Academic Texts and Writing – Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to academic texts, writing, and essay structure from the lecture notes.

Academic Text

Critical, objective, specialized texts written by experts or professionals in a given field using formal language.

Academic Writing

A process that starts with posing a question, problematizing a concept, evaluating an opinion, and ends in answering the question posed, clarifying the problem, and/or arguing for a stand.

Formal Language

Language that is appropriate for academic writing—formal, objective, and technical.

Impersonal Style

A writing style that avoids the writer’s personal voice and tone.

Objective Writing

Aimed at presenting information and arguments based on evidence rather than personal beliefs or feelings.

Literary Analysis

An example of academic writing that analyzes a text to interpret its themes, structure, and techniques.

Research Paper

An academic document presenting original research and analysis on a topic.

Dissertation/Thesis

A long-form scholarly work submitted for a degree, presenting research and findings.

Purpose of Academic Writing

To inform, to argue a specific point, to persuade, and to engage readers.

Audience of Academic Writing

Teacher, peers, and the academic community.

Language of Academic Writing

Language that represents the demands of school and disciplines; includes textbooks, classrooms, tests, and discipline-specific terms.

Appropriate Formal Not Too Pretentious

Using formal language that is suitable for academic writing and not overly ornate.

Three-Part Essay Structure

Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Introduction (Essay)

States the topic, purpose, and structure; may include background/definitions; about 10–20% of the paper; outlines scope, hypotheses, or research questions.

Body (Essay)

Develops the topic with definitions, classifications, explanations, contrasts, examples, and evidence; the largest part of the essay.

Conclusion (Essay)

Mirror image of the introduction; briefly summarizes the topic; confirms the topic; may discuss implications or recommendations.

IMRaD Structure

Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion; introductions give background and focus; Methods describe data collection; Results and Discussion summarize key findings.

Introduction (IMRaD)

The background and central focus of the study.

Methods (IMRaD)

Data collection methods, research instruments used, and sample size.

Results and Discussion (IMRaD)

Brief summary of key findings and their interpretation.

Abstract

A detailed summary of information gathered from the various academic texts read.