Clarity and Simple Language Quick Quiz Answer Key
Quick Quiz Answer Key
1) With clarity in mind, choose the best option from the following versions of each sentence (2 marks):
- A(i): I am finding it difficult to work with my new electronics lab partner. We often get our wires crossed.
- A(ii): I am finding it difficult to work with my new electronics lab partner. We often misunderstand one another.
- B(i): Things are progressing better with my genetics partner though.
- B(ii): Things are evolving better with my genetics partner though.
2) Briefly explain what the potential problem is with the wording used for each of the sentences below (1 mark) before re-writing each sentence to remove the problem (3 marks):
The adjectives in these sentences are all related to the science disciplines in the sentences, which creates confusion (electrics and ‘shocking’, earthquakes and ‘ground-breaking’, space travel and ‘astronomically’).
- A) This new ice-based weapon is really terrifying.
- B) But it isn’t as innovative as the one that measures earthquakes more accurately than ever before.
- C) However, both of these products were announced by a PR company with a history of making relatively ineffective space travel inventions seem hugely important.
3) Choose the most suitable option for each ‘underlined section’ in the passage below (4 marks):
- New research has shown that within a given population of birds, mammals, or fish, individuals conform to one of two foraging strategies; they are either adventurous consumers (AC), or dietary conservatives (DC). ACs quickly try new foods before deciding whether or not to include them in their diet, whereas DCs are reluctant to try new foods. Interestingly, however, if they see competitors eat the new food and enjoy it, they will quickly incorporate it onto their own personal menu. Therefore, particularly when food is scarce, competitors actually help DCs gain nutrition from their environment in an indirect way.
Hints: For the first one, ‘population’ is better than ‘group,’ because a population is specific to one species, whereas a group could comprise more than one species. For the others, the simplest, least ambiguous word is the best choice to increase the chance of your readers understanding the points you are making.
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