Academic Writing

Definition
 The process of breaking down ideas and using deductive reasoning, formal
voice and third person point-of view

 Ideas and facts are presented in a scholarly manner, as well as the set of rules
and practices of writing are always being trailed upon by the writer.

 A scholarly act of presenting or concepts about specific topic.

 Generally quite FORMAL, OBJECTIVE (IMPERSONAL) and TECHNICAL.

Academic writing is thinking; you cannot just write anything that comes to your mind.
You have to abide a set of rules and practices in writing. Language should also be appropriate
and formal. You should consider the knowledge and background of your audience.
Who are your audience?
-Your audience are knowledgeable on the subject you are writing about, thus, you have to
demonstrate a thorough understanding of your subject at hand.

What are the types of academic writing?

 Literary analysis – examines, evaluates and makes an argument about a literary

work
 Research paper – utilizes outside information to support a thesis or make an
argument.
 Dissertation – a document submitted at the conclusion of Ph.D program.

Reading Academic Texts

What is the difference between a topic and a main idea?

Topic
The topic is the general subject of a paragraph or essay.
Topics are simple and are described with just a word or a phrase.

Main Idea
The main idea is a complete sentence; it includes the topic and what the author wants to
say about it.
If the author states the main idea in his paragraph it is called a “topic sentence.”

Find the Main Idea

  Ask yourself, “What does the author want me to know about the topic?” or “What is the
author teaching me?”
 Look for a sentence that states the main idea. This is the stated main idea or topic
sentence.
 At times the main idea will not be stated directly. This is called an implied main idea.
 Avoid detail. Think of a general statement that could sum up the specifics as effectively
as any stated topic sentence.
 Your main idea will include the topic and the central point that the author
expresses.

Example #1
Topic: growing up in a small town

Correct Main Idea/ Thesis statement: There are several advantages to growing up in a
small town.
Example #2

Question: Why is it important to stop cyber bullying?

Correct Main Idea/ Thesis statement: Cyber bullying is harmful as everyone has the
right
to use social media without being harassed.

A text is composed of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

For the Introduction you will find the following :
A. Lead
B. Transition sentence- This sentence ensures that your lead flows into your
thesis
statement smoothly.
C. Thesis statement (one sentence telling what your ENTIRE essay is about)