Academic Language Used From Various Disciplines

ACADEMIC LANGUAGE
USED FROM VARIOUS

DISCIPLINES
LESSON 1
NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF AN
ACADEMIC TEXT
An academic text is a written language that provides
information, which contain ideas and concepts that are
related to the particular discipline. Essay, Research Paper,
Report, Project, Article, Thesis, and Dissertation are
considered as academic texts.
STRUCTURE
The basic structure that is used by an academic text is
consist of three (3) parts introduction, body, and
conclusion which is formal and logical. This kind of
structure enables the reader to follow the argument and
navigate the text. In academic writing a clear structure
and a logical flow are imperative to a cohesive text.
TONE
This refers to the attitude conveyed in a piece of writing.
The arguments of others are fairly presented and with an
appropriate narrative tone. When presenting a position or
argument that disagrees with one’s perspectives, describe
the argument accurately without loaded or biased
language.
LANGUAGE
It is important to use unambiguous language. Clear topic
sentences enable a reader to follow your line of thinking
without difficulty. Formal language and the third person
point-of-view should be used. Technical language
appropriate to area of study may also be used, however, it
does not mean using “big words” just for the sake of
doing so.
CITATION
Citing sources in the body of the paper and providing a
list of references as either footnotes or endnotes is a very
important aspect of an academic text. It is essential to
always acknowledge the source of any ideas, research
findings, data, or quoted text that have been used in a
paper as a defense against allegations of plagiarism.
COMPLEXITY
An academic text addresses complex issues that
require higher-order thinking skills to
comprehend.
EVIDENCE-BASED ARGUMENTS
What is valued in an academic text is that opinions are
based on a sound understanding of the pertinent body of
knowledge and academic debates that exist within, and
often external to a specific discipline.
THESIS-DRIVEN
The starting point of an academic text is a particular
perspective, idea or position applied to the chosen
research problem, such as establishing, proving, or
disproving solutions to the questions posed for the topic.
FEATURES OF
ACADEMIC TEXTS:
1. Complex
- Written language has no longer words, it is lexically more varied
vocabulary.
- Written texts are shorter and the language has more grammatical
complexity, including more subordinate clauses and more passives.
2. Formal
- Should avoid colloquial words and expressions.
3. Precise
- Facts are given accurately and precisely.
4. Objective
- has fewer words that emphasize on the information you want to give
and the arguments you want to make
- mostly use nouns (adjectives), rather than verbs (adverbs)
5. Explicit
- It is the responsibility of the writer in English to make it clear to the
reader how the various parts of the text are related.
6. Accurate
- Uses vocabulary accurately
- Most subjects have words with narrow specific meanings.
7. Hedging
- It is necessary to make decisions about your stance on a particular subject, or the strength of
the claims you are making.
8. Responsible
- You must be responsible for and must be able to provide evidence and justification for any
claims you make.
9. Organize
- Well-organized.
- It flows easily from one section to the next in a logical fashion.
10. Plan
- Well-planned.
- It usually takes place after research and evaluation, according to specific purpose and plan.
PURPOSES IN READING AN ACADEMIC
TEXT
1. To locate a main idea;
2. To scan for information;
3. To identify gaps in existing studies;
4. To connect new ideas to existing ones;
5. To gain more pieces of information;
6. To support a particular writing assignment; and,
7. To deeply understand an existing idea.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN WRITING
ACADEMIC TEXT
1. State critical questions and issues;
2. Provide facts and evidence from credible sources;
3. Use precise and accurate words while avoiding jargon;
4. Take an objective point of view;
5. List references; and,
6. Use cautious language.

Academic Language Used From Various Disciplines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Academic Language Used From Various Disciplines

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Academic Language Used From Various Disciplines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ACADEMIC LANGUAGE

USED FROM VARIOUS

You might also like