Academic Grammar and Syntax Flashcards
7 cards from real CALP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Academic Grammar and Syntax flashcards as text
Which sentence correctly uses a conditional structure appropriate for academic writing?
Answer: If the temperature rises, the reaction accelerates.
A first conditional (if + simple present, simple present) is used for real or possible conditions, making it appropriate when stating general academic principles.
Which option correctly identifies the error in this sentence: 'The effects of climate change is visible in many regions.'?
Answer: The verb 'is' does not agree with the plural subject 'effects'.
Subject-verb agreement requires a plural verb ('are') to match the plural subject 'effects'; 'is' is singular and creates a grammatical error.
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of an appositive phrase in academic writing?
Answer: Vygotsky, a Soviet psychologist, developed the zone of proximal development.
An appositive phrase renames or identifies the noun it follows and is set off by commas; 'a Soviet psychologist' is correctly placed and punctuated after 'Vygotsky'.
Which sentence correctly uses a nominalization (converting a verb to a noun) in academic style?
Answer: A significant increase in prices was observed.
Nominalization transforms 'increased' into 'increase' (a noun), enabling a more formal, impersonal academic register that emphasizes the process over the agent.
What grammatical function does the word 'however' serve in academic writing?
Answer: Conjunctive adverb
'However' is a conjunctive adverb that connects two independent clauses by showing contrast and must be preceded by a semicolon or period when joining clauses.
Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood in academic writing?
Answer: The committee recommended that the study be replicated.
The subjunctive mood is required after verbs of recommendation, demand, or suggestion, using the base form of the verb ('be') without 'should' or other modals.
In the sentence 'The results, which were unexpected, prompted further investigation,' what type of relative clause is used?
Answer: Non-restrictive (non-essential) relative clause
A non-restrictive relative clause, set off by commas, adds extra information about a noun that is already fully identified and can be removed without changing the core meaning.