EAP Grammar for Formal Writing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a noun clause as the object of the verb?
- The researcher argued what the data was inconclusive.
- The researcher argued that the data was inconclusive. (Correct answer)
- The researcher argued which the data was inconclusive.
- The researcher argued when the data was inconclusive.
Correct answer: The researcher argued that the data was inconclusive.
A noun clause functioning as the object of 'argue' is introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'that.'
Question 2: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a present participial phrase?
- Written in 2005, the author revised the textbook.
- Revising the data, the error was discovered by the team.
- Using advanced statistical methods, the researchers confirmed the hypothesis. (Correct answer)
- Having been published, readers found the article insightful.
Correct answer: Using advanced statistical methods, the researchers confirmed the hypothesis.
The participial phrase 'Using advanced statistical methods' correctly modifies 'the researchers,' the sentence's subject.
Question 3: In a formal essay, which transition best signals a concession followed by a counterargument?
- Furthermore, critics argue the policy is flawed.
- Although critics argue the policy is flawed, evidence suggests it is effective. (Correct answer)
- Critics argue the policy is flawed; similarly, others disagree.
- The policy is flawed, because critics argue against it.
Correct answer: Although critics argue the policy is flawed, evidence suggests it is effective.
'Although' introduces a concessive clause, acknowledging the opposing view before presenting the writer's position.
Question 4: Which sentence uses the correct article before an acronym?
- The study used a MRI scanner to collect data.
- The study used an MRI scanner to collect data. (Correct answer)
- The study used the MRI scanner to collect data.
- The study used MRI scanner to collect data.
Correct answer: The study used an MRI scanner to collect data.
Article choice before acronyms is based on how the acronym is pronounced; 'MRI' begins with the vowel sound /ɛm/, so 'an' is correct.
Question 5: Which construction correctly hedges a claim in academic writing?
- This proves that socioeconomic status determines academic success.
- Socioeconomic status definitely causes academic success.
- The findings suggest that socioeconomic status may influence academic outcomes. (Correct answer)
- Obviously, socioeconomic status affects academic success.
Correct answer: The findings suggest that socioeconomic status may influence academic outcomes.
Hedging with 'suggest,' 'may,' and 'influence' appropriately qualifies the claim without overstating the evidence.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses a past perfect to establish sequence of events?
- By the time the paper was submitted, the data was analyzed.
- By the time the paper was submitted, the data had been analyzed. (Correct answer)
- By the time the paper was submitted, the data has been analyzed.
- By the time the paper was submitted, the data would be analyzed.
Correct answer: By the time the paper was submitted, the data had been analyzed.
The past perfect 'had been analyzed' correctly indicates that data analysis was completed before the paper submission.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a colon in formal writing?
- The study identified three key variables: temperature, pressure, and humidity. (Correct answer)
- The study identified: temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- The study identified the following: were temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- The three variables were: identified as temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Correct answer: The study identified three key variables: temperature, pressure, and humidity.
A colon must follow a complete independent clause before introducing a list or explanation.
EAP Grammar for Formal Writing 4
Which sentence correctly uses a noun clause as the object of the verb?