EAPP Reviewer: Subject-Verb Agreement, Academic Texts, and Language Layers

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering Subject-Verb Agreement rules, the nature and characteristics of academic texts, and the layers of academic vs. social language.

What is the fundamental rule of Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA)?

The verb must agree with its subject in number: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

According to Rule 1, how is a singular verb usually formed in the present tense?

It usually ends in -s or -es (e.g., He talks, She studies).

What is the general rule for subjects joined by "and"?

Use a plural verb because there are two or more subjects (e.g., Mia and Jake are classmates).

What is the exception to Rule 2 regarding subjects joined by "and"?

If the two subjects refer to one idea, one thing, or one unit, use a singular verb (e.g., Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich).

In Rule 3, how is the verb determined when subjects are joined by "or" or "nor"?

The verb agrees with the subject closest to it (e.g., Either the students or the teacher is absent).

Which indefinite pronouns are always considered singular?

Everyone, Someone, Anybody, Nobody, Nothing, Each, Either, and Neither.

Which indefinite pronouns are always considered plural?

Many, Few, Several, and Both.

How do you determine the verb for indefinite pronouns like "All", "Some", "None", and "Most"?

The verb depends on the noun that follows "of"; if the noun is singular, use a singular verb, and if it is plural, use a plural verb.

When does a collective noun (like Team or Family) take a plural verb?

When the members of the group are acting individually or separately (e.g., The family are choosing their own meals).

What type of verb do titles of books, movies, and gerunds always take?

They always take singular verbs (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia is popular; Running is healthy).

In a sentence starting with "There is" or "There are", what determines the verb?

The subject that comes after the verb (e.g., There are three pens on the desk).

How are amounts of time, money, and distance treated in SVA?

They use singular verbs because they represent one total amount or whole unit (e.g., Five dollars is enough).

What is the primary goal of academic writing?

To communicate ideas, facts, arguments, and research clearly and logically using evidence and reliable sources.

What are three common examples of academic texts?

Examples include Essay, Research Paper, Report, Journal Article, Thesis, and Dissertation.

In the context of formality, what should be used instead of phrasal verbs?

One-word verbs (e.g., use "Investigate" instead of "Look into").

Why should academic writers avoid emotive language?

Because academic writing should remain neutral and focus on facts rather than emotional reactions.

What Does "Objectivity" mean in academic writing?

Presenting information without personal opinions or emotions, typically by using the third-person point of view instead of personal pronouns like "I" or "We".

What is "Explicitness" in an academic text?

Expressing ideas clearly and logically using transition words (e.g., therefore, however, moreover) to connect ideas smoothly.

How is "Caution" applied in academic writing?

By avoiding sweeping generalizations and using qualifying language (e.g., "Many teenagers…" instead of "Teenagers are…").

What are the three major parts of an academic text structure?

Introduction (presents topic/thesis), Body (main discussion/evidence), and Conclusion (summarizes/restates main idea).

What is the difference between Cross-Disciplinary and Domain-Specific words?

Cross-Disciplinary words are general academic terms used in many subjects (e.g., Analyze, Evaluate), while Domain-Specific words are technical terms used only in a particular field (e.g., Photosynthesis).

What characterizes the "Syntax" of academic language?

It usually contains longer, more detailed sentences and often uses passive voice to focus on the action or result.

What does "Discourse" refer to in academic language?

The organization, tone, and flow of ideas, typically relying on logic, evidence, and transition words rather than emotional expressions.

What are the characteristics of social language?

It is informal, relaxed, uses everyday words, slang (e.g., Lit, Sus), acronyms (e.g., LOL, IDK), and emojis.

According to the transcript, what percentage was used to demonstrate precision in academic language?

$85\%$ (e.g., saying "$85\%$ of students" instead of "many students").