Academic Writing Flashcards
It is the process of writing analytically — the breaking
down of ideas with the purpose of presenting information
that depicts a clear understanding of a certain subject.
the process of presenting ideas in a
rational, organized, systematic, reasonable, and logical way
Academic Writing
A characteristic of academic writing where the answers the question and demonstrates an understanding of the subject.
Planned and Focused
A characteristic of Academic writing that is coherent, written in a logical order, and brings together related points and material.
Structured
A characteristic of academic writing that demonstrates knowledge of the subject area, supports opinions and arguments with evidence, and is referenced accurately.
Evidenced
A characteristic of Academic Writing that uses appropriate language and tenses, and is clear, concise and balanced.
Formal in tone and style
A LIST OF DOCUMENTS WHERE ACADEMIC WRITING IS USED
Book reviews
• Essays
• Research report
• Research proposal
• Scientific paper
• Academic journal
• Dissertation and Thesis
* Abstract
These are written to obtain an advanced
degree at a college or university.
Dissertation and Thesis
This is a short summary of a long document
Abstract
Types of Academic Writing
*EXPOSITORY
•NARRATIVE
•DESCRIPTIVE
•ARGUMENTATIVE
The purpose of this paper is explain, discuss, or
inform your audience about a given topic.
- offers an ideal
structure for identifying features and characteristics in a
given topic as in most research-driven papers,
comparison-contrast essays, reaction essays, and business
writing
Expository
- is one that paints a vivid image of
the story using a variety of writing techniques
(characterization, descriptions, plot…etc). - you are “narrating” or
telling a story. - must have a clear structure and must include an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Narrative
is to establish a point of view in regards to a particular topic and defend that point of view using logical arguments and relevant examples.
- Your point of view or perspective must be clearly stated in the thesis statement (generally in the introduction) that needs to be supported in the body of the essay using supporting evidence, counter-arguments and refutations.
Argumentative
you describe an experience, a character, an object, a state of mind. While this essay form comes with a level of freedom by allowing you to decide how to approach the task, you still need to effectively structure your ideas.
- Use vivid structures that are rich in sensory language to
help your readers not only understand what you are
describing, but visualize it
Descriptive
is the actual person(s) who will be reading your
paper. is generally your professor, your classmates and sometimes other professors who may be assessing your work.
It is, therefore, critical to consider how you will articulate your ideas in order to reach the desired objective for that specific audience.
Audience
Academic papers are written in formal academic tone, so they must be free of cliches and slang language. You must also ensure that your writing does not include language that may be considered offensive or sexist.
RHETORIC AND STYLE OF ACADEMIC WRITING
While your goal is not to impress your audience, academic writing is
certainly more involved and requires a higher level of sophistication
compared to high school writing.
• You are, therefore, expected to vary your sentence forms, using
complex and compound sentence structures.
Sentence Structure
help you establish relationships between ideas and
paragraphs and improve the overall quality of your writing.
*Most common are conjuctive adverbs such as “moreover, therefore, consequently… etc.)
Transitions or Transitional words
Assess your readers’ background knowledge of the topic and their ability to understand implications and references.
•In general, the less your audience knows about your topic,
the more details you must present to ensure clarity
Consider your readers’ familiarity with the content of your writing.
Content
basically accomplishes the
following goals:
✔ Gives an overview or background on the topic in broad terms
✔ Then narrows the scope of the topic to the presentation
✔ Prepares the reader for what is to come in the following writing
✔ Provides main points that will be discussed and why those are most
important to the subject matter
✔ Grabs the readers attention
Introduction
are the heart of an essay.
✔ Contains only one main idea stated by the topic sentence of that paragraph
✔ Analyzes the evidence
✔ Directly supports the thesis statement*
✔ Paragraphs are arranged in logical progression
✔ The paragraphs should flow smoothly from one to the next and have internal
fluidity while presenting supporting evidence to the paragraph’s main point
Body
usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and
evidence.
Short Statement
is the summary paragraph. It should
accomplish the following:
✔Clearly restates the thesis sentence but not in verbatim
form
✔ Briefly summarizes the evidence presented in the writing
✔Provides a final judgement on the subject matter discussed
by tying all themes and ideas together
Conclusion
Why use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries?
✔ Are required for each main point since the author cannot include
personal feelings or opinions
✔ Are clearly identified in proper required formatting form and style
✔ Provide evidence to support the argument of the writing
✔ Are used at strategic places in the writing to support statements
made
Citing Sources
