Essentials of Academic Writing (D314)

Correct Answer

A. Hedging

Explanation

Hedging refers to the use of cautious or vague language to avoid making strong statements. The phrase "may suggest" and "there is a possibility of" are examples of hedging, as they introduce uncertainty and lack definitive claims about the results of the study.

Why other options are wrong

B. Run-on sentence

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are improperly connected. This sentence is not a run-on because it has proper punctuation.

C. Fragment

A fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject or a verb. This sentence is a complete thought, so it is not a fragment.

D. Ambiguity

Ambiguity refers to unclear or vague wording that can lead to multiple interpretations. While this sentence hedges its claims, it is not particularly ambiguous, as the meaning remains clear.

Correct Answer

A. results

Explanation

The results section is where the findings from the research are presented. It includes an orderly presentation of data and observations, often organized by headings corresponding to the research questions or themes that emerged from the data analysis.

Why other options are wrong

B. discussion

The discussion section interprets the results and explains their implications, but it is not the section where the findings themselves are simply presented.

C. methodology

The methodology section outlines the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data, but does not present the actual findings.

D. references

The references section lists all the sources cited in the paper, but does not contain the research findings themselves.

Correct Answer

C. Use as many scientific terms as possible

Explanation

Using excessive scientific terms can lead to overly complicated writing that may be difficult for a broader audience to understand. While scientific terminology is important in specific contexts, clarity and accessibility should always be prioritized. Research writing should aim for clear communication, using terminology appropriately and avoiding jargon overload.

Why other options are wrong

A. Be direct and to the point

Being direct and concise is crucial in research writing. Clear communication ensures that the audience can easily understand the argument or findings without unnecessary elaboration or ambiguity.

B. Be formal and not too casual or conversational

Research writing should maintain a formal tone to convey professionalism and credibility. Casual or conversational language may undermine the seriousness of the work and detract from its academic rigor.

D. Avoid being repetitive or long winded

Repetition and unnecessary length can detract from the clarity of the research. Research writing should be focused and concise, with each point directly contributing to the argument or analysis.

Correct Answer

D. Popular periodicals can add context to a topic, but should be supported with scholarly sources.

Explanation

Popular periodicals, such as magazines, can be useful for providing context, current trends, and public perspectives on a topic, which is valuable for certain academic research. However, because these sources often lack peer review and may not be as rigorously researched as scholarly sources, they should be used alongside more credible academic sources to ensure the accuracy and depth of the research.

Why other options are wrong

A. If properly cited, any periodical is a credible source for academic research.

While proper citation is important, not all periodicals are equally credible. Popular periodicals may lack peer review and rigorous research, making them less reliable than scholarly journals. The credibility of a source should be evaluated beyond citation alone.

B. Popular magazines from established publishing houses are credible sources of information for academic research.

Even though magazines from reputable publishers may be informative, they are generally not considered as credible as peer-reviewed academic journals. The editorial process for magazines does not typically involve the same level of scholarly scrutiny as academic publications.

C. Popular periodicals have no place in academic writing.

While popular periodicals may not be the primary source for academic research, they can still be useful for context or to highlight public perspectives on a topic. They should just be supplemented with scholarly sources to strengthen the research.

Correct Answer

B. Essays and research papers are often studies of others' work; a thesis or dissertation is written about the student's own work or study.

Explanation

The key difference is that a thesis or dissertation involves original research or an in-depth study conducted by the student, while essays or research papers often focus on reviewing and analyzing existing literature or studies. A thesis or dissertation requires a significant contribution to the field through the student’s own findings, data, or analysis.

Why other options are wrong

A. The requirements for proper grammar, spelling, and word choice are more stringent for theses and dissertations.

While academic writing in theses and dissertations tends to be more formal, the core difference lies in the originality of the research rather than grammatical precision.

C. Undergraduate research papers do not require the student to gather, analyze, and comment upon data.

This is inaccurate. Many undergraduate papers require some level of data gathering and analysis, depending on the subject or course.

D. A thesis or dissertation should only reference other expert's work, whereas an undergraduate paper allows for more personal opinion.

This is incorrect. Both a thesis/dissertation and an undergraduate paper should base arguments on scholarly evidence, and personal opinion should be supported by research.

Correct Answer

D. Persuasive

Explanation

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular point of view by presenting a claim supported by evidence. The essay culminates in a conclusion that reinforces the main argument based on the evidence presented throughout the text. This type of essay is designed to persuade the audience to accept the writer’s viewpoint on a specific issue.

Why other options are wrong

A. Descriptive

A descriptive essay primarily focuses on providing a detailed description of a subject. It does not present a claim or argument but rather aims to paint a vivid picture using sensory details.

B. Narrative

A narrative essay tells a story, typically from the author’s perspective, and is more concerned with recounting events than presenting an argument or claim supported by evidence.

C. Expository

An expository essay explains a topic in a clear and straightforward manner, often using facts and examples, but it does not aim to persuade the reader to accept a particular viewpoint. It focuses on delivering information rather than advocating for a specific position.

Correct Answer

B. When the writer paraphrases the conclusions of their own research paper in another piece of writing.

Explanation

When you are paraphrasing the conclusions from your own previously written work, you do not need to provide a citation, as you are the original author of the material. This is not considered plagiarism, as the work is your own.

Why other options are wrong

A. When writing about an idea or concept with which the reader might disagree.

Even if you disagree with the idea, if it is someone else's work, it requires citation. The citation is for the source of the idea, not for agreement.

C. When the writer uses visuals created by a media company to illustrate their point.

Visuals from a media company are copyrighted material and require citation to avoid plagiarism.

D. When reviewing another writer's theories or experimental results published in a periodical.

Theories or experimental results from another author must always be cited, as they are someone else's intellectual property.

Correct Answer

C. MLA and APA

Explanation

MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) are two of the most widely used citation styles in academic writing. MLA is commonly used in humanities, especially literature, while APA is used primarily in the social sciences.

Why other options are wrong

A. MPA and APA

MPA is not a widely recognized citation style, making this pairing incorrect.

B. MPA and AMA

MPA is not a recognized citation style, and while AMA (American Medical Association) is a valid citation style, it is not as commonly used in general academic writing as MLA or APA.

D. MLA and AMA

While MLA is widely used, AMA is more specific to medical writing and not as widely applied in general academic fields as APA.

Correct Answer

D. Taking handwritten notes is quicker and more efficient than using a word processing program.

Explanation

While handwritten notes can be useful for summarizing and processing information, they are generally not quicker or more efficient than typing on a word processing program. Word processors allow for faster editing, organizing, and searching for information. They also offer better formatting options and the ability to store and retrieve data more easily.

Why other options are wrong

A. Having separate note cards for each main idea lets you shuffle them around and structure your paper.

This is a significant advantage as it helps organize ideas, allowing you to rearrange them for better flow and logical structure in your paper.

B. Taking handwritten notes lends itself to paraphrasing and summarizing, which help avoid plagiarism.

Handwritten notes can encourage students to paraphrase and summarize information, which reduces the likelihood of plagiarism. This technique allows them to process the information in their own words.

C. Keeping separate notes for each idea with a reference to the source makes it easier to go back and verify the information.

This is an excellent practice for ensuring that sources are properly cited and that information can be verified easily. It helps in maintaining academic integrity and creating a well-supported argument.