OPELA Academic Writing Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between a summary and a critique in academic writing?
- A summary evaluates strengths and weaknesses; a critique restates key points
- A summary restates main points; a critique evaluates and analyzes the work (Correct answer)
- Both summary and critique present only the writer's original arguments
- A summary requires citations while a critique does not
Correct answer: A summary restates main points; a critique evaluates and analyzes the work
A summary condenses the main points of a source, while a critique analyzes and evaluates its strengths, weaknesses, and arguments.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of an introduction paragraph in an academic essay?
- To present all supporting evidence for the argument
- To conclude the essay with final thoughts
- To provide background context and the thesis statement (Correct answer)
- To list all sources in alphabetical order
Correct answer: To provide background context and the thesis statement
An introduction provides context for the topic, engages the reader, and presents the thesis statement that guides the entire essay.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'hedging language' in academic writing?
- Using strong, definitive statements to assert claims
- Using tentative language to qualify claims and acknowledge uncertainty (Correct answer)
- Avoiding citations to emphasize original ideas
- Writing in first person to express personal views
Correct answer: Using tentative language to qualify claims and acknowledge uncertainty
Hedging language (e.g., 'may,' 'suggests,' 'it appears') qualifies claims to acknowledge limitations or uncertainty in research findings.
Question 4: What is the primary difference between active and passive voice in academic writing?
- Active voice emphasizes the action; passive voice emphasizes the subject performing the action
- Active voice uses the subject as the doer; passive voice emphasizes the action or its receiver (Correct answer)
- Passive voice is always preferred across all academic disciplines
- Active voice is only acceptable in scientific writing
Correct answer: Active voice uses the subject as the doer; passive voice emphasizes the action or its receiver
In active voice, the subject performs the action ('The researcher conducted the study'); passive voice shifts emphasis to the action or object ('The study was conducted').
Question 5: Which writing structure is most commonly required in academic essays?
- Narrative structure with a rising climax
- Stream of consciousness free writing
- Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion (Correct answer)
- Problem-solution format exclusively
Correct answer: Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
The standard academic essay structure includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion that synthesizes findings.
Question 6: What is the main purpose of an academic conclusion?
- To introduce new arguments not covered in the body paragraphs
- To restate the thesis word-for-word and list all sources used
- To synthesize key points and reinforce the thesis statement (Correct answer)
- To provide additional evidence supporting the argument
Correct answer: To synthesize key points and reinforce the thesis statement
A conclusion synthesizes the essay's main arguments, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest broader implications without introducing entirely new information.
Question 7: Which citation style is most commonly required in social science academic writing?
- MLA (Modern Language Association)
- APA (American Psychological Association) (Correct answer)
- Chicago/Turabian
- Vancouver style
Correct answer: APA (American Psychological Association)
APA style is the standard citation format used in social sciences, including psychology, education, and sociology.
OPELA Academic Writing Skills 2
What is the key difference between a summary and a critique in academic writing?