NBT Academic Vocabulary and Language 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In academic writing, what does the word 'elucidate' mean?
- To make unclear
- To make clear or explain (Correct answer)
- To argue against
- To summarise briefly
Correct answer: To make clear or explain
To elucidate means to make something clear by explaining it in detail. It comes from the Latin 'elucidare', meaning to make light or clear.
Question 2: Which word best replaces 'paradigm' in the following sentence: 'The new discovery challenged the existing paradigm in physics.'?
- Experiment
- Framework (Correct answer)
- Hypothesis
- Laboratory
Correct answer: Framework
A paradigm is a framework of accepted theories, standards, or patterns. In academic contexts, it refers to the dominant model of understanding in a field.
Question 3: What is the function of a 'thesis statement' in an academic essay?
- To provide background information
- To present the main argument or claim (Correct answer)
- To list sources used
- To summarise the conclusion
Correct answer: To present the main argument or claim
A thesis statement presents the main argument or claim that the essay will support. It typically appears near the end of the introduction and guides the entire essay.
Question 4: In the sentence 'The researcher's findings corroborate previous studies,' the word 'corroborate' means:
- Contradict
- Confirm or support (Correct answer)
- Repeat
- Question
Correct answer: Confirm or support
To corroborate means to confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding with evidence. It implies providing additional proof for something already suggested.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of hedging language in academic writing?
- This proves that the theory is correct
- It would seem that the data suggests a trend (Correct answer)
- The results definitely confirm the hypothesis
- There is no doubt that climate change is occurring
Correct answer: It would seem that the data suggests a trend
Hedging language uses cautious expressions like 'it would seem', 'suggests', and 'may' to avoid making absolute claims. This is standard practice in academic writing to acknowledge uncertainty.
Question 6: What does the prefix 'anti-' mean in words like 'antibody' and 'antithesis'?
- Before
- After
- Against or opposite (Correct answer)
- Around
Correct answer: Against or opposite
The prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek and means against or opposite. An antibody works against pathogens, and an antithesis is the opposite of a thesis.
NBT Academic Vocabulary and Language 1
In academic writing, what does the word 'elucidate' mean?