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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