Academic English vs. General English

Academic English Vs.
General English
They differ in:
 Formality
 Language choice
 Topic
 Audience
Academic English General English
Formality
More formal Informal
Example: You would not usually call your lecturer “bro”
Language Choice
Uses more technical and specific words Not technical and specific
Example: You probably would not swear in an academic presentation
Topic
Focuses on subject areas of study Usually used for everyday chatting
Example: Unless your essay is specifically about pop culture, you probably would not write about Kim
Kardashian or another celebrity
Audience
Lecturers, peers and other experts in the subject Friends and family
Structures of Academic Texts

Students- will have to write different types of text that could be shorter assignments, and reports or bigger
essays and papers
“Common for all types is that they should be written in an academic style”
Academic text- refers to any type of work you write during your studies
-regardless if it is a shorter assignment or an entire essay, there will be requirements to fill in
regards to the language, style and structure of your text
-are typically FORMAL
-include information from credible sources which are, in turn, properly cited
-include a list of references used in developing the academic paper
“You can develop your own style of writing, but you are still expected to follow certain more formal
requirements”
The Clear Structure of Academic Text:
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion
Examples of Academic Texts
1. Essay - is a piece of writing about a particular subject by a student as part of a course or study
2. Report- is a written description of a situation or event, giving people the information they need
-also means an official document that carefully considers a particular subject
3. Case Study- is a detailed account of the development of a particular person, group or situation that has
been studied over a period of time
4. Research Proposal- is a document in which you outline the case for undertaking the research project,
your dissertation or thesis, and present your plans for carrying out the work.
5. Book review- is a form of literary criticism in which a book is merely described (summary review) or
analyzed based on content, style, and merit
6. Research report- A research report is a written presentation of the findings of a research study in a way
people can digest and learn from.
7. Literature review- Surveys books, scholarly articles, and any other sources relevant to a particular issue,
area of research, or theory, and by so doing, provides a description, summary, and critical
evaluation of these works in relation to the research problem being investigated.
8. Reflective writing- Writers use reflective writing to analyze and examine an event, memory, or
observation. In reflective writing, the writer reflects on the meaning and impact of
the occasion.
9. Introduction -describes the scope of the document and gives the brief explanation or summary of the
document.
10. Research methods-are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or
evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better
understanding of a topic.
11. Research results-Research results include the findings of your study based upon the methodology (or
methodologies) you applied to gather information.
12. Discussion-its purpose is to interpret and describe the significance of your findings in light of what was
already known about the research problem being investigated and to explain any new
understanding or insights that emerged as a result of your study of the problem.
13. Conclusions- The conclusion of a research paper restates the research problem, summarizes your
arguments or findings, and discusses the implications.
14. Abstracts- Summarizes, usually in one paragraph of 300 words or less, the major aspects of the entire
paper in a prescribed sequence.
15. Thesis- Is a long scholarly paper that is typically used to sum up learned knowledge in a college or
master's program.
16. Dissertations- is usually done by a doctorate student and focuses on original research.
Content and Style of Academic Texts

Academic texts
-include concepts and theories that are related to specific discipline they explore
-usually exhibit all the properties of a well-written text
Properties of a well-written text

-organization
-unity
-coherence
-good grammar and mechanics
Organization
-in writing, it means how your ideas are presented
If your writing is not organized...
-your readers could become confused and lose interest
Unity
-means that each paragraph has only one main idea
-all other sentences and details in that paragraph revolve around that main idea
Coherence
-An academic text is coherent if it makes sense
Cohesion
-An academic text is cohesive if the parts in it are linked together.
Example:
John is handsome. Jane does not like him.
-This text is not cohesive because the two sentences are not linked together.
Must use transitional devices so...
-John is handsome. However, Jane does not like him.
To be able to achieve cohesion...

- transitional devices should be used which includes and, however, furthermore, nonetheless, on the
contrary, and many more
Transitions
-writers use transition words and phrases to link ideas together.
-These words help the reader understand the writers ideas and how they are connected.
Good grammar
- In the professional and academic world, correct grammar is a critical skill to master.
-is an asset to foster
"Good grammar is always great writing"
Having a good grammar...

-helps you come across as more intelligent, educated, and professional
If you decide to go to college or graduate school...

- written grammar skills will be necessary to help you write academic papers
Mechanics
-in composition, writing mechanics are the conventions governing the technical aspects of writing
Mechanics include:
-spelling
-punctuation
-capitalization
-abbreviations
In general, authors observe the following when writing academic texts

1.They state critical questions and issues.(what, when, where, how and etc.)
2.They provide facts and evidences from credible sources.
3.They use precise and accurate words while avoiding jargon and colloquial expressions.
4.They take an objective point of view and avoid being personal and subjective.
5. They list references
6.They use cautious language to tone down their claims.

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Academic English Vs.

Structures of Academic Texts

Content and Style of Academic Texts

Properties of a well-written text

To be able to achieve cohesion...

"Good grammar is always great writing"

Having a good grammar...

If you decide to go to college or graduate school...

In general, authors observe the following when writing academic texts

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