English for Academic and Professional Purposes – Academic Texts

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and features of academic texts, their structure, language requirements, and disciplinary variations.

Academic Text

A formal piece of writing that communicates discipline-specific ideas or research (e.g., essay, research paper, thesis).

Introduction (Academic Writing)

The opening section that presents background, states the problem, and previews the argument or thesis.

Body (Academic Writing)

The central section where evidence, analysis, and discussion develop and support the thesis.

Conclusion (Academic Writing)

The closing section that synthesizes key points, restates the thesis, and signals implications or future research.

Tone (in Writing)

The writer’s attitude toward the topic and audience, which should be objective and respectful in academic texts.

Formal Language

Vocabulary and syntax that avoid slang, contractions, and first-person pronouns, suitable for scholarly contexts.

Unambiguous Language

Clear, precise wording that minimizes multiple interpretations and guides readers through complex ideas.

Third-Person Point of View

A perspective using he, she, it, or they, preferred in academic writing for objectivity.

Citation

The practice of crediting sources within the text through in-text references, footnotes, or endnotes.

Reference List

A comprehensive list of all works cited in an academic text, placed at the end of the document.

Complexity (Academic Writing)

The engagement with multifaceted ideas that require higher-order thinking skills to understand and evaluate.

Evidence-Based Argument

A claim supported by credible data, research findings, and established scholarship rather than personal opinion.

Thesis-Driven Writing

Academic writing organized around a central claim or perspective that is proved or disproved throughout the text.

Complex (Feature of Academic Texts)

Indicates dense information and intricate reasoning typical of scholarly writing.

Precise (Feature of Academic Texts)

Characterized by exact wording and accurate use of terminology.

Objective (Feature of Academic Texts)

Free from personal bias; focuses on facts and evidence rather than emotions or opinions.

Explicit (Feature of Academic Texts)

Clearly states assumptions, logic, and connections so the reader can easily follow the argument.

Accurate (Feature of Academic Texts)

Contains correct information that faithfully represents data and sources.

Responsible (Feature of Academic Texts)

Demonstrates ethical use of sources and acknowledgment of intellectual property.

Organized (Feature of Academic Texts)

Follows a logical structure that guides readers through the argument step by step.

Planned (Feature of Academic Texts)

Developed through outlining and drafting to ensure coherence and cohesion.

Science Disciplinary Style

Uses objective tone, technical vocabulary, and data-based explanations to report findings.

Humanities Disciplinary Style

Employs analytical tone and figurative or interpretive language to argue a viewpoint.

Social Sciences Disciplinary Style

Features formal tone and theoretical vocabulary to explain behavior and societal patterns.

Business Disciplinary Style

Prefers concise tone with financial or strategic terms to inform or influence decisions.

Social Language

Informal, often repetitive language used in everyday interaction, may include slang and relaxed grammar.

Academic Language

Formal, sophisticated language that follows grammar conventions and is used in textbooks, research, and professional settings.

Importance of Academic Language

Develops critical thinking, structured understanding, and effective research and writing skills.