American Language Course Placement Test (ALCPT) Practice Exam

To 'account for' something means to explain it or provide clarification regarding why it is the way it is. This phrase often implies that one must provide reasoning or justification for a particular situation or outcome. For example, if you account for a discrepancy in figures, you would be expected to explain the reasons behind the difference. While discussing something could involve presenting information or viewpoints, and predicting involves forecasting future events, those actions do not necessarily require the depth of explanation or justification implied by 'account for'. Ignoring something suggests a complete lack of consideration for it, which is contrary to the idea of providing an explanation. Thus, the essence of 'account for' lies significantly in offering a clear explanation.