Lesson 1.1: The Nature of Academic Texts

Flashcards covering the nature, structure, differences, hedging, modality, and formality of academic texts based on the provided notes.

What is an academic text?

A formal writing genre that uses strict style, register, and formats; it breaks down ideas using deductive reasoning, a formal voice, and a third-person point of view.

What are common properties of well-written academic texts?

Organization, unity, coherence, and strict adherence to rules of language use and mechanics.

What does an academic text state and show evidence for?

The writer's thinking and the evidence that contributed to that thinking.

Name seven practices academic writers must observe in writing academic texts.

1) State questions and issues critically; 2) Use credible sources for facts and evidence; 3) Avoid jargon and colloquial expressions; use precise words; 4) Avoid personal/subjective voice; 5) Use an objective point of view; 6) Present a list of references; 7) Use hedges to tone down claims.

What are the key differences between academic and non-academic texts in structure, grammar, and vocabulary?

Academic: logical structure, correct grammar, discipline-specific vocabulary. Non-academic: less organized, incomplete sentences, slang and casual vocabulary.

Who is the typical audience for academic texts?

Academic/Particular (scholars and students within the discipline).

What kind of content and style do academic texts emphasize?

Serious ideas; complex sentence structures; formal language; avoidance of colloquial expressions.

Give examples of academic texts.

Articles, theses, dissertations, conference papers, and reviews published in scholarly journals.

What are theses and dissertations?

Long research works written by graduating students as a central requirement before graduation.

What is the role of modal and epistemic language in academic texts?

Modal/epistemic language expresses doubt or probability (e.g., believe, suggest, estimate, appear) rather than asserting certainty.

What is hedging in academic texts?

A strategy to tone down claims by using cautious language to indicate uncertainty or probability.

Give examples of probability adjectives used in hedging.

Possible, probable, unlikely.

What are indicators of degree, quantity, frequency, and time in hedging?

Approximately, roughly, about, often, occasionally, generally, usually, somewhat.

What are introductory phrases in academic writing?

Phrases like believe, to our knowledge, it is our view that, we feel; used to introduce claims.

Name examples of adverbs used in hedging.

Perhaps, possibly, probably, practically, likely, presumably, virtually, apparently.

What are compound hedges?

Double or triple hedges (e.g., seems reasonable, it may suggest; it probably indicates) used to further soften claims.

What are 'If' clauses used for in academic writing?

Indicate conditions and are often combined with hedges to qualify claims.

What is a key feature of complexity in academic writing?

Written texts are lexically denser, using more noun phrases, nominalizations, subordinate clauses, longer sequences of prepositional phrases, and more passives.

How does formality manifest in academic writing?

Avoid colloquial terms, abbreviations, two-word verbs; avoid questions; use formal language; subheadings/bullets are generally avoided in formal essays unless necessary in reports.

Provide a formal equivalent for the phrase 'a lot' as used in academic writing.

A great deal.

Provide a formal equivalent for the phrase 'a bit' when describing degree.

Somewhat.

Give a formal rewrite of the sentence about social pressure on women.

Original: With women especially, there is a lot of social pressure to conform to a certain physical shape. Formal: With women especially, there is a great deal of social pressure to conform to a certain physical shape.