Writing Strategies for Academic and Professional Texts

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on writing strategies for academic texts.

Essay

A piece of writing that informs or persuades its audience by reasoned discourse; derived from Latin exigere meaning to examine, test, drive out.

Purpose of academic writing

To discover knowledge; make a point; persuade the reader; share information; synthesize information; analyze a topic; document observations.

Three-part essay structure

Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Introduction

Provides the focus and aim of the text; presents the topic; often includes a thesis statement.

Thesis statement

The central claim the writer wishes to make; should be specific, establish the point, and set expectations.

Body

Where the essay’s argument, ideas, and results are developed; includes topic sentences.

Topic sentence

States the main idea of a body paragraph.

Conclusion

Restates the main arguments and key facts; should not introduce new information.

The writing process

Read and research; brainstorm ideas; develop a working thesis and outline; write a rough draft; review content, grammar, and mechanics; revise as needed.

Brainstorming techniques

Listing ideas; clustering or mind mapping; free writing.

Getting ideas on what to write

Read related texts; discuss with others; research the topic.

Developing the thesis statement

Central idea of the paper; shows the overall point; should be specific and establish expectations.

Developing the outline

An outline helps organize ideas, keeps you focused, saves time; for every main point include several supporting details.

Rough draft

First full version; organize body paragraphs; hook the reader in the introduction; maintain coherence with transitions; end with a strong closing.

Hook

An opening device to grab the reader’s attention in the introduction.

Question hook

Ask a question related to the paper to invite the reader to find the answer in the essay.

Story hook

Tell a short narrative to engage the reader.

Quote hook

Use a relevant quotation to start the essay.

Statistic hook

Begin with a credible fact or statistic related to the topic.

Anecdote hook

Share a brief, interesting anecdote to draw the reader in.

Simile/Metaphor hook

Use a simile or metaphor to illustrate the topic.

Provocative statement hook

Make a bold, controversial claim to provoke thought.

Strong statement hook

Write a sentence that makes an assertive claim connected to the thesis.

Introduction components

Hook; transitional sentence; thesis statement.

Transition words

Words that link ideas to create coherence (First, Second, In addition, Nevertheless, In contrast, Furthermore, Therefore).

Coherence

Logical flow in a paragraph or essay achieved through transitions.

Conclusion writing

Re-state the thesis in a new way; provide a strong closing; leave the reader with a closing thought.

Academic conventions – Do's

Address both sides; cite sources; use formal tone; take a stand; use concrete details; give yourself time to develop.

Academic conventions – Don'ts

Avoid personal pronouns and contractions; avoid slang and vague ideas; avoid plagiarism.