Language in Academic Text

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an academic text?

To provide personal opinions

To inform, argue a point, and persuade (correct)

To describe events chronologically

To entertain the reader

Which feature is characteristic of academic texts?

Inclusion of personal anecdotes

Citing credible sources (correct)

Incorporating humor

Use of colloquial language

What is a common example of an academic text?

A blog post

A research paper (correct)

A newspaper article

A novel

Which of the following language features should be avoided in academic texts?

Use of contractions Signup and view all the answers

How should phrasal verbs be treated in academic writing?

They should be avoided Signup and view all the answers

Which academic discipline would focus on studying human behavior?

Sociology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a well-written academic text?

Vague arguments Signup and view all the answers

In which branch would you study financial markets?

Business Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using formal language?

It is intended for professional or academic communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of informal language?

It adheres to rigorous grammatical rules. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes academic writing from other types of writing?

It demands the proper use of academic language. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines academic language?

A formal language used in academic settings. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following situations would informal language be appropriate?

Texting a friend about weekend plans. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary requirement for academic writing to be considered effective?

It requires proper language use and adherence to conventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT typically part of academic language?

Emotional and personal anecdotes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding academic language important for students?

It is crucial for successfully navigating educational demands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for avoiding first person pronouns in formal writing?

To enhance objectivity in the writing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of academic writing as described?

The information and arguments presented Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct example of an acronym?

NASA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pronouns is NOT a first person pronoun?

They Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when an acronym is first used in an essay?

Write the full name in brackets, followed by the acronym Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of using a more communicative approach in language teaching and testing?

To reflect the nature of language proficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of hedging language in academic writing?

To downplay claims and indicate uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a more formal academic style?

It is believed that teaching should be efficient. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a modal auxiliary used for hedging?

Could Signup and view all the answers

Why might a reader assume that an idea presented is the author's own?

If it is not referenced explicitly Signup and view all the answers

What modification is made to form the plural of an acronym?

Add 's' without an apostrophe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements indicates a lack of objectivity?

Some may argue that methods need improvement. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about academic text in general?

It aims to present objective information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words is an example of an epistemic verb used for hedging?

Assume Signup and view all the answers

Which adjective indicates a high level of uncertainty?

Unlikely Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language proficiency is a focal point of debate among researchers?

The definition of language proficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using hedging in academic writing?

To tone down the author's claims Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lists contains indicators of degree and frequency?

Presumably, probably, occasionally Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes formal language in academic writing?

It requires specific language skills. Signup and view all the answers

In academic writing, how is the term 'double hedges' best defined?

Hedging statements that indicate possible uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'quadruple hedge'?

It would seem somewhat unlikely that Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'if' clause typically used for in academic writing?

To evaluate possible outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases indicates an academic viewpoint?

It seems reasonable to assume that Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents informal language?

We totally agree this is problematic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Language Basics

Language is a communication system enabling thoughts, ideas, and emotions to be expressed through symbols.
Symbols can be spoken words, written characters, or gestures recognized by those sharing the same language.

Types of Language

Informal Language:
- Casual and spontaneous; used in personal communication (friends/family).
- Common in personal emails, texts, and some business correspondences; carries a personal tone.
Formal Language:
- Required for professional and academic writing, such as university assignments.
- Avoids colloquialisms, contractions, and first-person pronouns like “I” or “We”; maintains a less personal tone.

Academic Writing and Language

Academic writing is a formal genre within formal language, requiring thorough preparation.
Uses academic language, essential for identifying a text as academic.
Academic language often appears in textbooks, exams, and scholarly discussions.

Academic Language Components

Comprises various formal skills including vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Supports students in acquiring necessary knowledge and academic skills.

Characteristics of Academic Texts

Initiates with questions or problems, aiming to inform, argue, or persuade.
Composed by field experts, featuring credible information and references.
Well-structured with properties like organization, unity, coherence, and proper language mechanics.

Academic Disciplines

Academic texts vary across disciplines, which can include:
- Business: Accounting, economics, marketing.
- Humanities: Art, literature, philosophy.
- Natural and Applied Sciences: Biology, engineering, mathematics.
- Social Sciences: Anthropology, history, political science.

Main Language Features in Academic Texts

No Contractions: e.g., "Improvements cannot be..." instead of "Improvements can't be..."
Avoid Phrasal Verbs: e.g., "The balloon was inflated..." vs. "The balloon was blown up..."
No Colloquialisms: e.g., "The crowd was very rowdy..." rather than "The mob was very rowdy..."
No First-Person Pronouns: e.g., "Students were asked..." instead of "I asked students..."
Objectivity: Emphasizes information and arguments, minimizing personal references.

Acronyms and Initialisms

Use acronyms for ease; define when first used.
- e.g., NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Add 's' for plural forms of acronyms without an apostrophe.

Hedging and Cautious Language

Hedging softens claims with cautious expressions, reflecting uncertainty.
Includes modal verbs and nouns indicating probability or assumption (e.g., "may," "likely," "assumption").

Conclusion

Language serves different purposes: informal for casual contexts, formal for academic and professional use.
Academic writing necessitates specific language skills, remaining objective and well-structured.

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Description

This quiz focuses on distinguishing the language used in academic texts across various disciplines. By the end, learners will understand how language functions as a system of communication. Test your knowledge and comprehension of academic language.

Language in Academic Text - Lesson 1