EAPP Lesson 1: Academic Text PDF

The basic structure that is used by an academic text is consist of three (3) parts introduction, body, and conclusion which is formal and logical. This refers to the attitude conveyed in a piece of writing. The arguments of others are fairly presented and with an appropriate narrative tone. Wh...

The basic structure that is used by an academic text is consist of three (3) parts introduction, body, and conclusion which is formal and logical. This refers to the attitude conveyed in a piece of writing. The arguments of others are fairly presented and with an appropriate narrative tone. When presenting a position or argument that disagrees with one’s perspectives, describe the argument accurately without loaded or biased language. It is important to use unambiguous language. Clear topic sentences enable a reader to follow your line of thinking without difficulty. Formal language and the third person point of-view should be used. Technical language appropriate to area of study may also be used, however, it does not mean using “big words” just for the sake of doing so. Citing sources in the body of the paper and providing a list of references as either footnotes or endnotes is a very important aspect of an academic text. It is essential to always acknowledge the source of any ideas, research findings, data, or quoted text that have been used in a paper as a defense against allegations of plagiarism An academic text addresses complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to comprehend. What is valued in an academic text is that opinions are based on a sound understanding of the pertinent body of knowledge and academic debates that exist within, and often external to a specific discipline. The starting point of an academic text is a particular perspective, idea or position applied to the chosen research problem, such as establishing, proving, or disproving solutions to the questions posed for the topic. By engaging deeply with existing literature and research, you set yourself up for successful academic writing that is informed, original, and well-supported. Academic language is the language needed by students to do the work in schools. It includes, for example, discipline-specific vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, and applications of rhetorical conventions and devices that are typical for a content area (e.g., essays, lab reports, discussions of a controversial issue.) Students who master academic language are more likely to be successful in academic and professional settings. It is the set of vocabulary that allows us to communicate with others in the context of regular daily conversations. 1. Formal - It should not sound conversational or casual. Colloquial, idiomatic, slang or journalistic expressions should particularly be avoided. 1. Formal Examples: Use… Instead… Consider, monitor Look at Revise, review Go over Solve, repair, amend Fix 2. Objective This means it is unbiased. It should be based on facts and evidence and are not influenced by personal feelings 3. Impersonal This involves avoiding the personal pronouns ‘I’ and ‘we’. For example, instead of writing ‘I will show’, you might write ‘this report will show’. The second person, ‘you’, is also to be avoided.