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Key Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing has several key characteristics: it uses a formal tone without slang or clichés, precise language to clearly convey meaning, third person point-of-view to educate rather than support opinions, a research focus on specific questions studied, logical organization with headings, and proper citation of all sources. An introduction should grab attention and state the thesis, while the body presents information in a clear, logical order with cohesion. The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes main points or findings.

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Joel Pallan
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316 views9 pages

Key Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing has several key characteristics: it uses a formal tone without slang or clichés, precise language to clearly convey meaning, third person point-of-view to educate rather than support opinions, a research focus on specific questions studied, logical organization with headings, and proper citation of all sources. An introduction should grab attention and state the thesis, while the body presents information in a clear, logical order with cohesion. The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes main points or findings.

Uploaded by

Joel Pallan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Academic Writing Overview
  • Key Characteristics of Academic Writing
  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion

Academic Writing

.
Academic Writing

Key Characteristics of Academic Writing


• While specific requirements may vary based on the
particular form of academic writing or the class or
publication for which a work is produced, some
characteristics are common to all academic writing.
• formal tone - A formal tone is always used in academic
writing. It is not lighthearted or conversational in tone.
Slang and clichés do not belong in this type of writing.
Academic Writing
• precise language - In keeping with the formal tone, it’s
important to choose precise language that very clearly
conveys the author’s meaning.
• point-of-view (POV) - Academic writing is usually written
in third person POV because its focus is to educate on
the facts rather than to support an opinion or give advice.
• research focus - Because most academic writing involves
reporting research results, it tends to focus on the specific
research question(s) being studied.
Academic Writing
• organization - Academic writing should be organized
logically in a linear, matter-of-fact fashion. Use headings
to delineate each major section.
• source citations - Most academic writing includes at least
some secondary research sources. Be sure to properly
cite all sources and include a bibliography.
• Of course, individual assignments may sometimes have
different requirements. Always review submission
guidelines carefully to verify you are following the proper
format and style.
Academic Writing

Introduction
In the introduction, you must grab the reader's attention and identify the thesis
of the paper. Depending on the type of paper you are writing, there are several
appropriate hook approaches to consider for the introduction. Consider
beginning your introduction with one of the following options:

-statement of the research question


-declaration of the work’s primary focus
--relevant quote from a famous work or person
-some interesting facts or statistics
-operational definition of important terms related to the work
Academic Writing

Body
• This is the main part of the work. The paragraphs must be clearly written and
arranged in a logical order. For example, it could be arranged chronologically
or in order of importance.
• The first sentence in each paragraph should link to the preceding paragraph
so the whole section flows smoothly.
• Within each paragraph, the sentences need to flow and refer back to the
topic.
• Achieve cohesion by repeating important words, using synonyms for the
main subject, and using transitional words (like however, such as, therefore,
and for example).
Academic Writing

Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to cleanly bring the paper to a
close for readers. It should reiterate the thesis and summarize
the main points or findings. If the paper is summarizing the
results of a research study, it is generally best to suggest an
area for further research or study, based on the conclusions
presented.

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