EAP Reading Skills 3

Question 1

When annotating an academic text, which practice is MOST useful for critical reading?

Accepted Answer

Writing questions and reactions in the margins

Answer

Marginal notes with questions and reactions promote active engagement and deeper comprehension of the text.

Question 2

The phrase 'correlation does not imply causation' is commonly found in academic texts. What does it warn readers about?

Accepted Answer

Two variables being related does not mean one causes the other

Answer

A correlation shows two variables move together, but cannot alone establish that one directly causes the other.

Question 3

Which text structure presents events or ideas in the order they occurred?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Chronological order organizes information sequentially according to time.

Question 4

An EAP student needs to understand the argument of a dense philosophy article. Which approach is best?

Accepted Answer

Read the abstract, skim section headings, then read closely with a focus on thesis and evidence

Answer

A layered approach—overview then close reading—builds comprehension of complex academic arguments.

Question 5

What does it mean when an academic author uses passive voice, such as 'the samples were collected'?

Accepted Answer

The focus is on the action or process rather than the agent performing it

Answer

Passive voice in academic writing shifts focus to the process or result, which is common in scientific reporting.

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test