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TEACHER’S PROFILE

Name: Jessa Mae A. Albaracin

Bachelor’s Degree/Major: Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English
Contact Number/s: 09519460220
FB Acc: Jessa Albaracin
Email Address: jessaalbaracin24@gmail.com

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed
is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

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INTRODUCTION

You would probably think that academic writing is difficult and

that is readily accessible. You seem to have notion or idea that writing in
the academic setting requires a certain kind of skill that only few have. In
a way, you are right, but not quite.

In this lesson will introduce academic writing to you on how it is

different from other kinds of writing and although it has certain
standards, it is a personal activity that your voice as a writer should still
be in the product of your research and documentation.

TARGET
As you go through this lesson, you should be able to:

A. define academic writing and distinguish it from other kinds of writing;

B. differentiate academic texts from non-academic texts;
C. examine an academic text to establish its nature and characteristics;
D. recognize the characteristics of language used in academic texts; and
E. analyze academic texts according to its language use.

CAPTURE
Please proceed to page 7

NAVIGATE

Academic writing is generally quite formal, objective (impersonal) and

technical. It is formal by avoiding casual or conversational language, such as
contractions or informal vocabulary. It is impersonal and objective by
avoiding direct reference to people or feelings, and instead emphasizing
objects, facts and ideas.
Academic texts and non-academic texts are different from each other.
Academic texts are critical, objective, specialized texts written by experts or
professionals in a given field using formal language. Meanwhile, non-academic
texts are different from academic texts. It is because non-academic texts are

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non-objective texts that can be written by anyone by using informal or casual

language. Non-academic texts usually include one's opinions and point-of-view.

The differences of academic texts and non-academic texts are explained

in detail below.
Academic Texts

 Academic texts are objective. This means that they are based on facts
with solid basis. The emotions of the authors cannot be felt from texts or
materials.
 Academic texts are written by professionals in any given field (e.g.
medicine, architecture, economics, etc.). These professionals include
doctors, architects, economists, among others.

 Academic texts often take years to publish because of intense writing

and review.
 Academic texts use formal words and may contain technical terms that
are related to a certain field.

 These kinds of texts usually include a list of references where authors

based their information.

Non-Academic Texts
 Non-academic texts are non-objective. These texts tend to be more
personal and based on opinions or one's point-of-view. Opinions are
neither correct or incorrect.

 Non-academic texts are written for the mass public. There is no specific
audience for non-academic texts.
 These are published quickly and can be written by anyone. No
specialization is needed.

 Authors of non-academic texts use casual, informal language. These

texts may also use slang.
Nature and Characteristics of an Academic Text
An academic text is a reading material that provides information which
include concepts and theories that are related to the specific discipline.

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The following are considered as academic texts: Research Paper,

Conference Paper, Feasibility Study, Thesis/Dissertation, Reviews,
Essay, Academic Journals, Reports.
Structure
Unlike fiction or journalistic writing, the overall structure of an academic
text is formal and logical (Introduction, Body, Conclusion). It must be
cohesive and possess a logically organized flow of ideas; this means that
various parts are connected to form a unified whole.
Tone
The overall tone refers to the attitude conveyed in a piece of writing. The
arguments of others are fairly presented and with an appropriate
narrative tone. When presenting a position or argument that disagrees
with one’s perspectives, describe the argument accurately without loaded
or biased language.
Language
It is important to use unambiguous language. Clear topic sentences
enable a reader to follow your line of thinking without difficulty. Formal
language and the third person point-of view should be used. Technical
language appropriate to the area of study may also be used, however it
does not mean using “big words” just for the sake of doing so.
Citation

Citing sources in the body of the paper and providing a list of references
as either footnotes or endnotes is a very important aspect of an academic
text. It is essential to always acknowledge the source of any ideas,
research findings, data, or quoted text that have been used in a paper as
a defense against allegations of plagiarism. Complexity An academic text
addresses complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to
comprehend. Evidence-based Arguments What is valued in an academic
text is that opinions are based on a sound understanding of the
pertinent body of knowledge and academic debates that exist within, and
often external to a specific discipline. Thesis-driven The starting point of
an academic text is a particular perspective, idea or position applied to
the chosen research problem, such as establishing, proving, or
disproving solutions to the questions posed for the topic.

Academic Language

Academic Language refers to the oral, written, auditory, and visual

language proficiency required to learn effectively in schools and academic
programs. It is also the language used in classroom lessons, books, tests,

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and assignments. It is the language that students are expected to learn

and achieve fluency in.

Why is academic language so important? - Students who

master academic language are more likely to be successful in academic
and professional settings

What is difference between academic language and social

language?

Social language is the simple, informal language we use when

talking face to face with family members and friends. It allows us to use
contemporary or slang terms like “cool,” “awesome,” or “dude.” We can
also communicate feelings, needs, and wants using symbolic hand
gestures for drink, eat, hot, cold, hurt, or tired. Social language also
includes writing emails, friendly letters, and texts or retelling stories.
Academic language is different from everyday social language. It is
the vocabulary students or adults must learn to succeed in the
classroom or in the workplace. We use academic language to describe
and comprehend complex ideas, process higher-order thinking, and
understand abstract concepts. Academic language is what students read
in textbooks and on tests and what they hear during instruction in the
classroom. Students with limited or low academic language skills are
more than likely to have low academic performance in classroom
settings.

Some of the differences between social and academic language that

students should look for include:

Social Language Academic Language

repetition of words variety of words, more
sophisticated vocabulary
sentences start with “and” and sentences start with transition
“but” words, such as “however,”
“moreover,” and “in addition”
use of slang: “guy,” “cool,” and No slang
“awesome”

Characteristics of Academic Language

Formal
It should not be conversational and casual. Avoid colloquial and idiomatic
expressions, slang, and contractions.
X dig in X cup of tea X dude X don’t

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Impersonal
Do not refer to yourself as the performer of actions. Do not use personal
pronouns.
For example:
“It is commonly said that”… instead of “Many of my friends and colleagues say
that…”
“Research revealed that…” instead of “I discovered that”
Precise
The facts are presented accurately. The choice of words are appropriate. The
use of technical terms to achieve precision is applied.
For example:
“85% of the population”, “The results are okay (satisfactory).”, asphyxiation
(medical term)
Objective
It is unbiased, based on facts and is not influenced by personal feelings.
For example:
“The essay on… is distressing.” instead of “I do not like the essay”

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** CAPTURE
Directions: Fill out the table to differentiate academic text from non-academic
text. Choose your answers from the box.

Formal To inform and/or validate idea

To entertain Subjective
Related literature Research papers, Reports
Contains slang and colloquialisms Diaries, Informal essays
Introduction-Body-Conclusion Objective
No fixed structure Public Scholarly audience
Everyday events

Characteristics Academic Text Non-academic Text

Audience
Purpose
Structure
Language
Style
Source of Content
Examples

ENRICH
Directions: Read the passages below. Then, identify whether each passage can
be an academic text or non-academic text. Write AT for academic text and NAT
for non-academic text.
______1. Just as the sun rises and peeps from the east, and as the roosters of
the neighborhood crow, the man gathered his be longings and left his house.
______2. When synthesizing information, a new understanding about a topic is
developed by using information from more than one source.

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______3. Depression is one of society’s prevailing issues that requires attention.

One’s mental health is as important as one’s physical health.
______4. I want to obtain answers to the questions that are swarming in my
mind. But, it seems everything in life is just a cycle of questions with no
answers in sight.
______5. He saw the pure crystal water turned crimson red as the monster
devoured the victim. He cried for help but it was too late.
______6. Statistics show that the higher percentage of the population prefer
dogs over cats.
______7. Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was warm enough to feel comfortable
in shorts. A nice breeze made the air feel fresh. The flowers vibrated with color.
It felt good to be alive.
______8. Antibiotics are prescribed to fight infections. Sore throats, earaches,
and other symptoms may be caused by the growth of bacteria in your body. As
the antibiotics fight to destroy the bacteria, the bacteria struggle to become
stronger.
______ 9. It is widely claimed that the Internet is the most disruptive
information technology in history.
______ 10. School days should be a happy time in a young person’s life. What
can make people’s lives a misery during this time, then? In my opinion, there is
one word which answers this question- bullying.

FOCUS

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Directions: Using the Venn diagram, compare and contrast the characteristics
of academic texts from non-academic texts.

APPLY
Directions: Match the informal language vocabulary with the more appropriate
formal options.
____1. Look at A. confirm, determine, verify
____2. Show B. demonstrate, indicate, illustrate
____3. Begin C. consider, monitor, analyze
____4. Make sure D. commence, initiate, undertake
____5. Go over E. revise, review

POSTTEST

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Directions: Read each statement carefully and identify whether each statement
is true or false. Write T if it is true and F if it is false.
____1. An academic text should clearly state its thesis, argument or
proposition.
____2. It is acceptable to include one’s judgment but should be supported by
evidence.
____3. Both academic and non-academic texts can be used to inform.
____4. Both academic and non-academic texts employ the use of informal
language.
____5. Academic texts can use first person point-of-view and include one’s
emotional attachment to the topic.
____6. The language used in academic texts should be conversational.
____7. Language used in academic texts employ technical terms specific for
each field and/or discipline.
____8. Academic language should be objective, precise, impersonal and formal.
____9. Slangs and colloquialisms are used in academic texts.
____10. Students who master academic language are more likely to be
successful in academic and professional settings.

REFERENCES

https://www.handyhandouts.com
Academic Language of the English-Language Arts-Higher Education. Retrieved
from https://www.pearsonhihered.com. Retrieved date June 24, 2020.
Academic Writing vs. Non Academic Writing. Retrieved from
www.diffrencebetween-com.cdn.ampproject.org. Retrieved date June 30, 2020.
Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing. Retrieved from
www.libguides.westoundacademy.org Retrieved date June 25, 2020.
Sample academic texts. Retrieved from https://portal.uea.ac.uk. Retrieved date
June 24, 2020

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Scarcella, R. Academic Language for English Language Learners. Retrieved

from www.colorincolorado.org. Retrieved date June 25, 2020
Spivey, B. 365 Social & Academic vocabulary– What’s the Difference? Retrieved
from www.superduperinc.com. Retrieved date June 25, 2020.
The English Effect. Retrieved from www.britishcouncil.org. Retrieved date June
26, 2020. Using Academic Language. Retrieved from www.monash.edu.
Retrieved date June 25, 2020

English for Academic and Professional Purposes Module 1 & 2