Features of Academic

Writing
Academic Writing

 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.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Written language is relatively more

1.

complex than spoken language.

Complexity  Written language has longer words,

it is lexically more dense and it has
a more varied vocabulary.
 Written texts are shorter and the
language has more grammatical
complexity, including more
subordinate clauses and more
passives.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing is relatively

2.

formal.
*avoids colloquial words and
Formality expressions
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

facts and figures are given

3.

precisely
*Effective academic writing assumes
Precision the abundant use of specific dates and
figures.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Written language is in general

4.

objective rather than personal.
 Academic writing tends to use
Objectivity nouns (and adjectives), rather than
verbs (and adverbs).
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing is explicit about

5.

the relationships in the text.
 It is the responsibility of the writer
Explicitness 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
signalling words.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing uses vocabulary

6.

accurately.
 Most subjects have words with
Accuracy narrow specific meanings.
 Linguistics distinguishes clearly
between "phonetics" and
"phonemics"; general English does
not.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

In any kind of academic writing you

7.

do, it is necessary to make
decisions about your stance on a
Hedging particular subject, or the strength
of the claims you are making.
 Different subjects prefer to do this
in different ways.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

In academic writing you must be

8.

responsible for, and must be able
to provide evidence and
Responsibility justification for, any claims you
make.
 You are also responsible for
demonstrating an understanding of
any source texts you use.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing is well organised.

9.


 It flows easily from one section to

the next in a logical fashion. A
Organization good place to start is the genre of
your text.
 Once you have decided on the
genre, the structure is easily
determined.
10 Main Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing is well planned.

10.


 It usually takes place after

research and evaluation, according
Planning to a specific purpose and plan.
Source

Features of Academic Writing. Retrieved from

http://www.uefap.com/writing/feature/featfram.htm
Individual Activity

Essay: On a one whole yellow business paper, discuss either academic writing or
academic reading observing the following:
 formality
 objectivity
 explicitness
 caution

Note: Do not forget to follow the three parts of an essay, the introduction, the
body/explanation, and the conclusion.
Group Assignment:

Bring a newspaper on Thursday.

It can either be:
The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Manila Bulletin
The Philippine Star
Have a great day!
See you all!