Academic Writing Techniques and Structures

Study Notes

Language Used in Academic Text

Academic writing serves three main purposes: to inform, to argue, and to persuade.
It requires careful thought, adherence to rules and practices, and formal yet accessible language.
Common forms of academic writing include reviews, conference papers, and research papers.
Knowledge of the writer is often greater than that of the reader.
Academic writing is characterized by its formal and objective style, contrasting with the subjective nature of non-academic writing.

Text Structure

Description: Offers a detailed depiction to create a mental image for the reader.
Comparison/Contrast: Examines similarities and differences between subjects.
Problem & Solution: Describes an issue and proposes a response or resolution.
Order/Sequence: Organizes content chronologically or in step-by-step procedures.

Techniques in Summarizing Academic Text

Summarizing involves condensing main ideas into original wording.
Plagiarism: Using others' ideas or words without citation.
Paraphrasing: Rephrasing text while maintaining original meaning.

Stating the Thesis Statement

A thesis statement outlines the central argument of a paper and guides the reader.
It states a debatable claim that could be challenged.
Distinction between thesis statements and factual statements is critical:
- Thesis: "Students should wear uniforms to promote equality."
- Fact: "There are many homeless people in the Philippines."

Outlining Text

Outlining organizes thoughts logically, serving as a pre-writing strategy.
It streamlines the revision process, minimizing rearrangement of ideas later.
Topic Outline: Provides an overview using short phrases.
Sentence Outline: Dives into detail using complete sentences to share more depth.

Critical Writing

Reader-Response: Focuses on personal interpretation and meaning-making while reading.
Feminism: Analyzes the depiction of women and their influence in literature.
Sociological Criticism: Emphasizes the impact of social environments on literary analysis.
Biographical Approach: Considers the author’s life and background for deeper insight.
Formalism: Views literary texts as having timeless and universal meanings.

Writing a Critique

A critique expresses judgment about art, events, or programs for the readers' benefit.

Description

This quiz covers the essential techniques and structures used in academic writing. It explores the purposes of academic writing, various text structures, and effective summarizing strategies. Test your understanding of how to convey information formally and objectively.