Academic Writing Conventions

Substitute the two-word verb phrase with a more formal one-word equivalent.

The participants carefully read the guidelines on how to carry out the experiment.

• conduct
• perform
• implement
• execute

Substitute the two-word verb phrase with a more formal one-word equivalent.

Because of the unexpectedly low turnout, the organizers decided to put off the next production.

• postpone
• proceed

• cancel
• stop

Substitute the two-word verb phrase with a more formal one-word equivalent.

This study looked into the operations of a dozen call centers from a retail bank to evaluate their capacity management.

• investigated
• observed
• identified

• managed

Substitute the colloquial expression and/or abbreviated form with a more acceptable formal substitute.

The contractor was unable to give the committee a ballpark figure of the project cost.

• budget

• timetable

• estimate

• plan

Substitute the colloquial expression and/or abbreviated form with a more acceptable formal substitute.

Local government officials ordered the team to tear down illegally-constructed structures on sidewalks.

• deflate

• dismantle
• disrupt

• demolish

Identify the hedging device used in the sentence.

Economists have warned that perhaps the most destructive factors that caused the crisis are external factors.

• perhaps
• caused
• destructive
• warned

Identify the hedging device used in the sentence.

The development of human capital is probably the most significant reform that needs to be adopted.

• significant
• probably
• reform
• adopted

Identify the hedging device used in the sentence.

There seems to be a clear link between this restricted diet and the patient's recovery.

• clear link
• restricted diet
• patient's recovery
• seems to be

Identify whether the statement is an example of academic writing or non-academic writing.

Convenience was cited by the consumers as the most important reason why they prefer online shopping.

Identify whether the statement is an example of academic writing or non-academic writing.

One factor that traditional retail business owners must consider is the cost of the store space. The price per square meter of space is a major expense whether the space is owned or rented.