Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
1............... of the evidence, the author stops short of claiming a direct causal link between the policy and the outcome.
Wrong!
Use a stance marker that signals cautious evaluation based on evidence.
2The paper ............... assumes that correlation implies causation, which weakens its central argument.
Wrong!
You need an adverb that evaluates the writer's stance as inappropriate or unjustified.
3............... speaking, the conclusion is defensible, but the methodology is underpowered.
Wrong!
The blank needs a fixed phrase used to qualify an evaluation.
4The reviewer ............... notes that the argument relies on a contested definition of harm.
Wrong!
Choose an adverb that shows the reviewer is being careful and restrained.
5The author frames the claim as ..............., thereby distancing herself from full endorsement.
Wrong!
You need a phrase that signals the writer is reporting others' views rather than asserting them.
6............... the limitations, the study offers a credible starting point for further inquiry.
Wrong!
Use a concessive linker that introduces a contrast with limitations.
7The discussion is ............... speculative, and the author repeatedly flags the need for replication.
Wrong!
You need an adverb that intensifies a cautious assessment of speculation.
8The report ............... that the minister acted unlawfully, instead implying procedural negligence.
Wrong!
Choose a verb phrase that means the writer avoids making a strong claim.
9The author ............... a neutral tone, yet the repeated scare quotes betray scepticism.
Wrong!
You need a verb phrase meaning the writer gives the impression of something.
10The conclusion is presented as ..............., which makes the recommendation sound less dogmatic.
Wrong!
You need a phrase that signals tentativeness rather than certainty.
11The author ............... that the data are incomplete, but argues they are sufficient for a preliminary claim.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both correct options are formal verbs used to concede a point before continuing.
12In the final paragraph, the writer ............... the opposing view, then dismantles it point by point.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both correct options mean presenting an opponent's argument fairly before rebutting it.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- On balance of the evidence, the author stops short of claiming a direct causal link between the policy and the outcome.
- The paper unwittingly assumes that correlation implies causation, which weakens its central argument.
- Strictly speaking, the conclusion is defensible, but the methodology is underpowered.
- The reviewer cautiously notes that the argument relies on a contested definition of harm.
- The author frames the claim as a working hypothesis, thereby distancing herself from full endorsement.
- Notwithstanding the limitations, the study offers a credible starting point for further inquiry.
- The discussion is overtly speculative, and the author repeatedly flags the need for replication.
- The report stops short of alleging that the minister acted unlawfully, instead implying procedural negligence.
- The author affects to adopt a neutral tone, yet the repeated scare quotes betray scepticism.
- The conclusion is presented as a tentative inference, which makes the recommendation sound less dogmatic.
- The author acknowledges/concedes that the data are incomplete, but argues they are sufficient for a preliminary claim.
- In the final paragraph, the writer steelmans/summarises charitably the opposing view, then dismantles it point by point.
