Scribd
Upload
56 views22 pages

Structure of Academic Texts

This document discusses the structure and language of academic texts. It outlines several common text structures used such as narration, definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause and effect. It provides examples of each structure and notes how they are organized. Signal words are also presented that indicate each structure. The document stresses using an appropriate level of formal and objective language for academic texts. Overall, the document provides guidance on understanding different text structures and using formal academic language.

Uploaded by

Behappy 89
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
56 views22 pages

Structure of Academic Texts

This document discusses the structure and language of academic texts. It outlines several common text structures used such as narration, definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause and effect. It provides examples of each structure and notes how they are organized. Signal words are also presented that indicate each structure. The document stresses using an appropriate level of formal and objective language for academic texts. Overall, the document provides guidance on understanding different text structures and using formal academic language.

Uploaded by

Behappy 89
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 22

English for Academic and

Professional Purposes

READING
ACADEMIC
TEXTS
LEARNING COMPETENCY

uses knowledge of
text structure to
glean the information
he/she needs
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
NARRATION
basic strategy used by writers for presenting
actions
Purposes: to illustrate and support ideas with
anecdotes, entertain readers with stories,
predict what will happen with scenarios,
explain how something happens
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
NARRATION
Tells a story or explains a sequence of events
(fiction or non-fiction)

OBJECTIVE NARRATION- presents facts to


create an accurate timeline of events
e.g. Patient’s history , crime report,
eyewitness’ testimony
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
NARRATION

SUBJECTIVE NARRATION- conveys the


impressions, feelings, insights, or point of view
e.g. Student’s personal essay
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
DEFINITION

DEFINING- used in explaining unfamiliar terms


Purposes: to explain, to convince
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
TYPES OF DEFINITION
Standard Definitions- meaning rarely
change and is universally accepted
(e.g. Definition of right angle)
Regulatory Definitions- meaning assigned
by organizations and changes
depending on how it is used
(e.g. PAG-ASA’s definition of critical level)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
TYPES OF DEFINITION
Qualifying Definitions- meanings of words
that are subject for interpretation
(e.g. Delinquent)
Personal Definitions- definitions which
depend on the interpretations or assigned
meaning of the writer himself
(e.g.definition of Friendship)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
TYPES OF DEFINITION

Invented Definitions- meanings to words


which are newly- coined as already being used
in the society
(e.g. Definition of flash mob)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXTS
CLASSIFICATION

CLASSIFYING- involves combining objects or


items into categories based on distinct
characteristics. These grouped and classified
items are labeled under new combinations
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS

CLASSIFICATION

CLASSIFICATION PARAGRAPHS- can be


organized using an official or personal
classification. Official classification includes
widely-known and accepted categories used
by government, a business, or an
organization (e.g. Classifications used by
PAG-ASA are yellow rainfall warning,
orange rainfall warning etc.
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

COMPARISON- to see how two objects or


items are alike
CONTRAST- to identify their differences

(According to learning theory, new concepts are


readily acquired if their similarities and
differences are established first.)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST


2 WAYS
CHUNKING- characteristics of the items
being compared are presented separately

SEQUENCING- attributes of the objects are


presented point by point
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

CHUNKING& SEQUENCING
(e.g. In chunking the characteristics of Honda
Civic car are presented first then followed by the
features of Toyota Corrolla car. Using
sequenced comparison, the features of the two
cars will be analyzed feature by feature.)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS

CAUSE AND EFFECT

As a writing strategy states or explains


reasons why things happen or explains the
result of certain phenomena
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
CAUSE AND EFFECT
In writing a cause and effect paragraph, it is
important to identify the most important factor
among several causes. This will become the
focus of discussion in the written text.
(e.g. What causes the increasing rate of school
dropout? Family problems? Poor
performance of students?)
STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
TEXT STRUCTURE SIGNAL WORDS
For example, for instance,
Description specifically, in particular, in addition,
etc.

Consequently, therefore, as a result,


Cause and Effect thereby, leads to, etc.

However, unlike, like, by, in


Comparison and Contrast comparison, although, whereas,
similar to, different from, etc.

Next, first, last, second, another,


Chronological Order then, additionally, etc.
LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
 Typically formal

(A well- written text uses an appropriate


language and words in delivering the
message. It has to be appropriate to the
topic. The choice of language also should be
suited to he reader.)
LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
 Typically formal
(This also covers the writer’s tone of writing)
 SUBJECTIVE TONE- uses the writer’s
personal biases and judgment

 OBJECTIVE TONE- uses factual information


and arguments
LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
NOTE:
The writer has to decide the
language and tone of writing
depending on the purpose in
writing.
LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
PRACTICALLY...

...write and speak to


express
not to impress...
More discussions
tomorrow!

You might also like