ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND

PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Language Used in Academic Texts from
Various Disciplines
English for Academics and professional Purposes
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Language Used in Academic Texts from Various Disciplines
First Edition, 2020

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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Language Used in Academic Texts from
Various Disciplines

1
 Aiming at the Target
In this module, you will learn to differentiate language used in
academic texts from various disciplines (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-2). This
will also equip you with oral and written language skills to meet the
academic demands across the curriculum.

Trying the Challenge

Before digging deeper into our topic, try answering the following
exercises.

Choose the correct answer from the given choices on why does
academic writing need to be objective, formal, complex, concise and specific.
Write your answer on your answer sheet.

1. Academic text or language is (an informal, a formal) way to present words

and terms for a specific field.
2. (Academic, Non-academic) related discipline typically uses academic text
for books, tests and researches.
3. The (objective, informal) style is used in writing an academic text.
4. Academic writing appears (complex, specialized) for it offers abstract
ideas.
5. In academic writing being (objective, concise) adds complexity especially if
English is not your first language.
6. Subjects taught in schools have their own (specialized, formal) vocabulary
which most students are not familiar with.
7. Using emotional language is (allowed, avoided) in academic writing.
8. An academic paper should establish (facts, opinions) wherein its focus is
on information and argumentation.
9. (Objective, Concise) language is straightforward and to-the-point.
10. (Complexity, Hedging) is one characteristic of academic writing wherein
linguistic devices re used to express hesitation or uncertainty but not
being biased at the same time.

Well done! Good luck in doing the next activity. 

1
 Lesson
Differentiating language
1 used in Academic texts
from various Disciplines
Students who master academic language are more likely to be
successful in academic and personal settings. This is to ensure that we do
the right thing for basic writing and speaking rules used in various
academic disciplines.

But what is academic writing and the languages used in various

disciplines? Academic texts are the type of texts used in the academe to
ensure quality learning and proper comprehension on information.

Let‟s find out whether your assumptions about language used in

academic texts are valid by doing the next set of activities.

Did you enjoy the activity? I bet you did! Now let me check how well
you have understood the lesson. 

Connecting to the Past

Very good! You are doing good dear learner. The next activity is
prepared for you to be skilled in differentiating language used in academic
texts from various disciplines.

A. Choose the letter of the correct answer from the given choices. Write your
answers on your answer sheet.

1. Which of the following is not a good way to structure your paper?

A. Asking yourself questions about the text as you read.
B. Arguing against a secondary source with which you disagree.
C. Writing bits and pieces of your paper, then putting them all together in
a logical order afterwards.
D. Trying to guess what your teacher wants

2. In general, the most trustworthy online sources have the domain

extensions
A. .php and .mov. C. .com and .jpeg.
B. .gov and .edu. D. .asp and .png.

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3. Academic writing requires ____________.
A. breaking down ideas
B. evidences about what you think.
C. the use of deductive reasoning, formal voice, and third person point-
of-view.
D. All answers are correct
4. When do you use formal language?
A. when you talk to a friend. C. when you write a text message
B. in an academic essay. D. in presenting an opinion
5. To write academically means…
A. avoiding copy pasting from the internet
B. writing that uses proper English language
C. to write in order to pass the subject
D. to write a paper for scholars
6. ____________ text is used for academic and professional purposes to be
able to reach or connect its target audience or readers.
A. Formal C. Unclear
B. Simplified D. None of the above

B. Choose the most appropriate features of text inside the box to complete
the meaning of the sentence.

formal simple explicit objective

7. ___________ text is used for academic and professional purposes to

increase the academic tone of the writing.
8. In academic writing text must be __________ where there is a clear
presentation of ideas in the paper in order to guide the reader along.
9. Using ___________ academic text means it is organized in a specific way to
have a clear structure.
10. Being ___________ means you are concerned with facts rather than
personal ideas.

You did great! Let‟s keep the ball rolling and let us be clarified about
our lesson. 

3
 Gearing Up to Start
In this activity you will learn more on languages used in an academic
text. This will provide you better understanding on the uses of languages in
various discipline.

Below are sentences that use ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL LANGUAGE.

Read it carefully and answer the questions that follow. Write the answer on
your answer sheet.
1. "No, I won‟t go out with your little brother. He‟s busted.”
2. „No way! You should go on that trip to Korea! YOLO.
3. Based on what I read in the text, the economy is going down.
4. Peter was not seen recently by the class since he started hanging out
with Michael. Their bromance is epic.
5. On page 354 it was revealed that the main character will surpass
everything.
The features of language used in academic writing are as follows:
Complexity, Objectivity, Formality, Explicitness, Precision, Hedging
and Responsibility.

Academic language is the set of specific terminology that pertains to

specific subject people usually learn in academic contexts while Social
language is the set of vocabulary that allows us to communicate with others
in the context of regular daily conversations.

Awesome! Let‟s continue and be clarified about our lesson. 

Hitting the Target

You have received a task from your teacher to write a three-paragraph
essay about a given topic. What will be your approach? Sometimes we write
in an informal and conversational manner. What do you think is the
appropriate thing to consider?

Constructing a written output and comprehending are quite

challenging. The language used plays an important role among students
especially in understanding the lessons taught in schools.

You had a glimpse of our topic, differentiating language used in

academic texts from various disciplines through activities you worked on the

4
previous sections of your module. This time, you will now focus to our topic
in this part of your module.

Academic language refers to the language expected among students in

doing school works. It also refers to the proficiency written, the auditory and
the visual language that is required in learning effectively in schools and
academic programs.

There are seven main language features of academic writing that we

can differentiate from various disciplines.

Below are the seven main language features of academic writing.

1. Complexity 4. Objectivity 7. Responsibility
2. Formality 5. Explicitness
3. Precision 6. Hedging

1. Complexity. Complex ideas could be simplified using a simple language

or commonly used idioms that are understandable to a specific target
audience.
Example: He studied hard because he wanted to go to medical school as he
suffered from arthritis.
2. Formality. Formal language is used rather than slang or informal
language in Academic writing.

Example: It is best to commence the electrolytic thickening in a silver

acetate bath
3. Precision. Facts and figures could be quoted from exact sources for
further reference in Academic writing.
Example: The turn of events depressed the girl.
4. Objectivity. Written language could provide more explicit or objective
purpose of communication.
Example: Research suggests that there is a discrepancy between theory and
practice.
5. Explicitness. Use of explicit or observable, clear and precise facts or
objects rather than implicit, unclear, unspecified facts.
Example: “This has sometimes led to disputes between religious and secular
clergy, between orders and bishops. For example, in the Northern context,
the previous bishop of Down and Connor, Dr. Philbin, refused for most of
his period of leadership in Belfast to have Jesuits visiting or residing in
his diocese.” (Feature of Academic Writing, 2020)

5
6. Hedging. The use of linguistic devices to express hesitation or uncertainty
as well as to demonstrate politeness and directness.
Example: The lives they chose may seem overly ascetic and self-denying to
most women today.
7. Responsibility. Demonstrating an understanding of the source text,
provide evidence and justification for, any claims made.
Example: I can‟t go to your party tonight. I have to be up early tomorrow for
work.

Did you enjoy using knowledge of text structure to glean the

information? I bet you did! Now let me check how well you have understood
the lesson. 

Strengthening the Gap

In this section of your module, you will apply the insights you have
learned, the skills you have developed and the information you have
gathered from previous activities. Your task now is to involve more of your
skills and knowledge in differentiating language used in an academic text.

Activity 1. Select the appropriate features of language used for the

following sentences.

A.
Complexity Objectivity
Formality Explicitness
Precision Hedging
Responsibility

1. Academic writing is relatively formal and avoids colloquial words and

expressions.
2. The texts used are understood and claims being made are justified.
3. Information are given emphasis rather than personal.
4. It is a feature of language that concerns about the relationship on the
text and uses different signaling words.
5. A language feature that focuses on the strength of claims you are
making.

Did you enjoy? I bet you did! Now let me check how well you have
understood the lesson. 

6
 Wrapping Up to Go
The features of language used in academic writing are Complexity,
Objectivity, Formality, Explicitness, Precision, Hedging and Responsibility.
Language serves many purposes in schools. In addition to being a
place for social networking and for socializing in many ways of “doing
school,” school is one context for learning. Thus, knowledge on the features
of language is of big help in facing the competitive world in the academe but
in all aspects and types of better communication.

Relating to Real Life

You are now ready to perform your practical task in this module. You
are on your own to figure out which of the skills and knowledge you learned
in the activities will you use to meet the given task.
Select the letter of the sentence that presents the features of language
used in academic writing. Write the answers on your answer sheet.
1. A. People are afraid to go outside nowadays because of the COVID 19
pandemic.
B. At present 30 million people are fighting to survive the COVID 19
pandemic.
2. A. “The law applies to all”, said by the governor after hearing that a law
was disobeyed by his longtime friend.
B. The governor excuses his longtime friend who disobeyed the law.
3. A. I run because it is fun.
B. When I run, I get tired.
4. A. Maria did not like cats and had never owned one.
B. Maria ran away from the cat; she‟d never owned one.
5. A. The death among urban areas will increase 10 percent between 2015
to 2020.
B. Projections of people‟s death is expected between 2015 to 2020.
6. A. The girl next door used to have a golden voice.
B. Hearing her sing is pleasing to hear.
7. A. People not following protocols given by the government is the cause of
increase on number of Covid 19 cases.
B. It could be that the increase on number of Covid 19 cases are caused
by people not following protocols given by the government.
8. A. William Shakespeare was famous for his poems.

7
 B. William Shakespeare was known throughout the world because people
enjoyed the poems he had written.
9. A. The author stated that the protagonist is suffering from a dilemma.
B. The protagonist in the story is maybe suffering from a dilemma.
10. A. I like dancing most. Dancing is fun.
B. Dancing is a good exercise. It keeps a person‟s body fit and healthy.

Perfect! You did very well on that, dear learner. 

Checking the Target

This time, be ready to on this final phase of the lesson, you will now
the things you have learned. Let us begin by answering this activity.

A. Write the following words or phrases with the appropriate use of

language in academic writing. Write the answers on your answer sheet.
Write back soon!
I‟m sorry for what happened
Your kid is making trouble
Sorry, I can‟t make it
What‟s going on?
I‟m sorry to tell you that…
Just a note to say
See you next week.
Could you?
Please get back to me ASAP
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

Congratulations! You have successfully finished the tasks intended to

make you more competent. You are almost at the end of the module. 

Enriching the Skill

Your goal in this section is to enrich your knowledge about our topic,
Differentiates language used in academic texts from various disciplines.
Please move on!
Read the following passages and underline the irrelevant sentences in
each paragraph.

1. Sarah Geronimo

8
 Sarah Tua Geronimo became the youngest multi-platinum
recording artist at the age of 14 through her debut album, Popstar: A
Dream Come True . She began singing in Tondo. She is the
only OPM artist to enter the Billboard World Albums chart with The
Breakup Playlist album which ranked 9th in 2015. Geronimo had
Billboard World Digital Song Sales with the single "Tala" which ranked
12th in 2020 and it also reached 143 million views on YouTube making
her the first Filipino female recording artist to reach that milestone.

2. Taal Vocano
Taal Volcano located in the province of Batangas, Calabarzon
Region began showing signs of unrest after 43 years of inactivity on
January 12, 2020 around 1:00 PM local time,. According to the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS),
increasing steam activity was observed in at least five areas inside the
main crater with frequent phreatic explosions that generated a steam
laden tephra column reaching 10-15km high. Taal Volcano can be
explored without supplementary safety measures, but this requires
special fitness training.

Great job! You have successfully finished all the tasks on this module
intended to make you more competent. 

9
 10
Relating to Real Life Strengthening the
Checking the Target
1. B
I hope to hear from you at 2. A Gap.
your earliest 3. B
4. A A (Expected
convenience.
5. A answers/answers may
I‟m sorry for what
happened. 6. B vary
I am afraid your child is 7. B A. 1. formality
experiencing difficulty. 8. A 2. responsibility
I am afraid I will not be 9. A 3. objectivity
able to attend. 10. B 4. explicitness
How are you doing?
5 hedging
I regret to inform you of…
I am writing to inform
you…
I look forward meeting you
next week.
I was hoping that you
could.
I would be grateful if you
could reply early.
Enriching the Skill
1. She began singing in
Tondo.
2. Taal Volcano can be
explored without
supplementary safety
measures, but this
requires special fitness
training.
Gearing Up to Start Connecting to the Trying the Challenge
Past
A. 1. social language 1. C 1. formal
2. social language 2. B 2. academic
3. academic language 3. D 3. objective
4. academic language 4. B 4. complex
5. social language 5. D 5. objective
6. A 6. specialized
7. formal 7. avoided
8. simple 8. facts
9. explicit 9. concise
10. objective 10.hedging
Finding the Score
References
Books

Ernst-Slavit, G. (2018). Academic Language: A Centerpiece for Academic

Success in English Language Arts. Gotlieb Publications, Inc.

Laurel, M.M. C., Lucero, A. F., & Bumatay-Cruz, R. T. (2016). English for
Academic and professional Purposes. First Edition. Sunshine Interlinks
Publishing House, Inc. 3F Maine City Tower, 236 Tomas Morato Avenue,
Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City

On Line Sources:

Retrieved June 25, 2020 from https://www.uis.edu/ctl/wp-

content/uploads/sites/76/2013/03/MLACitationMethodsQuizanswerkey.p
df
Retrieved June 23, 2020 from
https://www.lexialearning.com/resources/white-papers/understanding-
academic-language
Retrieved June 23, 2020 from https://hi-in.facebook.com/notes/mat-
sy/module-in-english-for-academic-and-professional-
purposes/10156009116966673/?hc_ref=ART2m_KApCK_MZ5hUJSZKyKzY
65w7eKwjrXvVqMYXXBGZ2wAQhEp8ivSqg6SXodUYyg
Retrieved June 23, 2020 from
https://www.google.com/search?q=words+or+phrases+with+the+appropriat
e+use+of+language+in+academic+writing&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ve
d=2ahUKEwiG1cbUy7frAhUEK6YKHW_YCmsQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=170
7&bih=821#imgrc=rs_U7r3igeFHIM

11
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Antique

San Jose de Buenavista, Antique

Telefax: (036) 540-9837

Email Address: antique@deped.gov.ph

 Activity Answer Sheet
English 11
Quarter 1 – Module 1
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - CUT ALONG THE LINE - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name ____________________________________ Grade & Section_______________

Trying the Challenge

1.__________________ 6.__________________
2.__________________ 7.__________________
3.__________________ 8.__________________
4.__________________ 9.__________________
5.__________________ 10._________________

Connecting to the Past

1.__________________ 6___________________
2___________________ 7___________________
3___________________ 8.__________________
4___________________ 9.__________________
5___________________ 10._________________

Gearing Up to Start Strengthening the Grasp

1.__________________
2___________________
3___________________
4___________________
5___________________
1.__________________
2___________________
3___________________
4___________________
5___________________

Wrapping Up to Go Relating to Real Life

1.__________________ 1.__________________ 6.__________________

2___________________ 2.__________________ 7.__________________
3___________________ 3.__________________ 8.__________________
4___________________ 4.__________________ 9.__________________
5___________________ 5.__________________ 10._________________

1
 Activity Answer Sheet
English 11
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Checking the Target

1. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Enriching the Skill

1. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________