Academic Writing Essentials Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is needed to give academic writing a point?

A thesis and indication of the larger conversation to which the thesis is responding.

What should a writer delay explaining in the second paragraph of a short essay?

The conversation to which he or she is responding.

What is Graff and Birkenstein's suggestion for entering the conversation?

Summarize what 'they say' first.

What should writers periodically do in academic writing?

Remind readers about the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to state together as a unit?

Your position and the position to which it is responding. Signup and view all the answers

What is OK to delay in your essay, but should not be overlooked?

A detailed elaboration of the ideas to which you are responding. Signup and view all the answers

What are the various ways a writer can indicate something about the arguments of others?

Supporting, opposing, amending, complicating, or qualifying. Signup and view all the answers

What is an added benefit of summarizing others' views?

Other writers have already done some of the work of framing and clarifying the issue you're writing about. Signup and view all the answers

What should you ensure if beginning an essay without summarizing others' views?

Your opening should illustrate the view you're addressing or lead you directly to that view with a minimum of steps. Signup and view all the answers

What view of 'good writing' does Graff and Birkenstein's book challenge?

Making true and logical statements about a topic with little reference to what others have said about it. Signup and view all the answers

What are return sentences?

Sentences that re-present the motivating 'they say' to the readers of your text. Signup and view all the answers

What is Graff and Birkenstein's central idea?

Start with what others are saying and continue keeping it in the readers' view. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Academic Writing Essentials

Academic writing requires a clear thesis to engage in ongoing scholarly discussions.
Introducing the broader conversation is crucial for providing context to your thesis.

Paragraph Structure

In a short essay, the second paragraph is the latest point at which the conversation should be explained.
Early engagement with existing discourse strengthens your argument.

Entering the Conversation

Summarizing opposing viewpoints first is a recommended strategy to join the scholarly conversation.
This approach aligns with Graff and Birkenstein's methodology for effective discourse.

Reader Engagement

Periodically reminding readers about the ongoing conversation maintains clarity and relevance in academic writing.
This technique helps anchor the reader's understanding throughout the piece.

Clarifying Positions

Clearly stating your position alongside the counterarguments enhances the coherence of your argument.
Presenting these elements together as a unit strengthens the argumentative structure.

Delaying Elaborations

Detailed elaboration on ideas being responded to can be postponed, but it should not be neglected entirely.
A balance between response and elaboration facilitates smooth narrative progression.

Writing Strategies

Writers can support, oppose, amend, complicate, or qualify others’ arguments, offering a nuanced perspective.
Using these strategies enriches the dialogue surrounding the primary subject.

Benefits of Summarizing

Summarizing others’ viewpoints allows the writer to leverage existing frameworks, easing the burden of framing the issue.
This method enhances clarity and supports the effectiveness of the argument.

Crafting Openings

Begin essays by ensuring that the introduction illustrates the views being addressed, leading readers directly into the argument.
Minimum steps should be employed to transition smoothly into discussion.

Good Writing Redefined

The traditional notion of "good writing" as isolated logic is challenged; engaging with existing discourse is essential.
Emphasizing dialogue with other writers encourages a more credible and dynamic narrative.

Re-presenting Ideas

Return sentences that reintroduce motivating "they say" concepts help reinforce the context for readers.
This technique ensures that ongoing conversations remain at the forefront of the discussion.

Central Theme

Graff and Birkenstein emphasize the importance of starting with existing dialogues and keeping them visible throughout the writing process.
Continuous engagement with others’ ideas fosters a richer academic discussion.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in academic writing, including thesis development and engaging with scholarly discourse. This quiz covers essential strategies for structuring paragraphs, entering conversations, and clarifying positions in essays.