Source: www.learnhigher.ac.uk

WHAT IS ACADEMIC WRITING?

Most academic writing follows a number of specific rules and you are expected to follow them whilst

writing at university.

Academic writing contains a number of consistent features:

Uses clear formal language (no colloquial/slang words)

Is often written in the third person

Includes evidence from other experts in the field (references)

Answers or debates a specific question or field (focused)

Has clear organisation and layout (logical structure).

Is grammatically correct.

It might sometimes feel like academic writing doesn’t come naturally to you. This may be because it

includes words that we don’t use in everyday conversation. Remember that the more you read

within the context of your discipline, the more familiar it will become.

Academic writing usually... Because

includes subject specific terms You must prove to an expert (your tutor) that you understand

what these words mean

is written in the third person

(for example ‘the research

uncovered’)

This removes bias and can allow the reader to see the evidence

of the piece and not simply the author’s voice

adheres to specific rules

(referencing)

Referencing is evidence of the research you have undertaken to

inform your assignment

seems formal and conservative

(does not include slang or local

dialect words)

Academic writing may be read by scholars all over the world

and a chatty conversational tone or slang words may not be

understood by those outside of your geographical area

There are many types of academic writing and if you have been asked to write a personal account or

a reflective piece then it may not necessarily include all the features listed above.