Introduction To Academic Writing

Adapted from: Harris B Leonhard, Discoveries in Academic Writing, Thomson Heinle Publishers, 2002
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Learning Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

define academic writing identify the differences between personal and academic writing identify the characteristics of effective academic writing apply appropriate tone for related audience
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Academic Writing

What is academic writing? Personal writing versus academic writing Effective academic writing Organization Audience and tone
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What is Academic Writing?

A generic term for all writing done in high school and college classes.

Academic Writing

In academic writing, the words and grammar and the way of organizing ideas are different from what you are used to in other types of writing. Elements such as format, sentence structure and organization are essential in academic writing.
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Academic Writing vs Personal Writing

Sentences in Academic Writing are formal. No abbreviations, slangs, contractions. However, in personal writing, sentences are informal and abbreviations, slangs, contractions and incomplete sentences are allowed.

Differences between Personal and Academic Writing

Personal (Informal/Colloquial) Audience Tone Vocabulary Style Language Content
close friends and family informal, friendly slang, idioms, contracted forms simple or compound sentences fragments, run-on sentences, misspellings, punctuation errors conversational, maybe repetitive

Academic (Formal/Technical)
professors, lecturers formal, objective, serious academic, wide range, concise, accurate simple, compound, complex sentences, sentence variety should have no errors depth of thought, unified

Organization maybe less structured than formal clear, coherent, well planned
writing
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3 major characteristics of Effective Academic Writing

convincing content clear organization effective use of the language

Convincing Content

The content is informative and thoughtprovoking.

use specific and logical details, examples, facts, statistics and case studies to support generalizing.

The support is relevant.

the support relates directly to the thesis and should

not digress away from the main point.

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The content shows depth of thought. shows elements of critical thinking analysis of information interpretation of facts making judgments drawing conclusions summarizing defending opinions
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The writer must have a clear purpose and strong control over the content. the message is clear, logical and to the point.

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Clear Organization
Most writing in English is linear with one central point or theme with every part contributing to the main line of argument:

Introduction Body Conclusion

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Clear Organization

Two approaches used in academic writing: deductive and inductive approach

Deductive: Generalization is stated first followed by supporting details and facts. Inductive: Supporting details stated first followed by generalization.

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Effective Use of English Language

Sentences must be clearly written. Include subject-verb agreement, spelling, punctuation. Style Use complex and compound-complex sentences. Avoid too many simple sentences . Frequent use of conjunctions such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. Use a wide vocabulary range.
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Effective Academic Writing

Audience and Tone

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Importance of Audience In academic writing, writers need to consider who their readers/audience are. An important feature is the control of audience and tone (formality). Correct level of formality helps writers connect with the audience. (eg with friends informal language indicates close relationship) (eg with lecturers formal language indicates respect)
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Audience

When planning to write, do you stop to think who are your audience? Also, what is the purpose for writing? When you know your audience and the purpose for writing, it will be easier to set the tone of your writing.
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Tone

Different audience and purpose require different set of tone: objective, persuasive, enthusiastic, serious

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Objective language: Language used in formal report. Example: a. A hazard exists if contact is made with this part while it is whirling. b. Warning. Turn off all power before you remove the cover. The blade underneath could slice off your fingers!

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Persuasive language: Language used in formal proposal for thesis or final year project. Example: The purpose of this study is to discover a more efficient way to produce hydrocarbons. The financial support for this study will benefit many users. The researchers will be able to investigate the problems comprehensively

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Enthusiastic language: Writing in favor of a particular subject for possible recommendation or acceptance. Example: sharing a new finding with intended readers The discovery of medicinal properties in this bacteria will eradicate Alzheimers Disease. This is a very important and exciting discovery in the world of medicine.

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Serious language: Language used to convey the seriousness of an event/item or a discovery. Example: Our study has shown that if we do not recycle, natural resources will be depleted in 2010 and planet Earth will be barren. This will cause economic and environmental disasters.

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The End

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