ELSA ELSA Academic Language & Register 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which word is an example of a nominalization (a verb turned into a noun)?
- investigation (from investigate) (Correct answer)
- quickly (from quick)
- running (as a gerund)
- careful (from care)
Correct answer: investigation (from investigate)
Nominalization converts a verb like 'investigate' into a noun form like 'investigation,' a common feature of academic writing.
Question 2: In academic writing, what is the passive voice primarily used for?
- To focus on the action or result rather than the person performing it (Correct answer)
- To make writing sound more personal and engaging
- To shorten sentences and save space
- To express opinions more directly
Correct answer: To focus on the action or result rather than the person performing it
The passive voice shifts focus to the action or result (e.g., 'The experiment was conducted') rather than naming the agent.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of an in-text citation in APA style?
- (Smith, 2020, p. 45) (Correct answer)
- (Smith 2020:45)
- [Smith, 2020, p. 45]
- Smith (2020) 45
Correct answer: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)
In APA style, in-text citations include the author's last name, publication year, and page number in parentheses: (Smith, 2020, p. 45).
Question 4: What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To state the main idea of that paragraph (Correct answer)
- To provide supporting evidence for the thesis
- To conclude the paragraph with a summary
- To transition to the next paragraph
Correct answer: To state the main idea of that paragraph
A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, telling the reader what that paragraph will discuss.
Question 5: Which phrase best introduces a counterargument in an academic essay?
- Some critics argue that… (Correct answer)
- It is clear that…
- Obviously, everyone agrees…
- The most important point is…
Correct answer: Some critics argue that…
'Some critics argue that…' is a standard academic phrase used to fairly present an opposing viewpoint before refuting it.
Question 6: In academic English, which word is the most appropriate synonym for 'use' in a formal sentence?
- utilize
- employ
- apply
- All of the above are acceptable in formal academic writing. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above are acceptable in formal academic writing.
'Utilize,' 'employ,' and 'apply' are all acceptable formal alternatives to 'use' in academic writing, depending on context.
ELSA ELSA Academic Language & Register 2
Which word is an example of a nominalization (a verb turned into a noun)?