Academic Reading & Writing Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to academic reading, writing, and text structure.

Academic Language

A formal, objective vocabulary needed by students to accomplish school-related work.

Social Language

Everyday vocabulary used for informal, regular conversation with others.

Paragraph

A collection of sentences that deals with one topic or idea.

Topic Sentence

The sentence that presents the main point of a paragraph.

Supporting Sentences

Sentences that develop or give evidence for the paragraph’s main idea.

Concluding Sentence

The sentence that sums up and closes the paragraph’s main idea.

Transitional Sentence

A sentence that prepares the reader for the idea in the next paragraph.

Essay

A piece of writing consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction (Essay)

The opening section that presents the ideas to be discussed in the body.

Thesis Statement

A sentence, usually at the end of the introduction, that states the essay’s central argument.

Body (Essay)

The main and most substantial part of the essay where ideas are developed.

Conclusion (Essay)

The closing section that summarizes and ties together the essay’s ideas.

IMRAD

A research paper structure that stands for Introduction, Methods, Results, And Discussion.

Academic Writing

Objective, impersonal, complex writing intended for a scholarly audience.

Non-Academic Writing

Subjective, personal writing aimed at a general or lay audience.

Academic Text

A critical, objective, specialized text written in a formal style for academic settings.

Structure (Academic Text)

The three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Tone (Writing)

The attitude conveyed by the writer toward the subject or audience.

Citation

The practice of acknowledging the original sources of information.

Evidence-Based Arguments

Claims supported by sound understanding of relevant knowledge and data.

Thesis-Driven Writing

Writing that is organized around and consistently supports a central thesis.

Complexity (Feature)

Addresses intricate issues requiring higher-order thinking skills.

Formality

Avoidance of colloquial words; use of formal language and third-person perspective.

Precision

Facts and information presented accurately and exactly.

Objectivity

Focus on information rather than personal feelings; minimal emotive language.

Explicitness

Clarity in stating ideas so nothing important is left implied.

Accuracy

Correct and appropriate use of vocabulary and information.

Responsibility (Writer)

Obligation to make ideas clear and to acknowledge sources.

Organization

Logical, planned arrangement of ideas to enhance reader understanding.