Lesson 1: Introduction to English for Academic and Professional Purposes | EAPP

Summary

This video script introduces English for academic and professional purposes, focusing on the differentiation between academic and non-academic texts. It discusses the characteristics of academic texts, such as formality, jargon, and references, and contrasts them with the informality and accessibility of non-academic texts. The script further explores the types of academic texts, including descriptive, analytical, persuasive, and critical, and outlines the factors that shape academic writing, such as audience, purpose, organization, style, flow, and presentation. The goal is to advance knowledge in a discipline, emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements for effective academic communication.

Takeaways

• 📚 Academic texts are characterized by their formal language, professional authorship, and specific terminology within a field.
• 🔍 Academic texts often take years to publish and are well-edited, requiring extensive research and peer review.
• 📝 Academic texts include a list of sources and references to validate the information presented.
• 🤓 The main goal of academic texts is to advance human understanding in a specific discipline.
• 💬 Academic texts can be challenging for novice readers due to the use of jargon and formal language.
• 📚 Non-academic texts are written for the general public, are published quickly, and can be written by anyone.
• 🌐 Non-academic texts use informal and conversational language, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• 📈 The structure, purpose, and tone differentiate academic texts from non-academic texts.
• 📑 Different types of academic texts include descriptive, analytical, persuasive, and critical texts, each with its own purpose and approach.
• 🎯 Factors that shape academic writing include audience, purpose, organization, style, flow, and presentation.
• 🔑 Understanding the audience and purpose is crucial for determining the style and organization of academic texts.

Q & A

What is the main characteristic of academic texts?

Academic texts are characterized by being written by professionals in a specific field, using formal language, containing specific jargon, and being well-edited with a focus on advancing human understanding in that discipline.

Why are academic texts considered challenging for novice readers?

Academic texts can be challenging for novice readers due to the use of jargon, formal language, and the expectation of prior knowledge in the specific field.

What is the purpose of including a list of sources and references in academic texts?

The list of sources and references in academic texts serves to validate and support the information presented, ensuring that the content is backed by credible research and evidence.

What are some examples of academic texts mentioned in the script?

Examples of academic texts include school books, textbooks, journal articles, research proposals, papers, broadsheet newspapers, magazines like National Geographic, and thesis or dissertations.

What are the different types of academic texts described in the script?

The different types of academic texts are descriptive, analytical, persuasive, and critical. Each type has a specific purpose and set of keywords associated with it.

How does the script define non-academic texts?

Non-academic texts are written for the general public, often published quickly, and can be written by anyone. They use informal and conversational language and may contain slang. These texts are more personal, subjective, and may evoke emotions or impressions.

What are some examples of non-academic texts provided in the script?

Examples of non-academic texts include blog posts, fiction books, personal letters, journals, and diaries.

What factors are mentioned in the script as shaping academic writing?

The factors that shape academic writing include audience, purpose, organization, style, flow, and presentation.

Why is considering the audience important when writing academic texts?

Considering the audience is important because it influences the level of detail, complexity, and formality of the writing, ensuring that the text is appropriate and comprehensible for the intended readers.

How does the script describe the process of writing academic texts?

The process of writing academic texts involves drafting, multiple revisions, and ensuring the final output is ready for publishing and consumption by the intended audience.

What is the main goal of academic texts according to the script?

The main goal of academic texts is to inform, providing new knowledge and advancing understanding in a specific discipline.