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Academic Writing and Critical Reading
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Academic Writing and Critical Reading
Academic Writing and Critical Reading
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1
Question
What is the primary purpose of academic writing as described in the material?
Answer
To inform, argue a specific point, and persuade an audience.
2
Question
How is critical reading best described according to the material?
Answer
An active process of questioning and evaluating the basis of asserted statements.
3
Question
What quote represents the spirit of critical reading from Francis Bacon in the text?
Answer
“Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.”
4
Question
Name two requirements in critical reading as listed by Ramage, Bean, and Johnson (2006).
Answer
Pose problematic questions; analyze the problem in all its dimensions.
5
Question
What is meant by the ‘Nature of Academic Text’ as described in the document?
Answer
Academic text is purposeful, evidence-based, objective, targeted to a specialized audience, and formal/structured.
6
Question
List one characteristic of academic writing related to tone.
Answer
Formality; avoidance of colloquialisms and contractions.
7
Question
What is a key feature of the kinds of academic texts mentioned (e.g., research papers, essays, theses)?
Answer
They are aimed at communicating ideas, findings, or arguments within an academic context.
8
Question
What is meant by 'thoroughness' in academic writing?
Answer
In-depth analysis and consideration of multiple perspectives.
9
Question
Which structural elements are part of a formal academic piece according to the notes?
Answer
Introduction, body, and conclusion.
10
Question
What is meant by 'assertion (argument)' in the context of this material?
Answer
A claim or position that is exchanged and defended in writing.
11
Question
Identify one type of academic text described and provide its example.
Answer
Research papers/articles; Example: study on climate change effects on biodiversity.
12
Question
What is the role of evidence in academic text as per the material?
Answer
To support the claims and arguments with data or theoretical analysis.
13
Question
What does 'objectivity' imply for academic writing?
Answer
Unbiased focus on the topic rather than the writer’s opinions.
14
Question
What is emphasized about audience in academic writing?
Answer
A specialized audience with prior knowledge or expertise is assumed.
15
Question
What is the function of introductions and conclusions in essays as described?
Answer
Introductions set the tone and present the thesis; conclusions restate and close the argument.
16
Question
What is the Genus-Species method in defining terms?
Answer
Genus-Species: term plus an equating verb to place the term in a class and distinguish it (e.g., Term + is + differentia).
17
Question
Name one method of defining mentioned other than Genus-Species.
Answer
Illustration; Function; Analysis; Analogy; Contrast; Negation; Synonym; Origin/semantic history.
18
Question
What type of audience assumption is typical for academic texts?
Answer
A specialized audience with prior knowledge/expertise.
19
Question
What is the purpose of transitional words and phrases in academic writing?
Answer
To create cohesion and connect ideas smoothly.
20
Question
What does 'citation and referencing' signify in academic writing?
Answer
Properly crediting sources to acknowledge evidence and ideas.
21
Question
How should introductions manage thesis statements according to the material?
Answer
Directly state the thesis or clearly orient the reader to the topic.
22
Question
What are some types of academic texts listed besides essays and research papers?
Answer
Theses/dissertations, literature reviews, case studies, book reviews, reports, conference papers, annotated bibliographies, position papers.
23
Question
What is the recommended approach to using jargon in academic writing?
Answer
Use words readers would understand, but maintain formality; not overly casual language.
24
Question
What is a 'thesis' in the context of introductions?
Answer
A directly stated central claim or argument the paper will support.
25
Question
Why is 'formal structure' important in academic texts?
Answer
It provides a consistent framework for presenting ideas and arguments.
26
Question
What is an 'arresting statement' in introductions used for?
Answer
To grab the reader’s attention and lure them into reading.
27
Question
How should 'perspective' be treated in academic analysis according to the content?
Answer
Consider multiple perspectives and implications; avoid biased single views.
28
Question
Which practice helps in critiquing sources according to critical reading?
Answer
Question the validity and basis of assertions; scrutinize information.