LESSON 1: THE ACADEMIC WRITING STYLE
thing is described by listing its features,
MODERN ACADEMIC WRITING (FOLLOWS A
FORMAL STYLE)
FORMAL -uses appropriate language and
tenses, and is clear, concise and balanced.
INFORMAL -impersonal at the same time
objective because it avoids direct reference to
people or feelings instead it emphasizes
objects, facts, and ideas. It well focuses on the
idea rather than the people or emotion that
being portrayed.
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
Introduction -provide everything
the reader needs to know in order to
understand your aim.
Body -most substantial part of the text; this
is where the research or findings are
presented, discussed and analyzed.
Conclusion -Summarises the main points
given in the essay. Draws together the
ideas to explain how they connect and
relate.
TYPES OF TEXT STRUCTURE
COMPARE AND CONTRAST -a rhetorical style
that discusses the similarities and
differences of two or more things: ideas,
concepts, items, places, etc.
SEQUENCE -presenting this information by
listing events or steps in a sequence or in
presenting information in chronological
order using time.
CAUSE AND EFFECT -explain reasons
why something happened or the effects of
something.
DESCRIPTION -A topic, person, place, or
characteristics, or examples.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTION -information in a
passage is expressed as a dilemma or
concerning issue (a problem) and
something that was, can be, or should be
done to remedy this issue (solution or
attempted solution).
GUIDELINES IN WRITING ACADEMIC
TEXTS
WRITE OBJECTIVELY -deal with facts in an
impersonal way. While you are expected to
develop your own ideas from your research and
reading about a topic, you must express those
ideas in an impersonal objective manner.
WRITE CLEARLY- Do not assume that your
reader will understand what you are trying to
say—try to write so that another person will
grasp your ideas.
USE THE TECHNICAL VOCABULARY OF YOUR
SUBJECT AREA -Most text books have a glossary
of terms (or use discipline specific dictionaries)
with explanations so that you can use these
terms correctly. You do NOT have to put
quotation marks around these terms (e.g.
‘collaborative group work’). If you use these
words fluently in your essay, it shows that you
are mastering your subject.
USE STANDARD ENGLISH- Universal Language It
can easily be understood by the general
community rather than local English (e.g.
colloquial, slang) variations.
USE CORRECT ENGLISH -always proofread. You
will lose marks for incorrect sentences, spelling
and punctuation
USE NONDISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE -Avoid
offending groups of people such as racial,
ethnic, religious, age, and sexual groups.

OTHER TIPS

-Do not use colloquial language or slang.

-Do not use shortened forms of words and

phrases incorrectly.

-Avoid using personal language.

-Avoid using language that is emotional.

-Avoid using words that express your opinion

too strongly.

-Avoid using unnecessary words.