Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc.

(DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Name: _____________________________________Act. No.: ________ Remarks

Please check the box for the type of the activity:
Concept Notes Illustrations/Examples Exercises Questions/Problems Formal Theme Worksheet

Activity Title: THE ACADEMIC WRITING STYLE

CONCEPT NOTES

KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE

If you know who your intended reader is, you will be able to predict to a certain extent what they
already know about your topic, what they need to know, what they may be interested to know more about,
and what their thoughts, feelings, or outlook about it may be. You will be a more effective communicator if
you have some knowledge of your intended reader. And as you become mindful about the different audiences
you write for, you will make better decisions on how to organize your writing, how formally or informally you
will write, and what kind of language your reader can best relate to.

Read the following texts and identify what kind of writing style they are.

Text 1

Hi Ta!

Greetings from Bohol! It’s just my second day and I hope the fun is just getting
started! Yesterday we went to see the tarsiers and they were actually smaller than I
expected!?! But still as cute. Too bad can’t bring them home… or just wake them up. LOL!

Today the group will be heading to chocolate hills (yeah, I know, tourism 101!) so I’ll
have more pictures to show you.

How’s your trip going? Can’t wait to compare notes. Hope you’re having as much fun
as I am. Miss u!

Love,
Jasmin

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Text 2

… We are great people. We have honest students and honest cops. We have scaled
the heights of Mount Everest, dominated the Southeast Asian games, we have won
international beauty titles, and of course punched our way to triumph in the boxing world. Our
people compete and win every day in every imaginable job throughout the world. Individually,
we’ve taken the world on and won; together, we must take on the challenge of creating a
new, peaceful, humane, and competitive nation and prevail.

For those who want to pick up old fights, we’re game but what a waste of time. Why
not join hands instead? Join hands in the biggest challenge of all, where we all win or we all
lose: the battle for the survival and progress of our one and only country.

After three years, eleven months, and six days, I shall relinquish the Presidency, with
much if not all that I have outlined completed. I do not want it said then that, in the end, I
defeated my enemies. I would rather have it said that all of us, you and I, friends and foes
today, achieved together a country progressive, prosperous and united.

Thank you. And Mabuhay!

Text 3

Slice 2 medium-sized zucchinis and 4-6 tomatoes about ¼ of an inch. Lightly oil a
shallow baking dish. Place alternating slices of zucchinis and tomato making sure that the
bottom of the dish is covered. Brush slices generously with olive oil and mixed with minced
garlic and dried basil. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with freshly grated Parmesan
cheese. Bake in a 400-degree oven until vegetables are cooked through and cheese is lightly
browned.

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Text 4

This study was conducted to determine whether there is correlation between social
class and the identification of children’s sex through their speech. The participants were 32 six-
year-old working class and middle class boys and girls who read and recorded a short passage
in English. Six judges listened to the tape-recorded readings of the children and predicted the
se of each child. Results revealed that middle class children were more accurately identified by
the judges. Also, the fact that the working class children had difficulty reading the English text
underscored the sad reality that language can be a social stratifier in the Philippine context.
This has implications of early childhood education in terms of developing an effective reading
program for working class pre-school learners. Likewise, closer coordination between the
home and the school is recommended to better orient parents on the crucial role they play in
their children’s education. This is limited exploratory study can be further explored with the
use of a Tagalog text as a reading prompt for the participants.

The texts above are examples of different types and styles of writing. You may have noticed that the
tone of the texts varied depending on the purpose of the writer and the specific format of the text. For
instance the letter sent through email was casual and conversational in tone, like it would be between two
friends. Text 2, an excerpt from the closing part of the July 24, 2006 State of the Nation Address of ex-
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was more formal, in part because of the nature of the occasion. The
Philippine Congress by tradition formally opens with the President delivering a SONA. On the other hand, the
recipe was instructional and quite straight forward. The step-by-step procedure made it easy to follow. The
words used were simple and the style of writing was concise. The same cannot be said about the last text.
What do you notice about the style?

Text 4 is an example of a specific part of a research paper ---- the abstract. An abstract is an abridged
version of a research paper, with the length varying anywhere from 50 to 200 words depending on the length
of the original and the requirements of the course.

Text 4 differs from the other texts in its tone. The abstract, as part of a research paper, is a good
example of what academic writing is like.

Academic writing in English is the required standard in your college writing. Although academic writing
may not be used at all times in all academic settings, in much of the writing you have to do in college, the
distinctive style of academic writing is most appropriate.

ACADEMIC WRITING NON-ACADEMIC WRITING

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REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Convenience was cited by the consumers as the most Consumers liked online shopping because it’s quite
important reason why they prefer online shopping. convenient.

One factor that traditional retail business owners If you own a business, the store space you rent or
must consider is the cost of the store space. The price own is a major expense.
per square meter of space is a major expense
whether the space is owned or rented.

Hemingway’s use of deliberate ambiguity in the At first I thought that the people were talking about
dialogue serves to heighten the reader’s interest in something ordinary. So what’s so interesting about it?
what is going on in the story. The reader comes to the In fact, it is so boring. And then I realized that
realization that the deceptively simple use of dialogue Hemingway used simple language on purpose
belies the seriousness of the topic of conversation. because he wanted the dialogue to contrast with the
serious topic.

Let’s examine the non-academic writing example

Consumers liked online shopping because it’s quite Simple and informal; uses contraction – it’s instead of
convenient. it is

If you own a business, the store space you rent or Addresses the reader directly – uses second person
own is a major expense. you

At first I thought that the people were talking about Use personal language – first person singular I
something ordinary. So what’s so interesting about it?
Asks rhetorical question
In fact, it is so boring. And then I realized that
Hemingway used simple language on purpose
because he wanted the dialogue to contrast with the
serious topic.

Next, consider the sample texts for academic writing. The academic writing style becomes apparent in
the features we find in the following

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Convenience was cited by the consumers as the most Uses passive voice
important reason why they prefer online shopping.

One factor that traditional retail business owners Reader not directly addressed – no personal
must consider is the cost of the store space. The price pronouns, especially second person you
per square meter of space is a major expense
Use formal tone and objective point of view
whether the space is owned or rented.

Hemingway’s use of deliberate ambiguity in the Uses impersonal non-emotive language

dialogue serves to heighten the reader’s interest in
No rhetorical question
what is going on in the story. The reader comes to the
realization that the deceptively simple use of dialogue Uses objective third person point of view to express
belies the seriousness of the topic of conversation. personal opinion

The examples above show how academic writing style can be distinguished from other types of writing.
They illustrate how you can more appropriately deal with the demands you may encounter in your academic
life. In much of the writing you may be expected to do, there are certain factors that you should consider.
These are role, audience, purpose and format.

ROLE

In academic writing, this refers to who you are as the writer. You take on different roles in the written
tasks you have to do. Your teacher may tell you explicitly what your role is, or who you are as a writer. Or you
may decide upon it yourself.

AUDIENCE

This refers to the intended reader of your piece of writing. Every time you write, keep in mind who you
are writing for. Although, there are times when you write only for yourself – like you would when you are
jotting down a to-do list, or writing a “memo to me” reminder – for the most part, much of the writing you will
be expected to do as a senior high school student will be read by other people.

PURPOSE

You always have a reason for writing. In senior high school you expect to be given a variety of writing
assignments from simple tasks – like a cover letter, to the more complex – like a research paper or a thesis.
You write in order to achieve something.

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

FORMAT

This refers to the form most appropriate for your piece of writing. In academic writing, format is an
important element that is shaped by your purpose for writing and your intended audience.

ACADEMIC WRITING CONVENTIONS

The main purpose of academic writing is informative. In order to achieve this, there are certain
conventions that you should consider.

FORMALITY

Academic writing style is formal. This means that as a writer, you will have to be conscious about what
words and expressions you use in your academic writing assignments. Even if you know what you want to say
and have definite opinions about the topics, you will have to compose your text with an eye towards
observing the formal conventions of writing. That means not writing down the first thing that comes to mind.
That means not taking on a conversational tone in your writing.

INFORMAL FORMAL

If users know how search engines work they can deal An understanding of the fundamental operations of
better with them the search engine will provide improved user
interface.

Notice that although the two texts say virtually the same thing, they are vastly different in phraseology.
The informal text included words and expressions that you would use in an ordinary everyday conversation
which, in this case seems vague: it’s not clear what they and them refer to. In contrast, the more formal
equivalent avoided the simple commonplace expressions typical of spoken language. The writer chose ore
complex words thus, making the text sound more formal. This conscious shift towards choosing more complex
alternative terminology is one defining characteristics of the formality of academic writing.

Examine the difference in vocabulary. Instead of know, the formal equivalent is understanding; in place
of can deal better with, the formal term is provide improved interface.

Another way to make writing sound more formal is by limiting the use of two-word prepositional verbs
(verb + preposition) that you commonly hear in spoken language. A few examples can illustrate what this
means.

Take a look at the following sentences. Underline the italicized word/s that are less conversational in
tone and more appropriately formal.

1. The week-long power outages used up/consumed the store’s entire stock of batteries.
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REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

2. The candidate’s loyal supporters gathered around/assembled in the town plaza.

3. Smoking marijuana is said to help cancer patients put up/tolerate the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

4. The committee was formed to look into/investigate the reports of cheating.

5. The newly-installed system has enabled offices to throw away/discard outdated files.

Another way you can achieve formality in writing is by avoiding abbreviations and contractions. Most
students use contractions and abbreviations especially in text messaging because doing so saves precious time
and sources. Look at the sentences below.

1. You aren’t allowed to use your cell phone inside the theatre while the performance is going on.

2. She had to go to work altho she wasn’t OK yet.

3. Students rely too much on google, yahoo, etc. in doing research.

Contractions like aren’t, can’t and won’t are commonly used in informal writing but are discouraged in
formal academic writing. Make sure that you spell out the words in full. The same goes for abbreviations like
altho, ‘coz, and ASAP. These are not appropriate for academic style.

The three sentences can be rewritten more appropriately as follows:

1. You are not allowed to use you cell phone inside the theatre while the performance is going on.

2. She had to go to work although she was not well yet.

3. Students rely too much on google, yahoo, and other search engines in doing research.

Despite the obvious advantage of using abbreviations, this is a practice you will have to unlearn in
order to follow the conventions of academic writing style.

FORMALITY

A second feature of academic writing style is the use of impersonal language. This is done even when
you express a personal opinion. You might wonder, “How can I give my personal opinion without being
personal?” Examine the examples below:

PERSONAL IMPERSONAL

If you don’t know how to navigate through an e- Navigating through an e-commerce site can be time-
commerce site, you will waste a lot of time. consuming for those who may be unfamiliar with the

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

process.

The marketplace is growing so fast; pretty soon, you’d The rapid expansion of the marketplace is more than
think the government would address the unresolved enough reason for the government to immediately
issues surrounding e-commerce now. address the unresolved issues surrounding e-
commerce.

Do you notice how both examples express the writer’s opinion? How are the two different?

One way of looking at the difference between the two is by determining the distance of the writer to
the reader. The distance referred to here is not the physical space or remoteness between writer and reader.
Distance here refers to wording and expression that conveys a sense of non-familiarity and objectivity. By
using abstract language, you can communicate a sense of detachment; therefore, you come across to your
reader as more distant.

Another way to convey impersonality in academic writing is by avoiding the use of personal pronouns
such as you that refer directly to your reader. By not directly addressing your reader you create an objective
stance especially when you express a personal opinion. This does not mean that you are not allowed as a
writer to make your presence felt. Increasingly, researchers refer themselves within the papers they write.

A further means to reduce personal language in writing is to avoid the use of emotive language.
Emotional or emotive language can be controversial and highly-charged. The use if words that have strong
negative or positive connotation can weaken your objective stance. When you present your opinion in a non-
emotive manner you convey an air of authority as an academic writer.

Academic writing requires that opinions you hold be presented using an objective tone. This enhances
your credibility as a writer. This is why it is best to avoid personal language is subjective and may diminish the
strength of your argument.

STRUCTURE

Another feature of academic writing that is closely related to formal and impersonal language is
structure. There are certain structural elements that set academic writing apart from others. Study the
example below.

Further studies can be conducted to solve the Further studies can be conducted to find solutions to
technical problems surrounding e-commerce. the technical problems surrounding e-commerce.

The team can accomplish its goals through hard work. The accomplishment of goals can be done through
the hard work of the team.

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

The economy did not perform well. The performance of the economy was dismal.

Notice how the verbs in the examples in the left column were replaced in the right column with nouns.
This is called nominalization. Nominalization has an effect of making a sentence become less active because
the action word has been replaced by a noun. In the examples given, the action word solve has been
nominalized into solution; accomplish into accomplishment; and perform into performance. These words that
end in –tion, -ment, and –ance are some common examples of nominalization.

Aside from nominalization, another way to make sentence less dynamic is by use of passive
construction. When you use the passive voice in writing, the actor or the doer of the action is relegated to the
background. By doing so, the personality of the writer is minimized and the information that is presented is
emphasized. Two examples are presented below.

ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE

The decision of the major petroleum-producing The sharp increase of the price of oil in the world
countries to cut production caused the sharp increase market was caused by the decision of the major
of oil prices in the world market petroleum-producing countries to cut production.

The company can use the cost savings to add value to The cost savings can be used to add value to a
their products. company’s products.

By making use of passive construction, the emphasis was shifted to the action – the increase in oil
prices and cost savings.

The use of nominalization and passive voice construction can sometimes make academic writing seem
more complex. These structural features draw attention to certain aspects of academic writing that we don’t
ordinarily use every day. These are aspects of written language that are hardly, if ever, used in spoken
language.

USE OF HEDGING

The main purpose of academic writing is to convey information that comes as a result of research and
study. Although you may be quite certain about the accuracy of your data and soundness of your conclusions,
academic writing requires the use of cautious language or hedging.

You can demonstrate a certain degree of caution in your writing by being attentive to the language you
use. Language that uses hedging can temper the strength of the claim you make. There are some hedging
devices that are useful in achieving the degree of caution appropriate for academic writing. Certain qualifying
words and expressions can help us realize this purpose.

In stating your opinion, you can be direct about it and write:

A repeat of terrorist attacks, as massive as 9/11, is just a matter of time.

or you may hedge your language and indirectly state your opinion as:
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REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

It is possible that the threat of terrorism is more serious than ever before, and that a massive
attack like September 11, may be just a matter of time.

or

Terrorism experts suggest that global terrorism is still a serious threat, and that a massive
attack line September 11, may be just a matter of time.

You may wonder: if you’re so sure that your opinion is sound and sensible, why would you still need to
qualify your statement?

There are two reasons that can motivate you to follow this convention. As an academic writer, you are
supposed to be objective and impersonal. However, if you state your opinion bluntly and directly, you may
come across as unbending and inflexible. In your role as an academic writer, you need to establish that you
are credible. Someone who comes across as unbending and inflexible does not leave much room for contrary
opinions.

A second reason for using language that is hedged has to do with your reader. If you hedge your
statements, you provide greater interaction with your readers. How so? By not telling them what you want
them to think, you allow your readers to consider your opinion and leave enough room for them to decide
whether they agree with you or not.

Making use of hedging devices like qualifying words and expressions helps enhance your credibility as
an academic writer.

The following are some hedging devices you can use.

Modal Nouns The possibility of…

The probability of…
The certainty of…
The presumption of…
The likelihood of…

Modal Adjectives Possible

Probable
Certain

Modal (Auxiliary) Verb Will

Would
May
Might
Can
Could
Must
Should

Other Verbs Appear

RESEARCH SHS-SAS-T Page 1

REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications
 Diocese of Imus Catholic Education System, Inc. (DICES)
Saint Augustine School
Daang Amaya 3. Tanza, Cavite, Philippines 4108
Tel. No. (046) – 436-6532

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Assume
Indicate
Seem
Suggest
Tend

That clause + combination This indicates that…

These studies suggest that…
It seems probable that…
There might be a possibility that…

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REFERENCE: Miranda-Plata, S. et al. (2006). Research Process and Product Workbook. Trailblazer Publications