[Academic Writing] What is Academic Writing?
Types and Features of Academic Writing
Academic writing is widely
used for academic purposes at universities, graduate schools, and other
research institutes dedicated to academic research, and is a form of writing
used to communicate knowledge and research results, and make research
proposals. There is a conventional formality to the content,
structure, and form that has been established over time in academia. Since academic writing is intended for academic
discourse on various topics encompassing ideas, knowledge, research content and
results, and research direction, it should be concise and free fr|om
preconceived notions.
Types of
Academic Writing
Academic essays and
theses/dissertations written at universities and research institutes, and
journal articles, books, reports, and book chapters intended for publication
are typical examples of academic writing. Meanwhile, research proposals, conference
abstracts/posters/papers, literature reviews, and seminar papers also fall
under the category of academic writing.
Structure
of Academic Writing
Academic writing employs a
robust structure aimed at effectively communicating academic content. In
general, the structure is comprised of an introduction that outlines the
academic purpose, a main body containing the method, content and results of
academic research activities, and a conclusion describing the academic findings
derived fr|om such research activities. Depending on the genre, a more
detailed format may be used. The following are the two types that are most
commonly used.
1. Introduction - Body -
Conclusion
ㆍThis would be an article that
provides background information on a particular area of academic interest and
presents relevant evidence that supports the author’s opinion.
ㆍSuch an article would have a
clear and concise introduction of the topic, a body listing in logical order
the supporting evidence, and a conclusion that explains the importance and
significance of the topic by summarizing the introduction and main body.
ㆍThe main body may consist of
several chapters that each deal with sub-topics.
ㆍIn general, academic essays,
reports, book chapters, literature reviews, and seminar papers use this
structure. This is also the broader framework used for
theses/dissertations in humanities and social sciences focusing on theoretical
research.
2. Introduction - Materials
and Methods - Results - Discussion
ㆍThis would be an article that
sets forth academic hypotheses or questions, tests them to gather supporting
evidence, and presents answers.
ㆍSuch an article would consist
of an introduction that lays out not only known facts, but also the hypotheses
and/or questions, materials and methods used to test them, results including
procedures and data analysis, and discussions.
ㆍThis is an academic writing
structure widely used for research articles that test hypotheses using
experiments to find direct answers to research questions. This structure
is widely used for experiment papers in natural sciences and engineering, and
is also applied in other disciplines such as humanities and social sciences and
arts and sports when proving hypotheses and/or answering academic questions
using experiments.
Key Features
of Academic Writing
Formality
ㆍThe formality of academic
writing allows the overall content to be delivered in a uniform manner, which
provides an equal platform for the research to be compared and evaluated with
other studies.
ㆍUse a formal register instead
of a colloquial one. In other words, refrain fr|om using colloquial
expressions such as abbreviations, implicatures, or metaphors, and make sure to
choose words and collocations suitable for academic writing.
ㆍStay away fr|om conversational
tones, vulgarities, old and outdated expressions, and clichés.
Clarity
ㆍMake sure to use precise words
to make sure there is no ambiguity so that the author’s intent can
be conveyed without any room for misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
ㆍAvoid using ambiguous
expressions such as “probably” and “maybe” as they weaken the author's point
and obstruct the credibility of the entire article.
ㆍUse jargons or technical terms
commonly used in academic circles only when they amplify the clarity of
sentences and the article as a whole. Most importantly, make sure to
provide an academic definition for words that can have different meanings in
different fields.
ㆍAvoid long and complex
sentences and keep them short and concise.
Objectivity
ㆍAcademic writing should have a
clear purpose and thus place distinct emphasis on factual information and
issues.
ㆍWrite objectively and
persuasively drawing on supporting evidence, but refrain fr|om including
personal feelings or opinions. Furthermore, avoid appealing to emotions or
making exaggerated claims.
Accuracy
ㆍEverything ranging fr|om the
academic content to grammar, spelling, and citations must be accurate.
ㆍDouble check your
data. Incorrect numbers can undermine the credibility of the article.
ㆍProvide precise definitions
for any abbreviations used.
ㆍWhen writing in English, pay
attention to capitalization, tense, and punctuation marks.
Consistency
ㆍThe language and tone used in
academic writing should be consistent.
ㆍOnce keywords are established,
use them consistently throughout the article without alterations.
ㆍBe consistent in the use of
abbreviations and numeric format.
Impartiality
ㆍThe purpose of academic
writing is to convey academic content in its true form without
bias. Arguments should incorporate a wide range of evidence, but steer
clear of any stereotypes. Even if a hypothesis is widely accepted in the
academic field, any assertions should be supported by direct evidence.
ㆍIt’s critical
that the author’s findings are fairly and accurately
distinguished fr|om others’ research and explained as
such.
ㆍFurthermore, it’s important
to establish credibility in research findings by clearly spelling out the
research methods and being frank about their limitations.
Critical Assessment
ㆍAcademic writing requires
critical analysis that goes beyond simple descriptions. This means you
shouldn’t blindly accept as facts research findings and cited sources. You
must analyze and assess the credibility and justifiability of the information
and make a responsible decision as a scholar.
ㆍCritical writing begins with
critical thinking, which requires an attitude of reading and analyzing a wealth
of information aimed at acquiring an in-depth understanding of the subject in
question.
Citations
ㆍCite references that helped
form the basis of your argument. Make sure to cite sources of all texts,
photos, and any other form of media illustrated and analyzed as supporting
evidence.
ㆍUse reliable data provided by
sources appropriate for academic writing. Typical examples are academic
journals, articles, and reports.
ㆍCitation is essential to
logically support an author’s claim and is an act of
acknowledging the academic achievements of others.
Requirements
for Successful Academic Writing
If you are new to academic
writing, you may feel at a loss as to how to approach academic writing while
achieving the level of professionalism and proficiency required.
The basics of successful
writing is “reading”. In order to master academic
writing, you should read as many articles as you can on your topic of academic
interest.
Obtaining airtight research
findings is also the key to logical and powerful writing. In the process
of writing, get feedback fr|om non-professionals (friends and family) and make
revisions accordingly to improve your writing. Above all, enthusiasm and
passion should drive research and an open and honest attitude about the results
of such research will go a long way in successful academic writing.