ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

LESSON 1: DIFFERENTIATING LANGUAGES USED IN ACADEMIC TEXTS FROM

VARIOUS DISCIPLINES

Background Information for Learners

Generally, academic writing is formal, objective, and technical. It is formal by

avoiding casual or conversational language, such as contractions or informal
vocabulary. Also, it is impersonal or objective by avoiding direct reference to people or
feelings, and instead focusing on factual information. It is technical by using vocabulary
specific to the discipline.

Different disciplines also have different styles and structures of writing. For
example, some disciplines, such as in the humanities, expect longer paragraphs, which
include topic sentences to show how your argument is structured. Other disciplines, for
example in the sciences, expect short paragraphs, with no topic sentences, which are
denser in information.

As a student and a professional in the future, you must distinguish how various
disciplines write their academic texts. English as a language is used for many purposes,
both in the professional and academic setting. As a spoken language, English is better
understood in a conversational, matter-of-fact manner, although formality is still
observed. In written form, English in academic text uses more sophisticated vocabulary,
adapts a formal tone, reflects objectivity by focusing on the information, and has a rigid
technical structure often prescribed by the professional organization publishing the text.

To be a good academic writer and an effective reader of academic texts, you

must learn the specific styles and structures for your discipline, as well as for each
individual writing task.

ACADEMIC TEXT: How is this different from common, creative text?

An academic text is a reading material that provides information which include

concepts and theories that are related to the specific discipline. Academic writing in
English is linear which means it has one central point or theme with every part
contributing to the main line of argument, without digressions or repetitions.

While a creative text aims to entertain, an academic text aims to inform, to argue
a specific point, and to persuade. Its structure requires sophisticated use of language.
our tasks will include writing for assignments, exams, and reports. There is an expected
quality in your use of language and structure of texts.

There are five important features of language used in academic texts:

 Formality reflects the dignified standpoint of your writing as a member of the
academic community. This means that since your audience are fellow members of the
academic community, the language you use requires precision to make it a “legitimate”
piece of academic writing.

Formality can be achieved through the following ways:

1. Avoiding colloquial words and expressions such as stuff, a lot, thing.
2. Avoiding contracted forms of modals such as can’t, doesn’t, shouldn’t. Instead,
choose their expanded forms such as cannot, does not, should not.
3. Avoiding two-word verbs such as put off, bring up, look up. Instead, choose their
formal and one-word counterpart such as postponed, mention, admire.
4. Avoid using abbreviated forms such as ASAP, c/o, dept. Instead, choose their
expanded terms such as as soon as possible, care of, department.

Objectivity in academic writing requires an impersonal manner. The writer must

distance himself from the discussion by being impartial and factual. Objectivity can be
achieved through the following:

1. Avoid the use of personal pronouns such as you, I and we. Instead, refer to the
person as to their profession or role.
Example: We measured the liquid accurately.
The researchers measured the liquid accurately.
2. Avoid emotive language that shows biases and lessens objectivity.
Example: The researchers were disappointed with the outcome of the study.
The researchers did not expect the results.
3. Place emphasis on the information rather than the writer or the reader.
Example: How can we solve the problems?
There are certain methods to be discovered to solve the problems.

Explicitness allows readers to trace how the various parts of the text are related.
This can be achieved by the use of signaling words.
Example:
The government hopes to provide assistance to the workers affected by the
temporary closure of business establishments. However, certain procedures and
protocol must be followed before a budget is released.
The study revealed modified solution 1 is an ideal preservative for the muscles
and organs of the specimen. Similarly, the data revealed that the solution is good for
preserving the specimen for up to five months.

Caution requires a writer to avoid making generalizations. Academic texts

provide knowledge build from proven theories and concepts. You must not include
statements which are incorrect and misleading.

Structure in the sentences of academic texts must show a level of complexity

that reflects sophistication of an academic writer. Combining ideas effectively,
nominalization, and using passive construction are some ways to achieve structure
suitable for academic writing.
Example:
The typhoon was a disaster. It caused loss of life. It caused massive property
damage also. It changed the landscape of the town.

The typhoon was a disaster that caused loss of life, massive property damage,
and permanent changes in the landscape.