Digital Academic English: key strategies for enhancing your academic vocabulary
- designteam721
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Mastering vocabulary is crucial for academic English success, whether through a dedicated digital academic English platform or learned organically. Knowing the right words and their proper usage in writing gives students an extra edge in their academic journey. Many students also now have access to various writing tools, such as Grammarly and other advanced AI writing assistants. While these tools can enhance writing by linking ideas together, they can also present challenges for students learning English as a second language.
In our later series, we will explore how academic English differs significantly from general English, particularly in sentence structure, prioritisation of ideas, and methods for connecting concepts logically.
AI generative writing can facilitate idea linking, but students must also grasp the proper vocabulary and develop their own abilities to add, critique, group, and combine information into a structured context. This process is essential for articulating logical explanations of ideas—this, in essence, is what academic English is all about.
Developing a larger vocabulary for academic purposes
Expanding academic vocabulary involves several effective strategies:
1. Utilising root words, prefixes, and suffixes: Understanding the components of words can help students interpret meanings and build new vocabulary.
2. Engaging with subject-specific terminology: Tailoring vocabulary development to specific academic disciplines enhances relevance and application.
3. Using a thesaurus effectively: Learning to find synonyms and antonyms can enrich writing and improve clarity.
At EAP Space, we focus on these strategies through our comprehensive Digital Academic English platform. Our weekly vocabulary exercises are sorted by topic, formality, and context based on the EAP Space levels. This targeted approach ensures that students not only learn new words but also understand their appropriate uses in various academic contexts.
1. Structured learning modules: Our platform includes dedicated modules that introduce students to essential vocabulary tailored to their academic skill sets and needs, ensuring a gradual and effective learning process.
2. Regular assessments and feedback: We provide opportunities for students to apply their vocabulary knowledge through assessments, followed by personalised feedback to help them improve and refine their skills.
3. Real-world application: Through exercises and activities, students learn to apply new vocabulary in academic writing, discussions, and presentations, reinforcing their understanding and retention.
By integrating these elements into our program, EAP Space equips students with the critical vocabulary they need to excel in their academic pursuits and thrive in diverse educational environments.
