The AWL – Academic Word List was developed by Professor Averil Coxhead. Averil Coxhead is a Professor of Applied Linguistics in School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. She teaches course content on second language acquisition. Averil Coxhead has lectured in New Zealand, England, Estonia, Hungary, and Romania.
The AWL – Academic Word List is very useful to English Learners who wish to learn academic vocabulary so they can comprehend academic texts better as well as communicate more eloquently both in the school and professional settings when using academic language.
Here at www.AmericanEnglishVocabulary.com we wish to help prepare English Learners for the academic settings of university and the professional world. We will share here definitions of the hundreds of head words of the families in the Academic Word List.
We will organize these academic terms in mini-lessons, each featuring 5 academic terms with several definitions and examples as well as audio for better understanding and use by Advanced Level English Learners.
AWL – Academic Word List Lessons
- Lesson 151 — Academic Word List: Lesson 1
- Lesson 152 — Academic Word List: Lesson 2
- Lesson 153 — Academic Word List: Lesson 3
- Lesson 154 — Academic Word List: Lesson 4
- Lesson 155 — Academic Word List: Lesson 5
- Lesson 156 — Academic Word List: Lesson 6
- Lesson 157 — Academic Word List: Lesson 7
- Lesson 158 — Academic Word List: Lesson 8
- Lesson 159 — Academic Word List: Lesson 9
- Lesson 160 — Academic Word List: Lesson 10
- Lesson 161 — Academic Word List: Lesson 11
- Lesson 162 — Academic Word List: Lesson 12
- Lesson 163 — Academic Word List: Lesson 13
- Lesson 164 — Academic Word List: Lesson 14
- Lesson 165 — Academic Word List: Lesson 15
- Lesson 166 — Academic Word List: Lesson 16
- Lesson 167 — Academic Word List: Lesson 17
- Lesson 168 — Academic Word List: Lesson 18
- Lesson 169 — Academic Word List: Lesson 19
- Lesson 170 — Academic Word List: Lesson 20
- Lesson 171 — Academic Word List: Lesson 21
- Lesson 172 — Academic Word List: Lesson 22
- Lesson 173 — Academic Word List: Lesson 23
- Lesson 174 — Academic Word List: Lesson 24
- Lesson 175 — Academic Word List: Lesson 25
- Lesson 176 — Academic Word List: Lesson 26
- Lesson 177 — Academic Word List: Lesson 27
- Lesson 178 — Academic Word List: Lesson 28
- Lesson 179 — Academic Word List: Lesson 29
- Lesson 180 — Academic Word List: Lesson 30
- Lesson 181 — Academic Word List: Lesson 31
- Lesson 182 — Academic Word List: Lesson 32
- Lesson 183 — Academic Word List: Lesson 33
- Lesson 184 — Academic Word List: Lesson 34
- Lesson 185 — Academic Word List: Lesson 35
- Lesson 186 — Academic Word List: Lesson 36
- Lesson 187 — Academic Word List: Lesson 37
- Lesson 188 — Academic Word List: Lesson 38
- Lesson 189 — Academic Word List: Lesson 39
- Lesson 190 — Academic Word List: Lesson 40
- Lesson 191 — Academic Word List: Lesson 41
- Lesson 192 — Academic Word List: Lesson 42
- Lesson 193 — Academic Word List: Lesson 43
- Lesson 194 — Academic Word List: Lesson 44
- Lesson 195 — Academic Word List: Lesson 45
- Lesson 196 — Academic Word List: Lesson 46
- Lesson 197 — Academic Word List: Lesson 47
- Lesson 198 — Academic Word List: Lesson 48
- Lesson 199 — Academic Word List: Lesson 49
- Lesson 200 — Academic Word List: Lesson 50
- Lesson 201 — Academic Word List: Lesson 51
- Lesson 202– Academic Word List: Lesson 52
- Lesson 203 — Academic Word List: Lesson 53
- Lesson 204 — Academic Word List: Lesson 54
- Lesson 205 — Academic Word List: Lesson 55
- Lesson 206 — Academic Word List: Lesson 56
- Lesson 207 — Academic Word List: Lesson 57
- Lesson 208 — Academic Word List: Lesson 58
- Lesson 209 — Academic Word List: Lesson 59
- Lesson 210 — Academic Word List: Lesson 60
- Lesson 211 — Academic Word List: Lesson 61
Learning the Academic Word List is Useful
Academic success is heavily reliant on a student’s vocabulary repertoire. A plethora of research studies has shown that students who possess a wider vocabulary have a better understanding of the curriculum and are more likely to perform well academically. The Academic Word List (AWL) is a collection of the most common and widely used academic words. A publication from the University of Oxford Press, the AWL comprises 570-word families essential for academic success. Even though the AWL is aimed at non-native English speakers, native speakers can also benefit from reaffirming their understanding of academic vocabulary. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of the AWL and how students can benefit from it. This will include examining how the AWL is structured and how to learn the list effectively. We will also explore how the AWL differs from traditional vocabulary lists and how educators can incorporate it into their language instruction. The AWL offers a way for students to enhance their academic vocabulary, which
1. What is the Academic Word List (AWL)?
The Academic Word List (AWL) is a compilation of the 570 most frequently used academic words in English. It was developed to help students improve their academic vocabulary, particularly in American English. These words are used across various academic subjects and are seen as essential for students to master to succeed in higher education. Learning the academic word list and academic vocabulary, in general, is often seen as one of the most effective ways to improve one’s comprehension and communication skills in an educational setting. By studying and incorporating these words into their daily language use, students can increase their understanding of course materials, express themselves more precisely in academic writing and discussions, and ultimately improve their performance in academic settings.
2. How is the AWL helpful in improving vocabulary?
The Academic Word List (AWL) is a set of 570 words chosen for their frequent use in academic instruction and publications. Learning these words can help you better understand and communicate in American English educational settings. Academic vocabulary is specialized and precise, and the AWL provides a roadmap for building a solid foundation of academic jargon. By learning the AWL, you can expand and refine your language and increase your comprehension of literary texts. The AWL is helpful because it allows you to recognize a word and use it effectively in writing and speaking. It is a valuable investment in your English language skills as it helps you become more proficient in academic language. Recognizing critical terms in academic writing allows you to participate in class discussions and understand complex texts, increasing your overall academic success.
3. What topics are covered by the AWL?
The Academic Word List (AWL) lists 570 words considered essential for academic purposes. It was developed by Averil Coxhead in 2000 and has become a valuable tool for English learners looking to improve their academic vocabulary. The list covers various topics, including science, technology, social sciences, and humanities. Some of the issues covered by the AWL include education, economics, politics, psychology, and sociology. The AWL aims to provide students with the necessary academic vocabulary to succeed in American English-speaking universities. It is a highly recommended resource for anyone learning the English academic language. Whether starting as an English learner or looking to improve your academic vocabulary, remembering the words on the AWL can be a valuable investment of your time and energy.
4. What resources are available to learn the AWL?
Many resources are available if you want to improve your academic vocabulary and learn the Academic Word List (AWL). The AWL consists of 570-word families frequently appearing in academic texts, so it’s a great tool for improving your understanding and use of academic vocabulary. To learn the AWL, you can use online resources such as online courses, flashcards, wordlists, and quizzes on websites like Quizlet, Memrise, or Learn Academic Word List. You can also find books specifically designed to teach the AWL, such as “Vocabulary for Academic English” by Richard Side and Guy Wellman. Many universities and language schools also offer courses or workshops focused on learning academic vocabulary. You can check with your institution to see if this is an option. Finally, immersing yourself in American English by listening to podcasts, watching TV and movies, and reading academic articles can also help you pick up new vocabulary and familiarize yourself with the context in which academic language is used. With these resources, you can quickly and effectively expand your academic vocabulary by learning and mastering the AWL.
5. How can you test your knowledge of the AWL?
One efficient way to test your knowledge of the AWL is to take online quizzes or tests specifically designed for this purpose. These tests usually cover various categories of academic vocabularies, such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, and prepositions. They can also test your understanding of common expressions and collocations frequently used in academic writing or speaking. It is important to note that the AWL is based on American English, so it is advisable to choose tests tailored to this dialect. In addition, practicing with flashcards or word games can help strengthen your memory and increase your exposure to different forms of academic vocabulary. By consistently testing and reviewing your understanding of the AWL, you can effectively enhance your academic vocabulary skills and improve your ability to comprehend and produce complex texts.
In conclusion, the Academic Word List (AWL) is an essential tool for students, scholars, and professionals who want to improve their academic vocabulary. By mastering the AWL, individuals can expand their knowledge of specialized terminology, improve their writing and communication skills, and enhance their chances of success in academic and professional settings. Whether you are a native or non-native speaker of English, investing time and effort into learning the AWL is a valuable investment that can pay off in many ways.