FUNDAMENTALS OF

READING ACADEMIC
TEXTS
 Introduction
The texts you read in school are different from the
texts you read during your leisure time. While the
texts you read for pleasure, such as graphic novels
or magazines, can be likened to the appeal of sweet
desserts, academic texts are more like the heavy
main course. More often than not they need to be
chewed and savored for a long time before their
meaning can be fully digested.
 Below are the examples of academic
texts
Academic Texts Description
Articles Published in scholarly journals, this type
of academic text offers results of research
and development that can either impact
the academic community or provide
relevance to nation-building.
Conference Papers These are papers presented in scholastic
conferences, and may be revised as
articles for possible publication in
scholarly journals.
Reviews These provide evaluation or reviews of
works published in scholarly journals.
Theses, Dissertations These are personal researches written by
a candidate for a college or university
degree.
Reading Goals
Below are some general purposes for reading an
academic text.
∞ to better understand an existing idea
∞ to get ideas that can support a particular writing
assignment
∞ to gain more information
∞ to identify gaps in existing studies
∞ to connect new ideas to existing ones
Structure of Academic Texts
Academic texts are typically formal. They have
a clearly structured introduction, body, and
conclusion. They also include information from
credible sources which are, in turn, properly cited.
They also include a list of references used in
developing the academic paper.
CONTENT and STYLE OF
ACADEMIC TEXTS
They state critical questions and issues.

They provide facts and evidence from

credible sources

They use precise and accurate words

while avoiding jargon and colloquial
expressions
They take an objective point-of-view and
avoid being personal and subjective.

They list references.

They use hedging or cautious language

to tone down their claims.
CRITICAL READING
STRATEGIES
Reading academic texts requires focus and
understanding. You have to interact with the text
by questioning its assumptions, responding to its
arguments, and connecting it to real-life
experiences and applications. Critical or reflective
reading helps you identify the key arguments
presented by the author and analyze concepts
presented in the text.
Library work (Performance task)

Individually, think of a specific

topic in a field or discipline which
personally interests you. Find three
academic texts related to your specific
topic.
Using a minimum of 300 words, write a synthesis of
the texts. Use questions below as your guide in
writing.
A.Text Information

1. What is the main idea of each text?

2. What new information or ideas did you find
in each?
`
B. Synthesis
1.How are the three texts related to one another?

2.How do you think these new ideas can be helpful in:

a. your life choices or decision?

b. the way you think about yourself, others, or
society?