AYBU SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
USING ACADEMIC LANGUAGE IN WRITING
Effective college writing requires the use of written academic language, which is essential for conveying ideas
clearly and professionally. Academic writing is not the same as general writing. General writing is for everyone
and is used in daily life. It is often written to give information, convince the reader, or tell stories. It is simple and
easy to read. By learning the differences, you can better follow the rules of academic writing.
• Below are some notable distinctions between general writing and academic writing:
Aspect General Writing Academic Writing
Tone conversational and informal informative and formal
Audience broad and nonspecialized readers academic or specialized readers
Vocabulary simple vocabulary & everyday language precise vocabulary & field-specific terminology
Stance personal & subjective based on facts and evidence & objective
Structure flexible and narrative structured (thesis statement, topic sentence)
Example blogposts, social media content, poetry essays, articles, reports, research papers
• Here are some tips to use more formal and objective language in academic writing.
General Writing Academic Writing
Use of subjective language Use of objective language
I like doing sports regularly because it is good for Doing sports regularly contributes positively to my
my health. overall health.
Using popular culture elements Referring to statistics
Listening to music on Spotify is very fun. So, one Listening to music on streaming platforms such as
in three people listen to music on Spotify Spotify provides an enjoyable experience; therefore,
nowadays. the number of their users has increased to 33%.
Using personal anecdotes Referring to facts & research studies
When I started doing yoga and meditating daily, I Research shows that regular meditation practices
noticed that I became much calmer and more reduce stress and improve focus.
focused even in stressful situations.
Using informal language Using more formal language
We are going to ask her why she didn’t come to We are planning to gather information about the
the meeting. reasons for her absence from the meeting.
Using contractions Using full forms
He can't deny that the evidence doesn't support He cannot deny that the evidence does not support his
his claims, even if it’s convenient. claims, even if it is convenient.
A. Choose the use of written academic language in the sentences.
1. General writing: When you read books regularly, you learn new words and get better at language.
Academic writing: Regular reading enhances vocabulary development and improves overall
language skills
a. using full forms
b. use of objective language
c. referring to facts and research studies
AYBU SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
2. General writing: Smoking is really bad for your lungs.
Academic writing: Smoking is a primary cause of respiratory diseases.
a. referring to statistics
b. using more formal language
c. using full forms
3. General writing: Three out of four students said their study habits got better after going to
workshops.
Academic writing: According to recent data, 75% of students reported an improvement in their
study habits after attending workshops.
a. referring to statistics
b. use of objective language
c. using full forms
4. General writing: People don’t drink sugary drinks often because they want to stay healthy.
Academic writing: Individuals do not consume sugary drinks regularly due to health concerns.
a. referring to statics
b. referring to facts and research studies
c. using full forms
5. General writing: I think plastic is bad for the planet.
Academic writing: Reducing plastic usage helps/benefits the ecosystem.
a. using more formal language
b. using full forms
c. referring to facts and research studies
B. Rewrite the following sentences to enhance their academic tone by applying the strategies in
the parenthesis.
1. I can’t sleep at night when I drink coffee. (USE OBJECTIVE LANGUAGE & FULL FORMS)
______________________________________________________________________.
2. I feel that group projects are super useful because you can learn from your friends. (USE OBJECTIVE
LANGUAGE)
______________________________________________________________________.
3. Half of the people in the room voted for the new president. (REFER TO STATISTICS)
_______________________________________________________________________.
4. When you learn English, you can find a better job after university. (USE OBJECTIVE LANGUAGE)
______________________________________________________________________.
5. We’re gonna figure out what’s going on with the project. (USE FORMAL LANGUAGE & FULL FORMS)
_______________________________________________________________________.
6. Four out of ten college students like online learning. (REFER TO STATISTICS)
_______________________________________________________________________.