A commendable grip over the English language gives you a sense of confidence and power in different walks of life. A thorough and fluent grasp of language can open various opportunities in academic and professional fields. However, the English used for academic purposes varies slightly from the spoken language and is more professional.
Many universities have introduced a program in English for academic purposes to prepare students to meet the challenges of the academic and professional sectors. This program develops the language and grammar of students to cater to different situations and requirements.
Learning the nuances of a language can be equally tricky and interesting. Let’s look at what academic English is and some tips to improve it.
What is academic English?
Academic English is the type of English used in the higher education sector and is seldom a part of native speaking. The university curriculums and professional sector often use this type of language where the vocabulary and expressions are immaculate.
If you wish to study in an English-speaking country, knowledge of academic English is a must to comprehend the curriculum. This formal language used in articles, newspapers, and journals is essential to your growth in the academic and professional sectors.
Tips to improve academic English
Even if you are a native English speaker, you may not be fluent in academic English as it is different, more precise, formal, objective, and accurate. So, here are a few tips to improve your academic English.
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Practise formal writing
What sets academic English apart from native spoken English is the formal style of writing. So, to improve your academic English you should focus on writing more in the formal style. For example, avoid using slang and phrasal verbs while writing, like ‘I’m’ instead of ‘I am’ or ‘go on’ instead of ‘continue’.
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Understand active and passive voices
Using active and passive voices effectively can be confusing sometimes. But a better understanding of these two helps in writing better academic and professional copies. Always use a voice that helps you present ideas with clarity and readability.
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Use your dictionary well
The old-school method of referring to the dictionary for finding meanings and synonyms can be very helpful in improving academic English. The English language is a wide sea and to navigate in it, you should be careful. Do not confuse between similar sounding words or homonyms and choose the best formal synonym you know while writing.
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Read more
When it comes to improving your language, there is no better way than voracious reading. Choose academic texts and journals to get a hang of the vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. Skim, scan or read in detail according to what the situation demands.
Listening to podcasts or television programmes with a professional touch is also helpful in understanding the nuances of language.
Once you practise these simple tips and incorporate them into your daily work, you can ace academic English in a few months.
