Understanding Academic Writing Essentials

Sep 15, 2024

Academic Writing Overview

Introduction

  • Video sponsored by eapfoundation.com for academic English needs.
  • Topic: What is academic writing?

Definition of Academic Writing

  • Communicates ideas, information, and research to the academic community.
  • Two types:
    1. Student Academic Writing
      • Used for assessment at university/schools.
      • Audience: Tutors/professors.
      • Purpose: Demonstrate learning.
    2. Expert Academic Writing
      • For publication in academic journals/books.
      • Audience: Other experts in the field.
      • Purpose: Creation of new knowledge.
  • Similar standards and requirements for both types.

Features of Academic Writing

There are seven key features:

  1. Structured

    • Clear structure for readability.
    • Typical formats:
      • Reports: Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion.
      • Essays: Introduction (with thesis), Body paragraphs (with topic sentences), Conclusion (summary).
    • Coherence and cohesion are essential.
    • Requires careful planning, similar to constructing a house.

  2. Evidenced

    • Opinions/arguments must be supported by:
      • Facts, reasons, examples, statistics, and citations.
    • Importance of using in-text citations as a key skill.

  3. Critical

    • Information should be analyzed and evaluated, not just described.
    • Requires in-depth understanding of the topic through extensive research.
    • Example: Critically evaluating limitations in previous research methods.

  4. Precise

    • Use clear and precise language, including subject-specific vocabulary.
    • Definitions may be necessary for complex terms.
    • Example: Terms like "vector breeding conditions" have precise meanings for experts.

  5. Balanced

    • Consideration of all sides of an issue; avoid bias.
    • Use of hedges (e.g., "suggests", "could") for uncertainty and boosters (e.g., "clearly", "indicates") for certainty.

  6. Objective

    • Focus on arguments and information, not the writer's personal views.
    • Use passive voice and impersonal structures (e.g., "the water was heated").

  7. Formal

    • Complex sentences; avoid contractions and informal language.
    • Examples of formal phrases:
      • "This is not the case" instead of "This isn't the case."
      • "There are a significant number of reasons" instead of "There are lots of reasons."
    • Reference academic word and collocation lists for formal vocabulary.

Conclusion

  • Summary of academic writing definition and features.
  • For more information, visit eapfoundation.com and related worksheets.