Academic vs Non-Academic Texts

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of academic texts?

They are typically written for the mass public.

They are written in informal language.

They contain lists of sources and references. (correct)

They can be published quickly without editing.

Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of non-academic texts?

They are usually published quickly.

They may be written by anyone.

They often utilize formal language. (correct)

They can include slang and informal dialogue.

Which of these texts is categorized as academic?

Personal letters

Blog posts

Journal articles (correct)

Fiction books

What is the main goal of an academic text?

To advance understanding in a discipline. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about academic texts is accurate?

They undergo extensive editing and can take years to publish. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic separates academic texts from non-academic texts?

Use of formal and specific terminology. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies non-academic text?

Magazine articles Signup and view all the answers

What type of information would you expect to find in a non-academic text?

Simple and basic information. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'SOMEBODY' in the summarizing strategy 'Somebody Wanted But So Then' refer to?

Who the story is about Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in summarizing to prevent plagiarism?

Copying text word for word Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a descriptive academic text?

To give facts and information about a subject Signup and view all the answers

Which type of academic text organizes information into categories or groups?

Analytical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the SAAC method?

An acronym representing elements to include in a summary Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the summarizing process?

Add personal opinions about the text Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of persuasive academic writing?

Presenting a personal viewpoint supported by evidence Signup and view all the answers

In the summarizing strategy, what does 'BUT' signify?

The problem encountered by the character Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the cause and effect structure in academic writing?

Explaining why a situation is the way it is Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key ways to avoid plagiarism when researching for a project?

Quoting and citing words or phrases from the source Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the summarizing process?

Read and reread the text Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a phrase that captures the 'ACTION' in the SAAC method?

What the author is doing, such as explaining Signup and view all the answers

In the problem-solution structure of academic texts, what is the typical outcome?

Start with a negative situation and conclude with a positive solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of summarizing key ideas clearly and concisely?

To convey essential information without losing meaning Signup and view all the answers

Which type of academic text focuses on comparing and contrasting similarities and differences?

Comparative Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of enumerative academic writing?

Listing parts and characteristics of a subject Signup and view all the answers

What does the 5W's, 1 H strategy help identify in a text?

The main character and important details Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines an explicit thesis statement?

It is clearly stated within the text Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'First Then Finally' technique?

To summarize events in chronological order Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the thesis statement represents the subject of the text?

Topic Signup and view all the answers

What does the concession in a thesis statement refer to?

The opposing viewpoint on the topic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature and Structure of Academic Text

Academic texts are authored by professionals in a specific field and are rigorously edited before publication, often taking years to complete.
Non-academic texts are created for the general public, can be published quickly, and may not always involve research or credible sources.
Academic writing uses formal language, specialized terminology, and includes citations, while non-academic writing employs informal, colloquial language, often with slang, and may lack a clear author.
The primary aim of academic texts is to advance understanding within a discipline; non-academic writings typically deliver simpler information and evoke personal or emotional responses.

Examples of Academic and Non-Academic Texts

Academic texts include school textbooks, journal articles, research proposals, certain newspapers, and dissertations.
Non-academic texts comprise blog posts, fiction books, letters, and personal journals or diaries.

Types of Academic Text

Descriptive texts provide factual information through definitions and summaries.
Analytical texts categorize and examine information to reveal relationships and comparisons.
Persuasive texts argue for interpretations or viewpoints, requiring supporting evidence.
Problem-solution texts identify negative situations followed by positive resolutions.

Summarizing the Text

Summarizing enhances comprehension and identifies key ideas, requiring concise integration of details.
The "Somebody Wanted But So Then" method assists in comprehensively summarizing stories by breaking down crucial elements such as character desires and conflicts.
The SAAC method (State, Assign, Action, Complete) structures summaries by identifying titles, authors, actions, and essential details.

Rules in Summarizing

Avoid plagiarism by not copying text verbatim.
Use techniques like the “5 W's, 1 H” strategy to dissect narratives: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
The “First Then Finally” technique organizes summaries chronologically, outlining initial events, key actions, and outcomes.

Thesis Statements

Explicit thesis statements clearly communicate the main idea within the text and are generally found at the end of the introduction.
Implicit thesis statements remain unarticulated in the text, requiring readers to infer the central argument based on context.
Key components of thesis statements include the topic (subject), position (standpoint), reasons (justifications), and concessions (acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key differences between academic and non-academic texts in this quiz. You will evaluate and critique various perspectives, enhancing your understanding of effective writing structures. Engage in critical thinking and discussion as you analyze these texts.