Relate the word “Academic Text” to a Formal.
English for Academic &
Professional Purposes
Nature and Characteristics of an Academic Text
An academic text is a reading material that
provides information which include concepts
and theories that are related to the specific
discipline.
Example:
 Research Paper
 Conference Paper
 Feasibility Study
 Thesis/Dissertation
 Reviews
 Essay
 Academic Journals
 Reports
Structure
- Unlike fiction or journalistic writing, the
overall structure of an academic text is
formal and logical (Introduction, Body,
Conclusion). It must be cohesive and
possess a logically organized flow of
ideas; this means that various parts are
connected to form a unified whole.
When writing an academic text there is a
certain structure that needs to be follow.
Tone
- The overall tone refers to the attitude
conveyed in a piece of writing. The
arguments of others are fairly
presented and with an appropriate
narrative tone. When presenting a
position or argument that disagrees
with one’s perspectives, describe the
argument accurately without loaded or
biased language.
- Narrative Tone (Narrating and
Impersonal)
Since it uses formal language, formal/rigid
structure, and also follows a formal narrative
tone.
Language
- It is important to use unambiguous
language. Clear topic sentences enable
a reader to follow your line of thinking
without difficulty. Formal language and
the third person point-of view should
be used. Technical language
appropriate to the area of study may
also be used, however it does not mean
using “big words” just for the sake of
doing so.
Academic Texts are impersonal. Meaning
the writer distances himself/herself from
his own text or own write-up. Therefore,
avoid personal pronouns. (I, me, my) and
stick to the third person point-of view.
Citation
- Citing sources in the body of the paper
and providing a list of references as
either footnotes or endnotes is a very
important aspect of an academic text. It
is essential to always acknowledge the
source of any ideas, research findings,
data, or quoted text that have been
used in a paper as a defense against
allegations of plagiarism.
(All outputs that will be submitted in EAPP
and PR must always have citations or list of
references)
Academic Text is based on facts and
evidences and in depth discussion of a
certain topic in a certain discipline.
 Complexity
- An academic text addresses complex
issues that require higher-order
thinking skills to comprehend.
Formal and Impersonal means you should avoid
colloquialism, slang, or contractions.
In Non-academic text, this is the time where we
can use personal pronouns (I, my, me).

Academic vs non-academic

Evidence-based Arguments Characteristics Academic Non-academic

- What is valued in an academic text is Structure Standard No rigid

that opinions are based on a sound structure structure
understanding of the pertinent body of Language Formal language Informal and
knowledge and academic debates that avoids casual
exist within, and often external to a colloquialisms language
specific discipline.
- How will you back up your statements Subject/content Shared historical Personal life
or opinions? – By citing the references events or and everyday
literature or other events
Thesis-driven forms of
knowledge
- The starting point of an academic text is
(in depth
a particular perspective, idea or position
discussion in a
applied to the chosen research
specific discipline)
problem, such as establishing, proving,
or disproving solutions to the questions
posed for the topic. Academic Language
- Why do you need to write the text?
- The language we used in writing
Academic vs Non-academic text academic text.
- Refers to the oral, written, auditory,
Characteristics Academic Non-academic and visual language proficiency
required to learn effectively in schools
Audience Academia Mass Public
and academic programs. It is also the
Purpose Informs the Inform,
language used in classroom lessons,
readers entertain, or
books, tests, and assignments. It is the
with solid persuade the
evidence readers. language that students are expected to
learn and achieve fluency in.
Style Formal and Personal, Why is academic language important?
Impersonal impressionistic,
emotional or - This will help you at your success. It will
subjective be much more easier to comprehend or
high grades when you are fluent in
academic language. Have higher chance
Academia or Academe: (teachers, students, in succeeding in professional world.
classmates, or anyone related to the school)
 Social Language vs Academic Language Characteristics of Academic Language

Social Language 1. Formal

2. Impersonal
- Is the simple, informal language we use
3. Precise
when talking face to face with family
4. Objective
members and friends.
- Expressing our need and wants using Formal
symbolic hand gestures
- It should not be conversational and
Academic Language casual. Avoid colloquial and idiomatic
expressions, slang, and contractions.
- Is what students read in textbooks and
on tests and what they hear during Impersonal
instruction in the classroom.
- Do not refer to yourself as the
- To describe and comprehend complex
performer of actions. Do not use
ideas, process, higher thinking skills,
personal pronouns.
and understand abstract context.
- Distance yourself
Social Language vs Academic Language
Precise
Social Language Academic Language
- The facts are presented accurately. The
Repetition of words Variety of words, more
sophisticated choice of words are appropriate. The
vocabulary use of technical terms to achieve
Sentences start with Sentences start with precision is applied.
“and” and “but” transition words, such - Be more precise state what is needed to
as “however”, be stated like 30 mL, 100 students.
“moreover”, and “in
Objective
addition”.
Use of slang, “guy”, No slang - It is unbiased, based on facts and is not
“cool”, and “awesome” influenced by personal feelings.

Reflection Paper (non-academic text)

In Academic Language Critique Paper (academic text)

- Should not be using slangs, - Since whenever we critique something,

colloquialisms, and no word we are basing our arguments in
contractions. different theories.

Don’t (Social Language) Concept Paper (academic text)

Do not (Academic Language) - It is based on evidences, facts.