English Academic Texts Grade 12

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of formalist criticism?

The social issues surrounding the literary work

The reader's personal response to the text

The author's biography and background

The text itself as an independent knowledge entity (correct)

Which criticism emphasizes the effect of literature on its original readers?

Reader-Response Criticism

Formalist Criticism

Marxist Criticism

Historical Criticism (correct)

Reader-Response Criticism primarily focuses on which aspect?

The creative process of writing

The transaction between the reader and the text (correct)

The political elements within literature

The historical context of the author

Which literary criticism is known for evaluating literature based on political ideologies?

Marxist Criticism Signup and view all the answers

What text structure is characterized by explaining reasons for phenomena?

Cause and Effect Signup and view all the answers

Which text structure is best used to organize information that identifies issues and proposes solutions?

Problem/Solution Signup and view all the answers

Which text structure discusses two ideas or phenomena and highlights their similarities and differences?

Comparison and Contrast Signup and view all the answers

What approach does Marxist criticism often entail in its evaluations of art?

Valuing political context and ideological content Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main parts of an academic text's structure?

Introduction, body, and conclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which tone is most appropriate for an academic text?

Formal and objective Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the language used in academic texts?

Unambiguous and precise language Signup and view all the answers

Why is citation important in academic texts?

It helps avoid plagiarism by acknowledging sources. Signup and view all the answers

What type of issues do academic texts typically address?

Complex issues that require higher-order thinking Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes thesis-driven academic texts?

They begin with a specific perspective on a research problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptors is least appropriate for academic writing?

Informal tone Signup and view all the answers

Academic texts value which type of arguments?

Evidence-based arguments grounded in knowledge and debate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a thesis statement in a paper?

To introduce the writer's main argument or claim Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of a well-organized outline?

Personal opinions Signup and view all the answers

What does hedging in writing refer to?

Making decisions about the strength of claims Signup and view all the answers

Which method is useful for summarizing essential elements of a text?

5W's and 1 H Signup and view all the answers

What is a reaction paper primarily evaluated on?

The writer's communication skills and unique ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a step in organizing a written paper?

Planning the order of information logically Signup and view all the answers

In the SAAC method, what is the first element to include in a summary?

The title and author's name Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a writer concerning the claims made in their paper?

To provide evidence and justification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Academic Texts

Academic texts provide information and explore ideas relevant to a specific discipline.
Common types include essays, research papers, reports, projects, articles, theses, and dissertations.

Characteristics of Academic Texts

Structure: Composed of an introduction, body, and conclusion; allows logical progression.
Tone: Attitude conveyed should fairly present opposing arguments and maintain appropriate narrative tone.
Language: Use clear, unambiguous language with formal style, third-person point of view, and relevant technical vocabulary without unnecessary complexity.
Citation: Essential for acknowledging sources to avoid plagiarism; includes footnotes or endnotes.
Complexity: Addresses intricate issues needing higher-order thinking skills.
Evidence-based Arguments: Opinions must be supported by a deep understanding of existing knowledge and debates within the discipline.
Thesis-driven: Starts with a specific perspective or argument related to the research problem.

Features of Academic Texts

Complex: Vocabulary is varied and lexically rich.
Formal: Avoids colloquial expressions.
Precise: Information is accurate and clearly presented.
Objective: Minimizes subjective language; focuses on information.
Explicit: The writer clarifies how elements of the text relate to one another.
Accurate: Carefully uses vocabulary with specific meanings.
Hedging: Modifies claims' certainty based on context and evidence.
Responsible: Writers must justify and provide evidence for claims made.
Organized: Flows logically from one section to another.
Planned: Written with a specific purpose after thorough research.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement conveys the controlling idea of the text, typically located at the introduction's end.
Should include the topic, the argument or claim (depending on the paper type), and evidence supporting the claim.

Outline Techniques

Somebody Wanted But So Then: Key questions addressing essential text elements.
SAAC Method: Summarization format including title and author's name.
5W's and 1 H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How guide to capture crucial details.
First, Then, Finally: Summarizes events chronologically or sequentially.

Reaction Paper

A personal response to material; assessed on communication skills and content originality.
Can be informal, typically around two pages in length.

Literary Criticism Approaches

Formalist Criticism: Treats literature as a unique form, independent from external context.
Historical Criticism: Studies literary works within their social, cultural, and intellectual contexts, including the author's background.
Reader-Response Criticism: Focuses on the interaction between the text and the reader’s interpretation.
Marxist Criticism: Examines economic and political influences in literature; often evaluative of ideological content.

Text Structures (WDPI, 2012)

Narrative: Tells a story with characters, setting, conflict, and plot.
Chronological: Organizes events in the order they occur.
Cause and Effect: Explains reasons for occurrences.
Problem/Solution: Identifies problems and suggests solutions.
Compare and Contrast: Discusses similarities and differences between concepts.
Definition or Description: Lists characteristics and examples of a topic.
"Trust yourself; you know more than you think you do."

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Description

This quiz focuses on the structure and characteristics of academic texts, which are crucial for Grade 12 students. It covers various forms of academic writing such as essays, research papers, and theses. Test your understanding of the essential components that define effective academic communication.