EAP Sentence Meaning 3

Question 1

What meaning does the sentence 'Despite its widespread adoption, the framework has attracted considerable criticism' convey?

Accepted Answer

The framework is popular but also significantly critiqued.

Answer

'Despite' introduces a contrast: broad use does not prevent significant criticism.

Question 2

In the sentence 'The study's external validity is limited by its reliance on a convenience sample,' what is the key implication?

Accepted Answer

The sample selection method restricts how broadly the results apply.

Answer

A convenience sample lacks random selection, limiting how confidently findings can be applied to other contexts.

Question 3

Which sentence uses a passive voice construction to de-emphasize the agent?

Accepted Answer

Errors were identified in the original dataset.

Answer

In 'Errors were identified,' the agent (who identified them) is omitted, which is a typical feature of academic passive voice.

Question 4

The sentence 'This paper seeks to interrogate the assumptions underpinning dominant discourse' most closely means:

Accepted Answer

The paper questions the beliefs that support prevailing ideas.

Answer

'Interrogate' in academic writing means to critically examine, and 'underpinning dominant discourse' refers to the foundations of mainstream ideas.

Question 5

What does 'The variable yielded no statistically significant effect' mean in a research context?

Accepted Answer

The difference observed could easily have occurred by chance.

Answer

No statistically significant effect means the result was not reliable enough to rule out random chance as an explanation.

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test