Ex. 1.14. Study the following comments on Academic Writing

Ex. 1.14. Study the following comments on Academic Writing. 

Written English, like spoken English, may be formal or informal.

The main features of academic writing are as follows:

  • it is formal in an impersonal or objective style (often using impersonal pronouns and phrases and passive verb forms);
  • the cautious language is frequently used in reporting research and making claims;
  • the vocabulary appropriate for particular academic contexts is used (this may involve specialist or technical words);
  • the structure of the writing will vary according to the particular type (genre), for example, essay, report, thesis, etc.

In addition, academic writing often contains references to other writers' publications, sometimes including quotations.

                                                                                                                   

(From: Jordan, R. R. (1999). Academic writing course: Study skills in English (3rd ed.). Harlow, MA: Pearson Education. P.91)

Academic writing follows a standard organizational pattern.

For academic essays and papers, there is an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Each paragraph logically leads to the next one:

 

  • The introduction catches the readers’ attention, provides background information, and lets the reader know what to expect. It also has the thesis statement.
  • The body paragraphs support the thesis statement. Each body paragraph has one main point to support the thesis, which is named in a topic sentence. Each point is then supported in the paragraph with logical reasoning and evidence. Each sentence connects to the one before and after it. The readers do not have to work to find the connection between ideas.
  • The conclusion summarizes the paper’s thesis and main points and shows the reader the significance of the paper’s findings.

 

(From: Ann Whitaker (2010). Academic Writing Guide. City University of Seattle. P.3)

Last modified: Tuesday, 11 February 2020, 9:42 PM