In recent years, in ESL pedagogy, the research on identifying simple and complex grammatical structures and vocabulary has been motivated by the goal of helping learners to improve the quality and sophistication of their second language (L2)production and writing. In academic writing, various L2 skills and language features have different degrees of importance. The purpose of this paper is to highlight research findings for teaching grammar essential for producing L2 formal and academic prose. Specifically, the paper focuses on specific grammar constructions and their attendant lexical elements that are critical in teaching L2 academic writing. These requisite components of academic grammar skills are mandatory for students who aspire to success in their university work. In addition, the paper also briefly outlines the grammatical and lexical features of academic text that are customarily taught in ESL classes but that may be relatively unimportant.