Introduction to Academic Writing
| Site: | Plateforme pédagogique de l'Université Sétif2 |
| Cours: | Essay writing |
| Livre: | Introduction to Academic Writing |
| Imprimé par: | Visiteur anonyme |
| Date: | Sunday 19 May 2024, 10:52 |
1. Acedemic Writing
A broad definition of academic writing is any writing done to fulfill a requirement of a college or university. Academic writing is also used for publications that are read by teacher and researchers or presented at conferences. A very broad definition of academic writing could include any writing assignment given in an academic setting.
Here is a list of documents where academic writing is used. Some are self-explanatory and some have a brief explanation.
- Books and book reports
- Translations
- Essays
- Research paper or research article
- Conference paper
- Academic journal
- Dissertation and Thesis - These are written to obtaining an advanced degree at a college or university.
- Abstract - This is a short summary of a long document.
- Explication - This is a work which explains part of a particular work.
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.
3. Structure
An academic paper has three distinct sections - the introduction, body and conclusion:
- INTRODUCTION: In the introduction, you must grab the reader's attention and identify the thesis of the paper. You can do this by starting with:
- Several questions
- A quote from a famous work or person
- Some interesting facts or information
- A definition of an important term related to the work
- BODY: This is the main part of the work and the paragraphs must be clearly written and be arranged in a logical order, like chronologically or in order of importance. Each initial sentence links the preceding paragraph and the whole section flows smoothly.
Within each paragraph, the sentences need to flow and refer back to the topic. Cohesion is achieved by repeating important words, using synonyms for the main subject, and using transitional words like: however, such as, therefore, and for example.
- CONCLUSION: In the conclusion, you re-emphasize the thesis and summarize all the main points. The conclusion consists of one paragraph which shows the final conclusion to the reader.
Whether you are writing a research paper, a thesis, or a paper for a conference, these tips should help your paper be authoritative and coherent. Your thesis will be substantiated and explanations clear. Readers of your paper will follow your reasoning and understand your conclusion.