WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

TOPIC 5

WRITING ACADEMIC PAPERS

5.0 This topic intends to assist course participants to be aware of how academic papers are
written, able to paraphrase ideas given, use the APA citation style (6th edition) correctly and write
a good academic paper.
5.1 Learning Outcomes

Distinguish facts from opinions and paraphrase them

Display and justify findings
Cite references correctly using the APA citation style (6th edition)
Write effectively an academic paper with the assistance of articles read

5.2 Content
WRITING ACADEMIC PAPERS

5.2.2 Referencing System

APA 6th Edition
5.2.1 Components of an
Academic Paper

Ways of citing and writing

references and
bibliography

5.2.1 What Is Academic Writing?

Writing is one of the four main skills that is pertinent in various areas in life. One type of writing
is academic writing which has its own set of rules and practices.

i.

These rules and practices may be organised around a formal order or structure in which
to present ideas, in addition to ensuring that ideas are supported by author citations in the
literature.
In contrast to personal writing contexts, academic writing is different because it deals
with the underlying theories and causes governing processes and practices in everyday
life, as well as exploring alternative explanations for these events.
Academic writing follows a particular tone and adheres to traditional conventions of
punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

Structure
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Some kind of structure is required, such as a beginning, middle, and end. This simple structure
is typical of an essay format, as well as other assignment writing tasks, which may not have a
clearly articulated structure.
A.

Academic writing structure

Typical university assignments follow a formal structure, which is often more formal than
in personal writing.
Essays

In the case of an essay, the introductory paragraph informs the reader about the
nature of the topic, which is discussed and evaluated in the middle of the essay,
also referred to as the body.
The introduction may also summarise very succinctly, in a sentence or two, your
position on the issue, which is then elaborated on at length in the series of
paragraphs that make up the essay's body.
The final paragraph constitutes a conclusion in which you may summarise the
overall points made.
The concluding paragraph is also a good point at which to move the essay forward
to touch on implications or future advancements surrounding the issues addressed.

Reports

ii.

Another type of structure, common in university assignments is that of a report,

often organised around the identification of problems or difficulties and
corresponding solutions.
Unlike most essays, a report is divided according to clearly labelled sections, such
as Introduction, Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Further, unlike an essay, reports allow for bulleted points with respect to the
conclusions and recommendations sections.

Referencing

A significant difference between academic writing and other writing genres is based on the
citation and referencing of published authors.
A.

Referencing and citation

If you make judgments about something in academic writing, there is an

expectation that you will support your opinion by linking it to what a published
author has previously written about the issue.
Citing the work of other authors is central to academic writing because it shows
you have read the literature, understood the ideas, and have integrated these
issues and varying perspectives into the assignment task.
The importance placed on referring to other authors in your work can be reflected
in the elaborate referencing conventions that have been created within different
disciplines, such as APA (American Psychological Association) referencing, which
is used in psychology, education, some social sciences, as well as for business.

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iii.

Academic Tone

Like all varieties of writing, academic writing has its own tone, which dictates the choice of
words and phrasing.
Academic writing typically aims to be:
objective (e.g. using inclusive language)
concise
formal (e.g. avoiding slang, exclamation marks, contractions)
The tone of academic writing can also vary significantly depending on the subject-area and the
academic discipline you are writing for.
The readings, textbook, and study guide of your course show you what tone is expected in the
paper, so study their style carefully.
A.

Writing objectively

Being objective suggests that you are concerned about facts and are not influenced as
much by personal feelings or biases.
Part of being objective is being fair in your work. Try to show both sides of an argument if
you can and avoid making value judgements through your use of words such as
wonderful or sarcastically. Being objective also makes your work more professional
and believable.
Techniques to make your writing more objective :

Be explicit in expressing your ideas.

For example, ten instead of several; 70% instead of most of the population; three
years ago or in 2006 instead of some time ago.
Avoid intensifiers which can tend to exaggerate your writing.
For example, awfully, very, really.
Avoid language that implicitly excludes any group of people.
Avoid the personal pronoun I but write more impersonally.
For example, It could be argued that instead of I think. Alternatively use citations
to express your views, e.g. Satherley (2007) believes that

Note: Despite the fact that you are not encouraged to use the personal pronoun I in academic
writing, your viewpoints and opinions will still come through.
Although they may not be specifically attributed to you, the fact that the comments you choose
to make are a part of your assignment tells the reader that you believe what you are writing.
Stating I think or In my opinion weakens the text and the strength of your argument. In
addition, adding such personal comments almost seems to emphasise that the writing is just
your opinions or interpretations, rather than positions that are supported by logic and the
evidence.
However, some lecturers and some styles of academic writing (e.g. reflective writing) allow or
encourage the use of the personal pronoun. See 1st person vs. 3rd person for details.
Techniques to make your writing more concise:
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Make your points straight away

The first point relates to, Secondly, Finally
Replace phrases with single words
The group of science students sat their exams
the science students sat their exams
Smith (2006) also believed this to be true, but took into consideration the fact that some
managers also preferred to have long meetings that took all day
Smith(2006) agreed, but considered the fact that some managers preferred to have longer, allday meetings.
Avoid qualifying words which mean the same thing
Records instead of past records
Separate instead of separate out
In retrospect instead of looking back in retrospect
Omit unnecessary words
lowering the rope instead of lowering the rope down
measuring the job instead of measuring up the job
because instead of due to the fact that
Avoid saying the same thing twice
The farmer sheared the sheep and removed all their wool could simply be replaced with The
farmer sheared the sheep
Be wary of clumsy sentences where extra words have been added that detract from the
point being made
There are several of the soldiers, each with their guns and ammunition, who gathered at the
gates of the camp before dawn.
A better way would be to say: Several of the soldiers, each with their own guns and
ammunition, gathered at the camp gates before dawn.
iv.

The audience

It is important to remember who you are writing for. Being conscious of academic tone suggests
that you are aware of your audience and respect the formality normally associated with
academic writing.
When writing academically, you must target a more general audience than just your lecturer
and/or marker. You should assume that your readers will be intelligent thinking people, but they
may not be specifically informed of your topic. Do not presume that your reader knows all the
terms and concepts associated with your work.
v.

Punctuation and grammar

In academic writing you should always follow rules of punctuation and grammar, especially as
the end-user or consumer of your writing, unlike a friend, is likely to be very different from you
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and will not always know to what you are referring. Hence, it is vital that you are clear.
Punctuation and the conventions of grammar are universally known systems (within English
speaking cultures) that maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity in expression.
vi.

Editing and proofreading

In order to produce an assignment that is as professional as possible, you must proofread. Take
your time when proofreading. One way to check your assignment is to read it aloud, or even
tape record yourself reading it and then play it back. You could also ask a friend or family
member to read over the assignment for you.

Tasks
1.
2.

Download an academic paper related to your major course. Study the academic paper
and discuss its language aspects.
Select a section of the article and paraphrase it.
More Tasks

Select a topic that interests you. Then read at least three academic papers based on the topic
chosen. Next, write an academic paper with the help of the articles you have read.

Bibliography
Academic Writing: A Guide to Tertiary Level Writing. (2007). Bowker, N. ed. Retrieved from
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/Academic-Writing-Guide.pdf
What is academic writing ( 1998 - 2010 Massey University). Retrieved from
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/what-is-academic-writing.php

5.2.2. REFERENCING SYSTEM APA 6th EDITION

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Examples of referencing:

Print Book

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year published). Book title. Location: Publisher.

Sturrock, P. (1999). The UFO enigma: A new review of the physical evidence. New York:
Warner Books.

Author - Malay Names (without family names, omit bin / binti)

Asmah Omar. (1991). Kemahiran berbahasa. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Penerbitan Pustaka
Antara.

Author Chinese Names (First name first, followed by author initials)

Chu, C. N. (1995). Simulated counter-current adsorption processes: A comparison of modeling

strategies. Chemical Engineering Journal, 56, 59-65.

Author Chinese Names with English Names (Family names followed by the initials of
the English name and the author initials)
e.g. Vincent Foo Hong Kong
Foo, V. H. K. (1983). Sarawak: Mini episodes of the past. Selangor, Malaysia: Fajar Bakti.
Author-Indian & Sikh Names (without family names, omit s/o, d/o, a/l, a/p)

Tamilarasi Palani. (2009) ........

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Inherited names (cite as it is)

Raja Ahmad Petra. (2010). .....

Conferred titles (Omit title)

e.g. Tun Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir Mohamad. (2011). ...

Edition other than the first

Helfer, M.E., Keme, R.S., & Drugman, R.D. (1997). The battered child (5th ed.). Chicago, NY:
University of Chicago Press.

Article or chapter in an edited book

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In A. Editor & B. Editor (Eds.),
Title of book (pages of chapter). Location: Publisher.
Rogoff, B., & Mistry, J. (1985). Memory development in cultural context. In M. Pressley & C.
J.Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive learning and memory in children (pp. 117-142). New York,
NY: Springer-Verlag.

Electronic Book

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year published). Book title. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxx

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Schiraldi, G. R. (2001). The post-traumatic stress disorder sourcebook: A guide to healing,

recovery, and growth [Adobe Digital Editions version]. doi:10.1036/0071393722

An Entry in a Print Reference Book

Author, A. A. (Year published). Title of chapter or entry. In Title of book (xx ed., Vol. xx, pp.xxxxxx). Location: Publisher.

Michin, D. (2001). Introduction of Exotic Species. In Encyclopedia of ocean sciences (Vol. 2,

pp. 877-889). New York: Academic Press.

An Entry in an Online Reference Book

Author, A. A. (Year published). Title of chapter or entry. In Title of book (xx ed., Vol. xx, pp.xxxxxx). Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx

James, D. (2009). Teaching Speaking Skills. In ESL Methodology ( 3rd ed.Vol.2, pp 200-210).
. Retrieved from http://www. Language Quarterly.com.

Journal Article

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume
number(issue number), pages.

Sobczak, J. (2009). Struggling to reconnect: Women's perspectives on alcohol dependence,

violence, and sexual function. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses
Association, 14(6), 421-428.

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Online Journal Article with DOI

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume
number(issue number), pages. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxx

Campbell, C. I., Alexander, J. A., & Lemak, C. H. (2009). Organizational determinants of .

outpatient substance abuse treatment duration in women. Journal of Substance Abuse
Treatment, 37(1), 64-72. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2008.09.012
Online Journal Article without DOI (when DOI is not available)

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume
number(issue number), pages. Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx

Newspaper Article

Author, A. A. (Year, Month day published). Title of article. Newspaper Title, page numbers.

Baty, P. (2011, December 11). Key factors in rankings. StarEducate, p.3.

Buggs, S. (2001, December 18). Texas lawmaker to introduce bill to protect employee savings.
. Houston Chronicle, p.A1.

Online Newspaper Article

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Author, A. A. (Year, Month day published). Title of article. Newspaper title. Retrieved from
http://xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx

Cooper, H. (2009, August 23). U.S. military says its force in Afghanistan is insufficient. New York
Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com

Website

Author's last name, initials. (Year published). Title of page. Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxx.xxx

University of Houston System. (1999, February 5). Community impact report. Retrieved from
http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/community/impact/education.htm

Unknown author (dont use anonymous)

Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).(1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Exercise 1
Write the correct referencing for each of the documents below:
1.

Societies look at changing the face of science & engineering; Ann Thayer; Chemical &
Engineering News, Washington; Nov 25, 2002; Vol. 80, Iss. 47; pg. 39

2.

Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism / editors Charles
Sampford, Tom Round. Leichhardt, N.S.W. : Federation Press, 2001 xvii, 344 p. ; 25
cm.Includes index.

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3.

Looked at on 12th February 2003 http://www.who.int/en/ World Health Organisation

Home Page No author but date = 2003

4.

Amnesty International Report 2002 Kuwait. Viewed September 15th 2002 at

http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open

5.

The new look. StarFit4Life. Milton Lum 13 December 2011, p.2

6.

Macmillan Education, London. (2nd ed.). Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced
Learners. 2007

7.

From Science Direct database the full text of: Global and local threats to coral reef
functioning and existence: review and predictions Marine and Freshwater Research
Volume: 50, Issue: 8, 1999, pp. 867 878 Wilkinson, Clive R.

8.

Wednesday's children : a study of child neglect and abuse / by Leontine Young

Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press,

9.

Myers, John E. B. Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children
and adult survivors. [Chapter] Myers, John E. B. (Ed); Berliner, Lucy (Ed); et al. (2002).
The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (2nd ed.). (pp. 403-427). Thousand Oaks,
CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.

10.

Herbert, Martin. Parenting skills interventions. Reder, Peter (Ed); McClure, Mike (Ed).
(2000). Family matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256).
New York, NY, US: Routledge. xii, 347pp

11.

Hendricks, Cindy S. Children in crisis. [Chapter] Hendricks, James E. (Ed); Byers,

Bryan D. (Ed). (2002). Crisis intervention in criminal justice/social service (3rd ed.). (pp.
170-225). Springfield, IL, US: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher. xvi, 427pp.
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12.

Why children's suggestibility remains a serious concern. Amye R. Warren, Dorothy F.

Marsil. Law and Contemporary Problems Wntr 2002 v65 1 p127(21)

13.

What to do with the angry toddler. Morris Green, Paula D. Sullivan, Carolyn G.
Eichberg. Contemporary Pediatrics August 2001 v18 i8 p65 (5573 words)

Exercise 2
Download this example (Hacker, D. (2004). APA research paper (Shaw). Retrieved from
http://www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/hacker-shaw-apa.pdf ) of how the APA citation style is used in
a research paper. Study it carefully and use it in your next assignment or research.

Bibliography
University of Malaya Library (UML) (2011). APA formatting and style guide (6th ed.). Kuala
Lumpur: University Malaya Library.
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2010). (6th ed.). Washington,
D.C.: American Psychological Association.

KEY to Exercise 1
1.

Journal article (this is really a newsletter format accordingly)

Societies look at changing the face of science & engineering; Ann Thayer; Chemical &
Engineering News, Washington; Nov 25, 2002; Vol. 80, Iss. 47; pg. 39

Answer
Thayer, A.. (2002, November). Societies look at changing the face of science engineering.
Chemical & Engineering News, 80(47), 39.

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2.

Book
Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism / editors Charles
Sampford, Tom Round. Leichhardt, N.S.W. : Federation Press, 2001 xvii, 344 p. ; 25
cm.Includes index.

Answer
Sampford, C., & Round, T. (Eds.). (2001). Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to
constitutionalism. Leichhardt, N.S.W.: Federation Press.

3.

Web page
Looked at on 12th February 2003 http://www.who.int/en/ World Health Organisation
Home Page No author but date = 2003

Answer
World Health Organization. (2003). Retrieved February 12, 2003, from http://www.who.int/en/

4.

Web page
Amnesty International Report 2002 Kuwait. Viewed September 15th 2002 at
http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open

Answer
Amnesty International Report 2002. Kuwait. (2002). Retrieved September 15, 2002, from
http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open

5.

Newspaper article
The new look. StarFit4Life. Milton Lum 13 December 2011, p.2

Answer

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Lum, M. (December 13, 2011). The new look. StarFit4Life, p.2.

6.

Dictionary
Macmillan Education, London. (2nd ed.). Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced
Learners. 2007

Answer
Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (2007). (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan
Education.

7.

Online article from a database

From Science Direct database the full text of:
Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review and predictions
Marine and Freshwater Research Volume: 50, Issue: 8, 1999, pp. 867 878 Wilkinson,
Clive R.

Answer
Wilkinson, C. R. (1999). Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review
and predictions. Marine and Freshwater Research, 50(8), 867-878. Retrieved June 23,
2002, from Science Direct.

8.

Book
Wednesday's children : a study of child neglect and abuse / by Leontine Young
Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press,

Answer
Young, L. (n.d.). Wednesdays children: a study of child neglect and abuse. Westport, Conn.:
Greenwood Press.

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Other than the first edition

Myers, John E. B. Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children
and adult survivors. [Chapter] Myers, John E. B. (Ed); Berliner, Lucy (Ed); et al. (2002).
The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (2nd ed.). (pp. 403-427). Thousand Oaks,
CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.

Answer
Myers, J. E. B. (2002). Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children and
adult survivors. In J. E. B. Myers, & L.Berliner et al (Eds.), The APSAC handbook on
child maltreatment (2nd ed., pp. 403-427).) Thousand Oaks, CA,: Sage Publication.

10.

Article or chapter in an edited book

Herbert, Martin. Parenting skills interventions. Reder, Peter (Ed); McClure, Mike (Ed).
(2000). Family matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256).
New York, NY, US: Routledge. xii, 347pp
Answer
Herbert, M. (2000). Parenting skills interventions. In P. Reder & M. McClure (Eds.), Family
matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256). New York:
Routledge
11.

Hendricks, Cindy S. Children in crisis. [Chapter] Hendricks, James E. (Ed); Byers,

Bryan D. (Ed). (2002). Crisis intervention in criminal justice/social service (3rd
ed.). (pp. 170-225). Springfield, IL, US: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.

Answer
Hendricks, C. S. (2002). Children in crisis. In J. E. Hendricks & B. D. Byers. Crisis intervention
in criminal justice/social service (3rd ed. pp. 170-225). Springfield, IL,: Charles C.
Thomas.
12.

Why children's suggestibility remains a serious concern. Amye R. Warren, Dorothy

F. Marsil. Law and Contemporary Problems Wntr 2002 v65 1 p127(21).

Answer
Warren, A. R. & Marsil, D. F. (2002). Why children's suggestibility remains a serious
concern. Law and Contemporary Problems 65(1) p127(21).
13.

What to do with the angry toddler. Morris Green, Paula D. Sullivan, Carolyn G.
Eichberg. Contemporary Pediatrics August 2001 v18 i8 p65.

Answer
Green, M., Sullivan, P. D., & Eichberg, C. G. (2001). What to do with the angry toddler.
Contemporary Pedicatrics 18(8), 65.

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