Notes on Academic Text and Language (EAPP)

Subject Overview

  • English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP) is a contextualized subject.

What is Academic Text?

  • Academic text is a written language that provides information which contains ideas and concepts related to a particular discipline.

Examples of Academic Text

  • Essay
  • Article
  • Research Paper
  • Report
  • Dissertation
  • Thesis

Nature of an Academic Text

  • A. Structure
    • The basic structure is introduction, body, and conclusion; this structure is formal and logical.
    • This structure enables the reader to follow the argument and navigate the text.
    • In academic writing, a clear structure and a logical flow are imperative to a cohesive text.
  • B. Tone
    • The attitude conveyed in a piece of writing is important.
    • Arguments of others should be fairly presented with an appropriate narrative tone.
    • When presenting a position that disagrees with one’s own perspective, describe the argument accurately without loaded or biased language.
  • C. Language
    • Use unambiguous language.
    • Clear topic sentences help readers follow your line of thinking.
    • Use formal language and the third person point of view.
    • Technical language appropriate to the area of study may be used, but not just to use big words.
  • D. Citation
    • Cite sources in the body of the paper and provide a list of references as footnotes or endnotes.
    • Always acknowledge the source of ideas, research findings, data, or quoted text to defend against plagiarism.
  • E. Complexity
    • Academic texts address complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to comprehend.
  • F. Evidence-based Arguments
    • Opinions should be based on a sound understanding of the pertinent body of knowledge and academic debates within and often external to a discipline.
  • H. Thesis-driven
    • The starting point is a perspective, idea, or position applied to the research problem, such as establishing, proving, or disproving solutions to the questions posed.

Features of an Academic Text

  • A. Complex
    • Written language is lexically varied; avoid simply using very basic words.
  • B. Formal
    • Should avoid colloquial words and expressions.
  • C. Precise
    • Facts are given accurately and precisely.
  • D. Objective
    • Emphasizes information and arguments with fewer personal imprints; maintains objectivity.
  • E. Explicit
    • The writer should make clear how various parts of the text are related.
  • F. Accurate
    • Subjects have words with narrow, specific meanings.
  • G. Hedging
    • It is necessary to indicate stance on a subject or the strength of claims.
  • H. Responsible
    • The writer must be able to provide evidence and justification for any claims.
  • I. Organize
    • The text should flow easily from one section to the next in a logical fashion.
  • J. Plan
    • The piece should be well-planned.

Purposes in Reading an Academic Text

  • 1) Locate a main idea
  • 2) Scan for information
  • 3) Identify gaps in existing studies
  • 4) Connect new ideas to existing ones
  • 5) Gain more pieces of information
  • 6) Support a particular writing assignment
  • 7) Deeply understand an existing idea

Factors to Consider in Writing Academic Text

  • 1) State critical questions and issues
  • 2) Provide facts and evidence from credible sources
  • 3) Use precise and accurate words while avoiding jargon
  • 4) Take an objective point of view
  • 5) List references
  • 6) Use cautious language

Academic Language

  • Definition: The language needed by students to do the work in schools; includes discipline-specific vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, and applications of rhetorical conventions and devices typical for a content area.
  • Another version emphasizes similar components and provides examples such as essays, lab reports, and discussions of controversial issues.

What is Social Language?

  • Social language is the language of everyday communication in oral and written forms.
  • Example: Friends, family, informal conversation.

Academic Language vs Social Language

  • Academic Language: Used in textbooks, research papers, conferences; in school or work conversations; appropriate for written papers, classwork, homework.
  • Social Language: Used in everyday interactions in spoken or written form; for everyday conversation; used to write to friends, family, or for social purposes.

Characteristics of Academic Language (Overview)

  • Very formal and sophisticated expressions; avoid slang; use a variety of terms; can use transitions such as only, moreover, in addition.
  • Sentences begin with appropriate transitions like moreover or in addition; sentences should generally follow grammar conventions, though some conversational forms may appear in informal contexts.
  • The language is designed to be precise, explicit, hedged where appropriate, and oriented toward objective discussion.

Transitions and Style (Academic Language features)

  • Academic writing uses clear transitions to connect ideas.
  • Formality excludes slang; avoids social slang and casual phrases.
  • Uses a range of terms and varied sentence structures to convey nuance.

Formal, Impersonal, and Other Characteristics

  • A. Formal: The text should not sound conversational or casual; avoid colloquial, idiomatic, slang, or journalistic expressions.
    • Examples of formal verbs and expressions include: consider, monitor, revise, review, solve, repair, amend, instead, look at, go over, fix.
  • B. [Formal language features are often summarized with examples above; see the list of formal verbs.]
  • C. Impersonal: The writing avoids personal pronouns such as I and we; also avoids second person you.
    • Example approach: instead of writing I will show, write this report will show.

Notes on Usage and Practice

  • Academic writing aims to present arguments with evidence, maintain objectivity, and provide clear links between ideas.
  • When citing sources, maintain rigorous attribution to avoid plagiarism and to support claims.
  • Use discipline-specific vocabulary appropriately and with clear definitions when introducing technical terms.
  • Plan and organize content to ensure a logical progression from introduction to conclusion.
  • Be mindful of the audience and the expectations of the discipline when choosing tone, structure, and language.