CAEL CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Grammar and Sentence Structure Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

In academic English, which tense is most commonly used to report the findings of a study?

Accepted Answer

Simple present or simple past

Answer

Academic writing typically uses the simple present to describe current truths or the simple past to report completed research findings.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses a conditional structure in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

If the sample size increases, the results are more reliable.

Answer

A first conditional (present tense in the 'if' clause + present/future in the main clause) correctly expresses a realistic academic condition.

Question 3

What punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

A semicolon or a comma with a coordinating conjunction

Answer

Two independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon or by a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., 'and,' 'but,' 'so').

Question 4

Identify the correct use of articles in this sentence: 'The researcher used __ unique method to analyze __ data.'

Accepted Answer

an / the

Answer

'Unique' begins with a 'y' sound, so it takes 'a' (not 'an'); 'the data' uses the definite article because it refers to specific data already established.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

Rushing to finish, the essay was completed by the student.

Answer

In 'Rushing to finish, the essay was completed by the student,' the modifier 'rushing to finish' incorrectly appears to modify 'the essay' rather than 'the student.'

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

CAEL CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Grammar and Sentence Structure Questions and Answers 2