THE ACADEMIC WORD LIST A selection of the words most used in academic writing across all specialties (science, law, medicine, economics etc)

THEY ARE THE WORDS MOST NEEDED AT UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE Developed by Averil Coxhead at the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

To find these words, an analysis was done of academic journals, textbooks, course workbooks, lab manuals, and course notes. The list was compiled following an analysis of over 3,500,000 words of text.

570 WORDS Divided into 10 lists List 1 contains the MOST frequently used words in academic texts

LIST 1 of AWL definition assume percent Interpretation environment export significant similar

sector available financial process specific principle estimate variables

policy identified create derived factors major issues labour occur economic involved

Constitutional analysis distribution function area Evidence consistent income structure legal concept Constitutional analysis distribution function area

established authority benefit section required legislation indicate response context

acquisition features distinction region individual contract consumer achieve

formula theory affect approach role survey potential

source assessment procedure period data research method

He did an _______________ of the way children learn language for his Master's thesis. research analysis contract legal

The culture of the United States is quite _______________ to that of Canada. Economy Tasteful Similar Legal Analysis

He was arrested for drunk driving because he had drunk more than the _______________ limit of alcohol. Contract Legal Available Similar

The apartment will be _______________ on June first. Available Similar Legal contract

The young pop star became famous while still in high school after winning a _______________ with a major record label. Available Contract Similar Amount

Living in Berlin during the _____________when the Berlin Wall was torn down was an unforgettable experience. Economy Policy Time factor

Your continued lateness for class _______________ to me that you are not really a very serious student. Factor Prominent Indicate constitute

Some _______________ into second language learning suggests that oral fluency may increase with moderate amounts of caffeine. Authority Theory Research Concept

The Canadian _______________ is largely based on natural resources. Period Analysis Factor Economy

Environmental pollution seems to be an important _______________ in the increase in cancers all over the world. Concept Identify Formula Factor

There are wind-surfers and kayaks _______________ for rent at the lake. Available Analyze Legal Prominent

We need to find a more ___________ way of manufacturing our products. Soluble Analyzed Periodically Economical

Music downloaders are questioning the _______________ of file sharing, claiming the law is unclear on the matter. Indications Availability Illegality Similarity

List 2 previous community conclusion resident security range aspects construction text

commission regulations computer Items evaluation assistance normal relevant

cultural transfer select credit equation appropriate resources participation

sought focus Purchase strategies elements positive traditional Impact Final consequences chapter

injury site journal primary complex design obtained restricted conduct

institute investment categories perceived administration maintenance

ASSIGNMENT Which word from AWL sublist 1 best completes the sentence. Make sure you change the forms of the words as required. Economic progress in many countries is being slowed down by a shortage of skilled …………… . It is the responsibility of every………….. to help to recycle as much plastic as possible.

One …………. is that global warming is in large part due to methane gas emissions from cows. Researchers do not have sufficient …….…..to prove what connection there is between rising sea levels and an increase in CO2 emissions. A common…………….. is that boys perform better than girls in scientific subjects at school.

It is crucial to find alternative energy ……… It is crucial to find alternative energy ………. , if we are to live in a more sustainable way. Education is not just about achieving results, it is also about the …………….of learning. The most appropriate way to reward employees is to promote those who work ………………….well.

While the situations of males and females in the labour market are not identical, there is a broad …………………between them. In most countries, there is an unequal ……………………of wealth.

Fill in the blanks with the following words from AWL sublist 2 Categories Invest Strategies Purchased Concluded Resources Feature Acquire Culture participates

Malaysia's natural resources fall into three basic _______________: agricultural, mineral, and energy. Parrots, most famous of all talking birds, rarely _______________ a vocabulary of more than twenty words.

The landscape of our planet is dominated by _______________ formed by running water. The American Psychological Association has _______________ that viewing violence on TV promotes aggressive behaviour in children. Our company simply doesn't have the _______________ to take on a project of that size.

Paul Nation has noted that the most successful second language students are those who use several different vocabulary learning _______________. Everyone who _______________ in the run will receive a free T-shirt. It is said that the island of Manhattan was _______________ from the native people of the area for about $24 worth of goods.

The bacteria _______________ that we examined under the microscope was actually quite beautiful to look at. This company needs to _______________ in new machinery if it wants to survive.