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The main elements that you have to take into account when writing academic papers like thesis or dissertations are presented
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What You Need to Know about Academic Writing
What is Academic Writing?
Academic wri+ng is a
form of language used by
people who communicate
within an academic
context using a wri9en
means.
Such a context is formal
in terms of rela+onships,
expecta+ons, thinking,
performance, crea+vity, and
compe++on among peers.
Therefore, the language form used must reflect such
formality; especially when communica+ng in wri9en
form due to the permanence of the means.
Importance of Academic Writing
Language is a social
construct that is
created by the people
who use it and
influenced by the
context in which it is
used.
�4
Do you use the same
language at home, at a
professional mee+ng, and at
a pub?
In fact, it may be
considered inappropriate.
Therefore, language
must change when
contexts do. When
interac+ng in academic
contexts, you should use
the language form
associated to it. Academic
wri+ng is part of it.
Characteristics of Academic Writing
1. Formal 2. Explicit 3. Precise 4. Structured 5. Unbiased 6. Responsible 7. Supported
Formal
Academic writing is formal in terms of vocabulary
used. It means that colloquial expressions, abbreviated
forms of verbs, contractions, sexist or racial terms,
idioms, and emotional language should be generally
avoided.
Explicit
Academic writing is explicit in relation to the message communicated and the connections among the parts of the text.
You write to express ideas, not to entertain or impress. Be sure of saying what you intend to say.
Sentences must be connected in a clear way by means of signal words and phrases that show the logical organization of texts (words like “therefore” and phrases like “for example”). A next conference will be focused on how to link texts.
Precise
Sentences, terms, dates, figures, and data must be
precise and texts must be focused. Avoid general
expressions like “a lot of people”, “many things”,
etc. Be sure of the meaning of a word before using
it. Be sure of having a clear focus for each paragraph
Structured
Essays, study reports, and thesis or dissertations have
specific structures. That fact assures that information is
presented in a logical way and that ideas can be
developed clearly and function as a unit. Follow the
structure that characterizes each type of academic text.
Unbiased
Academic writing intends to inform or to produce reasonably persuasive arguments. You try to convince using arguments that can be evaluated. To achieve such a goal, you need to use language and arguments that express neutrality. Unless your position as researcher is discussed as necessary to the study, your own ideas and feelings should not be evident.
Responsible
In academic writing, you are responsible of:
•providing evidence to support your claims
•managing information ethically
•understanding sources deeply
Supported
Academic writing is characterized by acknowledging
sources used to develop your own views or ideas.
Plagiarism is considered a severe academic crime.
Exercise
Paragraph to Evaluate The essay by Walter Lippman dealing with stereotyped thinking was very hard to understand. I’m sure I could write a better theme on something I am more interested in. Nevertheless I will try my best
Read the introductory paragraph on the right and establish if it reflects the features of academic writing discussed
Features that Are Not Reflected
A Better Paragraph Much of our thinking is
based on preconceived ideas that have been acquired through environmental influences rather than from objective truth (Lippmann, 1922). Therefore, stereotyped thinking is part of daily life. The person who realizes this is in a better position to cope with problems and get along with people who hold different views.
• Formality • Explicitness • Precision • Structure • Support
Examples adapted from Kinsella, P. L. (1968). The techniques of writing. New York, NY: Harcourt, Brace & World,
Now You Know1. What academic
writing is 2. Why it is
important 3. What
characterizes it
Any question?
You are invited to read about how to write headings that are correct academically speaking at http://www.doctoralnet.com/headings/item/153-‐pull-‐headings-‐from-‐4-‐sources-‐activity.html
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