Academic Writing

Copyright 2016
Edited: Chris Crites
Academic Writing
 Academic writing is clear,
concise and based on research –
to increase knowledge

 Uses deductive reasoning, third

person voice, and is more formal
than some other types of writing
Use of Deductive Reasoning

Starting with a clear and direct argument (thesis statement) and argued
using noted authorities in the field to prove the statement
Semiformal Voice
No slang, acronyms, or contractions and using higher levels of
vocabulary than ordinary speech or writings.
Third Person Point-of-View

Third person voice should be

used. (Use “The author
believes” instead of “I think”
and similar statements.)
No first or second person
references. (“The reader must
conclude” instead of “You
should know.”)
What is the Purpose of the Writing?

General purpose
To inform, persuade or entertain Exposition
To explain or clarify
something

Specific purpose Description

Addresses assigned subject or To describe something
question:

Argument and Persuasion

Presents reasoned approach with
Narration
supporting data to convince the To tell a story
reader
What is expository writing?
• Expository writing is an explanation of a topic by answering the questions:
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• How
• What types of development are used for expository writing?
• Cause and Effect
• Comparison and Contrast
• Definition
• Description
• Process
 Introduction
 The introduction (opening paragraph) basically accomplishes two
goals:
 Gives an overview or background on the topic in broad terms
 Then narrows the scope of the topic to the presentation
 Prepares the reader for what is to come in the following writing
 Provides main points that will be discussed and why those are most
important to the subject matter
 Grabs the readers attention
 Body
 Developmental paragraphs (body paragraphs) are the heart
of an essay.
 Contains only one main idea stated by the topic sentence of
that paragraph
 Analyzes the evidence
 Directly supports the thesis statement
 Paragraphs are arranged in logical progression
 The paragraphs should flow smoothly from one to the next
and have internal fluidity while presenting supporting
evidence to the paragraph’s main point.
 Conclusion
 The conclusion is the summary paragraph. It should
accomplish the following:

 Clearly restates the thesis sentence but not in verbatim form

 Briefly summarizes the evidence presented in the writing
 Provides a final judgement on the subject matter discussed
by tying all themes and ideas together
 Citing Sources
 Why use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries?
 Are required for each main point since the author cannot
include personal feelings or opinions
 Are clearly identified in proper required formatting form
and style
 Provide evidence to support the argument of the writing

 Are used at strategic places in the writing to support

statements made
 What are the differences between quoting,
paraphrasing, and summarizing?
Quoting Paraphrasing Summarizing

 Must be in proper required  Must be in proper required  Simplifies and shortens

format and style format and style
 Must match source  Paraphrasing is putting another
document word for word person’s words into your own
 Must give attribution to  Simplifies original source
original source and author information
 Must provide supporting  Must give attribution to
material original source and author
 Must have meaningful  Must provide supporting
placement material
Must have meaningful placement
original source main ideas
 Is in the authors own words
 Shortens the original work
but retains original meaning
 Must give attribution to
original source and author
 Must provide supporting
material
 Must have meaningful
placement