Tips to improve your academic English

Academic writing is a formal piece of writing that requires purpose specific vocabulary and academic tone to create an impact on them.

From students to professionals, all need to use academic English in their documents and communication. Knowing this English is a skill but its lack can create situations of failure in life. In this article, you will find tips to improve your academic English.

Ways to Improve your English

1) Improve your English writing skills

Writing essays using appropriate language is an essential skill for academic study. Improving your English writing skills will help you to succeed.

  • Independent-level learners can practice using linking words and phrases to create longer sentences and connect their ideas.

  • Proficient-level learners can practice using referencing words and discourse markers to structure their writing and develop their written fluency.

2) Improve your English reading skills

Reading textbooks, articles and research publications is a critical part of any academic course. Improving your reading skills will help you to succeed in your academic studies.

  • Independent-level learners can practice reading quickly to find specific information in a text.

  • Proficient-level learners can practice reading carefully to understand abstract concepts and academic arguments written in English.

3) Improve your English listening skills

University students need to follow what is said in lectures and take part in seminar discussions. Practice listening for the main arguments, opinions and attitudes of a speaker.

  • Independent-level learners can practice listening for the main points and ideas in a presentation or discussion.

  • Proficient-level learners can practice listening for subtly expressed attitudes based on the words and intonation used.

4) Improve your pronunciation

Develop your confidence when presenting or asking questions in seminars, by improving your English pronunciation.

  • Independent-level learners can practice pronouncing different English sounds, such as long and short “i” sounds.

  • Proficient-level learners can practice different word stresses and learn how this can change the meaning of a word or a sentence.

5) Improve your grammar and vocabulary

Keep refreshing your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. This will help you to create well-formed sentences and build your confidence when using English.

  • Independent-level learners can practice using past simple and present perfect verb tenses and adverbs in different situations.

  • Proficient-level learners can practice using “which” as a relative pronoun and different vocabulary for qualifying statements and opinions.

Learn Formal writing

Practice the art of formal writing. Start with:

  • Stop using contradictions. Don’t use shorter forms like, haven’t or can’t. Instead, always use complete words like have not and cannot.

  • Stop colloquialisms. Avoid using slangs and use dictionary correct vocabulary.

  • Stop using I or me. Use of the first person, makes writing look personal and un-formal.

  • Keep content logical and direct. Never write your feelings and emotions. Always speak from facts and make sure that you add supportive arguments to each logic to add worth to it.

  • Use the proper way of citing the work of others. In formal writing, it is really essential.

  1. Modern Language Association (MLA)

  2. American Psychological Association (APA)

  3. Chicago

  • Always use a thesis statement. This is the main statement that creates the actual change in academic writing. Never neglect it. Around it, all the content of the academic writing revolves.

Follow the proper structure

Depending upon the type of formal document you are writing, always follow its correct structure. For example, CV, Resume, Cover letter, research paper, essay, applications and memos all have their separate unique patterns.

Conclusion

Academic English is not really difficult to write, it just requires practice and following the proper set of rules. Never write it like a professional essay writer, but write a true academic write. And last but not least, believe in yourself and know that you can write it and you are always capable of improving your skills.

if you have a strong desire to write a paper on your own, you can encounter many difficulties. Your teacher may be indifferent to helping students or just has no time to answer your questions. But there is always a way out! You can hire an online essay writer free to assist you with any assignment. All you need to do is specify your requirements in the order form and you can spend your time as you wish.

Last updated