EAP Academic Writing Conventions 2

Question 1

What is the function of a thesis statement in an academic essay?

Accepted Answer

To present the writer's main argument or central claim

Answer

To list all the evidence that will be discussed

Answer

To summarize the conclusion of the paper

Answer

To define key terms used throughout the essay

Question 2

Which of the following demonstrates appropriate use of the passive voice in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

The error was caused by a miscalculation in the data set.

Answer

We didn't understand what caused the error.

Answer

Someone made an error in the data set.

Answer

The data set had an error that messed things up.

Question 3

What is the purpose of an abstract in an academic paper?

Accepted Answer

To give a brief summary of the paper's content, purpose, and findings

Answer

To provide a detailed methodology section

Answer

To acknowledge sources and references

Answer

To introduce the topic with background information

Question 4

Which sentence demonstrates appropriate use of hedging language?

Accepted Answer

Climate change appears to pose significant risks to coastal cities in coming decades.

Answer

Climate change will definitely destroy all coastal cities by 2050.

Answer

Climate change is not a real concern for coastal cities.

Answer

Climate change obviously affects coastal cities everywhere.

Question 5

In academic writing, what does 'signposting' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Using language that guides the reader through the structure of the text

Answer

Using bullet points and numbered lists

Answer

Using bold text to highlight important terms

Answer

Using headings and subheadings in a paper

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of formal academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Contractions and colloquial expressions

Answer

Use of technical vocabulary

Answer

Objective, impersonal tone

Answer

Precise, specific language