NBT Academic and Quantitative Literacy Flashcards

Read the following passage and answer the question: 'The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, adopted in 1996, is regarded as one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. It enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens, irrespective of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The Bill of Rights, contained in Chapter 2, serves as the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa.' What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights according to the passage?

Answer: To serve as the cornerstone of democracy by enshrining fundamental rights

The passage explicitly states that the Bill of Rights 'serves as the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa' by enshrining fundamental rights and freedoms.

Which word is closest in meaning to 'enshrines' as used in the sentence: 'It enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens'?

Answer: Protects and preserves

'Enshrines' means to preserve or cherish something as sacred and inviolable. In this context it means the Constitution formally protects and preserves the rights of citizens.

Read the following extract: 'Urbanisation in South Africa has accelerated dramatically since the end of apartheid. Millions of people have migrated from rural areas to cities in search of economic opportunities. However, this rapid urban growth has also led to the proliferation of informal settlements, strain on municipal services, and increased unemployment in metropolitan areas.' What inference can be drawn from the extract about urbanisation in South Africa?

Answer: Urbanisation has created both opportunities and significant challenges

The passage describes both the draw of economic opportunities (positive) and the resulting problems — informal settlements, strained services, and unemployment (negative) — indicating a mixed outcome.

In academic writing, which sentence structure is most appropriate for introducing a counterargument?

Answer: While proponents argue that economic growth reduces inequality, critics contend that the benefits are not equitably distributed.

Academic writing requires formal, nuanced language. Option B uses appropriate hedging ('proponents argue,' 'critics contend') and presents both sides objectively without personal bias or informal language.

Read the following sentence and identify the logical flaw: 'Since crime rates in Johannesburg are high, it must mean that all South African cities are equally dangerous.' What logical error does the sentence contain?

Answer: Hasty generalisation

A hasty generalisation draws a broad conclusion from insufficient evidence. Inferring that ALL South African cities are equally dangerous based on data from only one city (Johannesburg) is a hasty generalisation.

Which of the following best describes the function of a topic sentence in an academic paragraph?

Answer: To introduce the main idea that the paragraph will develop

A topic sentence introduces the central idea or main point of a paragraph. The rest of the paragraph then develops, supports, or elaborates on this idea.

The following sentence contains a vocabulary challenge: 'The proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms has exacerbated existing societal divisions.' What does 'exacerbated' mean?

Answer: Made worse or more severe

'Exacerbated' means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative condition worse or more severe. Here, misinformation has worsened existing societal divisions.