ACADEMIC WRITING

Academic Writing
 It takes the form of a formal
paper that follows specific
standards such as the use of a
formal language, referencing
where sources are given credit,
and specific grammatical
patterns, organization and
argument.

Academic Writing

 It is different from other

types of writing such as
creative writing and
journalistic writing due to its
distinct content and format.
CHARACTERISTICS
1. AUDIENCE
Guidelines for understanding
your audience (Trimmer, 2004):
a. Who are the readers that will
be most interested in my
writing?
b. What do my readers know or
think about my subject?
CHARACTERISTICS

c. Why will my readers read my

writing?
d. How can I interest my readers
in my subject?
e. How can I help my readers read
my writing
CHARACTERISTICS
2. PURPOSE
- refers to the writer’s objective in
writing about a certain topic.
 to explain (inform, educate)
 to entertain (amuse)
 to persuade (convince, or
change reader’s mind)
CHARACTERISTICS
3. VOICE ( Academic Voice)
It is used to distinguish
between your thoughts and
words and those of other
authors.
CHARACTERISTICS
3. VOICE ( Academic Voice)
It is used to distinguish
between your thoughts and
words and those of other
authors.
CHARACTERISTICS
DIRECT VOICE
- is either your own or that of
other writers that you quote
directly.
INDIRECT VOICE
- When you make a summary or
paraphrase someone’s ideas.
CHARACTERISTICS
4. CONVENTIONS
it refers to the rules about
appearance and format of the
writing. In academic writing
you need to follow specific
standards, rule, and format
( grammar, punctuations, spelling,
organizations, style, and citations)
ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES
 FORMALITY
In general this means in an essay
that you should avoid:
a. colloquial words and
expressions; ""stuff", "a lot of",
"thing", "sort of",
b. abbreviated forms: "can't",
"doesn't", "shouldn't"
ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES

 FORMALITY
c. two word verbs: "put off", "bring
up"
d. sub-headings, numbering and
bullet-points in formal essays -
but use them in reports.
e. asking questions.
ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES
 IMPERSONALITY
An objective tone can be achieved
through the use of impersonal
language. Avoid characteristics of
personal language such as:
using personal pronouns,
using judgmental words that
indicate your feelings about a
subject, and using words that
are emotive.
ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES

 HEDGING
the concept of cautious language,
often called "hedging" or "vague
language". In other words, it is
necessary to make decisions about
your stance on a particular subject,
or the strength of the claims you are
making.
ACADEMIC WRITING FEATURES

SPECIFIC AND STRUCTURE

TIPS:SURVIVING ACADEMIC WRITING

1. Know your topic and the

demand of the task.
2. Understand your audience.
3. Specify your purpose
4. Specify your role