You are on page 1of 4

For today’s activity, the students will be given individually a text to be criticized.

You are going to determine whether


it is Academic Text or Non-academic Text.
These are the paragraph:
a. The Industrial Revolution, a period of profound technological and socioeconomic change that began in Britain
in the late 18th century, transformed the world. It marked a shift from agrarian and craft-based economies to
industrial and factory-driven ones. Innovations in manufacturing, such as the steam engine and mechanized textile
production, significantly increased production efficiency. This revolution had far-reaching consequences, including
urbanization, the rise of the working class, and the emergence of new social and economic systems.
b. Social institutions, like education, family, and religion, play a fundamental role in shaping society. Education,
for instance, not only imparts knowledge but also transmits cultural values and norms. The family unit serves as a
primary source of socialization, instilling individuals with societal expectations and behaviors. Religion, on the other
hand, often provides a framework for moral and ethical guidance. By studying these institutions, sociologists gain
insights into the structure and functioning of societies and how they perpetuate or challenge established norms.
c. The theory of evolution, proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, revolutionized biology. It suggests
that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are
more likely to survive and reproduce. This theory has had profound implications, not only in biology but also in fields
like anthropology and psychology. It has reshaped our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth and the
interconnectedness of all living organisms.
d. In the realm of literature, the concept of the "hero's journey" has emerged as a prominent narrative
archetype. This narrative pattern, often attributed to Joseph Campbell, traces the hero's transformation through a
series of stages, including the call to adventure, trials and challenges, and the return with newfound wisdom. Stories
like the epic of Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, and contemporary works like "Harry Potter" follow this archetypal structure,
resonating with audiences due to its universality and ability to reflect the human experience.
e. Cognitive psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and
problem-solving, has shed light on how the human mind operates. Research in this field has revealed the intricate
workings of memory, from short-term storage to long-term retrieval. Additionally, it has advanced our understanding
of cognitive biases and how they can influence decision-making. Cognitive psychology has practical applications in
areas such as education, therapy, and artificial intelligence, making it a vital subfield within psychology.
f. The concept of opportunity cost is central to economics. It refers to the value of the next best alternative
foregone when a choice is made. For example, if you choose to spend your evening studying instead of going to a
concert, the opportunity cost is the enjoyment and experience you miss at the concert. Understanding opportunity
cost is crucial in decision-making, resource allocation, and economic analysis
g. Ecosystems provide essential services to humanity, such as clean air, water purification, and pollination of
crops. Biodiversity, the variety of species in an ecosystem, plays a critical role in maintaining these services. A diverse
ecosystem is more resilient to environmental changes and disruptions, making biodiversity conservation a priority for
sustainable environmental management.
h. The Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement of the 18th century, emphasized reason,
individualism, and skepticism of authority. It had a profound impact on politics, leading to ideas of democracy and
human rights. Thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire advocated for freedom of thought and expression, paving the way
for modern democratic societies.
i. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory introduced the idea of the unconscious mind and the role of childhood
experiences in shaping adult behavior. His work on the id, ego, and superego revolutionized the field of psychology,
although it remains controversial and subject to ongoing debate among psychologists.
j. Symbolic interactionism, a sociological perspective developed by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton
Cooley, focuses on the role of symbols, language, and communication in shaping social interactions and the
construction of reality. It explores how individuals interpret symbols and meanings, influencing their perception of the
self and society.
k. The theory of international relations encompasses various perspectives, including realism, liberalism, and
constructivism. Realism emphasizes the role of power and self-interest in international relations, while liberalism
emphasizes cooperation and international institutions. Constructivism, on the other hand, looks at how ideas and
norms shape global politics.
l. The concept of the "tragic hero," explored by ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles and later by
Shakespeare, refers to a protagonist with a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall. This archetype continues to
resonate in literature, exemplified by characters like Hamlet or Oedipus.

m. The periodic table of elements, developed by Dmitri Mendeleev in the 19th century, organizes elements based
on their atomic properties. This table serves as a foundational tool in chemistry, enabling scientists to predict the
properties of elements and understand chemical reactions.
n. Cultural anthropology explores the diversity of human cultures, studying customs, beliefs, and social
structures. Ethnography, a common research method in cultural anthropology, involves immersive fieldwork to gain
an in-depth understanding of a specific culture.
o. The concept of mathematical proofs, as developed by mathematicians like Euclid, is fundamental to
mathematics. Proofs provide rigorous validation for mathematical statements and theorems, ensuring the accuracy
and reliability of mathematical knowledge.
p. Quantum mechanics, a branch of physics developed in the early 20th century, describes the behavior of
particles at the smallest scales. It challenges classical notions of determinism and introduces concepts like wave-
particle duality and the uncertainty principle.
q. Immanuel Kant's philosophy of transcendental idealism argues that our knowledge of the external world is
shaped by our mental faculties. He distinguishes between the noumenal world (the world as it is) and the
phenomenal world (the world as we perceive it), emphasizing the role of human cognition in shaping reality.
r. Emile Durkheim's theory of social integration explores how individuals are connected to society. He
distinguishes between mechanical solidarity (unity based on similarity) and organic solidarity (unity based on
interdependence) and examines how social bonds influence behavior and cohesion.
s. The impact of the American Revolution extended beyond the United States, inspiring other movements for
independence and democracy worldwide. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution served as
models for subsequent revolutionary documents and constitutions in various countries.
t. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory outlines a hierarchy of human needs, from physiological and
safety needs at the base to self-actualization at the pinnacle. This framework helps psychologists understand human
motivation and behavior, emphasizing the role of fulfilling basic needs before pursuing higher-level goals.
Features of Academic Texts:
1. Complex
- Written language has no longer words, it is lexically more varied vocabulary.
- Written texts are shorter and the language has more grammatical complexity,
including more subordinate clauses and more passives.
2. Formal
- Should avoid colloquial words and expressions.
3. Precise
- Facts are given accurately and precisely.
4. Objective
- has fewer words that emphasize on the information you want to give and the
arguments you want to make
- mostly use nouns (adjectives), rather than verbs (adverbs)
5. Explicit
- 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.
6. Accurate
- Uses vocabulary accurately
- Most subjects have words with narrow specific meanings.
7. Hedging
- It is necessary to make decisions about your stance on a particular subject, or the
strength of the claims you are making.
8. Responsible
- You must be responsible for and must be able to provide evidence and
justification for any claims you make.
9. Organize
- Well-organized.
- It flows easily from one section to the next in a logical fashion.
10. Plan
- Well-planned.
- It usually takes place after research and evaluation, according to specific purpose
and plan.

You might also like