ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

ACADEMIC TEXT

What is an Academic Text?

• a kind of text that is commonly characterized with being formal, studied, researched,
objective, exact, direct, and has the ability to influence its readers.

• 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. Its objective is to inform rather than entertain.

THE LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC TEXT

(1) FORMAL
Academic writing uses a formal tone and avoids contractions, colloquial language, and
informal expressions. Thus includes choosing words precisely and carefully so that the
reader can accurately understand the concepts within the text.

(2) EXPLICIT
There should be a clear presentation of ideas in the paper. The text should have a well-
organized structure and be easy for the reader to follow. Furthermore, it is the responsibility
of the writer in English to make it clear to the reader how the various parts of the text are
related. These connections can be made explicit by the use of different signaling words.

(3) OBJECTIVE
Written language is based on research and not on the writer's own opinion about a given
topic. It therefore has fewer words that refer to the writer or the reader. This means that the
main emphasis should be on the information that you want to give and the arguments you
want to make, rather than you.

(4) CONCISE
Academic writing should be clear and concise in order to communicate its contents in the
best way. Writers should avoid using too many words in their writing. Getting straight to the
point ensures that all parts of an essay contribute to the development of the main ideas.

(5) DIRECT
Writing should be as direct and easy to understand as possible. To ensure this, writers should
use straightforward words to describe a concept, rather than fluffy or passive language.

(6) SPECIFIC
Writers should avoid vague, general language that fills space and doesn't add substantial
ideas. Words should have a precise meaning.

For example, writers often include vague words in their writing such as "very" or "thing."
Instead, writers should use more descriptive language that relates directly to the
topic.

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FEATURES TO AVOID IN FORMAL ACADEMIC WRITING
In addition to knowing what to include in academic writing, writers must know what to
avoid.

• CONJUNCTIONS
Formal writing requires writing out words completely and not using conjunctions and slang.
For instance, instead of using words like "didn't" or "she's" a writer using academic language
should write "did not" and "she is."

• IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Formal writing should also be original and direct. Idiomatic expressions are informal
figurative expressions that make for dynamic conversation but do not belong in academic
writing.

• INCOMPLETE SENTENCES
In addition to using complete words, language in academic writing should always use
complete sentences. This means that writers should avoid sentence fragments, and they
need to connect ideas clearly.

• SLANG
Slang words are informal words or phrases people use in everyday social contexts. For
example, "lit" and "no cap" are slang expressions. A writer should not include slang in formal
writing because not all readers understand slang.

• CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH
In formal writing, this should be avoided and facts and figures should be presented in a
clear manner.

• FACTS INFLUENCED BY PERSONAL FEELINGS OF BIASES

When you write objectively you are concerned about facts and not influenced by personal
feelings or biases When presenting an argument to the reader, try to show both sides if you
can and avoid making value judgments.

• IMPERSONAL
Academic writers should avoid using personal pronouns such as "I," "you," and "we." They
should also refrain from discussing their own lives.
In a third-person point of view.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACADEMIC WRITING/TEXTS

(1) EVIDENCE-BASED
Effective academic writing is based on evidence. Writers should avoid making claims that
they cannot support. They need to point to facts or quotes from a text to prove that what
they are saying is credible.

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Academic writing also typically includes citations. All information from outside
sources should be cited according to the required style guide, such as MLA or
APA. Correctly citing information ensures that writing is credible and original.

(2) STRUCTURED
It is coherent, written in logical order and brings together related points and material.
It enables the reader to follow the argument and navigate the text.

Three-Part Essay Structure

It is a basic structure that consists of introduction, body and conclusion.

(3) FORMAL IN TONE AND STYLE

This means having appropriate languages and tenses, and is clear, concise and balanced.

Formal language does not mean fancy language. Sometimes writers can be
tempted to use lots of complex vocabulary to make a point. This may confuse
readers and weaken the quality of a paper. Instead, writers should strive to be as
straightforward as possible and use simple words to make complex points.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
You are learning English not only for conversational purposes but also for your academic
or professional life.

An academic text is basically used for textbooks, tests, in classrooms and any other
discipline related to academic. The following table shows the academic disciplines and
some of their branches.

DISCIPLINE BRANCH EXAMPLES

Business accounting, economics, finance, management,
marketing
Humanities art, history, languages, literature, music, philosophy,
religion,
theater
Natural and Applied biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering,
Sciences geology, mathematics, physics, medicine
Social Sciences anthropology, education, geography, law, political
science,
psychology, sociology

DIRECT AND INDIRECT APPROACHES

• If you need to deliver bad news or information that you know will not please the
recipient, you have the option of choosing either a direct approach or an indirect
approach.

• Using the direct approach, you deliver the message straight away after your
salutation, whereas a more indirect approach will include some kind of buffer before

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you deliver your message. Which strategy you choose depends on the situation and
the way in which you wish to present your message.
DIRECT APPROACH
Using a direct approach means that you get straight to the point after the salutation and
a reference to previous contact.

Examples (More formal):

• With reference to your application, I regret to inform you that you have not been
selected for interview.
• Thank you for contacting us. All vacancies for PhD positions are advertised on the
Lund University website.

Examples (Less formal):

• Thanks for getting in touch. I am afraid we cannot offer an extra exam. The next resit
opportunity is 15 May. Please make sure you reregister on the course before that and
that you also register for the exam via the Student Portal.

INDIRECT APPROACH
If you use an indirect approach, you add some kind of buffer, or padding, before you
deliver your message. Such buffers usually express appreciation or understanding, although
they can also present a neutral factual statement.

The following examples deal with ways of telling applicants they have not received funding,
although the phrases can be used in other contexts too. After recognising previous
correspondence (Thank you for your email / application / etc.], some writers choose to
open with a piece of good news before the bad news is delivered.

• We were very pleased to hear about…. However, due to financial constraints, it will
not be possible to…
• We received many strong applications this year…Regrettably, however, …