Academia de San Lorenzo Dema-ala Inc.

Tialo, Sto. Cristo, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

LESSON #2
Subject: English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Name: ________________________________________
Teacher: Mrs. Mary Grace A. Castellon

LEARNING CONTENT: Academic Text and Non Academic Text

REFERENCE/S: DIWA Senior High School Series
LEARNING TARGET
1.1. Determines the structure of a specific academic text
1.2. Differentiates language used in academic texts from various disciplines
1.3. Explains the specific ideas contained in various academic texts .

LEARNING CONCEPT
What is the Difference Between Academic Text and Non Academic Text?

The key difference between academic text and non academic text is that academic text is
intended for the scholarly and the research community in society, whereas non academic text is
intended for the general public in society.

We can divide all texts into two categories: academic and non academic. Academic texts are for
academia, and they are objective, formal, and factual. Non-academic texts, on the other hand, are
casual, informal and personal, and are for the general public.

What is Academic Text?

Academic texts are critical, objective and specialized texts that are written by professionals or experts
in a particular field. They are written in formal language and has a formal style and tone. Since these
are objective texts, they are based on facts. The emotions and feelings of the authors are not
delivered through them. Academic texts are well-focused, concise, clear, accurate, and well
structured. They are based on factual information and evidence, free from repetition, exaggeration,
rhetorical questions and contractions and are always in the third person point of view.

Generally, academic texts debate or provide answers to a specific question in a field. The main
purpose of academic texts is to enhance the reader’s understanding of a specific field.

Types of Academic Texts

 Essays
 Textbooks
 Theses
 Case studies
 Reports
 Research articles
What is a Non Academic Text?

Non-academic texts are writings that are informal and dedicated to a lay audience. They are
emotional, personal and subjective without any kind of research involving. Therefore, anyone can
write a non-academic text. Newspaper articles, e-mail messages, text messages, journal writing, and
letters are some examples of non-academic text.

Features of Non-Academic Texts

 Less formal (may idioms, slangs, contractions)

 Casual language
 Use any point of view
 Opinion-based
 Free of rigid structures
 On general topics

The main purpose of a non-academic text is to inform or persuade readers. They do not contain any
citations. The sentences used are short, and the text may or may not be clear and well-structured.

Examples of Non-academic Texts

 Personal journal entries

 Memoirs
 Autobiographical writing
 Letters
 E-mails
 Text messages

Mrs. Mary Grace A. Castellon

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