ELSA Academic Language & Register Flashcards
6 cards from real ELSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ELSA Academic Language & Register flashcards as text
Which word is an example of a nominalization (a verb turned into a noun)?
Answer: investigation (from investigate)
Nominalization converts a verb like 'investigate' into a noun form like 'investigation,' a common feature of academic writing.
In academic writing, what is the passive voice primarily used for?
Answer: To focus on the action or result rather than the person performing it
The passive voice shifts focus to the action or result (e.g., 'The experiment was conducted') rather than naming the agent.
Which of the following is an example of an in-text citation in APA style?
Answer: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)
In APA style, in-text citations include the author's last name, publication year, and page number in parentheses: (Smith, 2020, p. 45).
What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
Answer: To state the main idea of that paragraph
A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, telling the reader what that paragraph will discuss.
Which phrase best introduces a counterargument in an academic essay?
Answer: Some critics argue that…
'Some critics argue that…' is a standard academic phrase used to fairly present an opposing viewpoint before refuting it.
In academic English, which word is the most appropriate synonym for 'use' in a formal sentence?
Answer: All of the above are acceptable in formal academic writing.
'Utilize,' 'employ,' and 'apply' are all acceptable formal alternatives to 'use' in academic writing, depending on context.