× PREFACE
  CHAPTER 1
What is Academic English?
  CHAPTER 2
Academic Vocabulary
  CHAPTER 3
Useful Sentence Structures and Language for Academic Writing
  CHAPTER 4
Paraphrasing, Summarising and Quoting
  CHAPTER 5
Paragraph Structure
  CHAPTER 6
Common Academic Text Structures




PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6
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Home > Chapter 2: Academic Vocabulary

Chapter 2: Academic Vocabulary

2a: Academic Vocabulary vs General Vocabulary

Words used in academic texts are often more formal and precise in meaning. Colloquial expressions (including some phrasal verbs) tend to be avoided. Compare the following sentences:



Everyday English Academic English
Viruses and germs are passed from one person to another through touching, coughing and sneezing. Viruses and germs are transmitted from one person to another through touching, coughing and sneezing.
Scientists try to find the root cause of the pandemic. Scientists try to identify the root cause of the pandemic.

Answers

    • exhausted

    • omitted

    • request   

    • established   

    • consider   

    • accelerate  
2a - i2a - ii  2b  2c - i2c - ii2c - iii2c - iv2c - v
2a - i2a - ii  2b  2c - i
2c - ii2c - iii2c - iv2c - v

 Activity 2

Some phrasal verbs are considered more conversational and less appropriate for use in academic texts, which require a more formal tone. Replace the highlighted phrasal verbs in the sentences below with more formal verbs. Choose the most appropriate answer for each sentence.

  • Many countries are keen to explore renewable energy sources as natural resources in the world might be used up one day.

    • finished   
    • gone   
    • exhausted   
    • sustained   

  • Unnecessary details can be left out in a gist and a synopsis.

    • cancelled   
    • taken   
    • neglected   
    • omitted   

  • The German government approached the United States to ask for an armistice in 1918.

    • request   
    • raise   
    • surrender   
    • arrange   

  • The United Nations has set up a mechanism to investigate alleged use of biological and chemical weapons.

    • launched   
    • established   
    • restored   
    • cancelled   

  • Doctors and patients should think about the pros and cons of each option before reaching any healthcare and surgical decisions.

    • discover   
    • identify   
    • seek   
    • consider   

  • One advantage of hosting the Olympic Games is that it helps to speed up the infrastructure development of the host city.

    • accentuate   
    • accelerate   
    • emphasise   
    • fasten