ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES b.

Avoid emotive language that shows biases and lessens

Lesson 1: Defining Academic Text objectivity
Inappropriate: The researchers were disappointed with
Learning Objectives:
the outcome of the study.
1. Define academic text and describe its features
Appropriate: The researchers did not expect the results.
2. Differentiate academic texts from non-academic texts
c. Avoid emphasizing the writer or the reader. Instead, place
3. Revise sentences applying the features of an academic text
emphasis on the information.
What is an ACADEMIC TEXT? Inappropriate: How can we solve the problem?
An academic text is a reading material that provides information Appropriate: There are certain methods to be discovered
which include concepts and theories that are related to the specific to solve the problem.
discipline.
3. Explicitness - allows readers to trace how the various parts of
While a creative text aims to entertain, an academic text aims to the text are related. This can be achieved by the use of
inform, to argue a specific point, and to persuade. TRANSITIONAL DEVICES.
Examples:
Its structure requires sophisticated use of language.
a. The government hopes to provide assistance to the
It is used in writing for assignments, exams, and reports. There is workers affected by the temporary closure of business
an expected quality in the use of language and structure of texts. establishments. However, certain procedures and
protocol must be followed before a budget is released.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACADEMIC TEXT b. The study revealed modified solution 1 is an ideal
Generally, academic writing is FORMAL, OBJECTIVE and preservative for the muscles and organs of the specimen.
TECHNICAL. Similarly, the data revealed that the solution is good for
Formal Objective Technical preserving the specimen for up to five months.
No casual or No direct reference Using vocabulary 4. Caution - requires a writer to avoid generalizations. Academic
conversational to people or specific to the texts provide knowledge built from proven theories and
language feelings discipline (jargons) concepts. You must not include statements which are incorrect
No contractions Focus on factual Rigid structure and misleading.
and informal information
vocabulary 5. Structure - in the sentences of academic texts must show a
level of complexity that reflects sophistication of an academic
ACADEMIC TEXTS ACROSS DISCIPLINES writer. Combining ideas effectively, nominalization, and using
Different disciplines have different styles and structures of writing. passive construction are some ways to achieve structure
Discipline Structure of Academic Text suitable for academic writing.
Humanities expect longer paragraphs, which include topic Example:
sentences to show how your argument is Needs Improvement Better
structured The typhoon was a disaster. The typhoon was a disaster
Sciences expect short paragraphs, with no topic It caused loss of life. It that caused loss of life,
sentences, which are denser in information caused massive property massive property damage,
damage also. It changed the and permanent changes in
5 FEATURES OF LANGUAGE USED IN ACADEMIC TEXTS landscape of the town. the landscape.
1. Formality - reflects the dignified standpoint of your writing as a
member of the academic community ACTIVITIES:
What to avoid: Please copy the lecture notes in your EAPP notebook and do an
a. Colloquial words independent study of the characteristics and features of academic
Stuff matters texts.
A lot a number of
b. Contractions Activities 1 and 2 shall be given the following meeting. (10 items)
can’t cannot
shouldn’t should not
doesn’t does not
c. Two-word verbs
Put off postpone
Bring up mention
Look up admire
d. Abbreviations
ASAP as soon as possible
c/o care of
dep’t. department
2. Objectivity - requires an IMPERSONAL manner. The writer
must distance himself from the discussion by being IMPARTIAL
and FACTUAL.
a. Avoid the use of personal pronouns such as YOU and
WE. Instead, refer to the person as to their profession or
role.
Inappropriate: We measured the liquid accurately.
Appropriate: The researchers measured the liquid
accurately.