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Vocabulary & Grammar Academic Word List (AWL)

Overview of the Academic Word List (AWL): 570 word families, sublists, tools, and how to study and use AWL effectively in academic writing.

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Steps & Resources

1Objectives & Key Language

Define outcomes; activate prior knowledge; curate key lexis/functions with examples.

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2Overview & purpose of the AWL

Why the AWL exists; who should use it; benefits and limitations.

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3Guided Practice

Model target language/skills with scaffolds; short controlled tasks with feedback.

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4Structure: word families & sublists

570 word families; sublists 1–10; coverage across disciplines and typical frequencies.

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5Independent Practice & Reflection

Freer application to authentic tasks; quick reflection and improvement actions.

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6Tools & highlighters

Use online AWL highlighters/profilers to identify target words in texts.

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7Assessment & Next Steps

Check achievement with a short performance/quiz; record gaps and plan next steps.

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8Word forms, collocations & families

Learn base forms, derivations, and frequent collocations for accurate use.

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9Learning plan & spaced practice

Set sublist goals; build spaced-repetition decks; practise retrieval and recycling.

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10Testing & progress tracking

Self-tests, corpus checks, and logs to monitor growth.

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11Using AWL in academic writing

Select precise items; avoid overuse; ensure appropriate register and citation.

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12Subject variation & alternatives

When to use discipline lists (e.g., AVL) and adapting AWL to your field.

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