Academic Text v.s Non-Academic Text

Summary

In this video lesson, Sir Ken Santos explains the key differences between academic and non-academic texts. He outlines that academic texts are formal, objective, research-based, and specialized for a particular field, while non-academic texts are informal, subjective, and intended for a general audience. The video highlights the importance of formal language, precision, and citation in academic writing, contrasting it with the casual and impressionistic nature of non-academic writing. Through examples and language guidelines, the lesson helps viewers distinguish the two types of writing effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Academic texts are written by experts or professionals and are formal, critical, objective, and specialized in nature.
• 😀 The language used in academic texts is formal, and authors avoid contractions, abbreviations, and personal pronouns to maintain objectivity.
• 😀 Academic texts are written for a scholarly audience, including teachers, professors, and students, and must be precise and research-based.
• 😀 Non-academic texts are meant for the general public, often with subjective, informal, and emotional language that appeals to a wider audience.
• 😀 Non-academic writing can entertain, persuade, or inform, while academic writing focuses on informing through solid evidence.
• 😀 Examples of academic texts include research papers, journals, textbooks, and dissertations, while non-academic texts include blogs, text messages, and novels.
• 😀 Academic writing follows a standard structure, while non-academic writing can vary widely and lacks rigid structure.
• 😀 Academic texts always contain citations and references to support the content, while non-academic texts may not require citations.
• 😀 In academic writing, the language is formal and avoids colloquialisms, whereas non-academic writing may include casual language and colloquial expressions.
• 😀 To improve academic writing, use single-word verbs over phrasal verbs (e.g., 'damage' instead of 'mess up') and avoid personal pronouns (e.g., 'the researcher' instead of 'you').

Q & A

What is the main objective of academic writing?

The main objective of academic writing is to inform the readers with solid evidence, based on facts and research, while maintaining objectivity and formality.

What distinguishes academic texts from non-academic texts?

Academic texts are formal, objective, and specialized, written by experts for a scholarly audience, while non-academic texts are informal, subjective, and aimed at a general public audience.

Why are academic texts considered critical?

Academic texts are considered critical because they are analyzed, well-written, and research-based. They often undergo a rigorous writing and review process before being published.

What does it mean for an academic text to be objective?

An academic text is objective when it is based on facts and solid evidence, without the author's personal emotions or biases influencing the content.

Why is the language in academic texts formal?

The language in academic texts is formal to maintain precision, clarity, and professionalism, as the intended audience consists of scholars, experts, and students.

What are some common practices to maintain formality in academic writing?

To maintain formality, authors avoid contractions (e.g., 'do not' instead of 'don't'), use one-word verbs (e.g., 'damage' instead of 'mess up'), avoid abbreviations (e.g., 'Facebook' instead of 'FB'), and refrain from using personal pronouns (e.g., 'the researcher' instead of 'you').

Can you list some examples of academic texts?

Examples of academic texts include abstracts, annotated bibliographies, academic journal articles, book reports, conference papers, dissertations, essays, research papers, research proposals, textbooks, and theses.

What type of audience is non-academic writing intended for?

Non-academic writing is intended for a general, non-specialized audience, such as the mass public, and often aims to inform, entertain, or persuade.

What are some examples of non-academic texts?

Examples of non-academic texts include magazine articles, personal or business letters, memos, novels, text messages, websites, newspaper articles, and blogs.

How does the structure of academic writing differ from non-academic writing?

Academic writing typically follows a more standardized structure, whereas non-academic writing has no rigid structure and is more flexible in terms of organization.