lecture 3 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is English for Academic Purposes (EAP)?
The study and practice of academic communication in English, focusing on genres, conventions, and discursive practices of the university setting.
Is EAP a simplified form of English?
No; it is a field of study grounded in applied linguistics, genre theory, and discourse analysis.
In the social sciences, what does EAP involve?
Critically engaging with how language constructs arguments, organizes evidence, and positions the writer within disciplinary debates.
Beyond clarity and correctness, what else does academic writing in EAP address?
Disciplinary identity, epistemological assumptions, and audience awareness.
How does EAP support students with academic genres?
By helping them analyze and produce key genres such as essays, research papers, abstracts, and literature reviews.
What rhetorical and structural awareness does EAP develop?
Understanding how ideas are presented and supported in discipline-specific ways.
Which language choices in academic writing reflect disciplinary stance and voice?
Hedging, modality, and reporting verbs.
Does EAP teach general academic English?
No; it focuses on specific, situated practices shaped by each discipline’s conventions.
What distinction does Ken Hyland (2009) make about language?
“Language is not a neutral medium for conveying meaning, but a social practice shaped by the communities that use it.”
What is an abstract?
A standalone summary of a text’s purpose, scope, methods, findings, and implications, often the first part readers engage with.
What functions must an abstract fulfill?
Help readers decide to read the full text; be accurate, self-contained, cohesive, and standalone.
List the five general moves of an abstract’s structure.
Background/Rationale, Purpose/Aim, Methods/Approach, Results/Findings, Conclusion/Implications.
According to Swales & Feak (2009), what is the IMRaD structure?
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion.
What is a “move” in genre analysis?
A stretch of text performing a particular functional job, from phrase to paragraph.
What comprises Move 1 (Opening) in an abstract?
Introducing background, aim, present research action, or a problem/uncertainty.
What does Move 2 (Purpose) do?
States the aim/research question and links to the opening via Continuing, Capturing, or New Subject linking.
What is characteristic of Move 3 (Methods)?
Compressed description in past tense and passive voice.
Why is Move 3 often written in the passive voice?
To pack dense methodological information objectively and succinctly.
How can Move 4 (Results) be organized?
From general findings to specific data, or vice versa, and sometimes with summary statements.
What is the purpose of Move 5 (Conclusions)?
Stress the utility, applicability, importance, and relevance of the findings.
When do some fields include recommendations in abstracts?
At the end of Move 5, to suggest practical or future research actions.
How important is the title of an abstract/paper?
Crucial for success; it indicates topic, scope, and sometimes method/genre.
What general guidelines apply to writing titles?
Indicate topic and scope, be self-explanatory, and sometimes reflect study nature (e.g., survey, case report).
How does preferred title length vary by discipline?
Social sciences favor longer titles; other fields prefer short, noun- and preposition-heavy titles.
