Introduction to Academic Writing

2. Characteristics

Academic writing embraces a number of features that should be taken into account whenever producing a piece of writing:

• Planned and focused: answers the question and demonstrates an understanding of the subject.
• Structured: is coherent, written in a logical order, and brings together related points and material.
• Evidenced: demonstrates knowledge of the subject area, supports opinions and arguments with evidence, and is referenced accurately.
• Formal in tone and style: uses appropriate language and tenses, and is clear, concise and balanced.