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.   

How-Tos of Academic Writing One of the purposes of academic reports is to impart knowledge. Today there is a growing demand for professional essays such as scientific essays, music essays, and literary essays. As the general public's interest in specialized fields has increased, making disciplines easy to understand and approachable has become animportant consideration. No academic discipline finds value in isolating itself fr|om society. That is why you always have to think about ‘how’ you can impart ‘expert knowledge’ in an ‘accurate and comprehensible’ way.      Interpret and analyze the world as an extension of your life The first thing to do is decide on a topic. Where do you find a topic? One of the best ways to maximize the originality of your topic is to draw on your own experiences. This will help you gain an objective perspective of yourself by removing yourself fr|om and analyzing personal issues fr|om a social perspective. This in turn will help you become aware of your social self and maintain a balanced view of society and your neighbors.     Explain the 'concept' objectively and accurately Since academic writings convey expert knowledge, it often requires the use ofdifficult and technical terms or concepts. One important principle you need to follow is making sure that these terms and concepts are accurately defined and interpreted. Misrepresentation of a concept will inevitably hinder the consistency and coherence in the overall argument. Accurately developing a concept first and foremost refers to providing an easy interpretation in accordance with its dictionary meaning. Meanwhile, this can also entail producing new meanings that the dictionary meaning fails to capture by reinterpreting existing interpretations through a critical lens.     Draw on social phenomena Academic writing, like any other type of writing, is about adding your voice to public discourse. In this sense, social phenomena are great sources to draw on when looking for topics to write about. However, when writing about real-world problems it’s important to remember to keep your readers on their toes by logically developing your argument and tying that in with real world issues. In other words, you need to be logical, critical, and realistic at the same time.

Top 10 Tips for Academic Writing Let's take a look at the basics to honing academic writing skills, and some “dos and don'ts”.   1.    Become an avid reader. Reading is fundamental to writing. Studying articles in your field of research is a prerequisite for academic writing. The deeper your wealth of academic knowledge, the stronger your foundation for writing. To improve reading comprehension skills, set aside 30 minutes everyday to get used to reading long texts in one sitting. Reading various articles written by prolific writers fr|om other academic fields as well as your own will contribute significantly to improving academic writing skills.   2.    Master new words and useful expressions. When you come across a new word, immediately look it up in the dictionary, study the definition, look up examples of sentences using the word, and check how the word is properly used.  Also make sure to study their collocations and use of idioms.   3.    Use formal register. Avoid colloquial language and use polite language. Do not use adjectives that express personal feelings or emotions (e.g. do not use words such as ‘pretty’, ‘beautiful’, ‘wonderful’, etc.).   4.    Use short and concise sentences. First and foremost, use short sentences as much as possible to convey clear meaning. Long sentences found in academic writing are mostly comprised of short sentences that are connected and well-organized to form one long one. Avoid beginning with long-winded sentences.   5.    Avoid repetition. Do not repeat the same words or list synonyms. However, keywords should be used repeatedly without variation across sentences.   6.    Predominantly use the active voice. The active voice is recommended for academic writing aimed at clear communication because it is a more direct, concise, and powerful way of conveying your message compared to the passive voice. Use the passive voice sparingly only when the result is more effective because 1) the subject is unclear, 2) the reader is clearly aware of the subject, or 3) the object is more important than the subject.   7.    Do not use the second person (i.e. ‘you’). Since the second person is imperative, it is impermissible in academic writing that draws on objective facts. Use the first person when the subject of the action is the author, and the third person when referring to the object of the action.   8.    Pay attention to punctuation marks. Proper use of punctuation marks will help in accurately conveying the meaning of a sentence. Familiarize yourself with the use of periods (.), question marks (?), exclamation points (!), commas (,), colons (:), and semicolons (;).   9.    Use paragraphs to your advantage. Use paragraphs to help develop your writing with a logical flow across the main body. A single paragraph should cover a single idea and the first sentence of a paragraph should clearly state the paragraph’s main idea.   10.  Use the correct verb tense. Immutable facts are expressed in the present tense and the author’s actions are described using the past tense. Take great care to use the correct tense with auxiliary verbs as that will distinguish between facts and presumptions/assumptions.