Module 1 Nature of Academic Text PDF

FCD CENTRAL INSTITUTE – SAN PABLO CITY Senior High School Department Module 1 Nature of Academic Text Academic Writing Academic writing is a structured process that begins with posing a question, problematizing...

FCD CENTRAL INSTITUTE – SAN PABLO CITY Senior High School Department Module 1 Nature of Academic Text Academic Writing Academic writing is a structured process that begins with posing a question, problematizing a concept, or evaluating an opinion, and concludes with answering the posed question(s), clarifying the problem, or arguing for a specific stance. Like other forms of writing, academic writing serves a distinct purpose: to inform, argue a specific point, and persuade. It addresses a specific audience, including your teacher, peers who evaluate your work, and the broader academic community. Key Considerations in Academic Writing Thinking: Academic writing is not simply about writing whatever comes to mind. It follows established rules and practices. The language used must be appropriate, formal, and clear without being overly pretentious. Writers must also consider the knowledge and background of their audience. Characteristics: Academic writing is: o Clear, concise, and focused: It aids the reader’s understanding. o Structured and logical: Ideas are presented in a coherent, organized manner. o Supported by evidence: Arguments and opinions are backed by accurate references. o Formal in tone: Language is professional, without unnecessary complexity. Nature of Academic Writing Academic writing is defined by the following qualities: Planned and focused: It answers questions and demonstrates understanding of the subject. Structured: Ideas are presented logically, linking related points and materials. Evidenced: Opinions are supported with relevant data and referenced accurately. Formal: The tone and style are clear, concise, and balanced, avoiding informal or overly complex language.  FCD CENTRAL INSTITUTE – SAN PABLO CITY Senior High School Department Examples of Academic Writing Academic writing encompasses a variety of formal written works produced in an academic setting. Some common examples include: Literary Analysis: This type of essay examines, evaluates, and argues about a literary work. It involves close reading of one or more texts, often focusing on specific characteristics, themes, or motifs. Research Paper: A research paper integrates external sources to support a thesis or argument. Written across disciplines, it can be evaluative, analytical, or critical. Sources include primary data (e.g., historical records) and secondary analyses (e.g., peer-reviewed articles). Dissertation: A dissertation or thesis is a book-length document summarizing original research, submitted as part of a Ph.D. program. Academic papers may be created as part of coursework, for study programs, or for publication in academic journals or edited collections.  FCD CENTRAL INSTITUTE – SAN PABLO CITY Senior High School Department Characteristics of Academic Writing While academic disciplines may have their own stylistic conventions, certain characteristics are shared by all forms of academic writing: 1. Clear and Limited Focus o Academic papers are centered around a specific argument or research question, clearly established in the thesis statement. o Every paragraph and sentence in the paper ties back to this primary focus. o Background or contextual information may be included, but only to support the thesis. 2. Logical Structure o Academic writing follows a coherent and straightforward structure, typically consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. ▪ Introduction: Provides background, defines the scope and direction of the paper, and states the thesis. ▪ Body Paragraphs: Develop and support the thesis, with each paragraph focusing on a single supporting point. ▪ Conclusion: Summarizes the main points, refers back to the thesis, and highlights the implications of the findings. o Sentences and paragraphs connect logically to present a clear, cohesive argument. 3. Evidence-Based Arguments o Academic writing relies on well-informed arguments supported by credible evidence. o Sources of evidence include scholarly articles, study results, experiments, or quotations from primary texts. o The use of evidence strengthens the argument and establishes its credibility. 4. Impersonal Tone o Academic writing prioritizes objectivity, presenting arguments logically and without bias. o Emotional, inflammatory, or subjective language is avoided. o Even when presenting ideas you agree or disagree with, they must be conveyed accurately and impartially. Abstracts in Academic Writing Many published academic papers include abstracts—concise summaries of the paper's main points. Abstracts appear in academic database search results, helping readers determine the paper’s relevance to their research.  FCD CENTRAL INSTITUTE – SAN PABLO CITY Senior High School Department Common Mistakes to Avoid in Academic Writing Academic writers across disciplines often face similar challenges. Avoid these common pitfalls to enhance the quality of your work: 1. Wordiness o Academic writing should convey complex ideas clearly and concisely. o Avoid overly long sentences (over 25 words) by breaking them into shorter, more readable ones. 2. Vague or Missing Thesis Statement o A clear thesis statement is the cornerstone of any academic paper. o Ensure each body paragraph ties back to and supports the thesis. 3. Informal Language o Use formal language and avoid slang, idioms, or conversational expressions. 4. Description Without Analysis o Go beyond summarizing or repeating arguments from sources. o Analyze and explain how the evidence supports your points and contributes to your argument. 5. Failure to Cite Sources o Always track and consistently cite source materials using the required style guide (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). o Cite all ideas that are not your own, whether paraphrased or quoted directly, to avoid plagiarism. By steering clear of these mistakes, you can improve the clarity, professionalism, and credibility of your academic writing.