Chapter 2 - Academic Vocabulary

Chapter 2: Academic Vocabulary

Academic Vocabulary

a) Academic Vocabulary vs General Vocabulary
b) Subject-specific Words and Technical Terms
c) Word Formation

What is Academic Vocabulary?

Academic vocabulary refers to words used in academic contexts. It includes:

formal words which are less often used in daily casual conversations (e.g. “observe” and “identify” instead of “watch” and “find”); and
subject-specific words and technical terms that are crucial to understanding the content of the subject (e.g. photosynthesis, carnivore, isthmus) and often appear in information texts and textbooks.

Developing knowledge in academic vocabulary and acquiring relevant vocabulary building strategies can facilitate students’ understanding of classroom instruction and task requirements, as well as their comprehension of texts across different subject areas.