Confusing word pairs PART ONE ( a short review...)- TOEIC Students and Upper level learners

Vocabulary acquisition is a challenge when learning a new language, trust me, I know. I am bilingual, fluent in Afrikaans as a second language-steadily working at Russian and attempting German as some of you may well know- yet I am well aware of the fact that vocabulary acquisition is a never-ending road...

Remembering vocabulary is always a challenge after we have have learnt new words. A simple fact.

This is an issue raised by many of my students as we study new words and phrases in class.To make matters more interesting- the situation of dealing with synonyms and homonyms can often cause confusion. In my experience- words are often confused by students, no matter the level they are on. 

Word pairs are essential- something to be taught and studied, these word pairs often appear in exams like the TOEIC.

Below, is a short review of some confusing word pairs:

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advice (noun)

recommendation

I need some advice, how can I manage my time?

advise (verb)

the act of giving a recommendation

I advise (that) you go and see her now!

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effect:

the result or influence of something- noun

I tried taking tablets for the headache but they didn't have any effect.

affect:

 to influence or produce an effect on

Health issues, like Fibromyalgia affect people in their twenties right through to those in their more senior years.

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allot

to give something, especially a share of something available, for a particular purpose:

[+ two objects] They allotted everyone a separate desk.

a lot

always two words meaning many

I have a lot of homework to correct.

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assistance (noun)

help

I need some assistance with these reports.

assistants (noun)

people who help

I need a new assistant- the one I have at the moment just isn't working out!

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complement / compliment

Complement is a noun or verb that means something that completes or makes up a whole:

The black jacket is a perfect complement to those lovely slacks.

Compliment is a noun or verb that means an expression of praise or admiration:

Students receive compliments when they do well in class.

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council / councilor / counsel / counselor

A councilor is a member of a council, which is an assembly called together for discussion or deliberation. 

A counselor is one who gives counsel, which is advice or guidance. More specifically, a counselor can be an attorney or a supervisor at camp.

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i.e. / e.g.

The abbreviation e.g. means for example (from Latin exempli gratia): 

She gives a variety of language sessions (e.g.,Art, crafts, English literature, Grammar and Exam tutorials.).

 The abbreviation i.e. means that is or in other words (from Latin id est): 

The joy of my existence (i.e., Teaching English) imbues my life with meaning.

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lend / loan

Some say that loan should only be used as a noun, lend and loan are both acceptable as verbs in standard English: “Can you lend (loan) me a dollar?” However, only lend should be used in figurative senses: “Will you lend me a hand?”/ ''lend me an ear...''