Lecture Notes: Language, Academic Texts, and Academic Writing

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on language, academic text, and various academic writing genres.

Academic text

Critical, objective, specialized texts written by experts in a field using formal language; based on facts with a solid basis; examples include research papers, reports, essays, dissertations.

Academic English

Language used in all courses of study; includes discipline-specific vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical conventions.

Formal language

Diction that is structured and professional, avoiding colloquialisms; used to convey precision and seriousness in academic writing.

Objective language

Impersonal and unbiased language that focuses on evidence rather than personal opinion.

Standardized language

Consistent linguistic conventions used across academic texts to ensure clarity and comparability.

Discipline-specific vocabulary

Terms and expressions unique to a particular field of study.

Rhetorical conventions

Established methods of presenting information and arguments within a discipline.

Language as a tool

Language functions to send and receive messages and promote understanding among people.

Homo habilis

An early human species often cited in origin-of-language discussions as part of the timeline toward modern language.

Homo sapiens

Modern humans; central to theories about the emergence of language.

Sign language

Gesture-based communication hypothesized to precede vocal language in some theories.

Vocal modality

Speech-based form of language that eventually replaced or supplemented gesture-based communication.

Innate understanding of language

The idea that language ability is inborn and present from birth.

Chomsky

Linguist who proposed that humans are genetically predisposed to acquire language.

Thesis-driven

Academic writing that centers around a particular thesis or position.

Evidence-based argument

Arguments grounded in sound evidence and established knowledge.

Complex writing

Written language with varied vocabulary, intricate syntax, and layered ideas.

Hedging

Softening or qualifying claims to reflect uncertainty or caution.

Unambiguous language

Clear and precise wording that leaves little room for misinterpretation.

Citation

The practice of acknowledging sources within the text and in references.

Footnotes

Notes at the bottom of the page citing sources or adding commentary.

Endnotes

Notes at the end of a document citing sources or adding commentary.

Structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion

The basic framework of an academic text that guides argument and readability.

Tone

The attitude conveyed in a piece of writing toward the subject or audience.

Topic sentences

Opening sentences in a paragraph that state the main idea.

Third-person point of view

Narrative perspective that avoids first-person pronouns to maintain objectivity.

Technical language

Specialized terminology appropriate to a particular field of study.

Paraphrasing

Restating someone else’s ideas in your own words to show understanding.

Summarizing

Condensing a longer text to its essential ideas and main points.

Reaction paper

A document discussing one’s comments, opinions, or reactions to a text or event.

Review paper

A paper that informs by summarizing current knowledge on a topic.

Critique paper

Analyzes and evaluates the quality, strengths, and weaknesses of a text or work.

Concept paper

A short document outlining a planned study, including purpose, methods, and significance.

Paragraph components

Introduction (attention-grabbing), Supporting details (development), Conclusion (summary/transition).

Purposes/Needs

Justification for why a project or study is necessary.

Project Description

Explains the impact of a project on beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Goals/Objectives/Aims

The intended outcomes or targets of a project or study.

Methods and Timeline

How the project will be carried out and the schedule for completion.

Budget/Needs and Requested Support

Financial and resource requirements to finance the project.

Benefits/Expected Outcome

Positive results or changes anticipated from the project.

Position paper

An essay that states and supports a specific stance on an issue using evidence.

Background information

Context that helps explain the issue and supports the position.

Counterarguments

Opposing views that are acknowledged and addressed within the argument.

Conclusion (Position Paper)

Restates key points and, where applicable, suggests resolutions or actions.