ELTIS ELTIS Academic Writing and Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses passive voice correctly?
- The researcher was conducted the experiment carefully.
- The experiment was conducted carefully by the researcher. (Correct answer)
- The experiment has been conduct carefully.
- The researcher conducted the experiment was done.
Correct answer: The experiment was conducted carefully by the researcher.
Passive voice is formed with 'to be' + past participle; 'was conducted' is the correct structure.
Question 2: What does 'coherence' mean in academic writing?
- Using complex vocabulary throughout the essay.
- Ensuring ideas flow logically and are clearly connected. (Correct answer)
- Including the maximum number of citations.
- Writing longer sentences to demonstrate knowledge.
Correct answer: Ensuring ideas flow logically and are clearly connected.
Coherence means the ideas in a piece of writing connect logically, making it easy for readers to follow the argument.
Question 3: A student wants to introduce a supporting example. Which transition phrase is most appropriate?
- In conclusion,
- For instance, (Correct answer)
- On the contrary,
- Nevertheless,
Correct answer: For instance,
'For instance' is a transition phrase used to introduce examples that support a claim.
Question 4: In academic writing, first-person pronouns like 'I' and 'we' are generally:
- Required in all academic essays.
- Preferred in scientific research papers.
- Avoided or used sparingly to maintain an objective tone. (Correct answer)
- Mandatory in conclusion paragraphs.
Correct answer: Avoided or used sparingly to maintain an objective tone.
Academic writing typically avoids first-person pronouns to maintain an objective, formal tone.
Question 5: Which sentence contains a comma splice error?
- The professor explained the concept, and the students took notes.
- The lecture was long, however it was informative. (Correct answer)
- Although the test was difficult, the students performed well.
- The experiment succeeded, as the hypothesis predicted.
Correct answer: The lecture was long, however it was informative.
A comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma; 'however' requires a semicolon before it.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph in an academic essay?
- To introduce new arguments not mentioned in the body.
- To restate the thesis and summarize the main points. (Correct answer)
- To list all sources cited in the essay.
- To ask questions for further research.
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize the main points.
The conclusion restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented and summarizes the essay's key points.
Which sentence uses passive voice correctly?