The

Academic
Writing Style
Writing is a form of communication.
Why?
 Writing is a form of communication that is
shaped by the following factors:
1. Topic- What is the text all about? What details I am
imparting to the readers?
2. Role- Who am I as a writer?
3. Purpose- Why am I writing this in the first place?
4. Audience- Who is reading this piece? What knowledge
does he/she need to understand in my writing?
 Language Use in Academic Writing
A characteristic of academic writing is the use of professional
and business like language like:
1. Free jargon
2. Colloquial expressions
3. Politically incorrect terms
 JARGON
-this refers to as shoptalk or specialized language known only to
a particular profession (e.g, the term hydrosulfurization is a term
known only among chemists)
and which may have another meaning in another field
(e.g. script means prescription in the medical profession; while
it means a manuscript containing storyline in the film of
industry)
 COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS
-this refers to the informal expressions that belong to more
casual, informal discourses. Examples of informal expressions
include how dya do? (instead of how do you do?); wanna
(instead of want to); dunno (instead of I don’t know). Even
popular expressions used by millennials such as LOL (Laugh
out Loud) and FYI (for your information) may be unknown to
some readers, so avoid using them in academic writing.
 POLITICALLY INCORRECT TERMS

-include sexist and discriminatory language that diminishes a

person’s worth on the basis of sex, race, economic status.
Politically correct terms aim to diminish the disparity among
people on the basis of physical ability, financial status and other
social constructs.
 POLITICALLY INCORRECT POLITICALLY CORRECT
Crippled Persons with disability (PWD)
Autistic/ mentally retarded Persons with intellectual
disability
poor Financially challenged
squatters Informal settlers
stewardess Flight attendant
fireman firefighter
seaman seafarer
 Academic writing uses a language that is

1. Concise – giving a lot of information clearly

2. Precise- marked with accuracy
3. Logical- capable of clear, sound reasoning
4. Inclusive- not excluding all the groups involve
 FORMALITY

Formality reflects your dignified stance in your writing as a

member of the academic community. This means that since your
audience are fellow members of the academic community, the
language you use requires precision to make it a “legitimate”
piece of academic writing
 Understanding Academic Texts (Writer’s Purpose)
To Inform
-Academic writing seeks to inform, to teach, to add to the
reader’s knowledge by way of new ideas. Article that seek to
inform are often serious in tone, and are unmistakably academic
in their intent to impart learning.
 Understanding Academic Texts (Writer’s Purpose)
To Entertain
-Academic writing that seeks to entertain may take the form of
creative nonfiction whose intent- in addition to telling a story-
would be to state a narrative in an academic way. Writing that
takes this form uses the conventions writing while writing about
a personal experience.
 Understanding Academic Texts (Writer’s Purpose)
To Persuade
-Persuasive writing aims to influence readers to take a particular
stance or belief. This form of writing uses persuasive techniques
such as illustration, as well as cause-and-effect to convince
readers.
 Understanding Academic Texts (Writer’s Purpose)
To Inspire
-to inspire means to uplift, to make someone feel better or be
enlightened. This form of writing aims to reach out to its readers
regardless of religious affiliation. This form of writing explores
themes that resonates with most readers.
 Determining the Writer’s Tone

- A writer often creates the tone he wants to convey through his

choice of words
 FORMAL
- The tone used by the writer complements the subject and
purpose for which it is written. This tone is used in academic
writing to distinguish it from informal types of writing that use
colloquial or slang expressions, such as blogs, personal letters or
essays.
 CASUAL
- A more casual tone may be used by the writer for non
academic topics. Because this tone is more conversational, it is
more favored by readers who prefer a casual and a more
intimate approach.
 SARCASTIC
- In cases when a writer is expressing dissatisfaction over
certain issues, he or she may use a sarcastic tone. Sarcasm is
sometimes use to lighten the impact of what could have been a
harsh statement. On the contrary, may also be used to heighten
the impact of a statement.
 Determining the Relevance of the Text
LITERAL MEANING
- A text consist of layers of meaning, and as a reader you need to
determine its meaning beyond what is stated in the text. A text’s
literal meaning is what is directly stated by the writer. It is what
appears in the text itself.