AWL (Academic Word List) highlighters

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of the Academic Word List (AWL) highlighters, which are essential tools for studying academic English. The AWL includes the most common words used in written academic contexts, helping you improve your vocabulary and comprehension. In this guide, we will explore the three most popular AWL highlighters available online and how to effectively utilize them for your academic studies.

Step 1: Understand the Academic Word List

• The AWL was created by Averil Coxhead at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
• It comprises 570 word families across 10 sublists.
• These words are commonly found in academic texts but are not included in the General Service List (GSL), covering approximately 10% of written academic material.
• Familiarizing yourself with the AWL is crucial for enhancing your academic vocabulary.

Step 2: Explore AWL Highlighters

There are three main AWL highlighters that you can use to highlight and study these important words:

EAPFoundation.com Highlighter

• This is the most popular and versatile highlighter.
• It not only highlights AWL words but also categorizes them into sublists.
• You can customize the highlighting colors and create gap-fill exercises for further practice.
• Access it here.

Lextutor Highlighter

• A powerful tool that allows you to highlight AWL words.
• It is less user-friendly compared to others but offers robust features.
• Ideal for users who are comfortable navigating slightly more complex interfaces.
• Visit it here.

Nottingham University Highlighter

• The oldest of the three but now discontinued.
• It highlights AWL words; however, it does not separate them into sublists and is slower in performance.
• Although not currently available, it can be useful to know its historical context.

Step 3: Utilizing the Highlighters

• Choose the highlighter that best fits your learning style and needs.
• Use the EAPFoundation.com highlighter for a comprehensive study, taking advantage of its features to create tailored exercises.
• For quick highlights, the Lextutor is suitable for those familiar with academic vocabulary.
• Regularly practice with highlighted words to reinforce your understanding and retention.

Conclusion

In summary, AWL highlighters are effective tools for enhancing your academic vocabulary. By choosing the right highlighter—whether it's EAPFoundation.com for its versatility, Lextutor for its power, or the historical Nottingham University option—you can improve your academic English skills significantly. Start incorporating these tools into your study routine to make the most of your academic journey. For further resources and support, consider visiting the EAP Foundation website or supporting their work on Patreon.