Academic Writing-

Academic Writing Overview

• Instructor: Anthony Mulenga, BA.ED, M.ED

Learning Objectives

• Define academic writing

• Utilize appropriate academic conventions and practices

• Employ suitable language for academic writing

• Develop coherent arguments in writing

• Be conscious of plagiarism

• Apply appropriate referencing and citation styles

Key Aspects of Academic Writing

• Critical and Analytical Approach: Analyze and evaluate information critically.

• Precision in Language: Use precise and subject-specific language.

• Thesis Position: Adopt a clear thesis to guide the writing.

• Citing Sources: Reference a range of authors and arguments.

• Objectivity: Maintain an objective tone in writing.

Writing Process

• Planning: Outline key ideas and structure.

• Thinking: Engage in critical thought.

• Researching: Gather relevant information and evidence.

• Writing: Compose the draft.

• Editing: Revise and refine the text.

Academic Conventions

• Analysis: Break down ideas for deeper understanding.

• Deductive Reasoning: Present the thesis early, followed by supporting details.

• Voice: Use a semiformal tone, avoiding slang and colloquial language.

• Point of View: Write in third person, avoiding first-person perspectives.

Purposes of Academic Writing

• General Purpose: Clearly present information showing understanding.

• Specific Purposes:

  • Argumentation and Persuasion: Convince readers to accept a viewpoint.

  • Exposition: Explain concepts or processes.

  • Description: Provide details about particular subjects.

  • Narration: Tell stories or present events.

Sourcing Information

• Primary Sources: Direct interviews or discussions, but often not highly reliable.

• Secondary Sources: Libraries and the internet offer credible and current information.

Essay Format and Presentation

• Follow continuous writing format; avoid headings, bullets unless specified.

• Use Microsoft Word, 12-point Times New Roman font.

• Set line spacing to 1.5 and adjust margins accordingly.

Referencing Styles

• Harvard Referencing: Requires in-text citations and a reference list.

• Key Elements: Author's name, year of publication, and page numbers where necessary.

• Ensure to engage with multiple referencing styles to acknowledge sources accurately.

Citations and Quotations

• Paraphrase: Reword a text while maintaining its original meaning without copying.

• Quoting: Use exact phrases from a source sparingly and effectively to support arguments.

• Avoid quoting to merely fill space; only quote when necessary for clarity and emphasis.

Plagiarism Awareness

• Understand definitions and forms of plagiarism, including improper paraphrasing and lack of citations.

Topic Sentences and Transitions

• Topic Sentence: The central idea of a paragraph that guides the reader.

• Transitions: Use connecting phrases to maintain flow and clarity between ideas.

Academic Instructional Commands

• Terms like "Analyze," "Evaluate," and "Discuss" instruct how to approach assignments with clarity and precision.