2. Academic Writing..
Does not usually include:
Personal language “I think” “I feel”
Emotional language
But requires you to still give an opinion in
academic writing and be objective
Use It Constructions
Avoid personal language
3. Avoid personal language
I believe that the overpopulation problem is
a bad issue, yet from reading the related
arguments and coming to my own
conclusions, I feel that the problem can be
solved by creating family planning polices
and economic incentives.
4. Omit personal pronouns
Personal/ Informal Impersonal/Formal
I believe that
overpopulation is a bad
issue.
Overpopulation is the most
important problem.
5. It Constructions
It constructions are common in academic
writing and make the writing more
impersonal and objective.
In problem-solution writing, it constructions
are often used when a solution to a
problem is being proposed and
evaluated.
6. Example It Constructions
It + be + adjective + that clause
Example: It is seems that global warming is a
problem affecting many countries.
7. Example It Constructions
It + be + adjective + infinitive (It is not the
subject with infinitives, you can add for +
noun phrase to the sentence).
It is difficult for many countries to find
solutions to the problem of global
warming.
8. Verbs commonly used with It
Constructions
Appear and seem are commonly found in
it constructions. They are also followed by
a that clause.
It + appears/seems + that clause
It + appears/seems + adjective + that
clause
Appear and seem are used when the
writer is almost certain, but not completely
certain of the truth of the statement.
9. appears/seems
It + appears/seems + that clause
It seems that coal-burning power plants
are one of major contributors of carbon
dioxide pollution.
10. Adjectives in It Constructions
These adjectives can be used with It
constructions to show the importance of
the problem and the effectiveness of the
solution: accepted, certain, clear,
evident, important, indisputable, obvious
It is important for countries to create good
family planning policies in order to
address the problem of global warming.
11. Use it constructions for
formality
Statement:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) agree that humans are the
main cause of global warming.
It Construction:
It has been argued that humans are the
main cause of global warming.
13. Pair Work
1. Think of four ideas that you have heard
have a positive or negative effect on the
environment. Write these ideas down on
a piece of paper.
2. Share these ideas with a partner and
give your opinion of their ideas.
3. Share your ideas using it constructions.