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Summary of

Academic
Writing Process
OLEH KELOMPOK:
IRMAYANA (F21113030)
YUNITA BAHARUDDIN (F21113)
SUHARNITA DEWI (F21113)
SRI AGUSTINA SARNO (F21113)
SYAMSUL BAHRI (F21113)
NASIRUDDIN (F21113)

JurusanSastraInggris
FakultasSastra
UniversitasHasanuddin
TahunAkdemik 2015/2016

Writing academic process:


1.

Finding a Topic

Here are a few elements a writer should always consider when considering a potential essay topic:
a) Pick a topic that interests you; b. Pick a topic that you have experience with; c. Pick a topic
that will interest the reader; d. Make sure the topic fits the guidelines for the essay; e. If
outside sources must be used, make sure there are enough credible sources available.
2.

Thinking (Brainstorming)
When you have a topic, start brainstorming. Write down all the possible answers to your
question, and write down all the information, opinions, and questions you have about your
topic.

3.

Doing Research
Research is an on-going part of the writing process. You will start now, doing general research
to learn more about your topic, but you will continue doing research throughout the writing
process, as you discover a thesis. Also, do not be afraid to change your topic a little (or a lot)
if your research leads you in a different direction.

4.

Thesis Statement

A good thesis statement usually includes


a) Main idea of the paper. One idea. The entire paper is based on this statement; b) Your opinion
or point of view. The thesis statement is not a fact nor a question, but your view of the topic
and what you want to say about it; c) Purpose of the paper. From the thesis, it should be clear
what the paper will do; d)Answer to the research question. Ask yourself the question and then
answer it with your thesis. Is it truly an answer? (if not, change the question or the answer!) ;
e) An element of surprise. This means that the thesis is interesting, engaging, and perhaps not
so expected; f) Clarity. It should be understandable after one reading and have no mistakes.
5.

Planning Basic Outline

Choosing and ordering points


1. Write your question and answer (preliminary thesis statement). Just a simple answer to your
question is enough to start the basic outline.

2. Write down all the reasons/arguments/effects/solutions (each type of paper is different) you have to
answer your question and support your thesis.
3. Look at your list and organize the ideas.
4. The remaining ideas will be the main points of your paper.
5. Decide how to order these points. What order will you follow chronological, cause to effect,
problem to solution, most important to least important, weakest to strongest? Which order will make
your paper the strongest and most interesting?
6. Your paper should also cover alternative or opposing viewpoints to show that you have done
complete research and considered all ideas
6.

Planning Taking Notes

What to take notes about: a. Background information about your topic which is necessary for your
paper; b. Arguments and explanations which support or oppose your ideas; c. Facts, examples, expert
opinions, and other supporting details.
7.

Planning Detailed Outline

Here are the steps to follow when making your outline:


1. First, make changes to your basic outlines thesis and main points until you are satisfied with your
ideas and the order of your sections. 2. Then go through your notes and find supporting points for
each section of your outline. 3. Organize the supporting points in each section. 4. Go through your
notes and add supporting details (facts, examples, expert opinion, descriptions, quotes, etc.) to each
point. Always include the source of any research that you put in your outline (Author, year). 5. Divide
your outline into paragraphs.
8.

Writing the First Draft

There are many ways to write the first draft of your paper. The key is to be prepared before you start
have a purpose, a thesis, enough research, and a plan (some sort of outline). And then, just write. Be
aware of plagiarism. Write down the source whenever you use anything from a source.
9.

Revising

Know what to fix then do it: a. Erase words, sentences or paragraphs; eliminate all unnecessary or
irrelevant ideas; b. Add words, sentences or paragraphs; add new points, details, or explanations; c.

Reorganize words, sentences or paragraphs; put everything in a logical order; d. Re-write words,
sentences or paragraphs; keep your ideas but present them better.
10.

Editing

Editing will make your writing more precise and easier to understand (not necessarily shorter, but
clearer). A grammar resource and an English-English dictionary are both helpful editing tools.
a. Read your paper out loud slowly (or ask someone to read it to you); b. Use the spell check and
grammar check functions in Microsoft Word; c. Editing strategies for specific problems; d.
Connection between ideas; e. Wordiness; f. Sentence structure; g. Word choice; h. Clarity, NonEnglish structure.
11.

Proofreading (Check for Mistakes).

To proofread, do not look at your paper for 24 hours,print your paper you'll see mistakes that you
might not see on a computer screen. Read your paper sentence by sentence. Point your pen at each
word. Think about the grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, meaning... of every word. If you
are unsure about anything, use a dictionary or grammar book. If you are still unsure, mark the line and
ask someone for help.

References:
http://www.aims.edu/student/online-writing-lab/process/topic
Anne Whitaker, September 2009,Academic Writing Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing
Academic Papers, Bratislava, Slovakia
Academic Writing,Academic Writing Guide Part 1- UTS Library February 2013

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