Academic Writing.

Academic writing is a nonfiction writing produced as part of academic works. Academic writing is a
process which involves posing a question or task, presenting an argument and developing a set of
closely related main points and ideas by reasoning and citing evidence from credible reference
resources and expert’s views.

Academic writing aims:

1. To inform

2. To argue a specific point

3. To persuade

Academic Writing Structure

An academic text has three distinct sections which include the introduction, body and conclusion.

In scientific writing, the IMRAD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) is used.
INTRODUCTION:

In the introduction, a writer must grab the readers’ attention and identify the thesis of the academic
text. An academic text may start with a question, a quote from an expert or a famous person, an
interesting fact or a definition of an important term related to the topic being discussed.

BODY: This is the main part of the academic text. The paragraphs must be clearly written and be
arranged in the order of importance.

CONCLUSION: In the conclusion, the writer must re-emphasize the thesis and summarize all the main
points of the academic text. The conclusion has one paragraph which shows the text’s final
conclusion.

Definition of Academic Writing (n.d.). Retrieved from https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-

definitions/definition-of-academic-writing.html
Examples of academic texts are position papers, reaction papers, concept papers, academic
essays, educational reports, research papers, case studies, textbooks, feasibility studies, thesis,
conference papers, book reviews and academic journals. 6 Characteristics of academic texts
Academic texts are specialized texts written by experts or professionals in a particular field
using formal language and reliable information resources. These texts are intended for
educated audience. The contents of an academic text must have the clarity of the text’s
purpose and thesis statement. The structure of section, sentences and paragraphs of an
academic article should be clear. The language and style of academic texts must be formal. The
tone of academic texts is expressed by the use of appropriate syntax, point of view, diction,
and the level of formality in writing. Academic writing often uses third person point of view,
which provides objectivity.
Definition of Academic Writing (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-definitions/definition-ofacademic-writing.html
Characteristics of an academic text
1. It may use technical terms that are related to a particular field.

2. It uses formal language, style and tone.

3. It may use the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) structure.

4. It uses a formal, structured introduction including a thesis statement and a clear conclusion.

5. It follows proper mechanics in writing such as capitalization, punctuation and

spellings

6. It uses full expansion of ideas and presentation of an argument with support from

reliable references sources and experts.

7. It uses information/ideas that are objective.

Examples of academic disciplines

Branches/topics
Discipline
Business Accounting, economics, finance,
management, marketing
Humanities Art, history, languages, literature,
music, philosophy, religion, theater
Natural and applied sciences Biology, chemistry, computer
science, engineering, geology,
mathematics, physics, medicine
Social sciences Anthropology, education,
geography, law, political science,
psychology, sociology
The Academic Writing Process

The parts of the academic writing process are the following:

1. Research
It is the task of understanding and finding information about your topic

2. Planning
It is the method of sorting all the information you found in the research phase
into an outline for writing. You may use brainstorming, clustering, making list
and asking questions to do the planning. Clustering is a type of pre-writing that
enables a writer to explore ideas/information. Like brainstorming or free
associating, clustering allows a writer to start without clear ideas.

3. Writing
It is the process of producing the written work.
Tips on preparing the written work.
1. The information must be in logical order.
2. There must be enough supporting points for each main point.
3. Make sure you are not just repeating something you have already said.
4. Your ideas must be related to the topic or title of the article/essay.
5. Always remember that the main points must support the conclusion.

4. Finalizing
In this stage, you need to check your writing for mistakes in grammar, spelling
and style, more commonly described as proofreading your work.
Revise your work by checking you have:
• answered the question thoroughly.
• structured your article clearly and logically
• formulated balanced and well researched arguments
• developed clearly connected sentences, paragraphs and coherent
arguments
• provided examples and quotes that support and are relevant to your topic
• used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation

5. Conclusion
The concluding paragraph of an essay should therefore convey a sense of
completeness.
 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using another person’s words or ideas without giving
credit to that person.

Ways to avoid plagiarism

1. Cite your references
When writing an idea or wording that is not your own, add a citation in your writing
that identifies the full name of the source, the date it was published, and any other
citation element that is required by the style guide you are adhering to.
Examples of Citation Styles
Modern Language Association (MLA) Citation Style
Crossman, Ashley. "Understanding Primary and Secondary Groups in Sociology."
ThoughtCo, Feb. 11, 2020, thoughtco.com/primary-and-secondary-relationships-
3026463.
American Psychological Association (APA) Citation Style
Crossman, Ashley. (2020, February 11). Understanding Primary and Secondary
Groups in Sociology. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/primary-and-
secondary-relationships-3026463
Chicago Citation Style
Crossman, Ashley. "Understanding Primary and Secondary Groups in Sociology."
ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/primary-and-secondary-relationships-
3026463 (accessed July 12, 2020).

Example paragraph with in-text citation using the APA format.

A few researchers in the linguistics field have developed training programs
designed to improve native speakers' ability to understand accented speech
(Derwing et al., 2002; Thomas, 2004). Their training techniques are based on the
research described above indicating that comprehension improves with exposure
to non-native speech. Derwing et al. (2002) conducted their training with students
preparing to be social workers, but note that other professionals who work with
non-native speakers could benefit from a similar program.

Example paragraph with in-text citation using the MLA format.

Mother-infant attachment has been a leading topic of developmental research since
John Bowlby found that "children raised in institutions were deficient in emotional
and personality development" (Hunt 358).

In-text citation using the Chicago format.

Morgan and Thompson (1998, 243) argue that gastrointestinal illness is also often
misdiagnosed.

2. Use quotations
One of the most simple ways to avoid plagiarism is by using quotation marks
around the text to denote that the words are not your own. A direct quote should
also cite the source so that readers know the original source.
3. Paraphrase
Paraphrasing is the process of rewriting a source’s ideas or information into your
own words, without changing the original meaning.
4. Present your own idea
Instead of copying the original reference’s ideas or words, write your unique
perspective or point about your topic.

References:
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Plagiarism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary.
Retrieved July 12, 2020, from https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/plagiarism

Reference:
Calonia, Jennifer (n.d). How To Avoid Plagiarism. Grammarly Inc. Retrieved from
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/5-most-effective-methods-for-avoiding-
plagiarism/