Introduction to Academic Writing Joy Fillingham j fillinghambham

Introduction to Academic Writing Joy Fillingham j. fillingham@bham. ac. uk

What is Academic Writing? Certain Style of Writing Required – what does it look like? • Well presented – capital letters, punctuation, spelt correctly and appropriate word choices, sentences which are complete and make sense. • Answers what ever question(s) you’re asked. • Uses evidence to support assertions (statements you make). • Has a sense of structure and follows a logical order. • Accurately references evidence; both within the text and in the final list.

In Academic writing ensure that you… • Explain and define terms before you use them. • You keep the question(s) in mind throughout the time you are completing an assignment (Look at the Question handout on-line). • Extend your vocabulary. • Support assertions with evidence. • Consistent ‘tense’ throughout • Proof read. • Use your feedback.

In Academic Writing Avoid …. • Colloquialisms - “not playing fair” “a ball park figure”. • Contractions – “don’t”. • Generalisations / Assumptions “everybody knew it was wrong”. • Tiny or huge paragraphs. • Relying on spell check without reading what you have written “the manor in which this occurred” or USA setting ‘center’ • Extensive repetition of the same terms – use synonyms.

Skills 4 Study Campus • Additional Resource • This on-line learning resource may help you learn more about some of these areas and improve your written work. • http: //www. skills 4 studycampus. com/Org. Logi n. aspx

Consider this Piece of Writing - How could you improve it? There are lots of people who thought the current government are wrong and want to make changes but your not always know what tensions these politicians are under and don’t understand why their around at all. They dont know enough to decide who to vote for based on the details they have. i think we need to be clearer about whats important to us and it’s implications and tell them that.