Academic Literacy Comprehension Flashcards

A passage states: 'While correlation between screen time and academic decline has been documented, researchers caution against assuming causation.' What does this sentence primarily warn readers against?

Answer: Concluding that screen time directly causes academic decline

The sentence warns that a documented correlation should not be mistaken for a causal relationship.

In academic writing, a 'caveat' is best described as:

Answer: A limitation or warning attached to a claim

A caveat is a qualification or warning that limits the scope or certainty of a statement.

An author writes three paragraphs describing a problem, then one paragraph proposing a solution. What organizational pattern is being used?

Answer: Problem-solution

Presenting a problem followed by a proposed solution is the problem-solution organizational pattern.

Read: 'The proliferation of misinformation has rendered critical evaluation of sources not merely advisable but indispensable.' The word 'indispensable' most closely means:

Answer: Absolutely necessary

'Indispensable' means absolutely essential or cannot be done without.

A paragraph begins: 'On the one hand, urbanization improves access to services. On the other hand, it strains infrastructure.' The function of this paragraph is to:

Answer: Present a balanced view of competing perspectives

The 'on the one hand / on the other hand' structure signals the presentation of two contrasting perspectives.

Which sentence best demonstrates a hedging strategy commonly used in academic writing?

Answer: These findings may suggest a link between diet and cognition.

Words like 'may' and 'suggest' are hedges that express uncertainty and are characteristic of academic writing.

A text includes the sentence: 'Despite initial resistance, the policy gained widespread acceptance within two years.' The word 'despite' signals:

Answer: A concession that contrasts with the main point

'Despite' introduces a concessive clause, indicating that the resistance did not prevent the acceptance.