Unit 1: Go The Distance: Choosing distance learning
Select a unit
- 1 Go The Distance: Choosing distance learning
- 2 Go The Distance: Academic reading
- 3 Go The Distance: Academic talk
- 4 Go The Distance: Academic writing
- 5 Go The Distance: Finding and using source material
- 6 Go The Distance: Going the distance
- 7 Go The Distance: Critical thinking
- 8 Go The Distance: Social learning
- 9 Go The Distance: Projects
- 10 Go The Distance: Succeeding in exams
Session 4
Academic Writing 1 – Academic vocabulary
Welcome to our Academic Writing course! On these pages we'll bring you the essential knowledge and skills you need to be an effective writer in your study life. Over 10 units we'll show you how to write: effective paragraphs, assignments and exam papers; posts to online discussion groups, projects and presentations – and much more!
In this first session we look at getting the basics right and help you activate your academic vocabulary!
Activity 1
Activate your academic vocabulary
Let's start by looking at the vocabulary you need to use in your academic writing. In academic writing it’s very important to say exactly what you mean, in a suitable style – and choosing the right type of vocabulary is an important place to start. You need to be careful that the words you're using aren't too informal, vague or emotive. Scroll down and try these activities to upgrade your academic vocabulary knowledge!
Words NOT to use in academic writing
In British academic writing, we tend not to use:
- informal words like 'big' or 'good'
- many phrasal verbs, like 'give up' or 'put off' – these are too informal
- some vague words with too many possible meanings, like 'thing' or 'get'
- 'emotive' words, which express personal feelings, like 'fantastic' or 'terrible'
Try the activity
To do
Try this activity to see if you can spot words that are not appropriate in academic contexts.
Find the odd one out
4 Questions
Each group of words and phrases here has ONE item that is NOT used in academic writing – find the odd one out
Help
Activity
Each group of words and phrases here has ONE item that is NOT used in academic writing – find the odd one out
Hint
Which word is too vague?Question 1 of 4
Help
Activity
Each group of words and phrases here has ONE item that is NOT used in academic writing – find the odd one out
Hint
Which word or phrase is too informal?Question 2 of 4
Help
Activity
Each group of words and phrases here has ONE item that is NOT used in academic writing – find the odd one out
Hint
Which word is too emotive?Question 3 of 4
Help
Activity
Each group of words and phrases here has ONE item that is NOT used in academic writing – find the odd one out
Hint
Which word or phrase is too informal?Question 4 of 4
Excellent! Great job! Bad luck! You scored:
Next
Now that you can identify inappropriate words, go to the next activity and try to identify inappropriate academic vocabulary in context.
Session Vocabulary
Find out more about distance learning – visit our partner,The OU
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