada proyek pembangunan perkotaan yang kontroversial.
'Petition' is the direct object of the verb 'sign' within a conditional clause.
The community submitted a formal petition to the school board, outlining their concerns about the proposed curriculum changes and requesting a public forum for discussion.
Komunitas mengajukan petisi formal kepada dewan sekolah, menguraikan kekhawatiran mereka tentang perubahan kurikulum yang diusulkan dan meminta forum publik untuk diskusi.
In this case, 'petition' is modified by the adjective 'formal' and is the direct object of 'submitted'.
After reviewing the petition, which detailed numerous grievances from employees, management agreed to hold a series of meetings to address the workplace issues.
Setelah meninjau petisi, yang merinci banyak keluhan dari karyawan, manajemen setuju untuk mengadakan serangkaian pertemuan untuk mengatasi masalah di tempat kerja.
'Petition' is the direct object of 'reviewing' and is followed by a relative clause providing additional information.
The human rights organization initiated a global petition, calling on international bodies to intervene in the escalating humanitarian crisis and provide aid to affected populations.
Organisasi hak asasi manusia meluncurkan petisi global, menyerukan badan-badan internasional untuk campur tangan dalam krisis kemanusiaan yang meningkat dan memberikan bantuan kepada populasi yang terkena dampak.
'Petition' is modified by the adjective 'global' and is the direct object of 'initiated'.
The grassroots movement launched a fervent petition, garnering thousands of signatures in a remarkably short span, demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the city's public transportation infrastructure.
The grassroots movement launched a passionate petition, getting thousands of signatures quickly, demanding a complete change of the city's public transportation.
Here, 'fervent' emphasizes the intensity of the petition, and 'garnering' is a formal synonym for 'collecting' or 'obtaining'.
Facing imminent budget cuts, the faculty collectively drafted a meticulously detailed petition, presenting an incontrovertible case for sustained funding to the university's board of trustees.
Facing upcoming budget cuts, the faculty together wrote a very detailed petition, showing a clear case for continued funding to the university's board.
'Imminent' signifies something about to happen, and 'incontrovertible' means undeniable or unquestionable. 'Sustained' implies continuous support.
Despite the initial skepticism from bureaucratic circles, the persistent proponents of environmental protection submitted a compelling petition, ultimately swaying public opinion and prompting legislative action.
Even with initial doubt from officials, those who strongly supported environmental protection submitted a strong petition, eventually changing public opinion and leading to new laws.
'Skepticism' refers to doubt, and 'bureaucratic circles' refers to government officials. 'Proponents' are supporters, and 'compelling' means convincing or forceful. 'Prompting' means causing or bringing about.
The international consortium of human rights organizations initiated a global petition, leveraging digital platforms to amplify their plea for the release of political prisoners across several authoritarian regimes.
The international group of human rights organizations started a worldwide petition, using online tools to make their request for freeing political prisoners in many strict governments louder.
'Consortium' refers to a group of organizations. 'Leveraging' means using something to maximum advantage. 'Amplify' means to make something stronger or more noticeable. 'Authoritarian regimes' are strict, undemocratic governments.
Undeterred by previous setbacks, the community advocates meticulously refined their petition, incorporating new evidence and strengthening their arguments to challenge the proposed rezoning plan.
Not discouraged by past problems, the community supporters carefully improved their petition, adding new proof and making their arguments stronger to oppose the suggested rezoning plan.
'Undeterred' means not discouraged. 'Meticulously refined' indicates careful and precise improvement. 'Rezoning plan' refers to a change in how land can be used.
The collective anguish of the affected residents coalesced into a powerful petition, demanding accountability from the corporations responsible for the environmental contamination.
The shared pain of the affected residents came together as a strong petition, asking for responsibility from the companies that caused the environmental pollution.
'Anguish' means severe mental or physical suffering. 'Coalesced' means to come together to form one mass or whole. 'Accountability' means the state of being responsible for something.
In a display of unwavering civic engagement, a diverse coalition of citizens spearheaded a petition, ultimately leading to a referendum on the controversial urban development project.
Showing strong citizen involvement, a varied group of citizens led a petition, which eventually resulted in a public vote on the disputed city development project.
'Unwavering' means steady or resolute. 'Civic engagement' refers to the ways citizens participate in community life. 'Coalition' is an alliance for combined action. 'Spearheaded' means to lead. 'Referendum' is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal.
The legal team meticulously prepared a writ of certiorari, essentially a formal petition to the Supreme Court, requesting a review of the lower court's contentious ruling.
The legal team carefully prepared a writ of certiorari, basically a formal request to the Supreme Court, asking for a review of the lower court's disputed decision.
'Writ of certiorari' is a specific legal term for a petition asking a higher court to review a lower court's decision. 'Contentious' means causing or likely to cause an argument.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Cómo usarlo
A petition is typically addressed to someone in authority, like a government official, a company CEO, or a school principal. It's often used to advocate for a cause, express a grievance, or request a specific action. You might hear phrases like 'start a petition,' 'sign a petition,' or 'present a petition.' For example: * 'The students started a petition to get more healthy food in the cafeteria.' * 'Thousands of people signed the online petition to protect the local park.' * 'The community group presented their petition to the city council.' It's a very common way for people to collectively voice their opinions and try to influence decisions.
One common mistake is confusing 'petition' (the noun, meaning the document) with 'petition' (the verb, meaning to formally request something). While they are related, it's important to use them correctly in a sentence. Incorrect: 'We will petition a petition to the mayor.' Correct: 'We will start a petition to the mayor.' or 'We will petition the mayor for a change.' Another mistake is using 'petition' when a simpler word like 'request' or 'proposal' would be more appropriate for a less formal situation involving fewer people. A petition implies a more formal, collective effort. Incorrect: 'I sent a petition to my friend asking for his recipe.' Correct: 'I sent a request to my friend asking for his recipe.' Also, ensure you are using the correct prepositions. People usually 'sign a petition,' 'start a petition,' or 'present a petition to someone' or 'for a cause.' Incorrect: 'I signed on the petition.' Correct: 'I signed the petition.' or 'I signed a petition for animal rights.'
Consejos
Understand the Core Meaning
A petition is like a formal group request. Think of it as many people asking for the same thing in writing.
Visualize the Action
Imagine people gathering signatures on a piece of paper. This is what people do when they start a petition.
Use it in a Simple Sentence
Try saying: 'The students started a petition to get more books for the library.' This helps you practice using it correctly.
Identify Key Words in the Definition
Focus on words like 'formal written document,' 'many people sign,' and 'ask a person or organization.' These describe a petition.
Connect to Your Own Language
Do you have a similar word in your native language for a formal group request? This can help you remember petition.
Practice Pronunciation
Say 'pe-TI-tion' out loud several times. The stress is on the second syllable. Practice makes perfect for the word petition.
Look for Examples Online
Search for news articles or simple stories that use the word petition. See how it's used in real contexts.
Draw a Simple Picture
Sketch a picture of a scroll with many signatures on it and an arrow pointing to a leader. This can represent a petition.
Review Regularly
Come back to the word petition tomorrow and try to recall its meaning and how to use it. Repetition helps with memory.
Explain it to Someone Else
Try to explain what a petition is to a friend or family member. Teaching helps solidify your understanding.
Ponte a prueba 84 preguntas
Imagine your school wants to stop selling ice cream. You and your friends want to ask the principal to keep selling it. Write a very short message you could put on a piece of paper for your friends to sign.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Dear Principal, please keep ice cream! We love it. Please sign if you agree.
Your local park has a broken swing. You want to ask the city to fix it. Write two sentences to explain what you want and why.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The swing in the park is broken. Please fix it so children can play.
You and your neighbors want to ask for a new bus stop near your homes. Write a simple sentence to say what you want.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
We need a new bus stop here, please.
What do the friends want to save?
Read this passage:
My friends and I want to save the old tree in the park. It is a big, beautiful tree. Some people want to cut it down. We are making a petition. Many people will sign it to help save the tree.
What do the friends want to save?
The passage clearly states, 'My friends and I want to save the old tree in the park.'
The passage clearly states, 'My friends and I want to save the old tree in the park.'
What will the students write to ask for more art time?
Read this passage:
My class wants to have more time for art. We love to draw and paint. Our teacher said we can write a petition. If many students sign it, we might get more art time.
What will the students write to ask for more art time?
The passage says, 'Our teacher said we can write a petition' to get more art time.
The passage says, 'Our teacher said we can write a petition' to get more art time.
What is a petition?
Read this passage:
A petition is a paper with names. People sign it because they want something to change. For example, they might want a new playground or safer streets. It shows many people agree.
What is a petition?
The passage defines a petition as 'a paper with names. People sign it because they want something to change.'
The passage defines a petition as 'a paper with names. People sign it because they want something to change.'
This sentence describes the action of starting a petition for a new park.
This sentence shows that many individuals supported the petition by signing it.
This sentence explains the purpose of the petition, which was to request a change.
The students started a ___ to ask for more books in the library.
A 'petition' is a formal request, often signed by many people, for a specific action or change. In this case, students want more books.
Many people signed the ___ to save the old park from being demolished.
A 'petition' is a document signed by many people to show they want a change or action. Saving the park is a clear example of this.
The neighborhood sent a ___ to the city council asking for a new playground.
A 'petition' is a formal request from a group to an authority. A neighborhood asking for a playground fits this definition.
We need more signatures on this ___ to show the school we want a longer lunch break.
A 'petition' is a document signed by many to request a change. In this case, it's for a longer lunch break.
The workers decided to organize a ___ to ask for better working conditions.
A 'petition' is a formal written request, often signed by many, to ask someone in power for something. Better working conditions is a common reason for a petition.
If we collect enough names on this ___, the government might listen to our request.
A 'petition' is a formal document with many signatures, used to ask an authority (like the government) to do something.
Imagine you and your friends want a new park in your neighborhood. Write a short paragraph explaining what you would do to ask the city for it. Use the word 'petition'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friends and I want a new park. We will start a petition and ask people to sign it. Then, we will give the petition to the city leaders. We hope they will build the park for us.
You want to convince your school to have more healthy food options in the cafeteria. Write two sentences using the word 'petition' to describe how you could ask for this change.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I will start a petition to ask the school for more healthy food. Many students will sign the petition so the school knows we want better options.
Think about something you would like to change in your community. Write a short message to a friend explaining how a 'petition' could help achieve this change.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hey, I want to make our park cleaner. We could start a petition to ask the city for more trash cans. If many people sign, they will listen!
What did the students want?
Read this passage:
A group of students wanted a longer lunch break. They decided to write a petition. They walked around school and asked many other students to sign it. When they had many signatures, they gave the petition to the principal.
What did the students want?
The first sentence clearly states: 'A group of students wanted a longer lunch break.'
The first sentence clearly states: 'A group of students wanted a longer lunch break.'
Why did people sign the petition?
Read this passage:
Our town has a small library. Some people think it is too small. They started a petition to ask the town council for a bigger library. Many people signed it because they love to read.
Why did people sign the petition?
The passage says, 'They started a petition to ask the town council for a bigger library. Many people signed it because they love to read.' This implies they signed for a bigger library.
The passage says, 'They started a petition to ask the town council for a bigger library. Many people signed it because they love to read.' This implies they signed for a bigger library.
What was the neighbor unhappy about?
Read this passage:
My neighbor was unhappy about the loud music from the new restaurant. She wrote a petition and asked other neighbors to sign it. She plans to give the petition to the restaurant owner next week.
What was the neighbor unhappy about?
The first sentence states: 'My neighbor was unhappy about the loud music from the new restaurant.'
The first sentence states: 'My neighbor was unhappy about the loud music from the new restaurant.'
This sentence describes an action related to a petition.
This sentence shows people supporting a petition.
This sentence explains what happens to a petition after it's signed.
The students started a _______ to demand healthier food options in the cafeteria.
A 'petition' is a formal request signed by many people, which fits the context of students demanding healthier food options.
Thousands of citizens signed the _______ asking the government to protect the local park from development.
A 'petition' is a common way for citizens to collectively ask the government for action, especially regarding public spaces like a park.
The community launched a _______ to reduce traffic speed on their residential streets.
A 'petition' is a suitable tool for a community to formally request a change, such as traffic speed limits.
To save the historic building from demolition, residents organized a _______ and gathered many signatures.
When residents want to save a building from demolition, a 'petition' is a common method to show collective opposition and request intervention.
The online _______ quickly gained traction, with people from all over the world supporting the cause.
An 'online petition' is a modern way for a large number of people to sign a formal request and show support for a cause.
They presented the _______ with over 5,000 signatures to the city council, hoping for a positive outcome.
A 'petition' is a document formally presented to an authority, like a city council, often accompanied by many signatures to show collective support.
The students decided to start a ______ to request more study spaces in the library.
A petition is a formal request signed by many people, often used to ask for changes.
Which of the following is most likely to be the goal of a petition?
Petitions are typically used to influence those in power to make a change.
If you sign a petition, what are you generally doing?
Signing a petition indicates your agreement with and support for the request it contains.
A petition is usually a casual spoken request.
A petition is typically a formal, written document.
Many people sign a petition to show they all want a specific change.
The purpose of a petition is to demonstrate collective support for a particular action or change.
You would typically send a petition to your best friend to ask for a favor.
Petitions are usually addressed to people or organizations in power, not close friends, and are for formal requests.
Listen for the main action the community took.
The speaker is asking about an action related to a petition.
What did 'they' collect to support their petition?
Read this aloud:
Signing a petition is a way to express your opinion.
Focus: ex-press your o-pin-ion
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Many people believe petitions can bring about real change.
Focus: peo-ple be-lieve, real change
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The students launched a petition to extend the library hours.
Focus: launched a pe-ti-tion, ex-tend
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This order creates a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence about starting a petition.
This order forms a clear sentence indicating that many people supported the petition for public transport.
This arrangement correctly shows the residents presenting a petition to the city council.
Imagine your local community wants a new park. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) outlining why a petition would be an effective way to achieve this. Include who you would target with the petition and what key information it should contain.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A petition would be an effective way to demonstrate widespread community support for a new park, making it difficult for local authorities to ignore. We would target the city council with a petition, highlighting the benefits of green spaces for public health and children's recreation. The petition should include a clear request for funding allocation and signatures from a significant number of residents.
You are leading a campaign to reduce plastic waste in your school. Draft a concise opening statement (1-2 sentences) for a petition that clearly states the problem and the desired action. Consider what would motivate people to sign.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
We, the students and staff of [School Name], are deeply concerned about the escalating issue of plastic waste on our campus. We urge the school administration to implement a comprehensive recycling program and introduce reusable alternatives in the cafeteria to foster a more sustainable environment.
Think about a social issue you feel strongly about. Write two sentences describing how a well-organized petition could contribute to raising awareness and potentially influencing policy changes related to this issue.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A well-organized petition could significantly raise public awareness about the urgent need for better mental health services, bringing the issue to the forefront of public discourse. By demonstrating widespread support, such a petition could pressure government officials to consider allocating more resources and implementing new policies to improve access to mental healthcare.
What was the primary goal of the citizens' petition?
Read this passage:
A group of concerned citizens launched a petition to protest the proposed construction of a new shopping mall near a protected wetland. They argued that the development would cause irreversible environmental damage and negatively impact local wildlife. The petition quickly gathered thousands of signatures, forcing the city planning committee to reconsider their decision and schedule a public hearing to address the community's concerns.
What was the primary goal of the citizens' petition?
The passage clearly states that the petition was launched 'to protest the proposed construction of a new shopping mall,' indicating their primary goal was to prevent its building.
The passage clearly states that the petition was launched 'to protest the proposed construction of a new shopping mall,' indicating their primary goal was to prevent its building.
According to the passage, what is a key function of petitions in democratic societies?
Read this passage:
Historically, petitions have played a crucial role in democratic processes, allowing ordinary citizens to voice their opinions and demand accountability from those in power. The right to petition is enshrined in many constitutions worldwide, serving as a fundamental tool for civic engagement and social change. While not always leading to immediate results, petitions can significantly influence public opinion and governmental decisions over time.
According to the passage, what is a key function of petitions in democratic societies?
The passage states petitions allow 'ordinary citizens to voice their opinions and demand accountability from those in power,' directly answering the question.
The passage states petitions allow 'ordinary citizens to voice their opinions and demand accountability from those in power,' directly answering the question.
What factors contribute to the success of a petition, according to the passage?
Read this passage:
Collecting signatures for a petition can be a challenging but rewarding process. It often requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a clear understanding of the issue at hand. Success depends not only on the number of signatures but also on the credibility of the arguments presented and the persistence of the organizers. A well-executed petition can demonstrate a powerful collective will.
What factors contribute to the success of a petition, according to the passage?
The passage explicitly lists 'strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a clear understanding of the issue at hand' as well as 'the credibility of the arguments presented and the persistence of the organizers' as factors for success.
The passage explicitly lists 'strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a clear understanding of the issue at hand' as well as 'the credibility of the arguments presented and the persistence of the organizers' as factors for success.
This sentence describes a common scenario where a petition is used to advocate for community improvements.
This sentence illustrates the scale and purpose of a petition, emphasizing collective action.
This sentence shows the process of initiating a petition and its target audience.
The activists launched a formidable ___ to demand stricter environmental regulations, gathering thousands of signatures online.
A 'petition' specifically refers to a formal written request signed by many people. 'Supplication' and 'entreaty' are general requests, often humble, while 'appeal' can be a request but not necessarily a document signed by many.
Despite the overwhelming support for their cause, the group's ___ was ultimately rejected by the city council.
The context implies a formal request made by a group to an authority, which is precisely what a 'petition' is. 'Mandate' is an official order, 'edict' is a decree, and 'proclamation' is a public announcement, none of which fit the scenario of a rejected request from a group.
The grassroots movement initiated a ___ to challenge the proposed development, arguing it would irrevocably harm the local ecosystem.
The phrase 'initiated a ___ to challenge' and the nature of the group's action (arguing against harm to the ecosystem) strongly point to a 'petition' as a formal collective request for change. 'Disputation' and 'contention' relate to arguments, while 'solicitation' is asking for something, but not necessarily a formal document signed by many.
Following the public outcry, the local residents organized a ___ urging the authorities to reconsider their decision regarding the library's closure.
The context of 'public outcry' and 'urging the authorities to reconsider' aligns perfectly with the definition of a 'petition' as a formal request signed by many. An 'injunction' is a court order, an 'ultimatum' is a final demand, and a 'referendum' is a direct vote by the electorate, none of which fit the action described.
To secure better working conditions, the union members collectively signed a ___ addressed to the company's board of directors.
The action of 'union members collectively signed a ___ addressed to the company's board of directors' to 'secure better working conditions' clearly indicates a 'petition'. A 'decree' is an official order, a 'stipulation' is a condition or requirement, and a 'convention' is a large meeting, none of which describe this type of formal request.
The humanitarian organization launched a global ___ to pressure governments into increasing aid to developing nations.
A 'global ___ to pressure governments into increasing aid' is best described as a 'petition', which is a formal request signed by many to influence those in power. 'Enactment' refers to making something law, 'proviso' is a condition, and 'reclamation' is the act of getting something back, none of which fit the context.
Imagine you are drafting a petition to improve public transportation in your city. Write a compelling introductory paragraph for this petition, outlining the problem and the desired outcome. Remember to use formal and persuasive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
We, the undersigned residents of [City Name], hereby formally submit this petition to address the pressing need for comprehensive improvements to our public transportation system. The current infrastructure suffers from chronic inefficiencies, limited route coverage, and inadequate accessibility, significantly hindering the daily commutes and overall quality of life for countless citizens. Our collective aspiration is to instigate a systemic overhaul that prioritizes expanded services, enhanced reliability, and greater environmental sustainability, thereby fostering a more connected and thriving urban environment for all.
You are organizing a group of concerned citizens to submit a petition to the local council regarding a new housing development. Write a short email to your fellow organizers, explaining the purpose of the petition and what you hope to achieve. Include a call to action for them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Subject: Urgent: Petition against the proposed [Housing Development Name] Development Dear fellow organizers, I hope this email finds you well. As you know, the proposed [Housing Development Name] development poses significant concerns for our community, particularly regarding its potential impact on local infrastructure, green spaces, and traffic congestion. To formally voice our collective objections and advocate for a more responsible development plan, I have initiated a petition to the local council. The primary goal of this petition is to compel the council to re-evaluate the project, potentially leading to modifications or even a halt to the current plans. Your active participation in gathering signatures and raising awareness will be absolutely crucial to its success. Let's work together to protect our neighborhood.
Describe a historical event where a significant petition played a crucial role in bringing about social or political change. Explain the context, the demands of the petition, and its ultimate impact.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
One prominent historical event where a petition proved instrumental in societal transformation was the Chartist movement in 19th-century Britain. Amidst widespread economic hardship and disenfranchisement, Chartists drafted 'The People's Charter,' a monumental petition demanding universal male suffrage, annual parliaments, secret ballots, and other electoral reforms. Despite being repeatedly rejected by Parliament, the sheer scale of support for the petition, often garnering millions of signatures, underscored the profound popular discontent and acted as a powerful catalyst for gradual political reform over the following decades, ultimately contributing to the expansion of democratic rights in the UK.
According to the passage, what is a primary criticism leveled against online petitions?
Read this passage:
A recent news report highlighted the growing trend of online petitions as a tool for public advocacy. While these digital petitions offer unprecedented reach and ease of access, critics argue that they often lack the tangible impact of traditional, in-person signature gathering. The challenge lies in converting digital support into concrete action from decision-makers, who may view online signatures with less gravitas than physically collected ones. Nonetheless, the sheer volume of participation in some online petitions has undeniably brought about significant public discourse and, in some cases, policy shifts.
According to the passage, what is a primary criticism leveled against online petitions?
The passage states, 'critics argue that they often lack the tangible impact of traditional, in-person signature gathering.' This directly addresses the question about the primary criticism.
The passage states, 'critics argue that they often lack the tangible impact of traditional, in-person signature gathering.' This directly addresses the question about the primary criticism.
What was a significant outcome of the petition mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
The organization launched a petition advocating for stricter environmental regulations concerning industrial waste. The petition outlined several key demands, including mandatory independent environmental audits, increased penalties for violations, and greater transparency in waste disposal practices. Despite facing considerable resistance from industrial lobbyists, the sustained public pressure generated by the petition eventually led to a government review of existing legislation and the promise of more robust environmental protections.
What was a significant outcome of the petition mentioned in the passage?
The passage clearly states, 'the sustained public pressure generated by the petition eventually led to a government review of existing legislation and the promise of more robust environmental protections.'
The passage clearly states, 'the sustained public pressure generated by the petition eventually led to a government review of existing legislation and the promise of more robust environmental protections.'
Which of the following is NOT suggested as a crucial element for organizing a successful petition?
Read this passage:
When organizing a successful petition, it is crucial to clearly articulate the problem, propose a viable solution, and identify the specific authority or organization capable of enacting the desired change. A well-crafted petition should also include compelling arguments supported by evidence, ensuring that signatories understand the gravity of the issue and the necessity of their support. Furthermore, widespread dissemination through various channels, both online and offline, is vital to maximizing its reach and influence.
Which of the following is NOT suggested as a crucial element for organizing a successful petition?
The passage explicitly states, 'A well-crafted petition should also include compelling arguments supported by evidence,' making 'Ignoring evidence in favor of emotional appeals' the incorrect option.
The passage explicitly states, 'A well-crafted petition should also include compelling arguments supported by evidence,' making 'Ignoring evidence in favor of emotional appeals' the incorrect option.
This sentence describes the action of gathering support for a formal request concerning environmental issues.
This sentence illustrates a group's organized effort to advocate for increased openness through a formal request.
This sentence shows a situation where a formal request, even with substantial backing, was rejected by authorities.
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
Understand the Core Meaning
A petition is like a formal group request. Think of it as many people asking for the same thing in writing.
Visualize the Action
Imagine people gathering signatures on a piece of paper. This is what people do when they start a petition.
Use it in a Simple Sentence
Try saying: 'The students started a petition to get more books for the library.' This helps you practice using it correctly.
Identify Key Words in the Definition
Focus on words like 'formal written document,' 'many people sign,' and 'ask a person or organization.' These describe a petition.
Ejemplo
The neighbors started a petition to fix the broken street lights.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de law
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
bankruptcy
A1Es cuando no puedes pagar tus deudas. Un tribunal ayuda a resolver la situación de tus deudas.
burden of proof
A1Es la responsabilidad de probar que lo que dices es verdad. Quien hace una afirmación debe demostrarla.
charge
A1Es la acusación formal hecha por la policía o un tribunal de que alguien ha cometido un delito.
clause
A1Una cláusula es una parte específica de un documento legal o contrato que explica una condición o requisito.
compensation
A1Es dinero que se da a alguien para compensar una pérdida, lesión o sufrimiento.
compliance
A1Compliance is the act of following a rule, law, or specific order. It is most often used to describe when a person or a company obeys legal requirements or safety standards.
confidentiality
A1Confidentiality means keeping information secret or private. It is a rule that says you cannot tell other people's secrets to anyone else.
conviction
A1La decisión formal de un tribunal que declara a alguien culpable, o una creencia muy firme.
copyright
A1Es el derecho que te da control sobre tu obra (como un libro o canción). Nadie más puede copiarla o usarla sin permiso.
