LanguageCert Academic
LanguageCert Academic Writing Part 2: Discursive Essay | Complete Guide
What is the Discursive Essay Task? The Discursive Essay is Part 2 of the LanguageCert Academic Writing section …
What is the Academic Report/Article Task?
The Academic Report/Article is Part 1 of the LanguageCert Academic Writing section. This task assesses your ability to write a concise, formal academic text of 150-200 words based on a given prompt.
You may be asked to:
- Summarize information from a given source
- Report on research findings or data
- Write a short article on an academic topic
- Present factual information in a structured format
This task evaluates your command of formal academic register, your ability to organize information logically, and your skill in synthesizing and reporting key points concisely.
Task Format
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Task Type | Academic Report or Article |
| Word Count | 150-200 words |
| Recommended Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Input | Written prompt with topic/scenario |
| Focus Areas | Formal register, structure, summarizing, reporting |
| Assessment | Content, organization, language, accuracy |
Academic Report Structure
A well-structured academic report follows a clear organizational pattern. Here’s the recommended structure for your 150-200 word response:
1. Opening Statement (1-2 sentences)
Introduce the topic and establish the purpose of your report.
Example:
This report examines the impact of digital learning tools on student engagement in higher education. The analysis is based on recent research conducted across multiple universities.
2. Main Body (2-3 paragraphs)
Present your key points, findings, or information systematically.
Paragraph 1 - First Key Point:
Research indicates that interactive digital platforms significantly increase student participation. Studies show that engagement rates improved by 40% when online discussion forums were integrated into course curricula.
Paragraph 2 - Second Key Point:
However, the effectiveness of digital tools varies depending on implementation. Institutions that provided adequate training for both staff and students reported more positive outcomes than those that did not.
3. Concluding Statement (1-2 sentences)
Summarize the main findings or provide a brief synthesis.
Example:
In conclusion, while digital learning tools offer substantial benefits for engagement, their success depends largely on proper implementation and institutional support.
Key Strategies for Academic Reports
1. Analyze the Prompt Carefully
Before writing, identify exactly what you’re being asked to do. Look for key instruction words:
- Summarize = condense main points
- Report = present information objectively
- Analyze = examine and explain
- Discuss = explore different aspects
2. Plan Before Writing
Spend 2-3 minutes outlining your response:
- What is the main topic?
- What are 2-3 key points to include?
- What is your concluding statement?
3. Use Formal Academic Register
Maintain appropriate language throughout:
| Avoid (Informal) | Use Instead (Formal) |
|---|---|
| lots of | numerous, significant |
| things | factors, elements, aspects |
| get | obtain, acquire, achieve |
| good/bad | beneficial/detrimental |
| show | demonstrate, indicate, reveal |
| big/small | substantial/minimal |
4. Employ Impersonal Constructions
Academic writing typically avoids first person. Use these structures:
- “It is evident that…”
- “Research suggests that…”
- “The data indicates…”
- “It can be observed that…”
- “Evidence demonstrates…”
5. Use Appropriate Linking Words
Connect your ideas smoothly:
Addition: Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally, In addition Contrast: However, Nevertheless, Conversely, On the other hand Cause/Effect: Consequently, Therefore, As a result, Thus Example: For instance, For example, Such as, Notably Conclusion: In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, In summary
6. Be Concise
With only 150-200 words, every sentence must count:
- Avoid redundancy
- Eliminate filler phrases
- Use precise vocabulary
- Combine related ideas
Sample Prompt and Model Response
Sample Prompt:
Write a short academic report (150-200 words) summarizing the benefits and challenges of remote work for organizations, based on recent workplace studies.
Model Response (187 words):
The Impact of Remote Work on Organizational Performance
This report examines the key benefits and challenges of remote work arrangements as identified in recent workplace research.
Studies indicate that remote work offers substantial advantages for organizations. Productivity levels have been shown to increase by up to 20% among employees working from home, primarily due to reduced commuting time and fewer workplace distractions. Additionally, organizations report significant cost savings on office space and utilities, with some companies reducing overhead expenses by 30%.
However, remote work also presents notable challenges. Research highlights difficulties in maintaining team cohesion and company culture when employees work in isolation. Communication barriers can lead to misunderstandings, and managers report challenges in effectively monitoring performance and providing timely feedback. Furthermore, concerns regarding data security and employee wellbeing have emerged as significant considerations.
In conclusion, while remote work offers clear benefits in terms of productivity and cost efficiency, organizations must address challenges related to communication, culture, and employee support to ensure successful implementation. A hybrid approach may provide an optimal balance between flexibility and collaboration.
Why This Response Works:
- ✅ Clear opening statement establishing purpose
- ✅ Organized body with distinct benefit/challenge sections
- ✅ Formal academic register throughout
- ✅ Specific data/statistics to support points
- ✅ Appropriate linking words (Additionally, However, Furthermore)
- ✅ Concise conclusion with synthesis
- ✅ Within word limit (187 words)
Scoring Criteria
Examiners assess your academic report based on four key criteria:
1. Task Achievement (Content)
- Have you addressed all aspects of the prompt?
- Is the information relevant and accurate?
- Have you demonstrated understanding of the topic?
2. Coherence and Cohesion (Organization)
- Is there a clear logical structure?
- Are ideas connected smoothly?
- Are paragraphs well-organized?
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
- Is vocabulary appropriate for academic writing?
- Is there range and precision in word choice?
- Are collocations used correctly?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Is there variety in sentence structures?
- Are grammar and punctuation accurate?
- Are complex structures used effectively?
Useful Phrases for Academic Reports
Opening Phrases
- “This report examines/analyzes/investigates…”
- “The purpose of this report is to…”
- “This article presents an overview of…”
- “The following report summarizes…”
Presenting Information
- “Research indicates that…”
- “According to recent studies…”
- “Evidence suggests that…”
- “Data reveals that…”
- “It has been observed that…”
Showing Contrast
- “While X offers benefits, Y presents challenges…”
- “Despite the advantages, there are limitations…”
- “On the other hand, evidence also shows…”
- “Conversely, some studies indicate…”
Concluding Phrases
- “In conclusion, the evidence demonstrates…”
- “To summarize, the key findings indicate…”
- “Overall, it can be concluded that…”
- “In light of the above, it is evident that…”
Practice Tips
- Read academic journals and reports to familiarize yourself with formal register and structure
- Practice summarizing long articles into 150-200 word summaries
- Time yourself to ensure you can complete the task in 15-20 minutes
- Build vocabulary by learning academic word lists and collocations
- Review model answers and analyze what makes them effective
- Get feedback on your writing to identify areas for improvement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Informal Language
Wrong: “Lots of people think working from home is great.” Correct: “Numerous studies indicate that remote work offers substantial benefits.”
❌ First Person Opinions
Wrong: “I believe that technology improves education.” Correct: “Research demonstrates that technology enhances educational outcomes.”
❌ Lack of Structure
Avoid writing one long paragraph. Use clear sections with logical flow.
❌ Exceeding Word Limit
Going significantly over 200 words suggests inability to write concisely.
❌ Vague Statements
Wrong: “There are some good things and bad things about this.” Correct: “The approach offers specific benefits including X, while challenges include Y.”
❌ Missing Conclusion
Always end with a concluding statement that synthesizes your main points.
❌ Repetition
Avoid repeating the same ideas or vocabulary. Use synonyms and varied structures.
Template for Academic Reports
Use this template as a starting framework:
[TITLE - Optional but recommended]
[Opening: 1-2 sentences introducing topic and purpose]
This report examines [topic]. The following analysis presents [what you will cover].
[Body Paragraph 1: First key point]
Research indicates that [first main point]. [Supporting detail/evidence]. [Additional information].
[Body Paragraph 2: Second key point - contrast or additional aspect]
However/Additionally, [second main point]. [Supporting detail/evidence]. [Implications or further detail].
[Conclusion: 1-2 sentences]
In conclusion, [synthesis of main points]. [Final observation or recommendation].
Ready to Practice?
Mastering the Academic Report task requires consistent practice with proper feedback. The best way to improve is through:
- Timed practice under exam conditions
- Immediate feedback on your writing
- Analyzing model answers to understand high-scoring techniques
- Building academic vocabulary through regular reading
Start practicing LanguageCert Academic Writing tasks with AI-powered scoring and feedback on our practice platform.