Writing
Academically
Approach
• Academic writing requires you to evaluate
the ideas of others.
• To do this, you need to learn what those ideas
are (research) and decide if you agree or
disagree with them (evaluation)
Objectivity
• When evaluating ideas, you need to put aside your
personal likes and dislikes and judge the information
fairly. If you disagree, you need to have evidence
to show the idea is wrong.
Knowledge of Key Terms
• Make sure you truly understand the meanings
of the important terms in your field of study.
Use of Third Person
• Do not use I or you in academic writing.
Simply make statements.
Ex: I believe that Tennyson’s poems illustrate
magical reality
Academic Ex: Tennyson’s poems illustrate
magical reality
Analysis verses Summary
• Academic writing does not simply summarize
what happened.
• Academic writing analyzes how it
happened, or why it happened (cause +
effect), how it is similar/different to other
works (comparison/ contrast), or even how it
has changed over time.
Summary vs. Analysis
• Ex: Plot = what happened = summary
Mary’s lamb followed her to school.
• Academic Analysis Example:
Mary brought the lamb because she wanted
attention. In the end, she received negative
reinforcement and was scolded. However, since
the children laughed, Mary might do it again
Acknowledging sources
• You must include a works cited page and
acknowledge sources in your paper even if you
paraphrase.
Quote: Dr. Neylon said, “Take learning in little bites. It
digests better.” (Neylon 33)
Paraphrase: Dr. Neylon told her student to take
learning slowly and in little pieces to better
comprehend. (Neylon 33)
Writing your Paper
Before you research:
1. Read your assignment carefully. Make sure you
fully understand your instructor’s expectation.
2. Ask and clarify the first day
3. Turn your prompt into a thesis with a plan of
development.
Writing your Paper
Research:
1. Use the library and internet to find
information on your topic.
2. Evaluate your sources! Not all sources are
equal.
3. Read your sources (highlight important
points, take notes, and do works cited Now!)
Writing your Paper
Organizing information:
1. Look over your notes and create an outline. (Don't
forget your thesis and topic sentence)
2. Begin drafting your paper
•
Intro (Lead in transition thesis)
•
Body (topic sentences, details and examples,
remember transition)
•
Conclusion (Restate thesis, summary, ending
strategy)
Writing your Paper Using quotes and
Paraphrases
Each quote you use requires a minimum of
3 sentences:
A. Sentence #1 gives your point on the
subject
B. Sentence #2 is the quote
C. Sentence #3 explains how the quote
supports your points
Using Quotes + Paraphrases Ex:
• Suicide is not a new phenomenon and has
been a cause of much struggle for many
throughout the centuries. Hamlet in
Shakespeare’s play of the same name says,
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” (43)
Hamlet is struggling to decide if life or being is
worth the pain and struggle.
Writing your Paper
Tools:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Your text
Your teacher
MLA website
Tutors