English for Academic Purposes: Professional Writing

What is the purpose of using 'however' in an argument?

Which of the following phrases indicates a causal relationship?

What type of verb is referred to when mentioning modality?

What is one of the reasons for exercising caution in academic writing?

What is meant by nominalization in writing?

What is a key feature of sentences in academic writing?

Which of the following best exemplifies effective combination of ideas?

Which marker could indicate a contrast in a written argument?

What is a key characteristic of formality in academic writing?

Which of the following is an example of achieving formality?

Why is objectivity important in academic writing?

What should be avoided in order to maintain objectivity in writing?

What is an essential aspect of explicitness in academic writing?

Which of these phrases would be considered informal and should be avoided in academic writing?

How can one effectively avoid a personal tone in academic writing?

What does it mean to avoid colloquial expressions in formal writing?

Aspects of Professional and Academic Writing

Formality

Precision in language enhances the legitimacy of academic writing.
Use expanded modal forms instead of contracted forms (e.g., "cannot" vs. "can't").
Prefer single verb forms over two-word verbs (e.g., "continue" vs. "carry on").
Avoid abbreviations in formal writing, opting for full phrases (e.g., "as soon as possible" vs. "ASAP").
Eliminate colloquial or idiomatic expressions to maintain formality.

Objectivity

Academic writing emphasizes the use of complex language and impersonal tone.
Writing should focus on the information and arguments rather than personal pronouns like "I" or "you".
Statements should be assertive without attributing opinions to the writer (e.g., "This is a very interesting study" instead of "In my opinion...").
Use general terms rather than directly addressing the reader (e.g., "It is easy to forget..." instead of "You can easily forget...").

Explicitness

Signposts in writing help readers understand the structure and relationships within the study.
Indicate shifts in arguments clearly with transitional phrases (e.g., "however").
Use explicit phrases to clarify ideas (e.g., "This is due to…" or "This resulted in…").

Caution

Academic writing must be careful to avoid overgeneralizations, relying on proven theories and concepts.
Utilize modal verbs to express possibility or uncertainty (e.g., "may," "might," "could").
Use adverbs to modify verbs and convey a more nuanced meaning (e.g., "tend to," "commonly").

Structure

Academic sentences should display complexity, reflecting the sophistication of the writer.
Combine ideas efficiently, avoiding redundancy while enhancing clarity (e.g., combine related statements into one cohesive thought).
Employ techniques like nominalization and passivization to achieve academic structure, focusing on actions rather than subjects.

This quiz focuses on key aspects of professional and academic writing, including formality, objectivity, and structure. Improve your skills by understanding the importance of using precise language in academic contexts. Test your knowledge on the rules and principles that guide effective writing in professional settings.