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How To Write A Research Paper Exercises (B2-C1)

⏱ Time: 07:30 📝 Questions: 15 📊 Level: B2, C1 📚 Type: Writing ⭐ XP: up to +19 (on pass)

Can you use How To Write A Research Paper correctly in everyday English? These 15 practice questions for Level B2-C1 go beyond memorisation — they put writing concepts into realistic sentences and situations. Detailed explanations help you understand not just the what, but the why.

⏱ You have 07:30 to answer 15 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

Q1  15
Q1 15

Question 1: Read the following excerpt from a student's paper: 'Several studies have examined the correlation between sleep deprivation and cognitive performance (Walker, 2017; Hirshkowitz et al., 2015). These findings suggest that insufficient sleep significantly impairs decision-making abilities.' What writing technique is demonstrated here?

Question 1 options
The excerpt demonstrates the use of in-text citations, a key academic writing convention in research papers where sources are referenced within the text to support claims with evidence.
Q2 15

Question 2: In a research paper, the writer states: 'The data revealed a significant increase in pollution levels over the past decade. ___ further investigation is needed to determine the long-term effects on marine ecosystems.'

Question 2 options
The transition word 'Nevertheless' is used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point after a stated finding, indicating that despite the data, more research is required. 'Therefore' would imply a logical consequence, 'Similarly' would suggest agreement, and 'For instance' would introduce an example.
Q3 15

Question 3: In academic research writing, it is acceptable to use first-person pronouns such as 'I think' and 'I believe' freely throughout the paper to express your personal stance on the findings.

Question 3 options
This is false. Academic research papers generally maintain an objective, impersonal tone. While some disciplines permit limited first-person usage, freely inserting personal opinions with 'I think' or 'I believe' undermines the evidence-based, objective register expected in research writing.
Q4 15

Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses a hedging expression, as is appropriate in academic research writing?

Question 4 options
The sentence 'The results suggest that early intervention may reduce symptoms in adolescents' uses hedging language ('suggest' and 'may'), which is appropriate in research writing to avoid making absolute claims that the evidence does not fully support.
Q5 15

Question 5: Match each section of a research paper to its correct function.

Question 5 options
Literature Review
Methodology
Discussion
Introduction
Interprets findings and explores their implications
Explains how data was collected and analyzed
Provides background and states the research purpose
Summarizes previous scholarship on the topic

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

The Literature Review summarizes existing scholarship. The Methodology explains data collection procedures. The Discussion interprets results and explores implications. The Introduction provides background and states the research purpose.
Q6 15

Question 6: Which sentence contains a transition error in the context of a research paper?

Question 6 options
The sentence 'The experiment yielded positive results. For example, the hypothesis was confirmed by subsequent trials' misuses the transition 'For example.' Confirming a hypothesis through subsequent trials is not an example of positive results—it is additional supporting evidence. A transition such as 'Furthermore' or 'Moreover' would be more appropriate.
Q7 15

Question 7: In a research paper's conclusion, a student writes: 'This study has demonstrated a clear link between diet and cardiovascular health. ___ longitudinal studies should be conducted to examine these effects over a longer period.' Which option best completes the sentence?

Question 7 options
'In light of these findings' is the best transition because it logically connects the established research conclusion to a recommendation for future work. 'On the contrary' introduces an opposing idea, 'Regardless' dismisses the preceding point, and 'In the meantime' implies a temporary or concurrent action rather than a research recommendation.
Q8 15

Question 8: The following sentence from a research paper contains an error: 'The researchers whom conducted the study concluded that social media usage correlates with increased anxiety levels.' Which option correctly fixes the error?

Question 8 options
The relative pronoun 'whom' is incorrect here because it refers to the subject of the verb 'conducted.' The correct form is 'who,' which is used for subjects. 'Whom' is reserved for objects of verbs or prepositions.
Q9 15

Question 9: Arrange the parts of a research paper in the correct structural order:

Question 9 options
  • Conclusion (summary and future research suggestions)
  • Introduction (topic overview and research question)
  • Literature Review (summary of existing research)
  • Discussion (interpretation of results)
  • Findings (presentation of results)
  • Methodology (explanation of data collection)

Drag items or use arrows to arrange them in the correct order.

A standard research paper follows this structure: the Introduction presents the topic and purpose, the Literature Review surveys existing research, the Methodology explains how data was gathered, the Findings present results, the Discussion interprets those results, and the Conclusion summarizes the paper and suggests future research.
Q10 15

Question 10: You are writing a research paper on renewable energy for an academic journal. Which opening sentence is most appropriate for your introduction?

Question 10 options
The sentence beginning 'The global demand for sustainable energy sources has intensified...' is most appropriate because it uses an objective, formal tone with evidence-based framing. The other options are too informal, use personal opinion, or employ a casual register unsuitable for academic journals.
Q11 15

Question 11: What is the key difference between a thesis statement in a persuasive essay and a research question in a research paper?

Question 11 options
A thesis statement in a persuasive essay declares the writer's specific position on an issue, while a research question in a research paper poses an objective inquiry that the paper seeks to answer through evidence and analysis, without presupposing a particular conclusion.
Q12 15

Question 12: A student writes in a research paper: 'The findings were pretty surprising and they basically showed that kids who read more do way better in school.' Which version is most appropriate for an academic research paper?

Question 12 options
Academic research papers require formal register. The correct option replaces informal language ('pretty surprising,' 'basically,' 'kids,' 'way better') with precise, formal vocabulary while maintaining the same meaning.
Q13 15

Question 13: In a research paper, every paragraph in the body section should contain only one main idea supported by evidence and analysis.

Question 13 options
This is true. A fundamental principle of academic writing is paragraph unity. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea, supported by relevant evidence and analysis, to maintain clarity and logical organization throughout the paper.
Q14 15

Question 14: In a research paper, a writer includes the sentence: 'According to Martinez (2020), urban green spaces have been shown to reduce stress levels among city residents.' Why does the writer attribute this claim to a specific source?

Question 14 options
Attributing claims to specific sources in a research paper establishes credibility and provides verifiable evidence. This allows readers to assess the reliability of the information and trace it back to the original study, which is essential for academic integrity.
Q15 15

Question 15: A student writes: 'The study examined three variables. Temperature was the first. Humidity was the second. Wind speed was the third. Each variable was measured daily.' Which revision best improves this passage for a research paper?

Question 15 options
The improved version combines the choppy, repetitive sentences into a single, fluid sentence that maintains all the original information while using a more sophisticated structure appropriate for academic writing.