Academic writing skills
Academic writing skills.
– Assignments
– Exams
– Dissertations
– Papers
We have previously discussed the process of absorbing and processing data. Other crucial skills are the ability to output this information in a coherent and scholarly format.
In academia, this skill is demonstrated through completing assignments, reports, dissertations, and exams and is further developed by writing academic papers and journals.
The 4 Qs in Academic Writing
• Your aim with academic writing is to effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas to the intended reader
• The 4 questions which must be answered in an essay if you want your message to be clear
WHO?
WHY?
WHAT?
HOW?
• Who (your reader) – Who will read your work?
• Why (purpose) – Why do you write at university?
• What (the content) – The answer to the question of what you write, the content and context of your writing.
• How (structure and style) – How you write refer to the way information is organized or structured and the style in which it is put together. This may vary from one type to another
Academic writing guidelines
Define your purpose and reader
Structure your work
How to incorporate evidence
Use clear and concise language
Convey your opinion
Choose the correct tense and voice
Build your argument
Features of Academic Writing
Link :
Learning Activity
• Learners to:
– Work in groups to discuss what skills are developed in academic writing. Think about the process of undertaking exams, written assignments, reports and dissertations (30 minutes).
– Write down - how these academic writing skills have been developed thus far, where these skills would be
useful and how to further refine your skillset (30 minutes).
– Discuss in your groups the importance of strong academic writing skills. Also think about how this set of skills can be applied in a workplace (20 minutes).