roup 4

G
ACADEMIC STYLE

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 Lưu Vũ Minh Hiếu
NNA49C10943
Trần Thảo Phương
NNA49C11028
Group Trần Ngọc Linh
NNA49C10976
Member Chu Gia Bảo
NNA49C10906
Đào Thị Quỳnh Mai
NNA49C10990

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Table of Contents
1 What is academic style ?

2 Formal vocabulary

3 Use of passive voice

4 Objective vs. Subjective language

5 Emotive language

6 Contracted forms
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 Lessons review

In previous lessons, we have learned to

Understand the task

Carry out the research and look for materials
Read and take note

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 Introduction

In academic writing you are expected to produce

logically-structured ideas with well-argued,
substantiated points, taking different opinions
into consideration.

Therefore, you must write clear, concise with

appropriated referenced ideas.

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 1. ACADEMIC STYLE

Using academic style means expressing ideas in a

clear and precise language in contrast to informal
writing where it is obstructed.
We shall work on an exercise to better identify this
writing style, answer these questions:
a) Identify the context each of these following text
may be found in?
b) Can you recognize the differences between them?
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 Identify formality
Excerpt 1:
One of the first careful studies of morphine addiction was made in 1875 by
Levinstein, who identified key elements in opiate addiction that would interest
researchers: the fixation on the drug that made it the highest priority even when
the user's life situation was deteriorating, and the curious phenomenon of
withdrawal that could be reversed quickly by giving more opiate (Levinstein,
1878).

Excerpt 2:
OMG. You’ve no idea who I just met IRL. LOL

Excerpt 3:
I honestly don't see why vaping gets such a bad reputation. How could anyone
think it's worse than smoking when it's clearly a less harmful option? I believe
that the more people switch to vaping, the better off we’d all be.
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 For question a):
Excerpt 1 is from a research paper on
smoking
Excerpt 2 is a text between friends
Suggested answers Excerpt 3 is an opinion-based speech

For question b):

The differences lie in the tone, the
purpose and the formality of the texts
Excerpt 1: Academic and formal.
Excerpt 2: Casual, informal, with use
of abbreviation.
Excerpt 3: Semi-formal, opinion-
based, and persuasive.
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 2.Formal vocabulary
Academic writing uses more formal vocabulary
than spoken language.

It is difficult to distinguish between formal and

less formal language.

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 Example
1.The experiment had super interesting and important results.
=> Acceptable

2.The experiment yielded innovative results that were highly

significant.
=> More formal and professional

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 Why should we use
formal expression?

It is not because academic language is pompous.

Because it is clearer.

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 Example
1.Researchers say that many adults still cannot read or write.

seems clear, but not specific enough

2.Researchers assert that a substantial number of adults remain illiterate.

a stronger tone and definitive attitude

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 From informal to formal
Find more formal words or phrases to replace those in bold below
1. Research shows ...
2. The new method has been found.
3. His working conditions were bad.
4. Lots of changes have been made.
5. There were many reasons for his behaviors.
6. Scientists have tried to find solutions ...
7. $100,000 were given to the orphanage.
8. He suffered from health problems like obesity and heart disease.
9. She has got to seek a new job.
10. The company does not have enough budget.
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 Suggested answers
1. shows = indicates, reveals
2. found = discovered, identified, uncovered
3. bad = substandard, unsatisfactory
4. lots of = numerous, a great number of
5. reasons = causes, explanations, justifications
6. tried = attempted, strived
7. given = donated, offered, granted
8. like = such as, including
9. has got to = is compelled, is required
10. enough = sufficient, adequate
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 2.Formal vocabulary

Do they consist of many small elements?

Are they often used in spoken English?
Are they too informal for academic writing?

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 Finding synonyms
Find suitable synonyms to replace the multi-word verbs in bold below

1. The new album by the band will come out next month.
2. During the meeting, she brought up an important plan for cost reduction.
3. We had to put off our vacation plans due to the bad weather.
4. I cannot take in this scribble.
5. The plane will take off in 20 minutes.
6. Jenny and George have broken up.
7. She managed to get over her fear of public speaking.
8. The students came along well in their studies this semester.
9. I cannot put up with his behavior any longer.
10. She is looking for a new job. 16
 Suggested answers
1. The new album by the band will be released next month.
2. During the meeting, she proposed an important plan for cost reduction.
3. We had to delay our vacation plans due to the bad weather.
4. I cannot comprehend this scribble.
5. The plane will depart in 20 minutes.
6. Jenny and George have separated.
7. She managed overcome her fear of public speaking.
8. The students progressed well in their studies this semester.
9. I cannot tolerate his behavior any longer.
10. She is seeking a new job. 17
3. Use of Passive Voice

The subject of the action receives

the action of the verb rather than
performing it.

The focus is on the action or

recipient rather than the doer
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 Passive Voice
Preferred in in
Academic Writing Academic Writing

Objectivity
Emphasis on results
Formal tone
Consistency in reporting

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 When not to use
passive voice

Active: Vinaconex Corporation is building this bridge.

Passive: This bridge is being built.

=> The passive sentence is unclear as the agent (Vinaconex

Corporation) should be specified.

=> Active sentence is more appropriate when focusing on

the person doing the action. 20

 When to use
passive voice

Active: They worshiped the ancient god.

Passive: The ancient god was worshiped.

=> The active sentence does not provide further information

by adding the word “they”.

=> Passive sentence is more appropriate when focusing on

the action or recipient. 21

 TIP
Who are Are “they”
more important than
“they” ? “action”?

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(a) The famous singer Sean invited Linda to an
over-night party.
- Linda was invited to an over-night party by the
famous singer Sean.
=> The active sentence should be used to
Examples
specify the doer.

(b) They caught several drug-related criminals at the

Golden Triangle.

- Several drug-related criminals were caught

at the Golden Triangle.

=> The passive sentence should be used to

focus on the action. 23
 Impersonal “it”

Avoid Use
In Academic Writing, Instead, use
avoid using “they”, expressions with
“people”, as these impersonal “it” such
words lead to unclear as “it is thought that ... “,
sentences. “it is believed that ...”

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(a) People think that technology is

indispensable.
=> It is thought that technology is Examples
indispensable.

(b) Everyone believe that the government

ignores public concerns.

=> It is believed that the government ignores
public concerns.

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 Another construction

‘X is thought to ....’ or ‘X is believed to ...’

(a) People think that technology is indispensable.
Technology is thought to be indispensable.
(b) Everyone believe that the government ignores public
concerns.
The government is believed to ignore public concerns.
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 4. Objective vs.
Subjective Language

Objective Language is neutral and fact-based, without

being influenced by personal feelings or opinions

Subjective Language is influenced by personal feelings,

opinions, or bias, often reflecting the speaker's or writer's
perspective
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 Where they would be used

Objective Subjective

scientific research literary analysis

historical analysis product review
business reports film critique

FACT-BASED OPINION-BASED
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 4.1 Objective or Subjective
4.1 Objective or Subjective

Text 1
No safety test can fully ensure a car’s safety if consumers prioritize
speed and power over safety features. While safety is emphasized by
manufacturers, consumer preferences may lead to different choices.

Text 2
Why should I worry about a car's safety features when speed and power
are what really matter to me? Everyone’d rather have a faster car, even
if it means fewer safety features.

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 4.1 Objective or Subjective

Text 1
No safety test can fully ensure a car’s safety if consumers prioritize
speed and power over safety features. While safety is emphasized by
manufacturers, consumer preferences may lead to different choices.

Text 2
Why should I worry about a car's safety features when speed and
power are what really matter to me? Everyone’d rather have a faster
car, even if it means fewer safety features.
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 4.1 Objective or Subjective

Key takeaways

avoid 1st-person and 2nd-person pronouns: I, we, you, etc.

avoid subjective opinions: I believe, I think, etc.
avoid over-generalization: all of us are, everybody should, etc.

IMPERSONAL LANGUAGE INSTEAD

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 4.2 Impersonal language
Besides passive voice, there are other ways to impersonalize a sentence:

using expletive (dummy) subjects in active voice:

it is worthwhile to consider...
it is important to...

using specific/ neutral subjects:

the data/research indicates that...
concrete evidence is needed before...
many individuals claim...
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 4.2 Impersonal language
Rewrite the following text using a more objective style

It seems that everybody knows how important it is to Reminder of what to use

conserve water. We all feel that taking shorter showers
can significantly reduce water usage. If people don’t expletive (dummy)
change their habits, serious problems will arise in the subjects
future. Many people believe that they should take specific/neutral subjects
immediate action to protect this vital resource. passive voice

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 4.2 Impersonal language
Rewrite the following paragraph using a more Revised version
objective style

Everybody knows how important it is to It is evident that conserving water is

conserve water. We all feel that taking shorter essential. Many individuals claim that taking
showers can significantly reduce water usage. shorter showers can significantly reduce
If people don’t change their habits, serious water usage. If water usage habits are not
problems will arise in the future. Many people changed, serious problems may occur in the
believe that they should take immediate future. It is commonly believed that
action to protect this vital resource. immediate action is needed to protect this
vital resource.

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 5. Emotive language

Emotive language shows personal attitude or

one's emotions.
Emotive language is generally discouraged in
academic writing.
E.g: unfortunately, hopefully, thankfully,
astonishing, devastated
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 When not to use
Emotive Language

Create vague
Shift readers' focus
meaning that vary
on feelings rather
by individual
than critical analysis
interpretation

Inappropriate when writing academic

researches or articles 36
 When to use Emotive
Language

Engage readers with

Persuade readers to
emotions, making
adopt writer's
the content more
viewpoint
relatable

Appropriate when writing reflection

essays or personal reviews 37
 Examples
Many people believe that the recent
Identify the emotive/
changes in policy are a terrible mistake. neutral language used
in the examples and
A significant number of individuals give explanation.
assert that the recent policy changes
may result in unfavourable outcomes.

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 Examples
“terrible mistsake”:
Many people believe that the recent negative connotations,
changes in policy are a terrible expressing emotions and
mistake. bias the policy changes.

A significant number of individuals

“unfavourable outcomes":
assert that the recent policy changes less emotionally charged and
may result in unfavourable maintain a neutral tone.
outcomes.
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 5.2.Use of questions
Some writers use questions to
introduce the point they wish to make

Eg: Why are entrepreneurs flocking to e-commerce as their

primary business model? The flexibility and potential for growth
in the digital marketplace are simply irresistible.

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 5.2.Use of questions
“Without electrolytes, your body runs into dire
difficulties, fast. But are we in as much danger of
running out of them as some companies would like
For Students
us to believe?” Using questions would be an
Snape, J. (2024, September 30). The electrolytes boom: a wonder supplement
– or an unnecessary expense? The Guardian.
acceptable style for oral
presentations

This style is found in In academic writing,

non-academic articles questions should not be used

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 Why not use
questions

Questions are considered Questions may lead

informal and divert to lack of clarity and
readers' concentration. excessive content.

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 Activity:
Substituting questions
1. What is the financial objective of a business? A business is
normally set up with a view to increasing the wealth of its owners.
(McLaney and Atrill, 2008: 25)

2. What is the symbolic importance of the jury? Jury trials represents

judgment by one’s peers. The jury is therefore seen as a major control
over abuse of state power.
(Elliott and Quinn, 2008:224)

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 Suggested answers
1. The financial objective of a business is to increase the wealth of its
owners.
(McLaney and Atrill, 2008: 25)

2. The jury has a symbolic importance. Jury trials represent judgment by

one’s peers. The jury is therefore seen as a major control over abuse
of state power.
(Elliott and Quinn, 2008:224)

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 6. Contracted forms

Contracted words such as: don't, it's, wouldn't, etc.

Should not be used when writing in an academic context except quotations

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 Exercise
Rewrite this paragraph using what you learnt today

(1) Are you tired of working too much? Overworking can really
mess you up, making you feel stressed and worn out. It totally
drains your energy and leaves you with little time for fun or
hanging around with friends. Some people think pushing
themselves harder is the key to success, but that's not always true.
(2) I reckon taking regular breaks could help a lot. When people
work too hard, it often leads to burnout, which is super bad for
their health. Shouldn't we all just relax a bit more? It’s time to stop
killing ourselves over work! 46
 Exercise
Rewrite this paragraph using what you learnt today

(1) Are you tired of working too much? Overworking can really
mess you up, making you feel stressed and worn out. It totally
drains your energy and leaves you with little time for fun or
hanging around with friends. Some people think pushing
themselves harder is the key to success, but that's not always true.
(2) I reckon taking regular breaks could help a lot. When people
work too hard, it often leads to burnout, which is super bad for
their health. Shouldn't we all just relax a bit more? It’s time to stop
killing ourselves over work! 47
 Suggested answer
Excessive work can lead to significant fatigue and negatively affect
both physical and mental health, leaving individuals with little time
for relaxation or social interaction. It is believed that working
harder is essential for success, but this is not always the case.
Regular breaks are crucial for maintaining productivity and well-
being. When individuals overwork, it often leads to burnout, which
can have serious consequences for their health. It is important to
recognize the need for balance between work and rest to prevent
long-term negative effects on personal well-being.

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 Conclusion

Academic is a clear and precise style in writing.

You ought to write using formal expression.
An objective language is required in academic writing.
In academic writing, passive voice is often preferred.
Avoid using emotive language and contracted forms.

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Thanks for your attention

Presented by
Group 4
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