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Academic writing. Create a message your readers will remember. Academic writing is… …created by scholars for other scholars …focused on issues that matter to other scholars …offer a balanced point of view (“What is,” 2004). What are the steps in becoming a good academic writer?.
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Academic writing Create a message your readers will remember
Academic writing is……created by scholars for other scholars…focused on issues that matter to other scholars…offer a balanced point of view (“What is,” 2004).
First, know your audience!Writing for academic readers is a lot different from texting with your kids.
When thinking about your audience… • …consider your • language/word choice • content • tone
Language/word choice • Would you use slang, jargon, or swear words when talking to a professional ? Of course, not! • Such words don’t belong in academic writing either.
Content • If asked to pick your own • topic, choose wisely. • You may want to write about JLo’s latest video, but don’t! Instead, choose an important topic, such as global warming.
Tone • If you want to be taken seriously, use a serious tone. It’s okay to reveal your sense of humor, but jokes and funny poems are definitely not what your teachers are looking for.
Second, be sure to follow directions! It doesn’t matter how strong a writer you are. If your teacher thinks you haven’t read the directions, or don’t understand them, you probably won’t get a good grade. Before starting on any assignment, make sure you have read and understand what you need to do.
Third, make a plan • Developing a rough outline or concept map can give you a sense of direction.
How do you “build” your paper? • Introduction with clear, focused thesis statement (sentence that shows your focus and purpose) • Body paragraphs with reasons that support your thesis • Discussion of opposing viewpoints • Conclusion that leaves the reader with the “big picture”
Get your ideas down on paper Write out your thoughts in a list. Figure out what your main idea is. Think about what key ideas should come first, second, third, etc. You don’t have to hand this in, so write whatever you want.
For example: “Hmm. My professor asked me to write a narrative paper [a story] about a memorable experience. One was when my cousin talked me into tutoring first graders at Chrysler Elementary. I wasn’t too happy about it. I’ve got my own problems, and now she wants me to help six-year-olds learn to read? But I owed her a favor so I went.
From there, you might create a working thesis statement: “I started tutoring because I felt I had to, but I keep tutoring because I want to.”
Then think about your key ideas How I started tutoring: My cousin made me feel guilty. How I felt at first: I was resentful and impatient.
Key ideas, contd. What I had assumed: I thought reading was boring, and that kids knew it was boring. What I learned: Watching kids learn to read reminded me that reading can make my world bigger than I ever thought it could be.
Develop each big idea as one or more paragraphs: Example: “I had assumed children didn’t care about books. But then I saw how their eyes lit up when the teacher read them stories…”
Before you know it… …You’ve written a first draft of your narrative essay.
1. Focus on the body of your paper first Once you’ve developed your key ideas, the introduction and conclusion will be easier to write.
2. Spend time on your introduction Your teacher can’t spend all day trying to figure out what you want to say. Get his or her attention right away! • Use a colorful comparison. • Include an unusual fact Remember: Your thesis statement usually goes at the end of the introduction.
3. Spend time on your conclusion This is your last chance to make a powerful impression on your reader. Some tips for a strong conclusion: Show why your main idea is important. Link your conclusion to your introduction. Redefine a word you used in your body paragraphs.
4. Use standard English Nonstandard: Them there new-fangled vaccinatin’ shots git the immune thingamajig all riled up and ready to rumble. Standard: New vaccines may help the immune system disarm cancer cells.
5. Write clear, concise sentences Wordy: The researcher found it within her capacity to conduct tests on samples with characteristics consistent with “toxic waste” for the purpose of ascertaining the specific makeup of the aforementioned toxic waste. Direct and concise: The researcher tested toxic waste samples to identify their components.
6. Ask others to read your work Questions for your reader: Have I used transitions well, such as “however,” “in addition,” or “furthermore”? Can you see how my ideas are connected? Have I used a variety of sentence structures? What parts of the paper are unclear?
7. Revise! Make sure every word counts. A powerful, memorable paper may require several revisions. It’s worth the time!
By following these steps to carefully plan and revise your papers, you, too, can bea successfulacademic writer!
ReferencesEssay writing tips. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.bestessaytips.comHacker, D. & Sommers, N. (2010). The Bedford handbook (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
References, contd.Scholarship essay writing tips. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.internationalstud ent.com/essay_writing/schol arship_essay.shtmlScholarship writing essay tips. (n.d.) Retrieved from http:www.gocollege.com/financial-aid/scholarships/apply/essay-how- to.html
