KEY POINTS IN ACADEMIC WRITING:

Purposes of ACADEMIC TEXTS

- To inform
- To argue
- To persuade
-
1. SUBJECT- the topic of the text
2. TONE- the attitude of the author toward the topic (words used by the author
are also called diction)
3. PURPOSE – the message the author wants to convey; the author’s goal in
writing the text
4. LANGUAGE – words used by the author, formal language
5. AUDIENCE – the readers of the text
6. POINT OF VIEW – how an author tells the information. The third person is
always used in academic texts.
Point of View
First person is the I / we perspective
Second person is the you perspective
Third person is the she / he / they / it perspective
7. STYLE – how a writer arranges his/her topic. Techniques and strategies in
writing.
8. KNOWLEDGE – how much information, or how expert the writer is about the
topic
9. EXPLICITNESS – information should be precise and exact.

4 FEATURES OF ACADEMIC LANGUAGE

1. FORMALITY – dignified stance in academic writing as a part of the academic
community
- Using expanded forms over contracted forms
- HOW TO ACHIEVE FORMALITY OF LANGUAGE:
A. Choose one-word verbs over two-word verbs
Examples:
Instead of Use
turn down rejected
take apart disassemble
throw away discard
break down categorize
talk over discuss
B. Avoid using abbreviations
Examples:
Instead of use
Dept. department
ASAP as soon as possible
 Soc. Sci. social science
C. Avoid using idiomatic/ colloquial expressions
Examples: gonna, wanna, heck, slay etc.

2. OBJECTIVITY – the focus of the topic is on the information rather than on the
writer/ author himself.

A. Use third person’s point of view

Example:
Instead of: We believe that this study will help future generations in studying
science.
Use: The researchers believe that this study will help future generations in
studying science.

B. Avoid rhetorical questions – as an academic writer you are expected to

give information or to inform

C. Avoid emotive language – words that show emotion

Example:
Instead of: The investigators were shocked by the results.
Use: The investigators did not expect the results.

Instead of: The working committee dislikes the concept.

Use: The working committee disagrees with the concept.

3. EXPLICITNESS – clarity of the writing structure

Example:
The DepEd would like to ensure that quality education will be provided amidst
the pandemic. COVID-19 poses challenges and requires exerted effort among
teachers.
The DepEd would like to ensure that quality education will be provided amidst
the pandemic, despite that COVID-19 poses challenges and requires exerted
effort among teachers.
4. CAUTION – avoid generalizing
Example:
Instead of: Government officials are corrupt.
Use: Some government officials may be corrupt.
Use: Corruption is commonly linked to some key government officials.