Lesson 1: Key Words for Academic Success
Building a Formal Vocabulary
Welcome to a new series on academic1 English. This is the type of language used in universities, formal reports, and exams like IELTS. Unlike slang or informal language, academic vocabulary is powerful because it is precise2. Using these words correctly will make your writing and speaking more sophisticated and credible. This lesson introduces some of the most essential words you need to succeed.
Key Academic Words by Function
Let's explore some key words based on how you might use them in your studies.
Function 1: Discussing and Examining Ideas
- To Analyze (verb): To study the details of something carefully to understand it.
Example: The report will analyze the economic impact of tourism in Kampot. - Concept (noun): An idea or principle.
Example: The concept of 'sustainability' is very important in modern development.
Function 2: Describing Data and Evidence
- To Indicate (verb): To show that something is true or likely.
Example: The survey results indicate that most people support the new park project. - Significant (adjective): Important or large enough to be noticed.
Example: There was a significant difference in test scores between the two groups.
Function 3: Structuring Arguments
- Factor (noun): One of the things that has an effect on a situation.
Example: Access to good roads is a major factor in a region's development. - Process (noun): A series of actions taken to achieve a result.
Example: The research process involves collecting data, analyzing it, and then writing a conclusion.
In Conversation: A University Discussion
Two university students, Kimsan and Panha, are discussing their social science assignment.
Kimsan: So for this project, we need to analyze the changes in Cambodian society over the last 20 years.
Panha: Right. I think a key concept we should focus on is urbanization. The movement of people to cities like Phnom Penh is very important.
Kimsan: I agree. That is the most significant social change. The data clearly indicates a rapid increase in the urban population.
Panha: And what is the main factor driving this change? Is it job opportunities?
Kimsan: Mostly, yes. The whole process is complex, but the search for work is the primary reason. Let's make that the focus of our introduction.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. If you study something carefully to understand its parts, you _______ it.
- a) process
- b) analyze
- c) indicate
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) analyze
2. Good weather is an important ________ in having a successful holiday.
- a) factor
- b) concept
- c) process
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) factor
3. The dark clouds ________ that it is going to rain soon.
- a) analyze
- b) are significant
- c) indicate
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) indicate
edit Your Mission
- Build Your Own Sentences: Choose two words from this lesson (e.g., 'significant', 'process'). Write two new sentences in your notebook that are true for your own life or studies.
- Think Like an Academic: What is one important 'factor' for learning a new language successfully? Write your answer in one complete sentence.
- Find It in the Wild: Find an English-language news website (like BBC News, The Guardian, or even the Phnom Penh Post). Read the first paragraph of any article. Can you find any formal or academic words? Write one down.
book Lesson Glossary
- Academic (adjective) - Khmer: ដែលទាក់ទងនឹងការសិក្សា - Related to school, college, or university work, especially studying and reasoning. ↩
- Precise (adjective) - Khmer: ច្បាស់លាស់ - Exact, clear, and accurate. ↩
- To Analyze (verb) - Khmer: វិភាគ - To examine the parts of something in detail in order to understand it better. ↩