Introduction to academic writing

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Definition of Academic Writing

Writing which communicates ideas, information, and research to the wider academic community

Structure of Academic Writing

all academic writing should have a clear structure, the writer has to make the decision on whether to utlize the information or not. Research is paramount

Coherence

Logical progression of ideas

Cohesion

Clear connection of different parts

Clear focus

an understanding of the topic

Careful planning

Pre-writing

Types of Academic writing

student and expert

Evidenced of Academic Writing

Opinions and arguments should have supporting documentation, proper citation and references

Critical

Analysis and evaluation of information, choosing whether to utilize the information or not

Precise

Using the most appropriate language according to the genre of writing, and technical vocabulary that might need to be defined by the writer

Balance of Academic writing

Being open minded, avoiding bias, using boosters/hedges to emphasize their claim.

Objective of academic writing

focus on the information argument rather than the writer, construction of passive or impersonal sentences

Formality of academic writing

Utilization of complex sentences, and avoidance of contractions and colloquial/common words

Definition of Academic Text

A reading material that provides information which includes concepts and theories that are related to the specific discipline

Examples of Academic Text

Research paper, reviews, conference paper, essay, feasibility study, academic journals theater dissertation, and reports.

Structure of Academic text

overall structure of an academic text is formal and logical, it also includes a introduction, body, and conclusion. Must show coherence and cohesion

Coherence and cohesion

The parts are logically organized and connected to each other

Tone of Academic text

The attitude conyeyed in a piece of writing, arguments are fairly presented with an appriopriate narrative tone. Utilizes unbiased language when presenting a position or argument that contradicts one’s perspective

Language of academic text

use of unambiguous language, a clear topic sentence, and use of formal language and the third person point-of-view. Also, uses technical language appriopriate to the area of study may be used

Citation of academic text

A vital aspect of a academic text, it is the defense against allegations of plagiarism

Complexity

Addreses complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to comprehend

Evidence-based arguments

Opinions are based on a sound understanding of the pertinent body of knowledge and academic debate that exist within, and often external to a specific discipline

Thesis-driven

Writing that should be structured around a central argument or main claim also known as the THESIS STATEMENT

Purpose of academic writing

 

Used in an educational or scholarly context with the purpose of contributing to the existing body of knowledge, demonstrate critical thinking, and engage in academic discourse.

Purpose of professional writing

Used in business or workplace context, with the purpose of conveying information, making recommendations, or persuading stakeholders.

Audience of academic writing

Academic audience such as professors, peers, or researchers.

audience of professional writing

Specific group of stakeholders, such as colleagues, clients, or customers who have varying levels of knowledge and expertise.

tone of academic writing

Requires formal and objective tone, avoiding personal opinions or biases; follows scholarly, analytical, and evidence-based approach.

Tone of professional writing

Adopts a formal tone, but it may vary depending on the context and the intended audience; may be more business-like persuasive or informative.

Style of academic writing

Demands a more formal and structured style. It typically follows a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Style of professional writing

May be more flexible in terms of style and may adapt to the organization's or industry’s preferred writing conventions.

Content of academic writing

Research-based and involves in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and the use of scholarly sources, often includes elements such as literature reviews, methodology, and citations to support the author’s arguments or claims.

Content of professional writing

Focuses on addressing specific business or workplace needs, such as reports, memos, emails, proposals, or presentations; uses industry-specific jargon or terminology.

Definition of academic language

The formal, explicit, and analytical language used in educational settings. The oral, written, auditory & visual language proficiency required to learn effectively in schools and academic programs.

Importance of Academic language

Mastery of academic language will more likely lead to be more successful in the academic and professional setting

Social Language

• The simple, informal language used when talking face-to-face with family members and friends

• Use contemporary or slang terms

• Communicate feelings, needs, and wants using symbolic hand gestures for drink, eat, hot, cold, hurt, or tired

• Includes writing emails, friendly letters, texts, or retelling stories

Academic language

• Varies differently from everyday social language

• The vocabulary students or adults must learn to succeed in the classroom or in the workplace

• to describe and comprehend complex ideas, proces higher-order thinking, and understand abstract concepts

• What is read in textbooks, tests, and what they hear during instructions in the classroom

• Can lead to poor academic performance in the classroom setting if limited or low skill proficiency

Characteristics of Academic Language

• Formal

• Impersonal

• Precise

• Objective

Formal

• Should not be conversational and casual

• Avoid colloquial and idiomatic expressions, slang, and contractions

Colloquialism/Colloquial language

• Linguistic style used for casual communication

• Wide range of interjections and other expressive devices

Idiomatic Expressions

• A type of informal language that have a meaning different from the meaning of the words in the expression

Slang

• A type of language that consists of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, and more common in speach that writing

Contractions

• A shortened form of a word that omits certain letters or sounds.

• Most contractions have an apostrophe to represent the missing letter.

Colloquial language

informal language of everyday conversation used by a general population

Slang

slang is a more specific, often trendier and exclusive form of language used by a particular group, like teenagers or a subculture.

Impersonal

• Avoid referring to yourself as the performed of actions.

• Do not use personal pronouns

Precise

• Facts are presented accurately

• The choice of words are appropriate

Objective

• To be unbiased

• Based of facts

• Not influenced by personal feelings.