Academic Writing

6 Providing evidence
Normally, your conclusions on a topic follow an assessment of the evidence. You must show
that you have studied the relevant sources, since only then can you give a balanced judgement.
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Study the following text, which discusses the idea that young people today, who have
grown up with computing and the Internet, are different from previous generations.
Then answer the following questions.

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(a) How many sources are cited to support the ‘digital native’ theory?

(b) What do these writers suggest changing?
(c) Why do their critics disagree with them?
(d) What is the opinion of the writer of this text?
(e) What is your opinion of this subject?
7 Practice B
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Write two paragraphs on the topic: ‘Is the exploration of space worthwhile?’ Use the
ideas below and make your position clear.
Pros
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Scientists need to collect information to understand the universe
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Space engineering has produced many useful discoveries (e.g. satellite
communication)
•
Exploration promotes cooperation between nations (e.g. space station)
(Source: Donnet-Kammel, 2005)
Cons
•
Huge amounts of money are spent with little result
•
Resources should be spent on urgent needs on earth (e.g. disease control)
•
National space programmes are testing potential weapons (e.g. missiles)
(Source: Soroka, 2000)
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See 
Unit 2.10
Problems and Solutions
Discussion
90
Part 2:
Elements of Writing

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1 The language of cause and effect
A writer may choose to emphasise either the cause or the effect. In both cases, either a verb
or a conjunction can be used to show the link.
(a) Focus on causes