English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Introduction

• Topic: Differentiation between academic and non-academic texts.
• Focus on types of texts and factors shaping academic writing.

Academic Texts

Definition

• Written by professionals in a specific field (e.g., medicine, education).
• Characterized by:
  • Extensive editing and publication process.
  • Use of formal language.
  • Contains specific terminology (jargon).
  • Includes sources and references to validate information.

Purpose

• Advance human understanding within a discipline.
• Aim to inform readers about complex topics.

Characteristics

• Informative: Provides new knowledge.
• Argumentative: Discusses various points of view.
• Objective: Must remain unbiased.

Examples of Academic Texts

• Textbooks, journal articles, research proposals, theses/dissertations.
• Broadsheet newspaper articles and specialized magazines (e.g., National Geographic).

Types of Academic Texts

1. Descriptive Academic Texts

   • Provide facts and information.
   • Keywords: identify, report, record, summarize, define.

2. Analytical Academic Texts

   • Organize information into categories and themes.
   • Keywords: analyze, compare, contrast, relate, examine.

3. Persuasive Academic Texts

   • Include arguments and personal interpretations.
   • Must support opinions with evidence.
   • Keywords: argue, evaluate, discuss, take a position.

4. Critical Academic Texts

   • Consider at least two points of view.
   • Often argumentative in nature.
   • Keywords: critic, debate, disagree, evaluate.

Non-Academic Texts

Definition

• Written for the general public, easily understood.
• Published quickly, does not require extensive research.

Characteristics

• Informal and conversational language.
• May include slang rather than jargon.
• Can be emotional and subjective.

Examples of Non-Academic Texts

• Blog posts, fiction books, personal letters, journals, and diaries.

Factors Shaping Academic Writing

1. Audience

   • Understand who the readers are to tailor content appropriately.

2. Purpose

   • Identify the objective of writing (e.g., to inform, clarify).

3. Organization

   • Arrange ideas based on the text structure and pattern required by the purpose.

4. Style

   • Determine the level of formality appropriate for the audience.

5. Flow

   • Ensure smooth transitions between ideas for coherence.

6. Presentation

   • Finalize the text through revisions and prepare for publication.

Conclusion

• Academic writing involves careful consideration of various factors to effectively convey information.

References

• Use of credible sources is essential in academic writing.