Nature and Characteristics
of an
Academic Text
An academic text is a written language that
provides information, which contain ideas and
concepts that are related to the particular
discipline.
Essay, Research Paper, Report, Project,
Article, Thesis, and Dissertation are considered
as academic texts.
Structure
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
kind of structure enables the reader to follow the
argument and navigate the text. In academic writing
a clear structure and a logical flow are imperative
to a cohesive text.
Tone
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.
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.
Citation
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.
Complexity
An academic text addresses
complex issues that require higher-
order thinking skills to comprehend.
Evidence-based Arguments
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.
Thesis-driven
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.
Features
Of
Academic Texts
Complex
- Written language has no longer words, it is lexically
more varied vocabulary.
- Written texts are shorter and the language has
more grammatical complexity, including more
subordinate clauses and more passives.
Formal
- Should avoid colloquial
words and expressions.
Precise
- Facts are given accurately
and precisely.
Objective
- has fewer words that emphasize on the
information you want to give and the
arguments you want to make
- mostly use nouns (adjectives), rather than
verbs (adverbs)
Explicit
- It is the responsibility of the writer in
English to make it clear to the reader
how the various parts of the text are
related.
Accurate
- Uses vocabulary accurately
- Most subjects have words with
narrow specific meanings.
Responsible
- You must be responsible for and must
be able to provide evidence and
justification for any claims you make.
Organize
- Well-organized.
- It flows easily from one section to the
next in a logical fashion.
Plan
- Well-planned.
- It usually takes place after research and
evaluation, according to specific purpose
and plan.
