GRAMMAR
I ___ this book three times, but I still find it fascinating.
have read
What does “give up” mean?
To stop trying / quit.
Complete: I was tired, ___ I continued working.
but / however
Which is more appropriate in academic writing: “kids” or “children”?
Children
Find the mistake: She don't like coffee.
She doesn't like coffee.
You ___ have told me earlier! I could have helped you.
should
Which verb completes the collocation: ___ a decision?
make
Complete: Despite ___ very tired, she finished the project.
being
Give a more academic alternative for “a lot of.”
A considerable amount/number of, numerous, a great deal of — depending on the noun.
In “The movie was incredibly gripping,” what does gripping mean?
Very exciting or fascinating; it keeps your attention.
If she had studied harder, she ___ the exam.
would have passed
What is the noun form of “reliable”?
reliability
Rewrite without changing the meaning: I last saw Maria two years ago.
I haven't seen Maria for two years.
Which sounds more academically cautious: “This proves that…” or “This suggests that…”?
This suggests that…
Which word has a more negative connotation: slim or skinny?
Skinny
Rewrite using a reporting structure: People believe that the company is losing money.
The company is believed to be losing money.
If something “costs an arm and a leg,” what does it mean?
It is extremely expensive.
Rewrite using “despite”: Although he was nervous, he gave an excellent presentation.
Despite being nervous, he gave an excellent presentation.
Complete: The researcher ___ that social media can influence young people's behavior.
argued / suggested / claimed — depending on the intended meaning.
Tom didn't say he disliked the idea, but his silence spoke volumes.” What can we infer?
His silence probably indicated that he did not approve or was not enthusiastic about the idea.
Complete: Rarely ___ such a talented performer.
have I seen
What is the difference between credible and credulous?
Credible = believable/trustworthy. Credulous = too willing to believe things.
Rewrite using inversion: I had never seen such a beautiful place before.
Never had I seen such a beautiful place before.
What should you do when presenting an opposing argument in an academic essay?
Acknowledge it and then explain, challenge, or refute it with evidence/reasoning.
You have 30 seconds to argue for or against this statement: “Social media does more harm than good.” Give one argument and address a possible counterargument.
Open answer