academic
Academic Writing in English: The Complete Guide for German Students
Academic writing in English differs significantly from German scholarly style. While German texts tend to be complex and nested, English prefers clarity and precision. Discover the key differences -- from text structure to hedging language and formal vocabulary. With interactive exercises, you will practise thesis statements, topic sentences, and the academic vocabulary you need for your next essay, paper, or dissertation.
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Learning Content
Mastering Academic Writing in English
Academic writing in English presents unique challenges for German students and scholars. The conventions differ fundamentally: English texts follow a deductive structure, with the main point at the beginning -- not at the end, as in German.
In this lesson, you will master the essential tools for compelling English scholarly writing:
- Text structure: Introduction with thesis statement, body with topic sentences, conclusion
- Hedging language: The art of cautious formulation ("It appears that...", "The evidence suggests...")
- Formal register: Academic vocabulary instead of everyday language
- PEEL principle: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link for every paragraph
- Common mistakes by German speakers and how to avoid them
The interactive exercises help you apply what you have learned immediately -- from thesis statements to hedging phrases and formal vocabulary.
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 30 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
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I am writing to...
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Core Rule: Structure of an Academic Text
Rule
An English academic text follows a three-part structure: Introduction (with thesis statement), Body (with topic sentences per paragraph) and Conclusion. Each paragraph addresses exactly ONE idea. The thesis statement appears at the end of the introduction and states the central argument of the entire text in one sentence.
Examples
"This essay argues that globalisation has had a predominantly positive impact on developing economies."
Correct: A clear thesis statement -- a specific, arguable claim in one sentence.
"In this essay I will talk about globalisation and its effects."
Too vague! 'Talk about' is informal and there is no thesis. Better: state a clear position.
"While renewable energy sources offer significant environmental benefits, their large-scale implementation faces considerable economic and infrastructural challenges."
Excellent: The thesis statement contains both the main argument and a concession.
Tips
- •The thesis statement always appears at the end of the introduction.
- •Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence summarising the paragraph's content.
- •The conclusion summarises the arguments and restates the thesis in new words -- it does NOT introduce new arguments.
- •Avoid 'I think' or 'in my opinion' -- use hedging language instead.
Cultural Note
German vs. English -- Cultural Difference: In German academic writing, it is common to provide extensive background first and arrive at the main point at the end (inductive style). In English, the main point comes at the beginning of each paragraph (deductive style). Think of it this way: your reader has limited time and wants to know immediately what the paragraph is about.
Exercise 1: Identifying Thesis Statements
Which is a good thesis statement?
Exercise 2: True or False?
In an English essay, you may introduce new arguments in the conclusion.
Hedging Language -- Writing with Caution
Hedging Language: The Art of Cautious Writing
One of the biggest differences between German and English academic writing is the use of hedging language. In English, scholarly claims are almost never presented as absolute facts. Instead, authors use linguistic softeners to leave room for discussion.
Why is hedging so important? In the English-speaking academic world, making claims without qualification is considered arrogant. Hedging shows that you acknowledge other perspectives and mark your conclusions as interpretation -- not absolute truth.
Key hedging strategies:
- Modal verbs: may, might, could, would ("This may indicate...")
- Hedging verbs: suggest, appear, seem, tend, indicate ("The data suggests...")
- Adverbs: possibly, probably, apparently, arguably ("This is arguably the most significant factor.")
- Qualifying phrases: to some extent, in most cases, under certain conditions
Academic Vocabulary: Hedging and Argumentation
6 words
to argue
verbTo present a reasoned case for or against something (not: to quarrel!)
This paper argues that renewable energy is economically viable.
to suggest
verbTo indicate or imply without stating directly (hedging verb)
The findings suggest a correlation between sleep and productivity.
furthermore / moreover
advIn addition to what has been said (formal connectors)
Furthermore, the study revealed significant regional differences.
nevertheless / nonetheless
advIn spite of what has been said (formal contrast connector)
The results were inconclusive. Nevertheless, they point to a clear trend.
to some extent
Partly but not entirely (qualifying phrase)
This theory is, to some extent, supported by recent research.
it could be argued that
A case could be made that... (hedging phrase)
It could be argued that technology has widened the education gap.
Exercise 3: Using Hedging Language
The results ______ that there is a link between diet and concentration.
Exercise 4: Formal Register
'A lot of' is appropriate in academic writing.
Common Mistakes by German Speakers
Common Mistakes in English Academic Style
German speakers make typical errors in English academic writing that arise from differences between the two languages. Knowing these pitfalls helps you avoid them.
1. Overly long, nested sentences: In German, sentences with multiple subordinate clauses are normal. In English, the rule is: one idea per sentence. Break long sentences into two or three shorter ones.
2. Wrong register: Many German students use informal words like 'get', 'things', 'a lot of' in academic texts. Use formal alternatives instead.
3. Missing topic sentences: German paragraphs often begin with background information. English paragraphs begin with the main point.
4. Excessive nominalisation: German scholarly texts use many nominalisations. English prefers verbs: Instead of 'The investigation of the problem', write 'We investigated the problem'.
5. No hedging: German academic texts tend to be more direct. Remember to soften your claims in English with hedging language.
Exercise 5: Informal vs. Formal
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Game: Academic Vocabulary
Paragraphs and Coherence
Paragraph Structure and Coherence in Academic English
A well-structured paragraph in academic English follows the PEEL principle:
- Point -- The topic sentence with the main idea
- Evidence -- Data, quotes, or references supporting the point
- Explanation -- Analysis of how the evidence supports the point
- Link -- Connection back to the thesis or transition to the next paragraph
Particularly important for text flow are connectors (linking words). Use transition words to establish relationships between sentences and paragraphs: addition (furthermore, moreover), contrast (however, nevertheless), consequence (therefore, consequently), and examples (for instance, for example).
Exercise 6: Building Academic Sentences
Translation: The evidence suggests that this approach is effective.
Exercise 7: Academic Translation
German
Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass regelmäßige Bewegung die kognitive Leistung verbessert.
Tip
Pro Tip for Hedging: Combine multiple hedging elements for particularly cautious formulations: 'The evidence suggests that this may to some extent explain the phenomenon.' But do not overdo it -- two hedging elements per sentence maximum, otherwise it sounds uncertain rather than scholarly.
Final Quiz: Academic Writing
Which formulation is best in academic English?
More Lessons
English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
English Proofreading: 10 Tricks for Error-Free Texts
Untranslatable: 20 English Words with No German Equivalent
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