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Academic Writing

Academic Writing

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15 views16 pages

Academic Writing

Academic Writing

Uploaded by

inam ib
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Academic Writing

Academic writing refers to the distinct forms of writing


practiced at the university level: e.g. essays, critical
articles, abstracts, literature reviews, or reports.

• It is based on facts and data (i.e. research, not


opinions),
• Formal (uses an academic vocabulary),
• Draws on (and therefore references) information
from expert sources
Why do we need Academic Writing:

• Academic writing helps you to build arguments,


analyze, communicate ideas and partake in a
scholarly conversation.

• It is a skill that you need to master to make the


most out of your academic qualification.

• Control over academic writing gives you source


and power in knowledge building, identify
formation, disciplinary practices, social positioning,
and career advancement.
All Academic Writing forms have:

• presence of a thesis statement or hypothesis

• a fairly formal but clear style

• a specific organizational structure, and sound


arguments supported by credible evidence, such as
data and/or references to other works.
Type of academic texts

Essay
A fairly short, self-contained argument, often using
sources from a class in response to a question
provided by an instructor.

Research paper
A more in-depth investigation based on independent
research, often in response to a question chosen by the
student.
Thesis/dissertation
The large final research project undertaken at the end
of a degree, usually on a dissertation topic of the
student’s choice.

Research proposal
outline of a potential topic and plan for a future
dissertation or research project.

Literature review
A critical synthesis of existing research on a topic,
usually written in order to inform the approach of a
new piece of research.
Lab report

A write-up of the aims, methods, results, and


conclusions of a lab experiment.

Annotated bibliography

A list of source references with a short description or


evaluation of each source.
Dos in Academic Writing

1. Semi-Formal and unbiased

Academic writing aims to convey information in an


impartial way. The goal is to base arguments on the
evidence under consideration, not the author’s
preconceptions. All claims should be supported with
relevant evidence, not just asserted.

2. Clear and precise

It’s important to use clear and precise language to


ensure that your reader knows exactly what you
mean.
3. Focused and well structured

• An academic text is not just a collection of ideas


about a topic—it needs to have a clear purpose.

• Start with a relevant research question or thesis


statement, and use it to develop a focused
argument.

• Only include information that is relevant to your


overall purpose.

• A coherent structure is crucial to organize your


ideas.
It can be written in different formats but most common
structures are:

1. Essay Format
a. Introduction
b. Body
c. Conclusion/Summary

2. Report Format
Used for identification of problems and corresponding solutions

d. Introduction
e. Discussion
f. Conclusion
g. Recommendations
4. Well sourced

• Academic writing uses sources to support its


claims.

• You must always cite your sources in academic


writing.

• This means acknowledging whenever you quote or


paraphrase someone else’s work by including a
citation in the text and a reference list at the end.
Correct and consistent

As well as following the rules of grammar, punctuation, and


citation, it’s important to consistently apply stylistic conventions
regarding:

• How to write numbers


• Introducing abbreviations
• Capitalization of terms and headings
• Spelling and punctuation
Don’ts in Academic Writing

1. Use of overly elaborate language can make your


writing seem pretentious.

2. Abbreviations and contractions are informal, and


are best avoided in academic writing. For
example: • ‘Department’ should be used instead of
the abbreviation ‘dept’. • ‘Is not’ should be used in
place of the contraction ‘isn’t’.
Use of Slang Words and Phrases

Compare the following:

• ‘The individual was sentenced for nicking a bike.’ •

‘The doctor looked kind of worried when he reviewed


the case notes.’
4. Writing in 1st Person:

In many academic disciplines, writing in the first person


is not acceptable as it is believed to be too subjective
and personal.

First person sentences use the pronouns ‘I’ and ‘we’.


For example: • We have considered... • I suggest that...
• I have observed... • These can be transformed into-

Impersonal sentences • Consideration has been given


to... • The suggestion is made that... • It has been
observed that...
Importance of having Academic Writing
Skills:

• Enhancement of research skills and framing research


questions

• Improvement in written communication and formal style of


writing

• Improves language skills and better understanding of subject

• Helps in enhancing Critical evaluation and analytical thinking

• Assists in Conducting independent research, internet search


and surveying skills

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