Master Academic Writing: Writing Style and Conventions for PhD Thesis

Question 1

What is the main goal of an academic paper's introduction?

Accepted Answer

To provide an overview of the topic and set the research context.

Answer

To present the main arguments and findings of the research.

Answer

To present detailed methods and results of the research.

Answer

To offer a conclusion and recommendations based on the research findings.

Question 2

Identify the characteristic of academic writing style that emphasizes conveying information clearly and unambiguously.

Accepted Answer

Clarity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Precision

Answer

Conciseness

Question 3

When directly quoting a source in your thesis, you must:

Accepted Answer

Use quotation marks and include the author's name, page number, and end with a period.

Answer

Use quotation marks and include the page number.

Answer

Paraphrase the quote instead.

Answer

Use quotation marks and include the author's name and the page number.

Question 4

When making a general reference to an author's work, rather than citing a specific quote or idea, you should use a:

Accepted Answer

Narrative citation

Answer

Block quote

Answer

Parenthetical citation

Answer

Footnote

Question 5

Which factor should NOT be considered when selecting a referencing style?

Accepted Answer

Personal preference

Answer

Discipline-specific conventions

Answer

University regulations

Answer

Journal submission requirements

Question 6

When writing in an academic style, it is essential to maintain a:

Accepted Answer

Formal and objective tone

Answer

Conversational and personal tone

Answer

Humorous and engaging tone

Answer

Passionate and emotional tone

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of effective academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Redundancy

Answer

Clarity

Answer

Conciseness

Answer

Precision

Question 8

Which of the following is considered a highly reliable academic source?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed journal article

Answer

A blog post

Answer

A website created by a government agency

Answer

A Wikipedia article

Question 9

The primary purpose of a literature review in a thesis is to:

Accepted Answer

Synthesize and critically evaluate existing research on a topic

Answer

Present new and original research findings

Answer

Provide a detailed summary of one specific article

Answer

Argue for a particular point of view

Question 10

When referencing an idea or concept from a source without directly quoting it, you should:

Accepted Answer

Paraphrase the idea in your own words

Answer

Use quotation marks around the idea

Answer

Provide a citation but not include the idea in your own words

Answer

Omit the citation altogether

Question 11

The primary purpose of a thesis abstract is to:

Accepted Answer

Summarize the key findings and conclusions of the thesis

Answer

Provide a detailed overview of the entire thesis

Answer

Argue for the validity of the research question

Answer

Explain the methodology used in the thesis

Question 12

Which of the following is a common academic formatting style?

Accepted Answer

Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced

Answer

Arial, 10pt, single-spaced

Answer

Courier New, 14pt, triple-spaced

Answer

Calibri, 11pt, 1.5 line spacing

Question 13

When utilizing a citation management software, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that all citations are accurate and consistent

Answer

Manually check each citation for errors

Answer

Only use the software to generate references, not in-text citations

Answer

Rely solely on the software for accurate citations

Question 14

Which citation format is most commonly used for a journal article in the social sciences?

Accepted Answer

APA

Answer

MLA

Answer

Chicago

Answer

Harvard

Question 15

Identify the key difference between a direct quotation and a paraphrase?

Accepted Answer

A direct quotation uses the exact words of the source, while a paraphrase uses different words to convey the same meaning.

Answer

A paraphrase uses the exact words of the source, while a direct quotation uses different words to convey the same meaning.

Answer

There is no difference between a direct quotation and a paraphrase.

Answer

Both direct quotations and paraphrases must be cited using the same format.

Question 16

In academic writing, the term 'parenthetical citation' refers to a citation that is:

Accepted Answer

Integrated into the text of a sentence.

Answer

Included in a footnote.

Answer

Placed at the end of a paragraph.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of academic writing style?

Accepted Answer

Informality.

Answer

Clarity

Answer

Precision

Answer

Objectivity

Question 18

When using a direct quotation in academic writing, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Enclose the quotation in quotation marks and provide a citation.

Answer

Include the quotation without citation if it is less than five words in length.

Answer

Paraphrase the quotation and cite the source.

Question 19

Which of the following is a benefit of using a consistent writing style in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Enhances the clarity and readability of the text.

Answer

Reduces the amount of time spent on writing.

Answer

Eliminates the need for proofreading.

Question 20

In academic writing, the use of the passive voice is generally:

Accepted Answer

Discouraged because it can make writing less direct and active.

Answer

Recommended only when writing about abstract or sensitive topics.

Answer

Preferred because it makes writing more objective and formal.

Question 21

Which of the following is a recommended strategy for improving clarity in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Using specific and concrete language.

Answer

Writing in long, complex sentences.

Answer

Including unnecessary details.

Answer

Avoiding the use of transitions.

Question 22

When citing a website in academic writing, it is important to include:

Accepted Answer

The author's name (if available), date of publication (if available), title of the webpage, and URL.

Answer

Only the URL.

Answer

Only the title of the webpage.