LESSON 1 : Academic Writing

Academic writing

A process that starts with a question, problematizing a concept, evaluating an opinion, and ends in answering the question or question posed, clarifying the problem, and/or arguing for a stand

Academic writing

Has a specific purpose, which is to inform, to argue a specific point, and to persuade

Academic writing

A formal but not pretentious language is required

• Structure

• Tone

• Language

• Citation

• Complexity

• Evidence based arguments

• Thesis driven

Nature and characteristics of an academic text

Academic Text

A written language that provides information, which contain ideas and concepts that are related to the particular discipline

Academic Text

examples of this are essay, research paper, report, project, article, thesis, and dissertation

structure

An academic text has three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. It follows a formal and logical flow to help readers understand the argument and navigate the text easily.

Tone

The attitude shown in the writing. It should be fair, neutral, and respectful, even when disagreeing. Avoid biased or emotionally charged language.

language

Academic writing uses clear, unambiguous, and formal language in third person. Use technical terms when appropriate, but avoid big words just to sound smart.

citation

Always cite your sources in-text and include references as footnotes or endnotes. This prevents plagiarism and gives credit for ideas, data, and quotes.

complexity

Academic texts deal with complex issues that require higher-order thinking skills to fully understand and analyze.

evidence based argument

Opinions must be backed by strong evidence and a clear understanding of current knowledge and debates in the field.

thesis driven

Academic texts are guided by a central idea or position (thesis). The goal is to prove, disprove, or explore a solution to the research problem.

1. Complex

2. formal

3. Precise

4. Objective

5. explicit

6. accurate

7. Hedging

8. Responsible

9. Organized

10. Plan (well-planned)

Features of academic text

Complex

Uses longer words, varied vocabulary, and more complex grammar like subordinate clauses and passive voice. Sentences are shorter but more structured.

formal

Avoids colloquial (informal) words and expressions. Language is professional and academic in tone.

precise

Presents facts accurately and clearly, with no room for confusion or vague claims.

objective

Focuses more on facts and arguments than personal opinions. Uses more nouns than verbs, to sound less emotional and more neutral.

explicit

Clearly shows how parts of the text are connected. The writer must guide the reader through the logic of the argument.

accurate

Uses words with precise meanings. Academic vocabulary is specific to the field or subject being discussed.

hedging

Expresses caution or limitation in claims. Shows that the writer is aware of other perspectives or uncertainties in the topic.

responsible

Writers must justify their claims with evidence and take accountability for what they state.

organized

Ideas are presented in a logical order. The text flows smoothly from one point to another.

plan (well planned)

Academic texts are usually based on research and written with a clear purpose and structure in mind.

• abstract

• Annotated bibliography

• Academic journal article

• Book report

• Conference paper

• Dissertation

• Essay

• Explication

Different types of academic writing

Abstract

a short summary of a bigger work, like a research or scientific paper. It stands alone and gives the main points of the whole text.

annotated bibliography

a list of citations (books, articles, documents) with notes or comments about each source.

Academic journal article

help spread knowledge by publishing high-quality research articles, usually in an open-access format.

Book report

an informative report that talks about a book objectively. It focuses more on summarizing the book than giving opinions about it.

conference paper

are written to be presented at conferences (once or twice a year). They share results with the community through oral, poster, or table presentations.

dissertation

(or thesis) is a long academic paper based on original research. It’s usually for a PhD, master’s, or sometimes a bachelor’s degree.

essay

a short formal piece of writing about one topic. It tries to persuade using research evidence and has 3 parts:

• Introduction (thesis)

• Body (evidence and explanation)

• Conclusion (summary of findings)

explication

is about identifying the formal features of a text that shape its meaning — like vocabulary, grammar, figures of speech, narrative style, and genre.

1. to locate a main idea

2. To scan for information

3. To identify gaps in existing studies

4. To connect new ideas to existing ones

5. To gain more pieces of information

6. To support a particular writing assignment

7. To deeply understand an existing idea

PURPOSES in reading an academic text

1. State critical questions and issues

2. Provide facts and evidence from credible sources

3. Use precise and accurate words while avoiding jargon

4. Take an objective point of view

5. List references

6. Use cautious language

FACTORS to consider in writing a academic tax

academic language

Is the language needed by students to do the work in schools

academic language

It includes for example, discipline specific vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, and applications of rhetorical conventions and devices that are typical for a content area(eg. Essays, lab reports, discussion of a controversial issue)

social language

The set of vocabulary that allows us to communicate with others in the context of regular daily conversations

social language

in everyday interactions in spoken/written form

Academic language

In textbook, research papers, conferences in spoken/written form

Social language

for everyday conversation

Academic language

used in school/work conversations

Social language

used to write to friends, family, or for other social purposes

Academic language

appropriate for written papers, classwork, homework

social language

informal, such as words like cool, guy, kidding

Academic language

very formal and more sophisticated in its expressions, such as words like appropriate, studies, implementation

Social language

can use slang expressions

Academic language

don’t use slang

social language

can be repetitive

Academic language

uses a variety of terms

Social language

can use phrases

academic language

uses sentences

social language

sentences don’t follow grammar conventions necessarily, with phrases like, “you’re hungry?”

academic language

sentences begin with appropriate transitions, like moreover, or in addition

• formal

• Objective

• Impersonal

Characteristics of academic language

Formal

It should not sound conversational or casual. Colloquial, Idiomatic, slang, or journalistic expressions should particularly be avoided

Objective

this means it is unbiased. It should be based on facts and evidence and are not influenced by personal feelings.

Impersonal

Involves avoiding the personal pronouns, I and we.