Academic Writing Process Overview

Academic Writing Process

• No single best method exists for writing; your style evolves over time
• Use assignment guidelines and frameworks to build a process
• Different processes exist, including genre writing (various academic styles) and linking writing strategies to specific genres
• Academic writing at university often involves assignment writing, with some students also engaging in research.
• The assignment writing process is the same as the academic writing process.
• Time management is crucial for writing; planning and preparation, writing assignments, and editing assignments all have dedicated time requirements.
• The academic writing process comprises preparation, ten steps, writing, and editing.

Overview - Assignment Writing

• Preparation includes time management, goals setting, and planning
• Ten Steps are a series of steps for approaching assignments.
• Writing involves structure and efficient writing techniques.
• Editing involves evaluating and improving your work.

SMART Goals

• SMART Goals are a way to set goals.
• Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound

Ten Steps

• 1. Analyze the question (task, topic, and limiting words)
• 2. Brainstorm and mind map (record all known and unknown information; organize into a mind map)
• 3. Develop focus questions (refine and develop information; form future sections and paragraphs)
• 4. Browse resources (read based on brainstorming; identify keywords to search; contextualize and conceptualize knowledge, remember good writing necessitates reflective thought)
• 5. Refine focus questions (evaluate the effectiveness of your questions and refine, add, or remove questions)
• 6. Read and take notes (selective reading; guide by focus questions; record and sort notes)
• 7. Visualize (mind map): synthesize themes and focus questions, link ideas, structure the assignment, think better when you visualize the structure, create a detailed plan)
• 8. Write and rewrite
• 9. Reflect, edit, and proofread
• 10. Submit and keep a copy

Assignment Length

• University assignments range from 3,000 to 15,000 words.
• This typically requires 30 to 150 hours of work.
• Academic writing demands higher-order thinking and synthesis and evaluation.
• Good synthesis can't be achieved at the last minute, though writing may be possible. Thinking and planning takes time.

Genre of Assignments

• Understanding the specific genre (e.g., essay, reflection, case study) is key to your assignment and its structural requirements.
• Academic writing encompasses a strong narrative structure: an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Paragraph Structure

• Each paragraph has a Point (argument related to the thesis statement), an Explanation, supporting Evidence (research, examples, or references), and a Link back to the broader topic, previous point, thesis, next point, question. (Structure often follows the PEEL acronym for paragraph writing).

Editing Hierarchy

• Editing should prioritize content and ideas first; then organization; then sentence structure; and lastly, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Using an editing hierarchy prevents multi-tasking and helps avoid small errors in editing.

Timetable Example

• A sample timetable provides estimated time allocations for each step in the academic writing process.

Conclusion/General Writing Advice

• Follow a clear framework in your writing, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks.
• Plan ahead, assigning and allocating time for various phases of the process.
• Think and plan early.
• Take editing and proofreading seriously.
• Time invested in planning often saves time in the later stages.

This quiz explores the academic writing process, emphasizing the importance of preparation, structure, and effective time management. It outlines the ten steps to approach assignments and discusses the significance of editing in enhancing written work. Ideal for students looking to refine their academic writing skills.