2. 01 02 03 04
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is
Academic
Writing?
Academic
Writing
Problems Faced
by Students
Common
Academic
Writing Issues &
their Solutions
Smarter
Academic
Writing Tips &
15 Quick Writing
Tips
3. Academic writing is concise, clear,
focused, structured writing that is
supported by evidence. The purpose of
academic writing is to aid the readers’
understanding. Academic writing usually
is formal but does not require technical
jargon and complex vocabulary.
What is Academic Writing?
4. —Jane Yolen
“Exercise the writing muscle every
day, even if it is only a letter, notes,
a title list, a character sketch, a
journal entry. Writers are like
dancers, like athletes. Without that
exercise, the muscles seize up.”
5. Difficulty in linking
words and phrases
Using wrong words,
verbs, and confusing
prepositions
Problems in writing
introduction, main
body and conclusion
Borrowing passages
from articles, books
and websites without
giving credit to the
original author
Lexical Issues
Grammar and
Punctuation Plagiarism Text Structure
Academic Writing Problems
Faced by Students
6. Checking carefully
for errors in
agreement. Not
shifting person,
numbers, or tenses
Paying special
attention to
handling quoted
material
Avoiding choppy
effect
Agreement Citation Style Combining
Sentences
Avoiding using
commas in
between two
independent
clauses
Arguments must be
based on evidence.
Having a topic
sentence or a
central idea in
every paragraph
Comma Splice Evidence
Paragraph
Design
Common Academic Writing
Issues & their Solutions
7. Smarter
Academic writing
tips
Writing should not
seem to be forced
Writing Meaningful
Sentences
The choice of the
words should be based
on the target readers
Choosing
Simple Words
Avoid using passive
voice
Using Active
Voice
Short paragraphs make
reading easier
Keeping
Paragraphs Short
8. •Stopping overthinking
• Practicing writing
every day
•Making notes
•Capturing interesting
anecdotes
•Researching
interesting topics
•Brainstorming
•Knowing the
audience
•Choosing the
right words
•Outlining main
points
•Structuring the
writing
· Using bullet
points
· Creating a draft
· Writing clearly
· Being concise
· Presenting new
ideas
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15
15 quick writing tips
Today, we are going to discuss Smarter Academic Writing Tips.
So here are the contents that will be discussed today.
So what is academic writing?
Academic writing is beyond simply writing an essay. It is a concise, clear, focused, structured writing that is supported by evidence. The purpose of academic writing is to aid the readers’ understanding. Academic writing usually is formal but does not require technical jargon and complex vocabulary.
“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”
So this is a famous quote by the author Jane Yolen. Writing is a skill. One needs a lot of practice to improve writing skills. Therefore, students should keep on writing.
Here are some of the Academic Writing Problems faced by students.
Lexical Issues.
The students are sometimes unable to properly link words and phrases. It is especially difficult for students who do not have an experience in essays and reports.
Grammar and Punctuation.
Errors in grammar and punctuation are one of the reasons students do not get good grades in their papers. It is challenging for the students who do not have English as a first language. Students might use wrong words, verbs, and confuse prepositions.
Plagiarism.
It can be challenging for the students to put their thoughts on paper. Sometimes it might be difficult for them to meet the strict deadlines. Such challenges can force them to resort to plagiarism by borrowing passages from articles, books and websites without giving credit to the original author.
Text Structure.
Academic writing follows a certain structure. Commonly it is based on three main components: introduction, main body and conclusion. However, it is not as easy as it seems. Students find it challenging to even write an introduction.
Common Academic Writing Issues & their Solutions
Agreement: One should not shift third person to second. Same is the case with numbers and tenses.
Citation Style.
The citation style should be followed for websites, scholarly articles, books, and images, etc.
Combining Sentences.
Combining short sentences into longer ones.
Comma Splices.
A comma should not be used to separate two independent clauses. For example, ‘The glass is on the table, it once belonged to my mother.’ In this case, comma should be replaced with semi-colon.
Evidence.
Any evidence or material taken from an outside source should be cited.
Paragraph Design.Every paragraph should have an idea or a topic sentence that explains the purpose of the paragraph.
Let’s discuss some tips regarding smarter academic writing.
Writing Meaningful Sentences.
Writing should not seem to be forced. Sentences should sound meaningful.
Choosing Simple Words.
The choice of the words should be based on the target readers. Technical jargon should be avoided if you are addressing the general population.
Using Active Voice.
Avoid using passive voice.
Keeping Paragraphs Short.
Short paragraphs make reading easier. In academic writing, every paragraph should develop an idea.
So let’s talk about 15 quick academic writing tips.
Stopping overthinking
Practicing writing every day
Making notes
Capturing interesting anecdotes
Researching interesting topics
Brainstorming
Knowing the audience
Choosing the right words
Outlining main points
Structuring the writing
Using bullet points
Creating a draft
Writing clearly
Being concise
Presenting new ideas