What is the Academic Word List?
Academic Word List (AWL)
The Academic Word List (AWL) is a collection of essential English words frequently used in academic texts. It was developed by Averil Coxhead at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and is an invaluable resource for improving academic English skills.
Structure
- Comprises 570 word families (e.g., analyze → analyzed, analysis, analytical).
- Focuses on words more common in academic contexts than in everyday English.
Features
- Appears frequently in academic essays, research papers, and presentations.
- Covers a wide range of disciplines, making it universally applicable across subjects.
Examples
Sublist 1 (most essential words)
analyze, approach, area, assess, assume
Sublist 2 (next essential words)
achieve, acquire, administrate, affect
Applications
Vocabulary Building
Learning words by sublists allows efficient vocabulary acquisition.
IELTS and TOEFL Preparation
Crucial for improving scores in writing and reading sections.These exams often feature AWL words in their prompts and passages.
Enhancing Speaking and Writing
Enables the use of more persuasive and sophisticated expressions in essays and discussions.
Tips for Learning
Learn with Examples
Understand how words are used in context.
Use Flashcards
Apps like Quizlet or Anki help with systematic review.
Leverage Resources
Books like Academic Vocabulary in Use are recommended.
