Inspectors say there is gradual progress across the system, but there is need for further improvement to be made more quickly if Wales is to compete effectively.

BBC: 'Brightest and deprived lose out'

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is making gradual but clear progress as he recovers from cancer surgery in Cuba, Venezuelan officials say.

BBC: Venezuela officials: Hugo Chavez's health 'improving'

Palin's index has continued to rise steadily, while Biden's progress is more gradual.

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Over a period of years, dry AMD can progress to a gradual deterioration of retinal cells, which can result in severe vision loss or lead to the wet version of AMD.

CNN: New techniques slow progress of age-related vision loss

The process that Cowen describes would produce a gradual bend in the curve of progress, not the sudden change in slope that actually occurred.

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Chan sees it as slow but steady progress in a process that is by definition gradual.

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