UHLB 2122

ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS

INTRODUCTION TO
ACADEMIC WRITING

MADAM SHALINI SRIKA

 THE LITTLE THINGS ABOUT UHLB 2122
ASSESSMENTS
1)Critical Reading Quiz (10%)
2)Reading Reflection (20%)
3)Outline (15%)
4)Academic Paper (25%)
5)Poster Presentation (20%)
6)Avoiding Plagiarism & Referencing Quiz (10%)
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Understand the nature of academic writing.

2. Identify different genres of academic writing.
 Are these academic
writings?
Academic essays/paper
Lab reports/Abstracts
Research proposal Any kind of writing
done to fulfil academic
Literature reviews requirements
Article critiques
Reflective journals
What makes academic writing
different from others?
What makes academic writing
different from others?
Formal writing Punctuation, grammar rules, structure/format

Citation Published writers (Ellis, 2009)

Referencing systems/conventions APA Conventions

Abstract thoughts Theories, concepts, the connections

In-depth writing Literature review, principal theories

THE AUDIENCE
 ACADEMIC WRITING STRUCTURE
Academic Essay/paper:

INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic Thesis statement – the position and main points of the essay

BODY PARAGRAPH: POINT 1

Discuss the point Provide evidences to support your point

BODY PARAGRAPH: POINT 2

Discuss the point Provide evidences to support your point

BODY PARAGRAPH: POINT 3

Discuss the point Provide evidences to support your point

CONCLUSION

Summarizes the points

 REFERENCING

• Students are expected to cite and refer to published writers.

• Arguments/ discussions must be supported with evidence
by the published writers.
• Follow specific referencing conventions (e.g. APA, MLA,
Harvard)
• Will be discussed in-depth in UNIT 4.
 What is it? How many
pages?

ACADEMIC ESSAY/ PAPER

Anything to do Is it different
with semester? than essay?
 ACADEMIC ESSAY/PAPER

• It is one type of academic writing.

• It is an essay (argumentative essay, problem-solution essay,
cause effect essay, compare contrast essay).
• An academic paper is a academic writing written by
students over an academic term.
• For this course, term paper should be between 5 to 7 pages
(including references).
 Argumentative essay

1. Should animals be used for research?

2. Is the death penalty effective?
3. Should cigarette smoking be banned?
4. Are cell phones dangerous?
5. Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
6. Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
7. Is cyberbullying harmless compared to physical bully?
 Problem-solution essay
1. What is the best way to help people who are victims of
family violence?
2. How can social media bullying be prevented?
3. What is the best way to help someone who is depressed?
4. What is the best way to prevent deaths from drunk
driving?
5. What can be done to prevent human trafficking?
6. What is the best way for a young athlete to learn a sport?
7. What is the best way for college students to balance work,
studying, classes, and social life?
 Cause effect essay
1. What are the causes and effects of growing up in
poverty
2. What is the causes and effects of continued
discrimination and racism?
3. What effect does an increased use of technology have
on health?
4. What effect does exercise have on the body?
5. What effect does cell phone use have on teenagers?
6. What are the causes and effects of cyber bullying?
 Compare contrast essay
1. Living in Big City or Staying in Village
2. Working in Office or Being a Freelancer?
3. Online Dating vs. Real-Life Relations
4. Home-schooling Vs. Traditional Schooling
5. Working out or dieting: What is more effective for
weight loss?
6. E-books versus textbooks
7. Buying things online vs. shopping at malls.
• lengthy academic essay/paper
• concise & well documented manner
• identify, analyze, intepret, discuss Facts
Figures
Opinions

• literacy sources Journal Articles

Magazines
Books
STRUCTURE OF TERM PAPER
Thesis Statement:
• “Americans should eliminate the
regular consumption of fast food
because the fast food diet leads
to preventable and expensive
health issues, such as diabetes,
obesity, and heart disease.”
Thesis Statement:

• Good companions

• Civilized members

• Easy to care for

 LET’S PRACTICE!
• In a group of 3, prepare an outline of an academic paper of the following
topic:
“Effects of Cyberbullying in Social Media”

• Structure:
Intro + Thesis statement
↓
Body Paragraph 1
↓
Body Paragraph 2
↓
Body Paragraph 3
↓
Conclusion