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Academic Writing

Marian's Academic Writing Hub! πŸ“šβœοΈ Your one-stop resource for all things academic writing. Whether you're a student crafting your first college essay or polishing your dissertation, we've got tools to help you succeed.

What is Academic Writing?

What is Academic Writing? πŸŽ“βœοΈ

Academic writing is your gateway to the scholarly world. It's how researchers and thinkers share ideas, present arguments, and contribute to knowledge in their fields.

 

Why It Matters to You as an Emerging Scholar

Academic writing is more than just assignments—it's your ticket to joining the scholarly conversation! Here's how to think about it:

 

Writing as a Conversation πŸ’¬

You're not writing in a vacuum! Your work:

  • Builds on existing research
  • Adds your unique voice to ongoing debates
  • Contributes fresh insights to your field

 

Writing as a Process πŸ”„

Embrace the journey:

  • Draft, revise, seek feedback, refine
  • Each iteration improves your work
  • Develops critical thinking skills

 

Writing as a Social Endeavor πŸ‘₯

Don't go it alone:

  • Collaborate with peers
  • Participate in writing circles
  • Engage in peer review

 

Writing as a Disciplinary Undertaking πŸ“š

Learn the rules of your academic "game":

  • Understand your field's conventions
  • Apply discipline-specific styles and formats
  • Meet the expectations of your academic community

Remember, every scholarly voice started somewhere. Your academic writing journey begins here!


Want to dive deeper? Check out these resources:

Information adapted from Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab). Purdue OWL is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024 by The On-Campus Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University.

Features of Academic Writing

7 Key Features of Academic Writing πŸŽ“βœοΈ

Curious about what makes writing "academic"? Check out this insightful video:

Now, let's break down these features and see how you can apply them in your writing!

 

1. Purpose 🎯

  • What: Inform, analyze, or argue a point in your field.
  • Example: Analyzing the effectiveness of a new nursing care protocol.
  • Your Move: Always ask, "What's my main goal with this piece?"

 

2. Audience πŸ‘₯

  • What: Professors, researchers, and peers in your field.
  • Example: Writing a psychology thesis for fellow psychology scholars, not the general public.
  • Your Move: Consider your readers' background knowledge and what they need to know.

 

3. Tone πŸ—£οΈ

  • What: Formal, objective, and precise.
  • Example: Instead of "The experiment was a huge success," write "The results indicate a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes."
  • Your Move: Avoid slang, emotional language, and personal stories (unless they serve a specific purpose).

 

4. Clarity and Precision πŸ”

  • What: Use clear, specific language for complex ideas.
  • Example: Replace "Many people were affected" with "Approximately 65% of study participants reported side effects."
  • Your Move: Be specific in your word choice and provide concrete details.

 

5. Evidence-Based πŸ“Š

  • What: Support claims with credible sources and data.
  • Example: "Smith (2021) found that mindfulness meditation reduced stress levels by an average of 30% in graduate students (p. 45)."
  • Your Move: Always cite sources and explain how evidence supports your argument.

 

6. Structure πŸ—οΈ

  • What: Logical organization with clear sections and transitions.
  • Example: Introduction → Literature Review → Methodology → Results → Discussion → Conclusion
  • Your Move: Use outlines to plan your writing and ensure a logical flow of ideas.

 

7. Language πŸ“

  • What: Formal vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and discipline-specific terminology.
  • Example: Using "investigate" instead of "look into," or "demonstrate" instead of "show."
  • Your Move: Familiarize yourself with the language conventions in your field.

 

Remember: These features may vary slightly depending on your discipline and document type. Always check your program guidelines and professor's instructions!

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Practice identifying these features in academic articles in your field. It'll help you internalize the academic writing style!

 

Video Credit: "What is Academic Writing? 7 Features of Academic Writing" by EAP Foundation. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq4J8bPBcck

Ethical Research and Citation

Your Research & Citation Launchpad πŸš€πŸ“š

Conducting ethical research and citing properly aren't just academic requirements—they're your ticket to becoming a respected scholar and professional. Marian's Library Resources LibGuide is your one-stop shop for ethical research and proper citation!

 

What's Inside? A Quick Tour πŸ—ΊοΈ

This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to excel in your academic journey:

  1. Search Strategies: Master the art of finding exactly what you need
  2. Resource Access: Unlock a wealth of books, articles, and databases
  3. Citation Tools: Become a pro at giving credit where it's due
  4. Research Support: Get help when you need it most

 

Why It Matters 🌟

Mastering these resources will:

  • Boost your research quality
  • Save you time (hello, easier referencing!)
  • Showcase your academic integrity
  • Prepare you for professional success

 

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Bookmark the LibGuide for easy access. Your future self will thank you!