Nature of Academic Texts & Communication Skills

Study Notes

Development of communication skills in English is crucial for academic and professional settings.
Academic texts contain discipline-specific ideas and concepts, differentiating them from non-academic texts.

Academic texts are formal, intended for an educated audience, typically utilize third person or objective voice.
Heavily rely on research, factual evidence, and citations from other scholars rather than personal opinions.

Audience: Academic texts target academia; non-academic texts cater to the mass public.
Purpose: Academic texts inform readers with solid evidence; non-academic texts seek to inform, entertain, or persuade.
Structure: Academic writing follows formal, impersonal structure; non-academic writing is personal and subjective.
Language: Academic texts use standard structures; non-academic texts may have no rigid structure.
Style: Academic language is formal and avoids colloquialisms; non-academic style can be informal and casual.
Content Sources: Academic texts rely on shared historical events or scholarly literature; non-academic texts draw from personal experiences.

Introduction:
- Presents the subject and provides an overview of topics discussed.
Body:
- Develops ideas, presents evidence, and supports arguments.
- Can consist of one or more paragraphs to elaborate on the main argument.
Conclusion:
- Summarizes main points, restates the thesis, and may provide a closing thought or call to action.

Dismissive Tone:
- Example presents an argument in a condescending way, disregarding valid concerns.
Respectful Tone:
- Acknowledges different perspectives, recognizing both challenges and benefits, presenting a balanced view.