Table of Contents

1. 1. Week 01: Academic Discussions in English Coursera Quiz Answers
   2. Academic Discussions in English Week 02 Quiz Answers
2. Academic Discussions in English Week 03 Quiz Answers
   1. Academic Discussions in English Week 04 Quiz Answers

Week 01: Academic Discussions in English Coursera Quiz Answers

Quiz 01: Discussions Practice Quiz

Q1. True or False?

The best academic discussion is where the smartest and most experienced person in the group shares his/her knowledge and the group members ask relevant questions.

• True
• False

Q2. Which diagram illustrates the concept of a good discussion the best?

Q3. . rue or False?

As long as everyone can hear each other’s voice clearly, it does not matter if the group members can see each other’s faces or not.

• True
• False

Q4. It is important that the group discussion stays on task and on topic. Which of the following are acceptable ways to refocus the group back on the goal of the discussion? Check all that apply.

• Say “Let’s get back on track, everyone.”
• Say “We are running short on time, so let’s get back to the main point.”
• Say “I think we are getting a little off topic.”
• Say “That is totally unrelated to what we are talking about.”

Quiz 02: Getting Started Practice Quiz

Q1. Look at the picture of a group discussion. Then look at the problems and solutions listed below. Choose one problem and one solution that match the picture.

• Problem:
• Students are not in a position to talk because their backs are to each other.
• Solution:
• Come to the conversation with an open mind and collaborative attitude.
• Solution:
• Organize yourselves so that all participants are on an equal level and can see each other easily.
• Problem:
• There is too much clutter on the table top.
• Solution:
• Clear a good work space free of barriers and distractions.
• Problem:
• Students’ body language shows an unwillingness to participate.

Q2. When you start your discussion, you should ________________. (Choose two answers.)

• clear the desk tops of unnecessary items
• see the discussion participants as teammates
• have a competitive attitude

Q3. Look at the picture of a group discussion. Then look at the problems and solutions listed below. Choose one problem and one solution that match the picture.

• Problem:
• Students’ body language shows an unwillingness to participate.
• Solution:
• Come to the conversation with an open mind and collaborative attitude.
• Problem:
• There is too much clutter on the table top.
• Solution:
• Clear a good work space free of barriers and distractions.
• Solution:
• Organize yourselves so that all participants are on an equal level and can see each other easily.
• Problem:
• Students are not in a position to talk because their backs are to each other.

Quiz 03:Discussion Analysis Practice

Q1. After you watch the two improved videos of the discussion on water scarcity, answer the following questions about David’s academic conversation skills.

Which of the following describe David’s physical presence? Choose all that apply.

• He has eye contact with the other members of the group.
• He has a clear desk and no distractions in his hand.
• He is on the same level as the rest of the group
• He leans into the conversation and uses positive conversational body language, including smiling and nods.

Q2. Watch this video clip. In what ways is it apparent that David is listening to understand in this short video clip? Choose all that apply.

Play Video

• He nods his head.
• He says “yeah”, “hmmm” and “right”.
• He leans in with his body.
• He makes a related comment connect to what was said.
• He has good eye contact.
• He asks follow-up questions.

Q3. Which statements describe how David communicates clearly? Choose all that apply.

• He elaborates and gives a specific example to illustrate ideas.
• He negotiates an idea respectfully.
• He uses sentence frames and language cues.
• Ideas are shared in an organized and logical way.
• He reads listeners’ gestures and adjusts accordingly.

Q4. Watch this video of David asking a question. What higher level thinking skill is David challenging his group members to perform?

Play Video

• synthesis
• evaluation
• analysis

Quiz 04: Graded Quiz

Q1. Which of the following phrases does NOT require deeper, or critical, thinking?

• What is another example of . . .?
• Why is it important to . . .?
• What did the professor say about . . . .?
• What patterns do we see occurring when . . . ?

Q2. True or false?

It is better to speak spontaneously without planning a response in a group discussion so that the conversation does not change direction while you are planning what you want to say.

• True
• False

Q3. What is NOT a way to show respect for your group members?

• Make positive comments that are related to what they have said.
• Think about what you are going to say next as they are speaking.
• Allow your group members to finish their complete thought before interrupting.

Q4. Complete the sentence.

Preparing for an academic discussion is like building a house because ____________________.

• both things are very complicated.
• for both, you must start by laying the groundwork.
• they both take a long time to plan.
• to do both well, you need lots of materials.

Q5. If you’re taking double-entry notes to prepare for a discussion, what should you NOT do?

• Include the author’s viewpoint in your notes
• Take notes on the text’s organization and on your personal reaction to the ideas
• Indent your notes to show which ideas are most important
• Take notes only on your personal reaction to the ideas

Q6. What is the purpose of preparing a list of points that you’d like to make during a discussion?

• To give you ideas for possible contributions you could make to the discussion
• To remind you of the points you absolutely must make during the conversation
• To help you win the discussion
• None of the above

Q7. Complete the sentence.

When you introduce yourself, ____________________.

• give a hug
• say your name
• shake hands

Q8. Complete the sentence.

A common mistake in starting an academic conversation happens when _________________.

• students use their notes too much
• students are too friendly during the discussion
• everyone talks a lot
• not everyone understands the discussion topic clearly

Q9. Complete the sentence.

During your discussion it is good to be aware of all except _________________.

• what is happening on your phone
• your classmates’ names
• the goal of the discussion topic
• your own body language

Q10. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

integral ____________

• part
• party
• approach

Academic Discussions in English Week 02 Quiz Answers

Quiz 01: Examples Practice Quiz

Q1. What is a hypothetical?

• true information from research, surveys, and lectures
• fictional situations used to examine possibilities of a situation
• comparisons that illustrate similarities and relationships

Q2. What kind of example for supporting your ideas is this?

My friend had her computer hacked when she clicked on a link in an email.

• hypothetical
• facts and statistics
• anecdote
• analogy

Q3. What kind of example for supporting your ideas is this?

A good essay is like a hamburger, with the bun being the introduction and conclusion….

• hypothetical
• anecdote
• facts and statistics
• analogy

Q4. An anecdote is mostly likely to begin with _____________.

• When I worked at a company like that one . . .
• According to the lecture . . .
• This situation is like . . .
• What if we were to . . .

Quiz 02: Going Deeper Practice Quiz

Q1. Which of the following are critical thinking skills? Choose all the apply.

• To find relationships between different ideas
• To memorize information that was presented
• To give an opinion with appropriate support
• To see things from different points of view

Q2. True or false?

When a discussion group makes the effort to think more deeply and critically, the discussion is more engaging.

• True
• False

Q3. What level of thinking requires learners to state an opinion and support it with evidence?

• knowledge
• application
• evaluation

Q4. What level of thinking does the following question represent?

“Is it better to have lots of GM food available to feed more people or to limit GM food in order to protect people from unknown health risks?”

• evaluation
• comprehension
• knowledge

Quiz 03: Discussion Analysis Practice

Q1. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of genetically modified foods. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

Which of the following is true about the group discussion?

• The group members are not listening to each other.
• The group members do not have good eye contact with each other.
• The group members are not physically positioned in a way that motivates the members to do their best and to be involved in the discussion.

Q2. Watch the video clip below of a group discussing the following question: Do you think that GM foods are good for society? Then answer the question below.

Play Video

Which of the following phrases communicates that there is one clear and correct answer?

• It’s not so black and white.
• There are a lot of grey areas.
• You can’t just say 100% “yes” or 100% “no”.
• I can tell you certainly that they are good for society.

Q3. Watch the video clip below of a group discussing the following question: Do you think that GM foods are good for society? Then answer the question below.

Play Video

True or false?

Jackie thinks that GM foods are good for society.

• True
• False

Q4. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of genetically modified foods. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

In this video clip, the members politely challenged each other’s ideas. Which of the following phrases were used to politely challenge ideas that had been previously mentioned?

• I see your points, but . . .
• You know, Chad, maybe . . .
• On the other hand. . . .
• Even though . . .

• If they were so good, then why. . . .?

Quiz 04: Graded Quiz

Q1. Why should you elaborate in a discussion?

• To find out more about others
• To explain with analogies
• To give hypothetical examples
• To clearly explain your ideas

Q2. What are some ways to elaborate in a discussion?

• By giving analogies, hypotheticals, facts, and anecdotes
• By giving analogies, hypotheticals, quotations, and antidotes
• By giving analogies, hypotheticals, facts, and antidotes
• By giving anatomies, hypodermics, facts, and antidote

Q3. Which is NOT a good sentence frame for encouraging other people to elaborate in a discussion?

• I’d love to hear more about . . . ?
• Can you be more specific?
• What do you mean by . . . ?
• Can you please try to be more succinct?

Q4. How would you characterize this quote from an academic conversation?

“We will see an increase in the scarcity of water in the near future. In fact, two-thirds of the world’s population may experience water shortages by the year 2025.”

It is _____________.

• repetitive
• well elaborated
• lacking specificity
• too short

Q5. In a discussion about urban sprawl, someone tells a story about growing up in the countryside.

This is an example of _____________

• an analogy
• a statistic
• a hypothetical
• an anecdote

Q6. Which of the following are considered lower level thinking? Choose all that apply.

• comprehension
• synthesis
• application
• analysis
• evaluation
• knowledge

Q7. Which of the following are critical thinking skills? Choose all that apply.

• to find patterns in seemingly unrelated ideas
• to recall information that was presented
• to give an opinion with relevant support
• to see things from different points of view

Q8. True or false?

When critical thinking is integrated into a discussion group, the concepts discussed in the group will be remembered longer than if they had only used lower-level thinking skills.

• True
• False

Q9. What level of thinking does the following question represent?

“What, in our opinion, is the best way to educate the population about the dangers of genetically modified foods?

• knowledge
• synthesis
• application
• analysis
• evaluation

• comprehension

Q10. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

anecdotal _____________

• evidence
• review
• conference

Q11. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

pilot ___________

• lunch
• study
• belief

Academic Discussions in English Week 03 Quiz Answers

Quiz 01: Interaction Practice Quiz

Q1. True or false?

If someone isn’t participating in the discussion you should leave that person alone.

• True
• False

Q2. True or false?

The goal of a discussion should always be agreement.

• True
• False

Q3. True or false?

Disagreement among participants can improve a discussion

• True
• False

Q4. Decide if the statement below is appropriate for the given situation or not.

Situation: Someone is talking too much.

You say to them: “That’s interesting, but we haven’t heard from everyone yet.”

• Yes, it’s appropriate.
• No, it’s not appropriate.

Quiz 02: Constructing Conversation Practice Quiz

Q1. Understanding the value of a group discussion can motivate you to come prepared and to fully participate in the discussion. Which of the following questions can help you reflect on the value of the discussion?

• Why am I in this discussion group?
• In what ways can I benefit from being in this group?
• How can I be helpful to others in this group?
• All of the above.

Q2. What are two benefits of having background knowledge of the discussion topic, according to the video? (Select two answers.)

• You will be able to keep the discussion on focus because you will have an idea of the scope of the discussion.
• You will be able to contribute more insightful information for your group members to think about.
• You will be able to tell your group members when their information is not correct.

Q3. True or false?

Background knowledge is attained only by the homework that the teacher assigns on the topic.

• True
• False

Quiz 02: Agreeing and Disagreeing Practice Activity

Q1. Statement 1

All of the questions in this activity refer to the following situation:

Megan and Brendan are having a discussion in an Intro to Music class. The topic of the discussion is “Which musical genres will be most relevant to future generations of music fans?”

For each question, click on the Statement link. Then listen to each answer response and pay attention to how the other speaker disagrees with the statement.

Choose the statement that sounds more collaborative, or polite, and less confrontational.

Statement 1

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Which response below is less confrontational?

• Response A
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• Response B
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Q2. Statement 2

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Which response below is less confrontational?

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Q3. Statement 3

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Which response below is less confrontational?

• Response A
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• Response B
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• Progress: 0%
• Current Time 0:00/0:04

Quiz 03: Discussion Analysis Practice

Q1. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of population growth. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

Which quote from this clip shows that the conversation partners are trying to honor and build on their partners’ earlier ideas?

• “Well, I believe . . .”
• “I think that’s a really interesting point and something I hadn’t thought about before.”

Q2. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of population growth. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

In the clip, Chad says, “To dovetail on what you said.” What does this mean?

• To agree with what you said
• To disagree with what you said
• To connect with what you said
• To finish what you said

Q3. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of population growth. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

Later in the clip, how does Kevin show that he partially agrees with Dana?

• “But what about . . .”
• “I can see your point, but I don’t agree with . . .”
• “I see that, but don’t you think that . . .”
• “I agree in a way, but not completely.”

Q4. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of population growth. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

How does Dana defend her point in a collaborative and polite manner?

• “That’s true and I see where all of you are coming from, but I still stand firm in my belief.”
• “You’re right about that, but I think my point is still valid.”
• “Ok, ok, but you’re missing the point of what I’m saying.”
• “Yeah, but I still think I’m right.”

Q5. Watch the video clip below from an academic discussion on the topic of population growth. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

When Cameron is speaking, how do Dana and Kevin show that they’re listening attentively?

• A. Words like “yes,” “yeah,” and “excellent point”
• B. Head nodding
• C. Eye contact
• D. Giving a thumbs up
• E. Winking at the speaker
• D and E
• A, B, and C

Quiz 04: Graded Quiz

Q1. Which of the following is an appropriate statement to get the discussion back on track?

• “We haven’t heard from everyone yet.”
• “What are you talking about?”
• “That’s a bad idea.”
• “We are running out of time and we haven’t answered all of the question yet.”

Q2. What should you do if someone is acting bored or just not saying anything?

• Invite that person to participate.
• Keep the conversation going and ignore anyone who doesn’t speak.
• Leave that person alone.
• Tell the moderator or teacher that someone isn’t participating.

Q3. What should you do if there is disagreement among discussion participants?

• Try to get everyone to agree.
• Try to convince everyone you are right.
• Keep calm and respectful. Disagreement is normal.
• Stop the discussion. You don’t want people to get angry.

Q4. Which concept of constructing a conversation is illustrated by the following? (Match the parts of the analogy.)

the foundation of a house

• The task guides the development of the topic and provides focus for all of the group members.
• A solid discussion relies and rests on background knowledge and understanding the value of the conversation.

Q5. Complete the sentence.

_________________ adds to a conversation because hearing a diversity of opinions helps you to develop your own ideas.

• Confrontation
• Disagreement
• Emotion
• Criticis

Q6. Choose the two words that complete the sentence correctly.

To keep a discussion collaborative–not confrontational–you need to be _________ and use _________.

• logical; emotion
• logical; evidence
• subjective; evidence
• subjective; emotion

Q7. Of these phrases of disagreement, which will probably help your conversation partner to save face?

• I really don’t think so.
• I disagree.
• I see your point, but I can’t agree.
• I don’t agree.

Q8. Of these phrases of disagreement, which will be least likely to add to a collaborative feeling in your discussion group?

• I see your point, but I can’t agree.
• Well, actually . . .
• Seriously?
• I’m sorry, but I don’t agree.

Q9. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

conventional ____________

• wisdom
• premise
• visio

Q10. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

become _____________

• the impact of
• the focus
• greatly

Q11. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

vary ______________

• range
• majority
• considerably

Academic Discussions in English Week 04 Quiz Answers

Quiz 01: Synthesis Practice Quiz

Q1. Choose the word below that matches this definition:

the pulling together of data from different sources to support one’s ideas and combining all the information to create something new

• synthesis
• concise
• summary

Q2. Choose the word below that matches this definition:

logical and organized

• coherent
• synthesis
• summary

Q3. True or false?

Summary and synthesis are essentially the same thing.

• True
• False

Quiz 02: Wrapping Up Practice Quiz

Q1. Read the following statements from a discussion on whether or not the planet can sustain 9.2 billion people.

– “Our earth can sustain 9.2 billion people, but not the way it is currently being managed. We need to do a better job at managing resources, educating people, and sharing wealth.”

– “As with technology, there is potential to use our limited resources more efficiently, but we are not doing it.”

– “We probably have enough resources to sustain 9.2 billion people; the question is whether or not people can live together or not. With so many people, there may be wars because of differences of opinion.”

– “It comes back to if humans can live harmoniously with each other. The more people the more problems there are.”

What is the best synthesizing statement for the ideas above?

• 9.2 billion people cannot survive on our planet because we cannot manage that many people.
• The earth has the resources to sustain 9.2 billion people; the threatening issue is whether or not people can live in harmoniously with each other.

Q2. Which of the following are sentence frames that would precede a statement of synthesis? Choose all that apply.

• Based on what we have discussed, we should probably . . .
• To summarize . . .
• This discussion has led us on a journey that took us from . . . to . . .
• Our take-away from this discussion is . . .

Q3. Which of the following are sentence frames that would precede a statement of synthesis? Choose all that apply.

• What is the common denominator in all that we have discussed?
• How can we synthesize our conversation?
• What is the general consensus?
• What do you think is the best suggestion that was made today?

Q4. True or false?

An action point is the task that is assigned to an individual in the group as a result of the discussion.

• True
• False

Quiz 03: Discussion Analysis Practice

Q1. Watch this video clip of the introduction to an academic discussion about poverty. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

This is a good example of an introduction to an academic discussion because:

Q2. Watch this video clip of the introduction to an academic discussion about poverty. Then answer the question that follows.

• The facilitator warmly welcomes everyone to the group
• The topic of the discussion is clearly explained
• The task that needs to be accomplished is clearly mentioned
• All of the above

Play Video

A family has an income of less than $30 a month. What kind of poverty is this family experiencing?

• Extreme poverty
• Absolute poverty
• Relative poverty

Q3. Watch this video clip of the introduction to an academic discussion about poverty. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

What are some things that the group facilitator does to encourage group participation?

• He asks, “Do you have any more examples of that?”
• He asks, “Do you have any other causes that you want to identify?”
• He makes eye contact with each member often.
• All of the above.

Q4. Watch this video clip of the introduction to an academic discussion about poverty. Then answer the question that follows.

Play Video

Which of the following were mentioned as causes of poverty in the video clip? Choose all that apply.

• Poor government policy and the poor management of money
• Lack of education
• Poverty is decreasing
• The growing population

Quiz 04: Graded Quiz

Q1. Synthesis in a discussion involves all of the following elements except _____________.

• gathering data from resources
• including every idea mentioned during the discussion in the conclusion
• forming a response to the discussion questions
• combining ideas with data from resources

Q2. It is important that the final synthesis be logical and organized. The term for this is ______________.

• summary
• concise
• consensus
• coherent

Q3. A brief overview of main points is called ______________.

• consensus
• summary
• synthesis
• discussion

Q4. Which of the following is not essential, according to this lesson, when ending a group discussion?

• being sure to use sentence frames
• assessing if the goal was accomplished
• agreeing on what to do next and who should do them
• synthesizing the ideas

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a sentence frame that would precede a statement of synthesis?

• The next step should be to . . .
• The evidence seems to suggest . . .
• We conclude that that . . .
• As a result of this discussion I think that we should . . .

Q6. True or false?

An action point is the task that is assigned to an individual in the group as a result of the discussion.

• True
• False

Q7. Which of the following were frequently-referenced ideas in this course? Choose all that apply.

• You should try to avoid disagreement at all costs because disagreement causes hurt feelings.
• Have a plan for your conversation, and try to follow it. Don’t get sidetracked.
• Discussions are all about collaboration, so be sure to build on what other people say.
• Be sure to build your background knowledge, or knowledge of the topic, before you have your discussion.

Q8. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

effective _____________

• impact
• policy
• evidenc

Q9. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

enormous _____________

• impact
• opportunities
• evidence

Q10. Choose the word that completes the collocation.

get ___________

• expectations
• involved
• impact

Conclusion:

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