ECA Library & Learning Support: Academic Writing : Academic Writing

What is Academic writing?

Key Points

Academic writing is formal, impersonal and objective.
Writing needs to be clear, direct and follow a plan.
It must have academic integrity and requires the use of citations and referencing.

What is academic writing?

Objects, facts and ideas are emphasied (usually with referencing) instead of people and feelings.
It uses specific vocabulary and styles of writing according to the subject.
It includes many different structures such as essay, report or case study.
Each paragraph should present or explore just one main idea or argument, supported by discussion, evidence, research and examples from scholarly sources, which must be referenced.
Writing should flow and be easy to follow for the reader.

How to structure a paragraph

Avoid using conversational language, slang, idioms, cliches and colloquialism.
Avoid using multi-word verbs such as talked about replace with single verbs like discussed.
Avoid using contractions such as it’s or shouldn’t. Write them in full it is and should not.
Avoid using personal pronouns such as I, we, you and our. Replace with more specific words such as Managers, health care workers or students. However, personal pronouns can be used if you are doing reflective writing.
Spell out numbers from zero to nine and use numerals for 10 and above unless the number is at the start of the sentence.

Follow a plan. Have one main idea per paragraph and outline what your paper will cover in the introduction.
Make sure you signpost the main idea of the paragraph in your first sentence (topic sentence).
Use linking words and reference chains to guide your reader.

Signposts

Linking words and phrases

Reference chains

to list items: first(ly), second(ly), finally
to make a comparison or indicate similarity: likewise, correspondingly, similarly
to indicate contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
to indicate addition: in addition, furthermore, moreover
to make a generalization: usually, typically, mainly
to give a reason: because (of), due to, for this reason
to indicate result or consequence: therefore, thus, as a result, consequently
to come to a conclusion: in summary, in brief

this, that, these, those
make sure it is followed by a noun construction (e.g: These factors, This method, Those participants).

Find out what the assessment task genre is. Look at examples and read the guides on the assessment types page. Is it an essay a report or case study?
Pay attention to structure, referencing and vocabulary when reading academic sources.
Proofread your work.
Pay close attention to feedback you get on your writing from teachers.
Ask learning support or your teacher for advice and further feedback on your writing.

Assessment Types Guide
A helpful page to see how to guides and examples of common assessment types.

Download PDF Guide here
A PDF version of the guide above on writing academic writing