Academic Writing: 13 points to consider
Academic writing is formal. This means that not all English words and phrases are appropriate.
When you write or proofread your written work, consider the thirteen points below.
1
Don’t use “I”, “we” or “you” (unless you are writing a reflective or creative piece)
I think Marx was a great political philosopher. Marx was a great political philosopher. (make a statement then support it)
Good focus will help you do your research. Good focus helps students with research. (always try to be specific)
2
Don’t use the apostrophe to abbreviate words (contractions)
can’t = cannot
don’t = do not
won’t = will not
isn’t = is not
(write words out in full)
3
Don’t repeat yourself by using different words that say the same thing (tautologies)
There are a number of legal and legislative obstacles. There are a number of legal obstacles.
It’s useful and beneficial to consider both the two approaches. It is useful to consider both approaches.
4
Don’t abbreviate low numbers (unless you’re writing a science or maths paper or working with statistics)
There are 3 principle theories to be considered. There are three principle theories to be considered.
But you can write dates numerically: The main theory originated in 1934.
5
Don’t use jokes or puns
6
Don’t be general when you can be precise (don't use inaccurate language)
Avoid words like: a lot, many, a few, some, very, quite, big, huge, massive, small
Many years ago, the population was very large. In 1923, the population was thirty million
There was a big of difference between the two sides in terms of fighting men.
The British numbered a quarter of a million troops, the Boers no more that sixty thousand.
7
Don’t use colloquial or conversational language or slang
A colloquial style is too informal and often too general. Some common expressions to avoid are:
“big”, “get”, “going to”, “maybe”, “a lot of”, “really”, “not too bad”, “pretty good”, “quite”
Make a list of the colloquial expressions you make and translate them into more formal language alternatives.
8
Don’t write single sentence paragraphs
9
Don’t use the / symbol (choose the correct word)
It is useful/beneficial to consider both approaches. It is useful to consider both approaches.
The evidence disproves/invalidates Smith’s hypothesis. The evidence invalidates Smith’s hypothesis.
What are the main reasons for this? How should we deal with the issues? Is the political situation likely to hinder the process?
(you are required to answer questions not set them! If you do pose questions, then address them)
Don’t use exclamation marks!!!!!! (unless they appear in quotes)
11
10
Don’t use too many direct questions
13
12
Don't use etc. to mean there is other information but you haven't written it
Jenkins argues that the lack of close and regular contact with the mother may negatively impact on early language
development and the ability to form stable, emotional bonds etc.
Don’t use emotive phrases (don’t show emotion! unless you are writing a reflective piece)
The unemployment rate has sadly increased in the past year.
© 2016 Peter Lia: Learning support Tutor
[email protected]
The unemployment rate has increased by 5% in the last year.