Free NBT Academic Literacy Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In academic texts, a "thesis statement" typically appears in which part of an essay?
- The conclusion
- The introduction (Correct answer)
- Each body paragraph
- The bibliography
Correct answer: The introduction
A thesis statement is the central argument or claim of an essay. It is typically placed at the end of the introduction, signalling to the reader the direction and purpose of the essay.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the term "implicit meaning" in a reading passage?
- Information stated directly in the text
- Ideas suggested by the text but not stated outright (Correct answer)
- The author's biographical background
- Definitions provided in the glossary
Correct answer: Ideas suggested by the text but not stated outright
Implicit meaning refers to ideas or information that are implied or suggested by the text rather than explicitly stated. Readers must infer implicit meaning from context, tone, and evidence in the passage.
Question 3: A student reads a passage and notes the author uses statistics from a 1982 study to support a claim about current technology trends. Which academic skill is most relevant in evaluating this evidence?
- Summarising
- Paraphrasing
- Source credibility evaluation (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary building
Correct answer: Source credibility evaluation
Evaluating source credibility includes assessing the currency (how recent), relevance, authority, and accuracy of evidence. A 1982 source may be outdated for claims about current technology.
Question 4: The phrase "conversely" in an academic text most likely signals:
- An example is being introduced
- A contrast or opposing idea follows (Correct answer)
- A conclusion is being drawn
- A definition is provided
Correct answer: A contrast or opposing idea follows
"Conversely" is a discourse marker that signals a contrast or an opposing idea. It tells the reader that what follows is in contrast to what was just stated.
Question 5: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Running to catch the bus, she dropped her book.
- Running to catch the bus, the book fell from her hands. (Correct answer)
- She ran to catch the bus and dropped her book.
- The book fell when she ran for the bus.
Correct answer: Running to catch the bus, the book fell from her hands.
A dangling modifier occurs when the modifying phrase does not logically connect to the subject of the main clause. "Running to catch the bus" implies the book was running — but a book cannot run.
Question 6: In academic writing, a "counterargument" serves what purpose?
- It replaces the main argument entirely
- It acknowledges opposing views to strengthen the writer's position (Correct answer)
- It introduces a new topic
- It provides background context for the reader
Correct answer: It acknowledges opposing views to strengthen the writer's position
Addressing a counterargument demonstrates critical thinking. By acknowledging an opposing view and refuting it, the writer strengthens the credibility and persuasiveness of their own argument.
Free NBT Academic Literacy Questions and Answers 2
In academic texts, a "thesis statement" typically appears in which part of an essay?