Critical Thinking and Academic Writing Flashcards
6 cards from real BA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Critical Thinking and Academic Writing flashcards as text
What is the difference between a 'primary source' and a 'secondary source'?
Answer: A primary source is original evidence; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence (e.g., original documents, interviews, literary texts), while secondary sources interpret or analyze those primary materials.
Which element of argumentation refers to the underlying assumption that connects evidence to a claim?
Answer: Warrant
In Toulmin's model of argumentation, a warrant is the logical principle or assumption that connects the data (evidence) to the claim.
What does 'close reading' mean in a BA humanities course?
Answer: Careful, detailed analysis of a text's language, structure, and meaning
Close reading is a method of careful, attentive analysis that examines a text's specific word choices, patterns, and literary devices to construct interpretive arguments.
What is 'academic voice' in college writing?
Answer: Formal, objective, evidence-based prose appropriate for scholarly discourse
Academic voice is a formal, evidence-driven writing style that prioritizes clarity, objectivity, and precision, appropriate for college-level scholarly work.
In an argumentative essay, what is the function of 'evidence'?
Answer: To support and substantiate the thesis and topic sentences
Evidence (facts, statistics, quotes, examples) provides the concrete support that makes a thesis and its sub-claims credible and convincing to readers.
What is the purpose of an 'abstract' in an academic research paper?
Answer: To provide a brief summary of the paper's purpose, methods, and findings
An abstract is a concise paragraph (150–300 words) that summarizes a research paper's research question, methodology, key findings, and significance.