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Writer's pictureRahma Tariq

What Is Academic Writing? | Dos and Don’ts for Students

Updated: Oct 22

Academic writing is like the official language of the smart world. It's how brainy folks communicate their big ideas and discoveries in papers and essays. 


You'll find it's a bit like following a recipe; there's a special order to things, like introducing the topic, talking about what others say about it, explaining how they did their research, sharing their findings, and then saying what it all leads to.

Recommendations of Academic Writing

 Prohibitions of Academic Writings

  • Argue with Evidence

  • Avoid Plagiarism

  • Be clear in your Arguments

  • Don’t involve emotion

  • Be grammatically accurate

  • Don’t drag the conversation

  • Be Unbiased with your words



TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITINGS:

Academic writing as a different group of scholars, each with their style and purpose:


The Researcher

Like a detective, the researcher goes deep into the topic, uncovering new points and presenting them in a structured format.

The Essayist

This thinker is like a debater, developing arguments and backing them up with facts and analysis.

The Reviewer

Consider a librarian who gathers all the books on a topic, organizes them, and offers insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

The Dissertation Author

Similar to an explorer, this academic embarks on a long journey of discovery, documenting their findings in a detailed work.

The Article Writer

Picture a journalist for the academic world, writing on new research or providing deep analysis for people.

The Book Critic

Like a book club member, this academic reads and studies academic books, providing their opinions to others in the field.

The Reporter

This writer collects facts and presents them in a clear, concise manner, like a journalist covering a news story.

The Case Study Expert

Think of this academic as a storyteller, using real-life examples to illustrate complex ideas or concepts.

The Bibliographer

Similar to a curator, this academic collects and organizes references on a topic, providing summaries and evaluations for others to explore.

THE DOS OF ACADEMIC WRITING:

Following are the do’s of academic writing:


Back Your Points with Evidence

Just like a lawyer presenting a case, support your words with solid evidence from reliable references. This could be like collecting clues to support your case, making your argument stronger and convincing.


It's like using ingredients from a trusted recipe—you want your evidence to be trustworthy and relevant.



When you're using evidence, it's not just about dropping quotes or facts randomly. You have to introduce it properly, explaining why it matters and how it relates to your main point. 


It's like telling a story—give your evidence some context so your reader understands why it's there.


So, instead of just saying something, you provide evidence or support to back it up. This evidence could be facts, research findings, or examples that strengthen your words. 


Be Crystal Clear

Think of yourself as a tour guide leading a group through a maze; clarity is key.


Use simple language and clear explanations to make sure everyone understands what you're saying. It's like giving clear directions so no one loses their way.


Avoid using fancy words or difficult phrases that might leave your reader scratching their head. 


Instead, keep it to the point and clear, like explaining something to a friend who's not familiar with the topic.


Being crystal clear helps your readers get what you're saying without any difficulty, making your writing more engaging and convincing.


Keeping the words formal in academic writing means using basic and professional language. It's like dressing up your words for a special occasion—you want them to look sharp and show you mean business.


So, skip the slang and casual talk, and instead use clear and to-the-point language to get your point across. 


Follow the grammatical rules

Academic writing has its own rules, like how to structure your paper and cite your sources. Following these rules shows that you know how to write and helps others study your work smoothly.


Following the grammatical rules of academic writing means making sure your sentences are structured correctly and your punctuation is correct.


Think of it as playing by the rules of a game—it helps everyone understand and respect each other's work. By following these rules, you show that you take your writing seriously and want to communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.



Correct verb form and sentence structures are required for it to be considered academic writing. Any kind of grammatical mistake is gonna cause the reader to be confused and your proper message will not be conveyed. 


But don’t make it way too difficult for the reader or else it’s gonna cause more than just the incorrect message being conveyed.


Unbiased Wordings

Being unbiased in academic writing means being fair and objective. It involves using a neutral tone and presenting different viewpoints without favoring one side.


Your arguments should be backed by solid evidence from trustworthy sources, not personal beliefs. You should accurately reflect others' ideas and research, even if you disagree with them. 


Avoid using emotional language that could influence the reader's opinion. This approach ensures that your writing is trustworthy and respected in the academic community.

Biased Opinion Example:

"The new climate change policy is completely pointless and won't work because the government is only interested in making money and doesn't care about the environment."

Unbiased Opinion Example

"The new climate change policy has received mixed reactions. Supporters believe it will help reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable practices, while critics worry about its economic impact and practicality. More evidence is needed to determine its overall effectiveness."

THE DON’TS OF ACADEMIC WRITING:

Following are some don’ts of academic writing:


Copying Others

Not plagiarizing in academic writing means making sure you create your stuff and acknowledge others when you rephrase. It's like being honest and fair in a game—you don't take credit for someone else's move.


Just like in a group project, don't try to copy off someone else's work as your own. It's like claiming credit for someone else's ideas, and it's a big no-no in academia.


When you use someone else's words or thoughts, you give them a shout-out by referencing them properly. It's kinda like saying, "Hey, this idea isn't mine, but I'm using it with permission."


Avoid any kinds of emotions

Avoiding emotions in academic writing is important because it keeps the writing objective and credible.


Think of academic writing like a formal event; you wouldn't wear jeans and a t-shirt to a fancy dinner. Similarly, don't use slang or casual language in your writing. Keep it professional and updated.



This makes the writing more trustworthy and clear, as readers can focus on the facts and logic rather than being distracted by emotional language. Additionally, it maintains professionalism and fairness by considering all viewpoints without bias.


Make the conversation to the point

In academic writing, it's important to keep content concise and to the point. Clear writing makes it easier for readers to understand the main ideas without getting lost in unnecessary details.


It also keeps readers engaged, as they are more likely to stay focused on shorter, more direct text.



Additionally, scholars and researchers often look for specific information quickly, so concise writing respects their time.


It also shows professionalism and strengthens arguments by highlighting key points and supporting evidence without filler.


Overall, being concise makes academic writing clearer, more engaging, and more effective.

Dragged conversation Example:

To-the-point text Example:

"I was thinking about researching the effects of climate change on biodiversity, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. It seems like a really big topic with lots of different factors to consider, and I'm not sure where to start. Plus, I'm worried that I won't be able to find enough information to write a whole paper about it. What do you think? Do you think I should choose a different topic instead?"

"The proposed research aims to investigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. This study will analyze specific factors affecting biodiversity in the context of climate change. By focusing on key variables such as habitat loss, species extinction rates, and ecosystem disruptions, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological consequences of climate change."

Conclusion

Academic writing is a structured, formal way of communicating ideas, research, and analysis in various fields of study. It requires clarity, evidence-based arguments, and unbiased language to convey information effectively.


Following the dos, such as backing points with evidence and maintaining grammatical accuracy, enhances the quality and credibility of your work. On the other hand, avoiding plagiarism, emotional language, and unnecessary details ensures that your writing remains professional and concise.


By adhering to these guidelines, students can develop strong academic writing skills that are respected in scholarly communities.

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