Academic Writing
Academic writing refers to the distinct forms of writing
practiced at the university level: e.g. essays, critical
articles, abstracts, literature reviews, or reports.
• It is based on facts and data (i.e. research, not
opinions),
• Formal (uses an academic vocabulary),
• Draws on (and therefore references) information
from expert sources
Why do we need Academic Writing:
• Academic writing helps you to build arguments,
analyze, communicate ideas and partake in a
scholarly conversation.
• It is a skill that you need to master to make the
most out of your academic qualification.
• Control over academic writing gives you source
and power in knowledge building, identify
formation, disciplinary practices, social positioning,
and career advancement.
All Academic Writing forms have:
• presence of a thesis statement or hypothesis
• a fairly formal but clear style
• a specific organizational structure, and sound
arguments supported by credible evidence, such as
data and/or references to other works.
Type of academic texts
Essay
A fairly short, self-contained argument, often using
sources from a class in response to a question
provided by an instructor.
Research paper
A more in-depth investigation based on independent
research, often in response to a question chosen by the
student.
Thesis/dissertation
The large final research project undertaken at the end
of a degree, usually on a dissertation topic of the
student’s choice.
Research proposal
outline of a potential topic and plan for a future
dissertation or research project.
Literature review
A critical synthesis of existing research on a topic,
usually written in order to inform the approach of a
new piece of research.
Lab report
A write-up of the aims, methods, results, and
conclusions of a lab experiment.
Annotated bibliography
A list of source references with a short description or
evaluation of each source.
Dos in Academic Writing
1. Semi-Formal and unbiased
Academic writing aims to convey information in an
impartial way. The goal is to base arguments on the
evidence under consideration, not the author’s
preconceptions. All claims should be supported with
relevant evidence, not just asserted.
2. Clear and precise
It’s important to use clear and precise language to
ensure that your reader knows exactly what you
mean.
3. Focused and well structured
• An academic text is not just a collection of ideas
about a topic—it needs to have a clear purpose.
• Start with a relevant research question or thesis
statement, and use it to develop a focused
argument.
• Only include information that is relevant to your
overall purpose.
• A coherent structure is crucial to organize your
ideas.
It can be written in different formats but most common
structures are:
1. Essay Format
a. Introduction
b. Body
c. Conclusion/Summary
2. Report Format
Used for identification of problems and corresponding solutions
d. Introduction
e. Discussion
f. Conclusion
g. Recommendations
4. Well sourced
• Academic writing uses sources to support its
claims.
• You must always cite your sources in academic
writing.
• This means acknowledging whenever you quote or
paraphrase someone else’s work by including a
citation in the text and a reference list at the end.
Correct and consistent
As well as following the rules of grammar, punctuation, and
citation, it’s important to consistently apply stylistic conventions
regarding:
• How to write numbers
• Introducing abbreviations
• Capitalization of terms and headings
• Spelling and punctuation
Don’ts in Academic Writing
1. Use of overly elaborate language can make your
writing seem pretentious.
2. Abbreviations and contractions are informal, and
are best avoided in academic writing. For
example: • ‘Department’ should be used instead of
the abbreviation ‘dept’. • ‘Is not’ should be used in
place of the contraction ‘isn’t’.
Use of Slang Words and Phrases
Compare the following:
• ‘The individual was sentenced for nicking a bike.’ •
‘The doctor looked kind of worried when he reviewed
the case notes.’
4. Writing in 1st Person:
In many academic disciplines, writing in the first person
is not acceptable as it is believed to be too subjective
and personal.
First person sentences use the pronouns ‘I’ and ‘we’.
For example: • We have considered... • I suggest that...
• I have observed... • These can be transformed into-
Impersonal sentences • Consideration has been given
to... • The suggestion is made that... • It has been
observed that...
Importance of having Academic Writing
Skills:
• Enhancement of research skills and framing research
questions
• Improvement in written communication and formal style of
writing
• Improves language skills and better understanding of subject
• Helps in enhancing Critical evaluation and analytical thinking
• Assists in Conducting independent research, internet search
and surveying skills
