What is Academic Writing?
Types and Features of Academic WritingAcademic 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.