Academic Literacy Vocabulary and Inference Flashcards

A passage says a policy was 'implemented incrementally'. What can you infer about how the policy was introduced?

Answer: Gradually, in stages over time

'Incrementally' means in small steps or stages, so the policy was rolled out gradually rather than all at once.

In the sentence 'The minister's response was evasive,' the word 'evasive' suggests the minister:

Answer: Avoided giving a straight answer

'Evasive' describes language that dodges or avoids the question, so the minister avoided a direct answer.

An author writes that survey results were 'skewed' by a small sample. The word 'skewed' implies the results were:

Answer: Distorted or biased

'Skewed' means distorted away from a true or balanced value, here because of the small sample.

A text notes that two researchers reached 'divergent' conclusions. This means their conclusions were:

Answer: Different from each other

'Divergent' means moving apart or differing, so the researchers' conclusions differed from one another.

If a passage describes a plan as 'feasible', the writer believes the plan is:

Answer: Capable of being done successfully

'Feasible' means practical and capable of being done, so the writer thinks the plan can realistically be carried out.

A passage states: 'Attendance dwindled over the term.' From 'dwindled', you can infer attendance:

Answer: Decreased gradually

'Dwindled' means became gradually smaller, so attendance decreased over time.

When an academic writer uses the phrase 'it is widely assumed that', they are most likely about to:

Answer: Introduce a common belief they may then question

Phrases like 'it is widely assumed' often set up a common belief that the writer will examine or challenge, signalling possible disagreement.

A passage describes a finding as 'counterintuitive'. This suggests the finding:

Answer: Goes against what most people would expect

'Counterintuitive' means contrary to intuition or common expectation, so the finding surprises most people.