Academic Texts: Features and Types

Academic Texts: Features and Types

• Academic texts are defined as critical, objective, and specialized texts written by experts or professionals in a particular field, using formal language.
• Academic texts often use formal words and may contain technical terms specific to a certain field.
• Publication of academic texts typically involves extensive writing and review processes.
• Academic texts are objective, avoiding personal biases.
• They tend to use fewer words referring to the author or reader, focusing on information and arguments.

Seven Common Features of Academic Texts

• Complex: Academic writing uses longer, denser words and a wider vocabulary. Sentence structures are more complex, with more subordinate clauses and passive voice.

• Formal: This style avoids colloquialisms, contractions, and first-person pronouns. It's more impersonal and professional.

• Precise: Facts and information are presented accurately, with specific details and precise vocabulary choices.

• Objective: Texts are unbiased, focusing on information rather than personal opinions.

• Explicit: Ideas are clearly presented, with a well-organized structure. The relationships between ideas are made clear.

• Accurate: Information is precise and verifiable, sticking closely to the actual facts, dates, and figures.

• Hedging: Use of language that acknowledges uncertainty about statements and claims, rather than absolute assertions.

Types of Academic Texts

• Descriptive: The simplest type; its purpose is to provide facts and information. Examples include summaries of articles and reports. Common instructions might include "identify," "report," "record," "summarize," and "define."

• Analytical: Includes descriptive writing, but reorganizes facts into categories, groups, or relationships. Instructions often include "analyze," "compare," "contrast," "relate," and "examine."

• Persuasive: Incorporates all features of analytical writing, but also includes the writer's viewpoint. Persuasive essays often include elements in the discussion and conclusion sections. Instructions might include "argue," "evaluate," "discuss," and "take a position."

• Critical: Contains all features of persuasive writing, plus the consideration of multiple points of view. A critical analysis might involve explaining another writer's ideas, evaluating their merits, or offering an alternative interpretation.

Resources

• Resources for further study are available online. Specific websites and materials are listed.

This quiz explores the defining characteristics and common features of academic texts. Discover what makes academic writing distinct, including its complexity, formality, and precision. Test your understanding of these essential traits and their applications in various fields.