Vocabulary Worksheet — Intro

Academic Writing

C1 abstract • methodology • literature review • citation • argument • coherence…
Key Vocabulary
Word Meaning Example sentence
abstract n. a short summary at the start of an academic paper The abstract explains the purpose of the study.
methodology n. the system of methods used in research The methodology was clearly described.
literature review n. a section that discusses existing research on a topic The literature review identified a gap.
citation n. a reference to a source used in writing Each citation must follow the style guide.
argument n. a reasoned position supported by evidence Her argument is persuasive.
coherence n. clear connection and logical order in ideas The essay lacks coherence in the final section.
stance n. a writer s position or attitude toward a topic The author s stance is cautious.
nuance n. a small but important difference in meaning or opinion Good analysis requires nuance.
plagiarism n. using someone else s work without proper credit Plagiarism damages academic trust.
implication n. a possible effect, result, or meaning The implication is important for policy.
limitation n. a weakness or boundary of a study or argument The small sample size is a limitation.
synthesis n. the combination of ideas from different sources The conclusion offers a synthesis of the evidence.
Common Collocations
abstract: write an abstract, conference abstract
methodology: research methodology, robust methodology
literature review: systematic literature review, write a literature review
citation: academic citation, citation style
argument: strong argument, develop an argument
coherence: textual coherence, improve coherence
stance: critical stance, adopt a stance
nuance: subtle nuance, add nuance
plagiarism: avoid plagiarism, plagiarism policy
implication: practical implication, broader implication
limitation: major limitation, acknowledge a limitation
synthesis: critical synthesis, synthesis of research
Language Tips
Argument quality

A clear argument needs coherence, evidence, and a consistent stance.

Nuance helps writers avoid overgeneralising or making claims that are too simple.

Research writing

A methodology explains how research was done. A limitation explains what the research cannot show.

Implications explain why the findings matter.