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

A thesis statement presents the central argument or claim of the essay that the writer will support throughout the paper.

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

The passive voice is appropriate in academic writing when the action is more important than the agent, as is common in lab reports and scientific writing.

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

An abstract is a concise summary at the beginning of a paper that outlines its purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

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

Hedging language like 'appears to' and 'significant risks' indicates that the claim is based on evidence while acknowledging uncertainty.

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

Signposting refers to using phrases like 'This essay will argue...' or 'In the following section...' to help readers navigate the text.

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP Academic Writing Conventions 2