Introduction to AI 2

by Albert Major

1. Academic Language

Why is it important?

• Academic writing needs to sound serious, credible, and professional.
• Casual language makes the text seem less trustworthy.

Comparing Different Texts:

• Students were asked to judge two texts (academic vs. pop science).
• Everyone could identify which was more academic based on style and structure.

4 Characteristics of Academic Language:

1. Precise – Avoid vague words (e.g., "lectures" is better than "classes").
2. Formal – Avoid casual/slang terms (e.g., "tough" → "challenging").
3. Cautious – Avoid absolute claims (e.g., "proves" → "suggests").
4. Objective – Avoid personal bias (e.g., "the teacher" → "the instructor").

Academic Language Resources:

• Word lists & phrase banks – Common academic terms.
• Vocabulary profilers – Check if your writing uses academic words.
• Learner’s dictionaries – Give detailed explanations of word usage.
• Writing tools (Grammarly, ChatGPT, etc.) – Can help, but should be used carefully.