Introduction to Academic Writing

Introduction to Academic Writing

• Academic writing is a formal style used to communicate ideas, information, and research to the wider academic community.
• It is categorized into two types: student academic writing and expert academic writing.
• Student academic writing is used for assessments at universities and schools.
• Expert academic writing is intended for publication in academic journals or books.

Features of Academic Writing

• Structured: Academic writing should have a clear, coherent structure, and logical progression of ideas. The different parts of the writing should clearly connect to each other. Careful planning is essential.
• Evidenced: Opinions and arguments must be supported by evidence from experts in the field. Proper referencing is required. Examples include in-text citations and a reference section.
• Critical: Writers should not simply accept information as fact but analyze and evaluate it. Judgments about information should be made before deciding how to incorporate it into writing.
• Balanced: Writers should consider all sides of an issue and challenge research evidence. This allows a deeper understanding and a clearer stance on the topic.
• Precise: Using clear and precise language is important. Technical vocabulary (subject-specific) should be used when it clarifies meaning compared to general terms.
• Objective: The focus is on the information and arguments, not the writer's personal opinions. Nouns and noun phrases are prioritized over adverbs and verbs. Passive structures are common.
• Formal: Academic writing uses formal language with longer sentences and complex words. Avoid casual language and common expressions from everyday speech.

Commonly Confused Words and Phrases

• Affect/Effect: Effect as a noun means result, affect as a verb means to influence.
• Can/May: Can refers to ability, may refers to permission.
• Farther/Further: Farther refers to a physical distance, while further refers to time, degree, or quantity.
• Good/Well: Well is used for conditions, while good is used for attitudes or qualities.

Comparing Academic and Personal Writing Styles

• Academic: Logically structured, impersonal, and often lacks emotion. Objective and based on research facts; written in passive voice.
• Personal: Unstructured, personal, and may be emotive. Subjective and based on personal views; written in active voice.
• Critical observation, careful consideration of information sources, and logical deductions may be required to make an objective, well-structured academic statement.

Imply/Infer

• Imply: Suggesting something without explicitly stating it.
• Infer: Deduce something from evidence provided.

Irregardless/Regardless

• Use "regardless," "irregardless" is incorrect.

Precede/Proceed

• Precede: To go ahead or in front of something.
• Proceed: To begin or carry on an action.

Principle/Principal

• Principal: Head of a school.
• Principle: A fundamental truth.