Academic Text Characteristics and Structure

Academic Text Characteristics

• Academic texts present information, ideas, and concepts relevant to a specific field of study. Examples include essays, research papers, reports, projects, articles, theses, and dissertations.
• Academic texts are written language providing information containing ideas and concepts related to a specific discipline.

Structure

• Academic texts typically follow a structured format with an introduction, body, and conclusion. This ensures a logical flow and allows readers to easily follow the argument.
• Clear organization and logical progression are essential for a cohesive academic text.
• The structure is formal and logical.

Tone

• Academic writing should maintain a neutral and objective tone.
• Present opposing viewpoints fairly and accurately, avoiding biased or loaded language.
• The arguments of others are presented fairly and with an appropriate narrative tone.
• When disagreeing, describe the argument accurately without loaded or biased language.

Language

• Use precise and unambiguous language.
• Clear topic sentences guide the reader.
• Formal language and third-person perspective are standard.
• Technical vocabulary relevant to the subject is acceptable, but not for the sake of using complex words.
• Avoid colloquialisms and expressions.
• Use precise and unambiguous language.
• Use clear topic sentences.
• Formal language and third-person point of view are standard.
• Use technical language appropriate to the subject, but avoid using difficult words for complexity's sake.
• Written academic texts tend to have more grammatical complexity, including more subordinate clauses and passives. They use lexically more varied vocabulary.

Citation

• Proper citation of sources is fundamental.
• Acknowledge all ideas, research, data, and quotations from other sources.
• Footnotes or endnotes list references to avoid plagiarism.
• Citing sources in the body of the paper, and providing a list of references as either footnotes or endnotes is critical.
• Acknowledge all sources of ideas, research, data, or quoted text.

Complexity

• Academic texts delve into complex issues requiring advanced critical thinking for understanding.
• Academic texts address complex issues needing higher-order thinking skills.
• Written language is lexically more varied. Written texts are shorter, and language features more grammatical complexity.

Evidence-based Arguments

• Academic arguments are supported by a strong grasp of the existing knowledge base and relevant scholarly discussions, both within and outside the specific subject.
• Opinions are based on a sound understanding of pertinent knowledge and academic debates.

Thesis-driven

• Academic texts start with a specific viewpoint, idea, or position on the research topic.
• This position is explored, argued for, or refuted in relation to the question/problem presented.
• The starting point is a particular perspective, idea, or position about the research problem.

Features of Academic Texts

• Complex: Language has more grammatical complexity, including more subordinate clauses and passives. Vocabulary is more varied; texts are shorter.
• Formal: Avoids colloquialisms and expressions.
• Precise: Facts are given accurately and precisely.
• Objective: Fewer words that emphasize information and arguments; uses mainly nouns (adjectives) rather than verbs (adverbs).
• Explicit: Writers make clear how parts of the text relate.
• Accurate: Uses vocabulary accurately; subjects have words with narrow specific meanings.
• Hedging: Necessary to make decisions about stance and strength of claims.
• Responsible: Provide evidence and justification for claims.
• Organized: Flows easily and logically from one section to the next.
• Planned: Usually planned after research and evaluation, with a specific purpose.

Purposes in Reading an Academic Text

• Locate a main idea
• Scan for information
• Identify gaps in existing studies
• Connect new ideas to existing ones
• Gain more information
• Support a writing assignment
• Deeply understand an existing idea

Factors to Consider in Writing Academic Text

• State critical questions and issues
• Provide facts and evidence from credible sources
• Use precise and accurate words, avoiding jargon
• Take an objective point of view
• List references
• Use cautious language

Academic Language

• Academic language is the language needed for schoolwork, including discipline-specific vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, rhetorical conventions (e.g., essays, lab reports).
• Students who master academic language are more likely to succeed academically and professionally.
• Social language is for daily conversations.