1.

DEFINITION
- Courtesy in academic writing, one of the essential 7C's, embodies a multifaceted
approach to respectful and considerate communication within the scholarly realm. It
pertains to how writers engage with their audience, peers, and sources in a manner that
fosters a sense of mutual respect and professionalism. Moreover, courtesy extends to
the tone and language employed in academic discourse, emphasizing the importance of
using polite and inclusive language that promotes a constructive and collegial
atmosphere. Additionally, courtesy encourages writers to be mindful of their audience,
recognizing that their work may be read by individuals from diverse backgrounds and
expertise levels.

ADDITIONAL STATEMENT :
Another facet of courtesy in academic writing involves being punctual and adhering to
deadlines, thus showing respect for the time and schedules of peers, instructors, and
editors. Timely submissions demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and efficient
academic environments. Lastly, in the realm of online communication, courtesy extends
to responsible and ethical online behavior, including refraining from offensive or
disruptive conduct in virtual academic spaces.

2. iMPORTANCE
- Courtesy in academic writing is a fundamental aspect that goes beyond mere
politeness; it is an essential element that contributes significantly to the overall quality
and effectiveness of scholarly work. Here, we will discuss the importance of courtesy in
academic writing in detail.

A.) **Maintains Credibility**: One of the primary goals of academic writing is to

establish the author's credibility. Courtesy ensures that the writer respects the work and
ideas of others, giving proper credit through citations and references. Failing to do so
can lead to accusations of plagiarism and can seriously damage the author's reputation.

B.) **Avoids Bias and Stereotyping**: Courteous writing avoids the use of biased
language, stereotypes, or derogatory terms. This is crucial for ensuring that academic
work does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes, exclusion, or discrimination, and it
promotes inclusivity and diversity.

C.) **Acknowledges Opposing Views**: In academic writing, it's essential to

acknowledge opposing views or counterarguments fairly and respectfully. This courtesy
demonstrates intellectual honesty and a willingness to engage in rigorous debate, which
strengthens the argument presented.

D.) **Respects Diverse Audiences**: Academic writing often reaches diverse

audiences, including students, colleagues, and the general public. Courtesy in language
and tone ensures that the work is accessible and understandable to a broader range of
readers, regardless of their background or expertise.
E.) **Promotes Ethical Research**: Ethical research practices, such as obtaining
informed consent, protecting human subjects, and maintaining data integrity, are
essential aspects of academic courtesy. These practices ensure that research is
conducted with integrity and respect for individuals involved.

3. HOW TO WRITE PROPERLY USING THIS

- Writing properly in academic writing with courtesy or courtesy of academic writing
involves adhering to specific conventions, styles, and etiquettes that are expected in
scholarly communication. Here are some key guidelines and explanations to help you
write with courtesy and professionalism in academic writing:

I.) Follow Citation and Referencing Styles:

- Use a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard) consistently
throughout your paper.
- Cite all sources of information, ideas, and data to give credit to the original authors
and to avoid plagiarism.
- Follow the specific formatting rules for in-text citations and the bibliography or
reference list.

*Explanation:* Proper citation and referencing are crucial in academic writing because
they demonstrate your respect for the work of other scholars and provide a trail for
readers to verify your sources. It also helps in building a scholarly conversation by
acknowledging previous research.

II.) Maintain Formal Tone and Language:

- Use formal language and avoid colloquialisms, slang, or overly casual expressions.
- Write in the third person (e.g., "the researcher" or "the study") and avoid the first
person ("I" or "we") unless it's explicitly allowed in your field.

*Explanation:* A formal tone is expected in academic writing to convey

professionalism and to ensure clarity and objectivity. It also maintains a level of
detachment that is crucial in scholarly work.

III.) Proofread and Edit Carefully:

- Eliminate spelling and grammar errors by proofreading your work meticulously.
- Ensure consistency in formatting, such as font, margins, and line spacing.
- Check for clarity and coherence in your writing.

*Explanation:* Proofreading and editing demonstrate your commitment to producing

high-quality academic work. It helps in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of
your writing.

IV.) Avoid Biased or Offensive Language:

- Be aware of and avoid language that may be perceived as biased, discriminatory, or
offensive.
 - Use gender-neutral language when referring to individuals, and consider the cultural
and social implications of your words.

*Explanation:* Using courteous and inclusive language is respectful of diverse

perspectives and promotes a positive academic environment.

V.) Respect Copyright and Intellectual Property:

- Seek permission or properly attribute copyrighted materials when using images,
charts, or extensive excerpts from other sources.
- Familiarize yourself with fair use and copyright laws in your region.

*Explanation:* Respecting copyright and intellectual property rights is essential in

academic writing to avoid legal issues and uphold ethical standards.

4.EXAMPLES
- Courtesy in academic writing refers to the respectful and ethical conduct that authors
should exhibit when engaging with their readers, colleagues, and sources. It involves
various aspects, including proper citation, intellectual honesty, and the use of inclusive
language. Let's explore some examples to illustrate these concepts:

a.) Proper Citation:

- Incorrect: "Einstein's theory of relativity is common knowledge; everyone knows it."
- Correct: "Einstein's theory of relativity is widely accepted and has become a
foundational concept in modern physics (Einstein, 1915)."

Explanation: In the correct example, proper citation is used to acknowledge the

source of the information (Einstein, 1915). Failing to provide a citation can lead to
accusations of plagiarism and is discourteous to the original author.

b.) Intellectual Honesty:

- Incorrect: "Our research is entirely novel and groundbreaking, with no prior work in
this area."
- Correct: "While our research builds upon existing studies (Smith et al., 2018;
Johnson, 2019), it advances the field by offering new insights into..."

Explanation: The incorrect example makes an exaggerated claim and dismisses

previous research, which is discourteous. The correct example acknowledges the
contributions of prior research and presents the new study as an extension of existing
knowledge.

c.) Inclusive Language:

- Incorrect: "Each student must complete his assignment."
- Correct: "Each student must complete their assignment."
 Explanation: The incorrect example uses gender-specific language ("his"), which is
discourteous as it excludes individuals who do not identify as male. The correct
example uses gender-neutral language ("their") to be inclusive.

d.) Acknowledging Limitations:

- Incorrect: "Our study is flawless and provides definitive answers."
- Correct: "While our study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge
its limitations, including the small sample size and potential biases."

Explanation: The incorrect example overstates the study's significance and lacks
humility. The correct example is courteous by acknowledging the study's limitations,
which is a crucial aspect of academic honesty.

e.) Respectful Tone in Peer Review:

- Incorrect (Peer Review Comment): "This paper is terrible and poorly written."
- Correct (Peer Review Comment): "This paper would benefit from further clarity and
organization in its presentation."

Explanation: In peer review, it's essential to provide constructive feedback rather than
resorting to discourteous language. The correct example offers suggestions for
improvement without using derogatory language.