📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Practice distinguishing between 'sensible' and 'sensitive' to communicate meaning clearly and naturally.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
sensible |
showing good judgment or practical thinking | It’s sensible to bring a raincoat when the forecast predicts bad weather. |
|
sensitive |
easily affected emotionally or physically aware of others’ feelings | She’s very sensitive to criticism and takes feedback personally. |
🔍 See It in Context
Choosing Words Carefully About Reactions and Judgments
During the team meeting, Maria suggested a sensible approach to manage the project budget. She wanted to avoid any risk by being practical. Meanwhile, John was sensitive to the criticism given about his last report, so he felt a bit upset. The manager reminded the group that discussing financial cuts is a sensitive issue, so everyone should be respectful. It’s important to make sensible decisions at work while also being sensitive to colleagues’ feelings. This balance helps maintain a positive and effective environment.
💡 Notice the Pattern
Distinguishing 'Sensible' and 'Sensitive' in Context
'Sensible' relates to good judgment and practical thinking, while 'sensitive' describes emotional or physical responsiveness. They often appear with different patterns: 'sensible decision' vs. 'sensitive to criticism.'
- She made a sensible decision to save money for emergencies.
- He is sensitive to criticism and prefers gentle feedback.
💬 Useful Examples
- It's sensible to prepare thoroughly before a presentation.
- Many people are sensitive to caffeine and avoid drinking coffee late.
- Please be sensitive when giving feedback in personal matters.
- The committee recommended a sensible plan to reduce expenses.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
She gave a ____ response to the negative comments (sensitive / sensible / sensitivity).
2.
Making a ____ decision helped prevent future problems (sensitive / sensible / sensibly).
3.
We discussed a ____ issue that could affect everyone in the office (sensible / sensitively / sensitive).
4.
He is ____ to loud noises after the accident (sensitive / sensible / sensibility).
5.
Taking a ____ approach to customer complaints usually leads to better results (sensitive / sensible / sensitivity).
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
Sensible
2.
Sensitive
3.
Sensitive issue
4.
Sensible decision
5.
He is sensitive to criticism
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
Which word best describes a person who reacts emotionally to comments?
2.
If you make a logical and practical choice, you are being:
3.
What phrase would you use to describe a topic that could upset people if discussed carelessly?
4.
Which expression means showing good, practical judgment?
5.
If someone reacts quickly to physical changes, such as light or sound, they are:
📝 Use It Yourself
Write 2–3 sentences explaining a sensible decision you made and how you were sensitive to someone’s feelings.
Example:
I made a sensible decision to save money each month for emergencies. When my friend was upset about losing a job, I was sensitive and listened carefully to support them.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
I always try to be sensible when planning my work schedule.
Say:
She is very sensitive to criticism from her colleagues.
Ask:
Can you explain a time you made a sensible decision?
Say:
Sensitive topics require careful and respectful discussion.
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. sensitive
2. sensible
3. sensitive
4. sensitive
5. sensible
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. c – Showing practical judgment
2. d – Easily affected emotionally or physically
3. e – Topic requiring careful handling due to feelings
4. a – A choice based on reason and practicality
5. b – He reacts strongly when people criticize him
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. sensitive
2. sensible
3. sensitive issue
4. sensible approach
5. sensitive to