Academic writing differs from everyday language in its use of jargon and complexity. Jargon refers to terminology specific to academic disciplines, while complexity involves using abstract ideas and terminology appropriately within the context of a field's history and concepts. Difficult writing can arise from a lack of clarity due to word choice, transitions between ideas, or organization, distancing the audience. In contrast, complex writing may seem challenging at first but can be made accessible by defining terms and relating unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones.

1. Academic Writing – Jargon, Complex Writing,and “Difficult” Writing ENGL 100 – Mr. Ganter

2. Everyday Language and Academic Language“There are times when the more the authors explain [about ape communication], the less we understand. Apes certainly seem capable of using language to communicate. Whether scientists are remains doubtful.” -- Douglas Chadwick, New York Times

3. Academic Writing and Reading- defining and identifying “jargon”- general audience vs. specific audience (disciplines)- difficulty vs. complexity

4. Forms of “Difficulty”- word selection/choice- allusion and emphemism, not specific and concretelanguage- lack of transitions from point-to-point- disorganization of thought/argument- disconnect from audience

5. – William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1598)

6. – Linus Pauling, General Chemistry (1970)

7. – Judith Butler, Gender Trouble (1990)

8. Forms of “Complexity”- appropriate terminology (discipline)- explain/define terms and concepts – then use for analysis- awareness of history of terms/words/phrases- taking the “unfamiliar” and relating it to the “familiar”- using abstract ideas to establish relationships