Home > Chapter 1: What is Academic English?
![](../images/public-header-icons_08.png)
1b: General Features of Academic English
Academic texts are characterised by a specific style with the following four features:
i) formality
ii) objectivity
iii) precision
iv) technicality
i) Formality
Academic texts have their own set of rules and structures. To sound professional and objective, a formal style is usually adopted in these texts.
Activity 2
Read the two texts below and decide which one is written in a more formal style. Choose the correct answer.
A. The research has been underway for four years. Researchers have yet reached a conclusion. They are expecting the government to continue to provide financial assistance on the research.
![](../images/Part_02-r_07.png)
B. The research has been going on for four years. Researchers still can’t tell the result. They are expecting the government to go on giving money to support the research.
![](../images/Part_02_03.png)
![](../img/genres/genres_answers.jpg)