Lesson 1: Differentiating

Language Used in
Academic Texts
 ACADEMIC TEXTS
 Kind of writing being used in schools

Examples:
Journals
Newspapers
Researches
Essays
DAEMIACC
GLNGUEAA
 ACADEMIC LANGUAGE
 refers to the oral, written, auditory, and visual
language proficiency required to learn effectively in
schools and academic programs. It is the language
used in classroom lessons, books, tests, and
assignments. It is the language that students are
expected to learn and to achieve fluency.

 includes a variety of formal-language skills—such as

vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, syntax, discipline-
specific terminology, or rhetorical conventions
 FOUR FEATURES OF ACADEMIC
LANGUAGE
1. Formal
2. Analytical
3. Objective
4. Explicit
 1. FORMAL
This refers to the proper use of words to accurately
understand the concepts within the text. In order to
achieve the appropriate level of formality, you should
read literature within your field. This will also help you
learn and use subject-specific terms.

HOW TO ACHIEVE?
a. Choosing expanded forms over contracted forms
b. Choosing one- word verb over two- word verb
c. Avoid abbreviations
d. Avoid using colloquial and idiomatic expressions
e. Avoid hifalutin words
 2. ANALYTICAL

This can be done through asking questions and

examining and evaluating evidence. Part of being
analytical in your writing is to compare and contrast,
evaluate and consider both sides of an issue. It also
means that you explain, give reasons, draw conclusions,
make suggestions and recommendations and support
this with evidence.
 3. OBJECTIVE
Academic writing is based on research and not on the
writer’s own opinion about a given topic. 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.

HOW TO ACHIEVE?
a. Avoid using personal pronouns
b. Avoid rhetorical questions
c. Avoid emotive language
 4. EXPLICIT
It means that there is a clear presentation of ideas in
the paper. The text should have a well-organized
structure and be easy for the reader to follow.
 FOUR COMMON
ERRORS OF A NON-
ACADEMIC READER
 1. Words that are easily confused
some words may look very similar but have very
different meanings. Note that this kind of
mistake is not discovered by the spellchecking
function of your word processor. In order to
avoid these types of mistakes it is recommended
that you consult a dictionary.

Example: manger instead of manager

 2. Proper use of punctuations

it is important to be aware that writing correct

English is not just about using the right words
but also includes sentence structure and
punctuation.
 3. Sentence fragments
a sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence
and therefore it cannot stand on its own. A
complete sentence has a subject and a verb and
consists of one thought.
 4. Dangling modifiers

a dangling modifier is a word or phrase that

does not connect properly to the main sentence.

Example:
*Having finished the experiments, the results
were analyzed
*Walking in the park, the dog bit Joe.
Directions: Scrutinize the statements carefully.
Underline the words or expressions considered as
INFORMAL.

1. With the rising quantity of health – conscious articles, a

lot of young professionals are getting stern about keeping
a healthy life – style.
2. Specialists determined that a lot of health ingredients
originate from China.
3. It is a bit improper to assume that the plan does not
work.
4. Instructors say that a lot of incoming freshman student
are fascinated in sports activities.
5. Lucas got together with Castro in piloting a research on
how to effectively enhance muscle build-up.
Directions: Analyze the sentences carefully. Substitute the
underlined verb phrase in each sentence with a single – word
verb from the choices.

create refuses raised

eliminate limit

1. Educators brought up some concerns on cheating during

examinations.
2. Private institutes at the present time get rid of tuition fee hike.
3. The leader of the team turns down the venture proposal since
there are tons of inconveniences for the members.
4. The mother who does the budgeting cut down spending on
grocery items.
5. Researchers come up with a noble resolution to the problem.
1. A primary education system was set up throughout Ireland
as early as 1831.
2. This will cut down the amount of drug required and so the
cost of treatment.
3. The material amenities of life have gone up in Western
society.
4. The press reflected the living culture of the people; it
could influence opinion and reinforce existing attitudes but
it did not come up with new forms of entertainment.
5. Thus, he should have looked into how the patient has
coped previously