Principles of Linguistics Problem Set Answers
Linguistics 20
Bruce Hayes
UCLA
1. The Principle of the Benevolent Problem Set Constructor
If there is some generalization you're supposed to pick up, there are probably enough examples in the problem set for you to find it. No one is asking you to be clairvoyant.
2. Dealing with Indeterminacy
What is there is more than one possible answer to the problem, each answer being compatible with the data and the theory?
Answer: don't get upset. Point out the indeterminacy in your answer, and explain why there is an indeterminacy. State that you are picking out one particular answer to present, and present that one answer clearly.
You can obtain glory and your TA's admiration if you state what additional data, not included in the problem set, could decide between the two approaches. Example: "we could establish the correct answer if we knew how one says 'my two ducks-accusative' in this language."
3. What if I don't know the technical term for something?
One strategy is to ask. But another is to make something up, say you made it up, and explain clearly what you mean by the term. After all, somebody had to make up those technical terms in the first place...
4. Do you suspect a typo?
Look at the data seriously, and if you conclude that something is probably a typo, please ask. If it's too late to ask, say explicitly in your homework that you're assuming a typo.
5. Is it ok to speculate?
Yes, within limits. Wild speculation looks undisciplined, but thoughtful speculation brings zest to a problem set answer and can bring pleasure to your TA's work day.
6. What helps make an answer clear?
Give examples to illustrate what you are doing. In other words, quote the data in the problem which show how your rules work.
7. And?
Nice prose also helps. Doing a second edit after your initial write-up can produce a beautifully readable answer, which will likewise bring pleasure to your TA's work day and can contribute to your developing a real-life skill.