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Sharing ideas and advice about academic and professional writing
The importance of writing out your ideas
The author of the linked article calls it the "rule of writing," writing out your thoughts in a well-developed memo. Main point: "If you want to clarify your thinking, remember something important, or communicate something clearly, write it down." Photo by Negative...
In academic writing, don’t get long-winded
In academic writing, don't get long-winded. More about it:It's tempting to get wordy so you can meet a word count requirement. If you use my 3-part approach to writing, you will never have that problem.A variation is finding longer words via a thesaurus. Select words...
Make sure your academic writing doesn’t get personal
Make sure your academic writing doesn't get personal.More about it:That's because "the text should focus on the research itself" rather than the author's reflections.Unlike less formal writing like this blog article, don't use "you." Instead, use less casual words...
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Academic writing is supposed to be well-sourced
Academic writing is supposed to be well-sourced.More about it:You would draw from "other texts (or media objects like photographs or films) that the author analyzes or uses as evidence" to support your arguments.It's expected you would cite materials "written by other...
Sentences are the muscles of academic writing
Sentences are the muscles of academic writing.More about it:Punctuation shows your readers you are an accomplished writer.Vary sentence length and structure to avoid monotony.
Paragraphs are the heart of your sections in academic writing
Paragraphs are the heart of your sections in academic writing.More about it:Each paragraph is a distinct idea.Write 3-5 sentences, one of which is the topic sentence and the others elaborating on that topic sentence.
Your academic paper has an overall structure
Your academic paper has an overall structure.More about it:You'll have an introduction and conclusion.Divide your paper into sections with headings.Use the section structure to make your paper's logic clear to your readers.
Academic writing should be focused and structured
Academic writing should be https://www.scribbr.com/category/academic-writing/.More about it:Above all else, your paper "needs to have a clear purpose."Your starting point is "a relevant research question or thesis statement."For the actual writing, "Pay attention to...
Academic writing is supposed to be clear and precise
One of the hallmarks of academic writing is supposed to be clarity and precision.More about it:You want to make sure you "ensure that your reader knows exactly what you mean."You must ensure you're being "as specific as possible and avoiding vague language."Use...