Overview
This lecture introduces English for Academic and Professional Purposes, focusing on the differences between academic and non-academic texts, their types, and the main factors influencing academic writing.
Academic Texts: Features and Purpose
- Academic texts are written by professionals and use formal language specific to a field.
- They often contain jargon (field-specific terms) unfamiliar to general readers.
- Academic texts are well-edited, take a long time to publish, and always cite sources and references.
- Their main goal is to advance human understanding in a discipline by presenting objective, informative, and argumentative content.
- Examples include textbooks, journal articles, theses, dissertations, and some broadsheet newspaper or science magazine articles.
Types of Academic Texts
- Descriptive: Presents facts and information to describe a concept; keywords: identify, report, summarize, define.
- Analytical: Organizes facts by grouping them into categories, types, or themes; keywords: analyze, compare, contrast, examine.
- Persuasive: Presents arguments and recommendations to influence readers, adding supported personal viewpoints; keywords: argue, evaluate, discuss, take a position.
- Critical: Considers at least two points of view and evaluates them; keywords: critique, debate, disagree, evaluate.
Non-Academic Texts: Features and Purpose
- Non-academic texts target the general public and are written in informal, conversational language.
- These texts are published quickly, often by anyone, and rarely cite sources.
- They include slang (informal language) and may not name the author.
- Purpose is to deliver simple, easily understood, often emotional or subjective information.
- Examples include blogs, fiction books, personal letters, journals, and diaries.
Factors Shaping Academic Writing
- Audience: Consider who will read the text and their knowledge level.
- Purpose: Clearly identify your objective or reason for writing.
- Organization: Arrange ideas logically, guided by purpose and text structure.
- Style: Choose appropriate formality and techniques based on the audience.
- Flow: Ensure ideas transition smoothly from one to another to maintain clarity.
- Presentation: Revise drafts multiple times before publishing to meet academic standards.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Academic Text — formal, research-based writing by experts in a field.
- Non-Academic Text — informal, everyday writing aimed at the general public.
- Jargon — specialized language unique to a specific discipline.
- Slang — informal words and phrases used in casual conversation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between academic and non-academic texts.
- Familiarize yourself with the types and features of academic texts.
- Reflect on the factors that shape academic writing in future assignments.