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How to be a critical reader
How to be a critical reader

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1.8 Style and language

The aim of the next activity is to look more specifically at the style and language of Text 3, ‘The accounting cycle: students then and now’.

Activity 8

Task 1

Read Text 3 again and say whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the text. Give examples to support your view or make comments.

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Question 1a

It is personal.

a. 

Agree


b. 

Disagree


The correct answer is a.

Question 1b

Example or comments

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Answer

It uses ‘I’ and personal views and opinions all the way through.

Question 2a

It has some examples of general academic language.

a. 

Agree


b. 

Disagree


The correct answer is a.

Question 2b

Example or comments

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Answer

It uses general formal words such as education process, distribution of students.

Question 3a

It has lots of opinions which express the views of the author.

a. 

Agree


b. 

Disagree


The correct answer is a.

Question 3b

Example or comments

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Answer

Today’s students are uneducated. Today’s students cannot read critically.

Question 4a

It contains language which shows the attitude of the author.

a. 

Agree


b. 

Disagree


The correct answer is a.

Question 4b

Example or comments

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Answer

Worst of all is attitude.

Question 5a

It contains paragraphs that are well organised around a central idea.

a. 

Agree


b. 

Disagree


The correct answer is a.

Question 5b

Example or comments

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Answer

All paragraphs are logical and one paragraph leads logically to the next.

Comment

Did you agree with the statements? The text is well organised and contains general academic language, but it does not conform to academic convention in the ways you have already seen.

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