Western Governors University (WGU)
D389 – Learning Strategies in Higher Education
UXM1 Task 2 – Evidence-Based Academic Writing
Printable Study Guide & Practice Exam
Status: Passed Submission (2026)
Instructions for Students
Read each question carefully.
Select the one best answer.
Correct answers are bolded for study purposes.
Review the rationales to strengthen understanding of evidence-based academic writing
principles.
Section 1: Foundations of Evidence-Based Academic Writing
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of evidence-based academic writing?
A. To express personal opinions persuasively
B. To summarize sources without analysis
C. To support claims using credible, scholarly evidence
D. To write creatively using academic language
Rationale:
Evidence-based writing relies on credible sources to justify claims rather than personal opinion.
, Question 2
Which characteristic best distinguishes academic writing from informal writing?
A. Use of first-person language
B. Conversational tone
C. Formal tone supported by scholarly sources
D. Emotional appeal
Rationale:
Academic writing is formal, objective, and grounded in research.
Question 3
Why is evidence essential in academic arguments?
A. It replaces critical thinking
B. It shortens essays
C. It strengthens credibility and supports claims
D. It guarantees agreement
Rationale:
Evidence demonstrates that arguments are based on research rather than assumption.
Section 2: Claims, Evidence, and Analysis
Question 4
What is a claim in academic writing?
A. A quotation from a source
B. A summary of an article
C. A statement or position that requires support
D. A personal reflection
Rationale:
Claims form the basis of academic arguments and must be supported with evidence.
D389 – Learning Strategies in Higher Education
UXM1 Task 2 – Evidence-Based Academic Writing
Printable Study Guide & Practice Exam
Status: Passed Submission (2026)
Instructions for Students
Read each question carefully.
Select the one best answer.
Correct answers are bolded for study purposes.
Review the rationales to strengthen understanding of evidence-based academic writing
principles.
Section 1: Foundations of Evidence-Based Academic Writing
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of evidence-based academic writing?
A. To express personal opinions persuasively
B. To summarize sources without analysis
C. To support claims using credible, scholarly evidence
D. To write creatively using academic language
Rationale:
Evidence-based writing relies on credible sources to justify claims rather than personal opinion.
, Question 2
Which characteristic best distinguishes academic writing from informal writing?
A. Use of first-person language
B. Conversational tone
C. Formal tone supported by scholarly sources
D. Emotional appeal
Rationale:
Academic writing is formal, objective, and grounded in research.
Question 3
Why is evidence essential in academic arguments?
A. It replaces critical thinking
B. It shortens essays
C. It strengthens credibility and supports claims
D. It guarantees agreement
Rationale:
Evidence demonstrates that arguments are based on research rather than assumption.
Section 2: Claims, Evidence, and Analysis
Question 4
What is a claim in academic writing?
A. A quotation from a source
B. A summary of an article
C. A statement or position that requires support
D. A personal reflection
Rationale:
Claims form the basis of academic arguments and must be supported with evidence.
