Academic Writing Tips

 Using complex noun phrases improves your writing style.

- Radiation was accidentally released over a 24-hour period, damaging a wide area for a long time.(good)
- The accidental release of radiation over a 24-hour period caused widespread long-term damage.(better)
 Noun forms of key verbs are often used instead of the verbs.)( UNIT 3)
- The model provides an explanation for the differences between the two sets of data. (Explain
 Often in academic style, a noun form of the key adjective is used.
I admire her simple style. I admire the simplicity of her style.
These statistics are less relevant. These statistics have less relevance.
 Although phrasal verbs occur most frequently in more informal spoken and written
English, they are also not uncommon in an academic context.
- put forward /carry out/ point up
 Academic English uses various metaphors and idioms. (Unit 9)
- The book dealt with economic policy in the shadow of the Civil War of 1994–1999.
- Following a barrage of hostile criticism.
 Noun phrases are an important feature of academic style. (Unit 11)
- E.g. major role/ particular interest/ important contribution
 A feature of academic writing is that it often uses the noun form of an adjective in a
prepositional phrase beginning with of, instead of just using an adjective.
- Sagan’s contribution is of particular significance. (= particularly significant)
- Helvena’s work is of great interest to researchers. (= very interesting)
- This is a work of considerable importance. (= very important)
Unit12