ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
Replace informal: “lots of” → ?
a large number of / numerous
Give one linking phrase for adding an idea.
Moreover / Furthermore / In addition
What should an introduction include?
Background + thesis statement
Formal or informal? “I guess this is a big deal.”
Informal
Correct: “The informations are useful.”
The information is useful. (uncountable noun)
Replace “get” in “get better results.”
obtain / achieve better results
Fill in: “Some people argue that…, ___ others believe that…”
while / whereas
Which phrase is more academic: “I’m going to write about…” or “This essay will discuss…”?
This essay will discuss…
Replace informal: “so” → ?
therefore / thus / consequently
Correct: “According me, this policy is wrong.”
According to me, this policy is wrong.
What does “to address an issue” mean?
to deal with / to tackle a problem
Rewrite more academically: “I think schools should ban junk food.”
It could be argued that schools should prohibit junk food.
Complete: “In conclusion, it can be ___ that…”
concluded / argued / inferred
Which is more formal: “because” or “due to the fact that”?
due to the fact that
Identify the error: “People is often affected by stress.”
People are often affected by stress.
Paraphrase: “very important” → academic synonym.
crucial / essential / significant
What’s the function of “on the contrary”?
To introduce an opposing or contrasting idea.
Identify the weak phrase: “In this essay I will talk about pollution.”
Too informal — use “discuss / examine / explore” instead of talk about
Rewrite formally: “The boss got mad at the team.”
The manager became upset with the team.
Correct: “He suggested me to read this book.”
He suggested that I (should) read this book.
Replace the informal phrase: “a big problem” → ?
a major / a significant issue
Connect logically: “The government increased taxes. Public spending rose.” → Use cause-effect link.
Because the government increased taxes, public spending rose. / The increase in taxes led to higher public spending.
Write an academic concluding phrase instead of “All in all, that’s why I think this is bad.”
“In conclusion, it can be stated that this issue has significant negative consequences.”
Explain why contractions (can’t, won’t, I’m) are avoided in formal writing.
They reduce formality; full forms maintain professional tone.
Find and fix the error: “It depends of how much time we have.”
It depends on how much time we have.