Understanding English for Academic Purposes

Aug 4, 2024

Lecture Notes: English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP)

Introduction

  • Host: Sir Andrew Javier
  • Topic: Overview of EAPP
  • Definition: EAPP stands for English for Academic and Professional Purposes.
  • Context: Applied subject in senior high school focusing on English usage in academic and professional settings.

Key Concepts in Academic Writing

Definitions

  • Academic Writing: Writing used in schools, includes papers, articles, journals, newspapers, etc.
  • Subject: The topic of the text.
  • Tone: The author's attitude towards the topic, conveyed through word choice.
  • Purpose: The information the writer aims to convey to the audience.
  • Language: The specific words used by the writer; in academic writing, this is formal.
  • Audience: The readers of the text.
  • Point of View: Generally, third person in academic writing.
  • Style: The arrangement and techniques used by the writer.
  • Knowledge: The writer's expertise on the topic, determined by the amount of information provided.
  • Explicit: Information must be clear and precise.

Features of Academic Language

Four Main Characteristics

  1. Formality:

    • Reflects a dignified stance in writing.
    • Avoid colloquial words and use expanded forms (e.g., "do not" instead of "don't").
    • Prefer one-word verbs over two-word verbs (e.g., "ruin" instead of "mess up").
    • Avoid abbreviations (e.g., use "tomorrow" instead of "tom").
    • Eliminate idiomatic expressions for formality.

  2. Objectivity:

    • Focus on the information, not the writer.
    • Use third person point of view.
    • Avoid rhetorical questions and emotional language.

  3. Explicitness:

    • Ensure clarity in writing structure.
    • Use clear connectors to join contrasting statements.

  4. Caution:

    • Avoid sweeping generalizations.
    • Use modal verbs and adverbs to express uncertainty (e.g., "some government officials may be corrupt").

Types of Writing Styles

  1. Narrative Writing:
    • Tells a story (fictional or non-fictional).
  2. Expository Writing:
    • Exposes the topic using facts.
  3. Descriptive Writing:
    • Describes a topic with sensory details.
  4. Persuasive Writing:
    • Argues a point to convince readers.

Conclusion

  • Emphasized the importance of academic writing and understanding its features.
  • Encouraged subscribing for future lessons.