EAPP

Quarter 1 – LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET 1:

Academic Language

Learning Competency:
 differentiate language used in academic texts from various disciplines (CS_EN11/12A-
EAPP-Ia-c-2)
PRE-TEST
Directions: Fill out the table to differentiate academic text from non-academic text. Choose your
answers from the box.
Characteristics Academic text Non-Academic text
Audience
Purpose
Structure
Language
Style
Source of Content
Examples

Formal To inform and/or validate idea

To entertain Subjective
Related literature Research papers, Reports
Contains slang and colloquialisms Diaries, Informal essays
Introduction-Body-Conclusion Objective
No fixed structure Public
Scholarly audience Everyday events

DISCUSSION

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.
Examples of academic texts: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Complexity
An academic text addresses complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to
comprehend.
Evidence-based Arguments
 What is valued in an academic text is that opinions are based on a sound understanding
of the pertinent body of knowledge and academic debates that exist within, and often external to
a specific discipline.
Thesis-driven
The starting point of an academic text is a particular perspective, idea or position applied
to the chosen research problem, such as establishing, proving, or disproving solutions to the
questions posed for the topic.

Academic Language refers to the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency
required to learn effectively in schools and academic programs. It is also the language used in
classroom lessons, books, tests, and assignments. It is the language that students are expected
to learn and achieve fluency in.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACADEMIC LANGUAGE

 FORMAL - It should not be conversational and casual. Avoid colloquial and idiomatic
expressions, slang, and contractions.
 IMPERSONAL - Do not refer to yourself as the performer of actions. Do not use
personal pronouns.
Ex. “It is commonly said that”… instead of “Many of my friends and colleagues say
that…”
“Research revealed that…” instead of “I discovered that”
 PRECISE - The facts are presented accurately. The choice of words is appropriate. The
use of technical terms to achieve precision is applied.
Ex. “85% of the population”, “The results are okay(satisfactory).”, asphyxiation
(medical term)
 OBJECTIVE - It is unbiased, based on facts and is not influenced by personal feelings.
 Ex. “The essay on… is distressing.” instead of “I do not like the essay”

Task 1:
Read “From Hand to Mouth” on page 3 (textbook), then answer the following questions:
Questions:
1. What is the tone and purpose of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. Who is the target audience of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. How would you describe the language used in the text?
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the impact of citing references in a text?
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. How does the structure of the text help you to understand more about the text?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Task 2:
Read “Brief History of English” on page 10 and “Understanding Calories” on page 19 (textbook).
Using the criteria, evaluate the language of the two texts from various disciplines.
Characteristics of Academic “Brief History of English” “Understanding Calories”
Language
1. Does the text use a formal
language? (Yes/No)
2. Is the language
impersonal? (Yes/No)
3. Are the choice of words
appropriate for an
academic text? (Yes/No)
4. Does the text use
technical terms? (If yes,
write 1 term found in the
text./No)
5. Is the academic text
objective? (Yes/If No, write
2 phrases that indicate
subjectivity.)

POST TEST: Read each statement carefully and identify whether each statement is true or false.
Write T if it is true and F if it is false.
____1. An academic text should clearly state its thesis, argument or proposition.
____2. It is acceptable to include one’s judgment but should be supported by evidence.
____3. Both academic and non-academic texts can be used to inform.
____4. Both academic and non-academic texts employ the use of informal language.
____5. Academic texts can use first person point-of-view and include one’s emotional attachment
to the topic.
____6. The language used in academic texts should be conversational.
____7. Language used in academic texts employ technical terms specific for each field and/or
discipline.
____8. Academic language should be objective, precise, impersonal and formal.
____9. Slangs and colloquialisms are used in academic texts.
____10. Students who master academic language are more likely to be successful in academic
and professional settings.

Additional Activities:
Using the Venn diagram, compare and contrast the characteristics of academic texts from non-
academic texts.